Kay LaLone's Blog, page 32

New Release School Deaths By Christopher Mannino

 Blurb:

Can a timid girl find bravery as the first female Death?
Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe. Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in the all-male College, she quickly becomes a target. Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail.
Caught in the middle of a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths, Suzie must uncover the reason she’s been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.
SCHOOL OF DEATHS, a YA Fantasy novel, will be released by MuseitUp Publishing as an ebook on May 2nd.   Tell us about your book and how the story came to be.  
The idea for School of Deaths emerged when I was finishing my graduate degree at Oxford University.  I spent four months abroad, far from everyone I knew.  Every week, I traveled somewhere I had never been before.  I would climb castle ruins in Wales and visit cathedrals in England.  One of my favorite trips was to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.  I crept to the cliff face of Barras Nose, a stony peninsula jutting into the North Sea and overlooking the ruins of Tintagel, which some believe to be the birthplace of King Arthur.  It was dawn, there were no other people in sight, and I had to struggle against the wind, fighting to keep my balance so I didn’t crash into the ocean.  I imagined being buffeted by winds, alone, and what that would do to a character.  I came up with the character of Suzie, alone in a world of men, buffeted by sexism. 
Returning to Oxford, I envisioned Suzie alone in a strange school.  The idea of a school of trained Reapers appealed to me, giving a fantasy edge to her story.  In an early draft, the school of deaths resembled Oxford.  However a beta reader told me, very correctly, that Oxford was the inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series.  I eventually changed the setting drastically to avoid that parallel.  
The story is ultimately a tale of overcoming adversity, and how that can propel people to greatness.  Although it has many dark and disturbing undertones (a kidnapped girl, aggressive sexism, a world of Grim Reapers, and so on), I tried to give the book a lighter tone.  I am an optimist myself, and thought it better to focus on the wondrous and magical elements rather than the disturbing elements of Suzie’s plight.  


What three words best describe your main character?
Curious, Persistent, Courageous
Do you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think makes them believable?
Most of my characters, in terms of their personalities, are based either on a facet of my own personality or something I’ve experienced in others.  As I draft, I keep the characters’ role in the story in mind, but usually try to let the character develop in their own way on the page.  One of the antagonists in the story, nicknamed Frenchie, ended up being a far more complex character than I’d originally intended.  On my website, I have added a free downloadable short story (4000 words) called Shadow of the Scythe ( http://www.christophermannino.com/free-reads.html).  This is a prequel to School of Deaths, set two years before the novel, and told from Frenchie’s point of view.  It was a fun experience writing the story, and an example of how often your characters can surprise you.
As for names, I write most as I go.  The children have fairly common names, to indicate that they were pulled against their will from the Mortal World.  The main characters are Suzie, Billy, Frank, and Jason.  Most of the adults use their last name, and are only referred to as such.  There is another race in the World of Deaths, and those characters have names with meaning, many of which took me longer to develop.  In the earliest draft some of their names were INSERTNAME1 and INSERTNAME2.  After finishing the draft I picked names for them. 
4.  Do your characters follow your plot path or do they take on a life of their own? Do you keep them in check?
As mentioned above, sometimes characters find their own paths.  For the most part, characters follow the overall arc I have set, but I leave freedom for the story to evolve as I write.  If something isn’t working, it’s usually because a character doesn’t like a particular path I’ve set them down, in which case I’ll change their path or let them find their own way.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how did you over come it?
Absolutely.  Before my travels abroad, I lacked inspiration.  Now, the issues is a lack of time.  The best ways I find to combat both is to find inspiration in everything, and to make sure to take a little time each week to write. 

What types of books do you like to read?
I read many different types of books, both fiction and non-fiction.  My favorite books are usually fantasy and science fiction.  I grew up with Tolkien’s Middle Earth, CS Lewis’s Narnia and Isaac Asimov’s Foundation.  I worked in Borders during the Harry Potter releases and devoured those books.  I work with teenagers, so it felt natural to write YA Fantasy, but I’d eventually like to move to other genres.  I enjoy historical fiction such as Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth or CJ Sansom’s Shardlake series.  I also enjoy humorous books such as Terry Pratchett and Douglass Adams.  My favorite recent read was Brian Selznick’s beautiful YA book Wonder Struck.
What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
Unfortunately most of my time is spent “not writing.”  My life consists of visualizing dreams.  My full-time job is as a high school theatre teacher, where I teach 200 students theatre history, acting, theatrical design and more.  When I’m not working, I enjoy seeing theatre, acting, singing, and traveling.  If I am away from the stage for too long, I miss it.  I tend to burst into song just for fun, even in the middle of my classes.  Theatre and writing are my two greatest passions, and I am overjoyed to share them with others. 

What’s next for your writing? Are you working on a new story?
I am currently working on a sequel to School of Deaths, called Sword of Deaths.  I enjoyed the world and characters introduced in my first book a great deal, and while it was written to be a standalone novel, I’d always hoped to turn it into a series.  I have also started work on an adult science fiction novel, and have been working on an absurdist play. 
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
An author I met once told me: “What do you call a writer who never gives up?  Answer: Published.”  The road to getting published was not an easy one, and even with a contract it’s easy to get frustrated in the maze of editing, reviews, and marketing.  Sometimes I ask myself why I push myself so hard, when I do have another job, and plenty of other things to focus on.  However, my reason for writing is to share my dreams.  Stephen King, in his book On Writing, calls writing and reading the only true form of magic, since it allows a writer to share thoughts directly with a readers’ mind.  There’s no other medium that accomplishes this feat so elegantly as a book, so I will always write and always seek to share my dreams with the world. 
Where can readers find you and your books?
http://www.christophermannino.com/http://poetsfire.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8108129.Christopher_Manninohttps://twitter.com/Ctmanninohttps://www.facebook.com/CTMannino

https://museituppublishing.com/bookst...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/schoo...

Mighty Dads Book Blast

About the BookTitle: Mighty Dads | Author: Joan Holub | Illustrator: James Dean| Publication Date: April 29, 2014 | Publisher: Scholastic | Pages: 40 | Recommended Ages: 3+ Summary: A new constructacular picture book from the New York Times bestselling creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean and bestselling author, Joan Holub.
Mighty dads, strong and tall,help their children, young and small.They keep them safe and bolted tightand show them how to build things right.Inventively told through James Dean's colorful construction vehicle characters, MIGHTY DADS is an adoring dedication to hardworking fathers and the subtle ways they teach their boys and girls to follow in their tracks. The Dump Trucks learn to get dirty. Crane keeps his little one safe from harm. The busy Cement Mixer gives his daughter a hug. The Forklift cheers his son on. A surprising and touching view of a father's love for his children, MIGHTY DADS is the perfect way to say: I'm proud of you!  
Book Trailer  
PurchaseAmazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository (free worldwide delivery)Also available at Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble stores.The Buzz"Like the best 21st-century human dads, the vehicles don’t just show their kids the ropes—they also offer plenty of TLC (“Cement Mixer Busy/ gives a hug if Mixie’s dizzy”) and affirmation (“Forklift Wise/ cheers whenever Forky tries”). Dean’s decision to anthropomorphize the construction equipment solely through a highly stylized, often single, forward-facing eye takes some getting used to—imagine a cross between the Eye of Providence on the dollar bill and a Egyptian hieroglyph. But his construction sign–inspired palette and ability to convey calm, steady affection between parent and progeny quickly outweighs this visual idiosyncrasy, making this a book worthy of any young armchair foreman." ~ Publisher's Weekly"This will make a good read aloud for those looking to update their trucks/machines storytimes." ~ Goodreads Review "The simple rhyming text will be fun at read alouds as children can do motions (roll, roll, roll or smooth, smooth, smooth)" ~ Goodreads Review  
About the Author: Joan HolubJoan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads.
Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Facebook   
About the Illustrator: James Dean James Dean is the creator of the best-selling Pete the Cat. Before James started painting Pete the Cat as a full-time profession in 1999, he wanted to paint cars and trucks. He loves things that go, and currently drives a 1971 VW bus camper and a 1959 Chevy truck. He worked as an electrical engineer for fifteen years before he decided to try to make a living with his paintings. James lives with his wife, five cats, and a pug named Little Emma.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Page     
Want a Chance to Win a Copy of "Mighty Dads"?Be sure to head on over to our review and giveaway of Mighty Dads for your chance to win a copy. Open US/Canada. Ends May 19, 2014. Just click on the cover below.  
* $50 Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Joan Holub and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Faery Swap By Susan Kaye Quinn Book Blast

About the BookTitle: Faery Swap | Author: Susan Kaye Quinn | Publication Date: December 19, 2013 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 281 | Recommended Ages: 10+ Summary: Warrior faery princes can be very stubborn. Especially when they possess your body. Fourteen-year-old Finn just wants to keep his little sister out of Child Protective Services--an epic challenge with their parentally-missing-in-action dad moving them to England, near the famous Stonehenge rocks. Warrior faery Prince Zaneyr just wants to escape his father's reckless plan to repair the Rift--a catastrophe that ripped the faery realm from Earth 4,000 years ago and set it adrift in an alternate, timeless dimension. When Zaneyr tricks Finn into swapping places, Finn becomes a bodiless soul stuck in the Otherworld, and Zaneyr uses Finn's body to fight off his father's seekers on Earth. Between them, they have two souls and only one body... and both worlds to save before the dimensional window between them slams shut. Faery Swap is an action and druid-magic filled portal fantasy, told by both a runaway faery prince and the boy he's tricked into taking his place. This Prince and the Pauper meets Warrior Faeries tale is suitable for all ages. NOTE TO TEACHERS: A 2 minute book trailer and a 9 minute Virtual Author Visit video brings Author and Rocket Scientist Susan Kaye Quinn (Ph.D. Engineering) into your classroom, sharing her background in science and engineering and talking about her book, Faery Swap. A downloadable Teacher's Guide includes discussion questions, activities, and a Knowledge Seekers card-based game designed to be played in the classroom - all aligned to Common Core reading, writing, and college readiness standards for Grades 3-6. (Virtual Author Visit can be found at Susan's website: www (dot) susankayequinn (dot)com/p/virtual-author-visit.html )  
Book Trailer  
PurchaseAmazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Barnes and Noble  
The Buzz"I've seen and enjoyed this theme before, but never in a book for this age group and Ms. Quinn carries it out beautifully. The kids were fun and acted like kids, which makes them believable for all ages. The pace and action will keep readers flipping pages greedily. Also, telling the story from the two viewpoints greatly added to my overall enjoyment. Highly recommend for ages 9 and up." ~ 5 Star Review, Alan T., Amazon"I am a 10 year old boy. My mom recommended this awesome book to me because she knows Kai Strand, who knows Susan Quinn. I was hooked from the first paragraph! This is a wonderful ( and quite thrilling) story! Good for all ages and I wish I could rate it 100 stars! ... I can definitely recommended this to almost anyone! Good job to Susan Quinn. The story is balanced neatly between Zaneyr and Finn, by Finn's perspective in the first chapter, Zaneyr's perspective in the the next, then Finn again, and so on. Great book and is a must read." ~ 5 Star Review, Red Rose, Amazon"I LOVED this book. This is one of those books that grabs you and doesnt let you go. Susan Kaye Quinn is an awesome writer! Feary Swap is funny, well paced, and filled with adventure. It's a book no kid will want to miss. I especially loved the witty humor that kept me laughing page after page. The world building was vivid and phenomenal. I could just see this as a movie in my head. I liked how the author sneaks those educational moments in there without you even knowing it. A delightful book for old and young readers alike. Get it!" ~ 5 Star Review, Daddy's Girls Book Reviews, Amazon 
About the Author: Susan Kaye Quinn   Susan Kaye Quinn is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, which is young adult science fiction. Faery Swap is her foray into middle grade, which is her first writing love. Her business card says "Author and Rocket Scientist" and she always has more speculative fiction fun in the works. You can subscribe to her newsletter (BONUS: new subscribers get a free short story!) or stop by her blog to see what she's up to.
Website | Virtual Author Visit Page | Facebook Twitter | Goodreads   
* $25 Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 29, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Susan Kaye Quinn and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Wolf Cowboy Book Tour & Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 4/14/14 – 4/28/14
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Plus-Sized Romance
Release Date: 3/25/14







Blurb: 


Wolf Town Guardians – Born to walk this world as both wolf and human, these men take their role as protectors very seriously. Enjoying sensual pleasures as they please, this group of alpha werewolves are the finest when it comes to protecting their hidden settlement.
Guardians are the masters of self-control, taking pride in their authority and hard, muscled bodies. That all changes at the first scent of their mates. Their control snaps. The mating heat begins.
This is their stories.


To claim his mate, Connor will have to break all of the rules…

It’s a good thing rules were made to be broken.


Connor Bouchard is a werewolf with a huge secret. He’s mated, but he’s done everything he can to avoid claiming her. But the wolf that lives within him has had enough. And even if it means war, this alpha cowboy will have his mate.


Natalie Miller spent her entire life living on the Amish settlement in Missouri. Her world was safe… Until the night everything exploded in her face. She learns that nothing about her life was what it seemed… Even her. In a fiery blaze of horror, secrets are revealed… And an enemy of old comes back into play.


Forced to accept Connor’s protection, Natalie refuses to indulge in the attraction that lies between them. She didn’t count on the heat, though. It burns within her as she craves a satisfaction that she never needed before. Natalie finds herself wanted by two men, both of them willing to fight to the death to have her. Only one of them is destined by fate to have her, though.


Connor has to seduce her, the sooner the better. The full moon is quickly approaching, his opponent determined to possess his mate. Can Connor tame this wild filly before it’s too late? 
Excerpt:
He stopped in front of a stall. A horse watched them warily, her body locked in place. She was a gleaming shade of dark chestnut with a white star on her forehead. There was something almost vulnerable about the horse, something that touched Natalie deeply. “She’s beautiful, Connor. What’s her name?”
“Her name is Star,” he replied, staring at Natalie. “And she’s yours.”
“What do you mean?” She gasped out, staring between him and the horse. “This is my surprise?”
“Indeed it is.” Connor looked at the horse with a frown. “She’s a rescued horse. Her previous owners treated her horribly. It’s a wonder that she even survived, but she did. Star is resilient, but she’s not able to trust anyone. When I heard about her, I knew she needed you.” He stopped to look down at her, his expression unreadable. “Even more, I think you need her.”
“Thank you, Connor,” Natalie said, her voice trembling. She was touched by his gift, more so than words could say. Overcome by it all, she surprised them both when she hugged him.
His arms wrapped around her quickly, holding her tight. A long moment passed, and then another. In her mind, she fit perfectly within the shelter of his arms. She wondered if Connor felt the same.
“You’ve got to be shitting me,” a male’s voice interrupted them, his tone loud and incredulous.“Connor, even in the barn? Really?” He sounded disgusted as he added, “This man ought to be neutered. It’s not safe to let him roam the streets, woods, or even barns. Once he was even caught messing with one of Alexander’s maids, and you want to know what’s worse? He was wearing red lipstick.”
Natalie jerked away from Connor. She was mortified by the other man’s words. Peeking past Connor’s large frame, she saw a large Native American male standing about twenty feet back. He was with a pretty blonde female who looked extremely exasperated. He had to be another guardian, his size and demeanor left no doubts in her mind to his identity.
Connor rolled his eyes and smirked before turning around to greet him. “Oh, hell,” he drawled out in a mocking tone of voice. “So Marrok is back and looking just as grouchy as he always did. What’s the matter, old boy? Did you piss your mate off on the honeymoon and get your sorry ass thrown out in the doghouse?” 

 Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
All Romance E-Books 

 About the Author:

Rose Wynters is the author of the Wolf Town Guardians series, the Territory of the Dead series, and the Endurers series. As an avid traveler, she enjoys exploring new places and meeting new people. She also likes camping and seeking out the unusual, especially if there is an urban legend behind it.

Connect With The Author:

Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook 

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and an ebook copy of My Wolf Protector – Book two in the Wolf Town Guardians series. Open internationally, must be 18 or over to enter. The giveaway will run 4/14/14 – 4/28/14. 


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Skycastle The Demon, And Me By Andy Mulberry

 
About the BookTitle: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me | Author: Andy Mulberry | Publication Date: February 22, 2014 | Publisher: Paw! Print Press | Pages: 107 | Recommended Ages: 7+Summary: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is the first in a series of middle grade books for fearless, adventure loving kids. WARNING...this book contains a scowling demon, bad decisions, a skeleton key, not foul but hellish language, an ordinary boy and an extraordinary castle. You've been warned. Skycastle, the Demon, and Me: An unlikely friendship, a hellish adventure and cliffhangers aplenty to make reluctant readers turn the pages.  
Purchase* Available as a 99 cent e-book through Amazon*Amazon My Review: I loved this book. Jack is a fun character. Demons ca't be real, but Jack mistakenly orders a demon named Brink and starts to care about him. Jack needs to figure out how to stop the demon from fading away. Fun read. 
The Buzz"I bought this book to read with my younger brother and we both loved it. I always try to encourage him to keep up with his reading but he's usually not that big of a fan of books most of the time. To my surprise, he quickly became immersed into the story and I could tell that he was having just as much fun as I was reading it together. The story keeps up at a smooth and fast pace, which is of course very important in children's books, and it's adventurous and written really well. To say that I am satisfied with 'Skycastle, the Demon, and Me' would be an understatement, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more releases by the author" ~ 5 Star Review, Jane L., Amazon"The characters are well created and the story is exceptionally good. My great granddaughter just started reading it this morning and she is already pretty engrossed in the story. Great book. I definitely recommend." ~ 5 Star Review, Beverly C., Amazon"Very well written story. Witty and charming for both myself and my son who is in 3rd grade. A great creative adventure about a demon and a boy. Looking forward to more in this series. I would highly recommend this book for kids around the 3rd grade. It's action packed and holds my sons interest. Filled with the stuff he loves. Thanks!" ~ 5 Star Review, M. Harbin, Amazon 
About the Author: Andy Mulberry Andy Mulberry loves to write stories filled with strange adventures, odd characters and mysterious circumstances. To say she was born holding a book in her hand reading would be a gross hyperbole. She lives in Southern California with her scowling teenager, a chubby blue cat-beast, an imaginary dog and one leaky roof.
Website | Twitter | Goodreads   
* Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Andy Mulberry and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Transcending The Legacy: Book 4 By Venessa Kimball

The final book in the Piercing the Fold series releases May 13, 2014! In Book 1, Jesca's reality was set askew. In Book 2, Jesca and the guardians fought to surface the rim of reality. In Book 3, Jesca ascended the veil of our world to bring back those she loves.In Book 4, Jesca must transcend her legacy to salvage humankind's existence. The question is, will the stakes be too high and the sacrifice too great? Amazon Best Selling Paranormal Sci-Fi series Piercing the Fold: Book 1 Surfacing the Rim: Book 2 Ascending the Veil: Book 3  With Jesca’s return from beyond the veil comes the realization that she is part of an ancient and celestial legacy that is much greater than the Sondian and Dobrian rivalry could ever be and the understanding of what has become of our world in the year that she has been gone beyond the veil. It becomes known that ancient bloodlines and a supernal legacy has linked Jesca, her family, the two men she is torn between, and the team of guardians. With no other guidance but Jesca’s visions of what this legacy holds for them, the guardians are depending on the divining glimpses she is receiving to put them on the path leading to salvation. As for our world, the population that has survived the galactic intersection, the climatic shift, and the necessary implantations are being invaded, occupied, and destroyed by the very beings Jesca encountered beyond the veil. The beings intent? To possess our world and stop Jesca and the other guardians from fulfilling the legacy that could save the human race and eradicate them.
Once again, Author Venessa Kimball will take you on a spine-tingling and breath-taking roller coaster ride through a reality that has been set askew, a reality that has surfaced the rim of our known existence, a reality that has ascended unworldly obstacles, and now a reality that must be transcended by one for the survival of all. The question is, will the stakes be too high and the loss be too great for Jesca and the guardians? Get ready for the final book in Jesca’s journey, Transcending the Legacy.
Join the: Facebook Release Party Series at Good Reads In 2010, Venessa Kimball was struck by an idea, A story that needed telling. Having always been passionate about the written word, Venessa embarked on writing what would become her Young Adult/Adult cross-over debut novel; Piercing the Fold: Book 1, a mature young adult/ adult crossover, paranormal, science fiction series. July 2, 2012, Venessa Kimball independently published the first book in the Piercing the Fold series. Book 2, Surfacing the Rim, released as a self-published novel on March 14, 2013. In August of 2013, Venessa joined the independent publishing house, Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. The Piercing the Fold series has been re-published with them. Piercing the Fold: Book 1 was published on September 3, 2013 Surfacing the Rim: Book 2 re-published on September 24, 2013 and Ascending the Veil: Book 3 published for the first time November 2013. The fourth book in the series, Transcending the Legacy: Book 4, will release May 2014 with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing House. As for the future, Venessa is already filling her Work-In-Progress folder with numerous projects. Two of her future projects are Adult contemporary fiction and Adult Paranormal/ Sci-Fi. They both will reflect her diversity as a writer in other genres. When Venessa is not writing, she is keeping active with her husband and three children, chauffeuring said children to extracurricular activities, catching a movie with her hubby or kids, and staying up way too late reading.
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Noah Zarc Book Blast

 
About the Noah Zarc BooksBook 1Title: Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble (Book #1) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: July 22, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing (2nd Edition) Number of pages: 214 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: Noah lives for piloting spaceships through time, dodging killer robots and saving Earth’s animals from extinction. Life couldn’t be better. But the twelve-year-old time traveler learns it could be a whole lot worse. His mom is kidnapped and taken to Mars; his dad is stranded in the Ice Age; and Noah is attacked at every turn by a foe bent on destroying Earth… for the second time.
Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | KoboAmazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (AudioBook) | Audible  
Book 2Title: Noah Zarc: Cataclysm (Book #2) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: July 22, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing (2nd Edition) Number of pages: 234 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: Noah becomes embroiled in a mission that could cause the greatest cataclysm in the history of the solar system. Will his name, Noah Zarc, be forever linked to the most devastating crime in humanity’s existence, all because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | KoboAmazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (AudioBook) | Audible    
Book 3Title: Noah Zarc: Declaration (Book #3) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: November 1, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing Number of pages: 226 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: As battles rage across the solar system, Noah must work to join together a rag-tag bunch of miners, farmers, and scientists who would rather just live in peace. With only a time-traveling ship full of animals and a general from the history books, the Zarc family has to stand against the full might of the Poligarchy. Will the truth about what really happened a thousand years in the past be enough to stop total war, or will Noah and his friends need to find another way to bring down a dictator?
Amazon | iTunes | Barnes and Noble | Kobo   
Special Omnibus EditionTitle: Noah Zarc: Omnibus (Special Edition) Author: D. Robert Pease Publication Date: November 2, 2013 Publisher: Evolved Publishing Number of pages: 630 Recommended age: 9+ Summary: FEATURES ALL 3 BOOKS IN 1 SPECIAL EDITION & INCLUDES 22 PENCIL ILLUSTRATIONS BY THE AUTHOR In a future where Earth has been wiped clean of all life, and humanity has moved on to other worlds, twelve-year-old Noah Zarc and his family have embarked on a quest, in a time-traveling spaceship called the ARC, to retrieve two of every animal and repopulate a dead world.
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The Buzz About the Noah Zarc BooksBook 1: "Pease's strength as a storyteller lies in his ability to connect multiple time periods imaginatively, as well as Noah's excited, fast-paced narration." ~ Publishers WeeklyBook 1: "If I had read this book at age 10, I think it would have made me love SF just as much as reading Asimov did. If you like the non-stop action and humor of Rick Riordan's Olympians books, I think you'll also like Noah Zarc." ~ Sher A. Hart, book blogger and authorBook 2: "This is another great mind-bender. The wild time jump details are fabulously thought out and cause some unexpected results." ~ Michelle Isenhoff, Children's AuthorBook 2: "A well-written, adventurous read for young readers and even adults, Noah Zarc blasts through space and into your imagination." ~ TKristufek, Amazon ReviewerBook 3: "I was completely captured by the characters, the action and the issues and questions: set in fantasy but integrating concepts and engaging readers with a fun tale that teaches as it entertains." ~ Gaele, Amazon Reviewer 
About the Author: D. Robert PeaseD. Robert Pease has been interested in creating worlds since childhood. From building in the sandbox behind his house, to drawing fantastical worlds with paper and pencil, there has hardly been a time he hasn't been off on some adventure in his mind, to the dismay of parents and teachers alike. Also, since the moment he could read, books have consumed vast swaths of his life. From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, to The Lord of the Rings, worlds just beyond reality have called to him like Homer's Sirens. It's not surprising then he chose to write stories of his own. Each filled with worlds just beyond reach, but close enough we can all catch a glimpse of ourselves in the characters he brings to life.
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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway * Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 20, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, D. Robert Pease and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Riddle Of We Book Tour & Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 4/14/14 – 4/21/14
Genres:Children/Tween





Blurb:
On their journey, Bliss, Faith, Will and Bond face the forces of nature and an even worse foe—Chaos whips up trouble wherever she goes. The kids find help from a lovable bunch of mysterious Synergy Pals, far more than the sum of their parts. They meet wise guides, who set them on the right path. Once they find the map at the Heartwood Tree, it proves to be an even greater treasure then any of them could imagine. 
Excerpt:
The path opened into a cavern filled with sharp, beautiful rock formations. Vivid colors flashed on the far walls like shapes in a kaleidoscope. Will ran his flashlight beam over them. Crystals sparkled on the ceiling. Bond’s eyes lit up, dazzled by the sight. “Wow!” “I’m going to climb up and get some of those crystals.” Will gazed back at Bond. “How are yougoing to climb with thoseshoes?” Bond looked puzzled. “Climb?”Will flashed his light on Bond’s feet to reveal a pair of old sneakers with worn soles and no laces. He studied Bond’s shoes doubtfully. “Think you can make it up there?” He moved the light beam again along the rocks and up to the crystals.“I can if you can!” said Bond.Will took the first careful step onto the rock. It held. He looked back at Bond. “Just watch where I go and step where I do.” Bond’s courage leaked. “I don’t know about this, Will.” “Well, it’s up to you. I’m going, with or without you.” Will continued to climb up the cavern wall, carefully testing his footing with each step.Bond watched fearfully. “Hey, Will. Wait up.”Will paused as Bond began to climb. Perched on a high, narrow ledge, Will could barely reach the crystals. He tried to knock off a crystal using his pocketknife. A large fragment fell into his hand. “Hey, check this out!” he yelled down the wall. “We hit the jackpot! Bond? Are you still with me?”“I’m coming as fast as I can!” With his slippery shoes, Bond couldn’t climb as fast as Will. He slipped and nearly fell as loose stones tumbled to the cavern floor. His voice grew shaky. “Maybe we’d better go back. I’ll bet the rain has stopped by now.”Will ignored Bond’s suggestion. “I bet if I hit these hard enough all of the crystals will fall down. You really have to know how to do things.”“Uh-huh. Then what?” asked Bond. “You go pick them up. We’ll take them all back and make a fortune.” Will chipped away at the wall, not thinking about the possible danger of a shower of rocks and crystals.“Hey Will, do you think tapping that greed button is wise? I mean, should we be messing with Mother Nature? Remember what happened the last time? We were attacked by branches.”Bond started to work his way down to the cavern floor. His hands slipped over the rocks and the stones shifted beneath his feet. He gazed up at the dark, ugly gap that was once home to many of the crystals that Will had now knocked down. Lots of crystals were not enough for Will. He wanted tons. Since his knife was too small to do much good, he smashed at the ceiling with his flashlight handle. Bam! Bam! Bam! Crystals rained down all around Bond.Bond covered his head with his forearm. “Will!” “I want ‘em all!” Bam! This time, a dull roar surrounded them as a large section of rock thundered down. “Look out!” yelled Will. The crash of crystals knocked Bond to the cavern floor where a dull orange light lingered over the piles of rock. “Bond? Bond, are you okay?” There was no answer.

Buy Link:

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About the Author:

 Ardys Reverman is an internationally acclaimed as an innovative educator on the marvels and mysteries of the brain. Originally inspired by her own life as a Mom, her quest to understand innate talents add up to different way for being smarter together. In 1982, Ardys founded the Communication Technology courses through which she developed a global educational curriculum, enrolling participants in the developmental path toward the next state of human evolution. She recently published a children’s book, Riddle of We at the Heartwood Tree.

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Enter to Win:

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Open internationally. The giveaway will run 4/14/14 – 4/21/14.

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Sticks N' Stones And The Garden Of Phea By Angela Burkhead Book Blast

About the BookTitle: Sticks n' Stones and the Garden of Phea | Author: Angela Burkhead | Publication Date: February 6, 2014 | Publisher: Maple Hill Publishing | Pages: 152 | Recommended Ages: 9+ Summary: Rather than spending one more day amongst the humiliating remarks to the amusement of her fellow peers, Emily Fickeltin runs away. Or, rather, walks away. Emily is misunderstood and disliked but what seems to be every other child her age and on top of it all, she is overweight. Perfectly pleasantly plump, her mother calls her, but Emily feels far from perfect. Her attempt to escape her pain leads her to discover a hidden place with new hope for friends and acceptance. Stumbling into Phea's garden, an eccentric woman skilled in the arts of gardening and imagination, Emily finds she is not alone in her troubles. Phea and her friend rabbit have a past of their own they wish to run from and together the three battle their innermost demons as their world crumbles around them. Will they ever discover peace and acceptance? These lost and disheartened souls must find who they are before they are all lost forever.
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About the Author: Angela Burkhead Angela Burkhead is a full time writer and a full time mom. Of the two jobs, she cannot decide which is more difficult and time consuming, but both bring the joys of fulfillment and accomplishment. She and her son currently reside in Richmond, Ky, just north of Kentucky's arts and crafts capital, Berea, Ky, where she was born and raised. Her newest book, Sticks n' Stones and the Garden of Phea , an upper middle grade/young adult fantasy novel, was published February of 2014.
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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *  Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 13, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, David Chuka and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review Of The Recluse Story Teller My Mark W. Sasse

Red Hat hijacks a yoghurt truck and barrels into the Chester Walz Bank at full speed, desperate to open a safety deposit box. 

The twins, beckoned by an ominous streak of light across the sky, climb Harper’s Hill to encounter an apparition of their missing father. 

The reverend stands on a muddy ridge, the barrel of the rifle in his neck, looking down on a Vietnamese village, scarred by war and regret. 

The stories come to Margaret at all times, but they are anything but random. A fractured view of Michael Cheevers’ red hat through a discreetly cracked door sends her off on adventure. A glimpse of the Johnson twins from apartment 2D takes her to the lonely hill on a Midwestern prairie in 1887. The regular letters from Reverend Davies, who has tried to look after Margaret since the death of her mother, brings her to the brink of exhaustion, staring intensely into the heart of war deep in the jungle of Vietnam. 

Margaret is not insane, at least not in a clinical sense. She’s like a midnight raccoon, painfully aware of her surroundings, gleaming crumbs of information at every turn; eyes peering incessantly in the night, stealing glances of neighbors behind partially opened doors. 

But the tales that she weaves were not meant to merely hold empty court to the receptive dead air of her apartment. Her stories were meant to embolden the lives of the inhabitants of that drab apartment block because her story is also their story—and everything would be different if they could only hear her stories. 

The Recluse Storyteller weaves five stories into one as the loner Margaret not only searches for meaning from her reclusive life, but also gives meaning in the most unexpected ways to the troubled souls of her apartment complex. Part adventure, part tragedy, and part discovery, The Recluse Storyteller bridges genres, bringing hope, life, and redemption to the broken relationships of modern society

My review:  Margaret is a gifted storyteller. From the very start I was hooked on Margaret's stories about her neighbors. She would listen to them talk in the hall and then lose herself as her stories consumed her. I was swept away by her stories. Thanks, Mark, for a good read. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18454126-the-recluse-storyteller

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