Katie Hamstead's Blog, page 109
April 24, 2013
ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget
In the great southern nations of Australia and New Zealand, April 25th marks a significant holiday of remembrance. ANZAC Day. Let me tell you the story of this day.
During WWI, a battle was fought between the Aussie/New Zealand troops and the Turkish troops. It began on February 19, 1915, with a naval assault by Commonwealth forces to try to push their way to Constantinople. When this failed, a land attack was planned. This attack would include the newly formed Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, aka the ANZAC's.
The plan was that the British and French forces would start at the tip of the peninsula, and the ANZAC's would cut them off in their retreat off of it.
On April 25th 1915, the battle began. Except, the ANZAC's were dispatched on the wrong beach! They faced sheer cliff faces and exposure as the Turks reigned their fire down on them. But the ANZAC's pushed through and dug in on the beach at Gallipoli, now known as ANZAC Cove.
Despite the fierce efforts of the Turks to push them off the beach, the big hearts of these men held their ground in adverse conditions, where the odds were against them. They threw assault after assault at the ANZAC's as the British and French troops pushed up from the south in vain, but all they managed to achieve were high numbers of casualties. The ANZAC's were hearty, and refused to go anywhere.
After months of fighting, the British and French forces knew they couldn't take Gallipoli, so organized a retreat beginning December 7th 1915. As the ANZAC's left the cove, they set their rife's up to hand made auto triggers to cover their retreat. Even as they left, they remained defiant and continued to fight.
The last troops to leave Gallipoli departed Jan 9th 1916.
Although the battle at Gallipoli was won by the Turks, the legend of the ANZAC is remembered more than the victory. These two tiny colonial nations fought back and held their ground, earning them the nickname "Diggers" because they dug in and held on at all costs until they were told to leave.
These men fought and died for my country and the freedoms we are blessed to have, the freedoms paid for with their blood, and many others who followed in WWII, and other military campaigns. They set a standard of bravery, courage and defiance. They are the foundation of our national identity. May their blood sacrifice never be wasted, and may their spirits live in our heart so they never die. Lest We Forget.
During WWI, a battle was fought between the Aussie/New Zealand troops and the Turkish troops. It began on February 19, 1915, with a naval assault by Commonwealth forces to try to push their way to Constantinople. When this failed, a land attack was planned. This attack would include the newly formed Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, aka the ANZAC's.
The plan was that the British and French forces would start at the tip of the peninsula, and the ANZAC's would cut them off in their retreat off of it.
On April 25th 1915, the battle began. Except, the ANZAC's were dispatched on the wrong beach! They faced sheer cliff faces and exposure as the Turks reigned their fire down on them. But the ANZAC's pushed through and dug in on the beach at Gallipoli, now known as ANZAC Cove.
Despite the fierce efforts of the Turks to push them off the beach, the big hearts of these men held their ground in adverse conditions, where the odds were against them. They threw assault after assault at the ANZAC's as the British and French troops pushed up from the south in vain, but all they managed to achieve were high numbers of casualties. The ANZAC's were hearty, and refused to go anywhere.
After months of fighting, the British and French forces knew they couldn't take Gallipoli, so organized a retreat beginning December 7th 1915. As the ANZAC's left the cove, they set their rife's up to hand made auto triggers to cover their retreat. Even as they left, they remained defiant and continued to fight.
The last troops to leave Gallipoli departed Jan 9th 1916.
Although the battle at Gallipoli was won by the Turks, the legend of the ANZAC is remembered more than the victory. These two tiny colonial nations fought back and held their ground, earning them the nickname "Diggers" because they dug in and held on at all costs until they were told to leave.
These men fought and died for my country and the freedoms we are blessed to have, the freedoms paid for with their blood, and many others who followed in WWII, and other military campaigns. They set a standard of bravery, courage and defiance. They are the foundation of our national identity. May their blood sacrifice never be wasted, and may their spirits live in our heart so they never die. Lest We Forget.
April 22, 2013
Cover Reveal - Sacrifice by K.A. Last
I have another cover reveal today for my fellow Aussie Owneder, K.A. Last. Check out the deets, and the pretty cover! This is a prequel for her book that is already out, Fall For Me -
BOOK AND AUTHOR INFO:
Sacrifice – A Fall For Me Prequel by K.A. Last
Series: The Tate Chronicles, #0.5Publication date: May, 2013 Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:Seth’s heart is breaking. He knows his decision will hurt the one person he keeps breathing for, but he can’t take it anymore. He can’t be near Grace knowing she will always be just out of reach.
Grace is oblivious to Seth’s turmoil. She loves him unconditionally, but not in the way he wants. They both know that in Heaven physical love is forbidden, and to break the rules is to defy everything they’ve ever been taught.
When Grace and Seth are sent on a mission to save a young mother and her unborn child, Grace must face the fact that Seth won’t be returning home. She doesn’t understand Seth’s decision and hates him for it. But what neither of them realise is how big a part that single decision will play in shaping their entire future.
What would you sacrifice for the one you love?And here's the cover for Sacrifice!
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17561375-touching-melody
Goodreads for Book 1: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17279706-fall-for-me
Goodreads Sacrifice: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17696191-sacrifice---a-fall-for-me-prequel
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AUTHOR BIO (no author picture)K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. She now resides in a peaceful leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children and a rabbit named Twitch.
Author links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover Reveal - Sacrice by K.A. Last
I have another cover reveal today for my fellow Aussie Owneder, K.A. Last. Check out the deets, and the pretty cover! This is a prequel for her book that is already out, Fall For Me -
BOOK AND AUTHOR INFO:
Sacrifice – A Fall For Me Prequel by K.A. Last Series: The Tate Chronicles, #0.5Publication date: May, 2013 Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Synopsis:Seth’s heart is breaking. He knows his decision will hurt the one person he keeps breathing for, but he can’t take it anymore. He can’t be near Grace knowing she will always be just out of reach.
Grace is oblivious to Seth’s turmoil. She loves him unconditionally, but not in the way he wants. They both know that in Heaven physical love is forbidden, and to break the rules is to defy everything they’ve ever been taught.
When Grace and Seth are sent on a mission to save a young mother and her unborn child, Grace must face the fact that Seth won’t be returning home. She doesn’t understand Seth’s decision and hates him for it. But what neither of them realise is how big a part that single decision will play in shaping their entire future.
What would you sacrifice for the one you love?And here's the cover for Sacrifice!
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17561375-touching-melody
Goodreads for Book 1: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17279706-fall-for-me
----
AUTHOR BIO (no author picture)K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney with her parents and older brother when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam, and fell in love with it. She now resides in a peaceful leafy suburb north of Sydney with her husband, their two children and a rabbit named Twitch.
Author links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh Book Trailer and Tour Sign Up
Here it is! My book Trailer. Let me know what you think!
I would love to have you or anyone else you know host me and Kiya on your blog for my blog tour! Sign up here: http://blogtourexchange.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-tours-seeking-matches.html
~*Katie
I would love to have you or anyone else you know host me and Kiya on your blog for my blog tour! Sign up here: http://blogtourexchange.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-tours-seeking-matches.html
~*Katie
April 19, 2013
Release of Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver
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Colour Wielders
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One
Dawna Raver
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Word Count: 124k
Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan
Book Description:
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.
Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.
About the Author:
Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.Contact me at: https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaverhttps://twitter.com/DawnaRaverhttps://dawnaraver.comSupport indie authors by reviewing this book at:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Release of Colour Qielders by Dawna Raver
Colour Wielders
Heirs of the Magykal Realm Series Book One Dawna Raver
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Word Count: 124k
Cover Artist: Ricky Gunawan
Book Description:
Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where Gods, creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess lives.
Quinn Sinclair is clueless to who she is. She thinks she's an ordinary young woman—well, mostly ordinary—living an ordinary life with her less than loving mother in Conifer, Colorado. On the night of her birthday, Quinn finds herself betrayed by a man who sends her life spinning out-of-control.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she finds herself transported into a Magykal battle forever changing her life.
About the Author:
Dawna Raver is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Colour Wielders, book one of the Heirs of the Magykal Realm series, is her debut novel. When she's not spending time in her fantasy world, Dawna loves football, reading, and pretending she's a top chef in the kitchen. Oh, and fawning over her dogs and husband, sometimes in that order.Contact me at: https://www.facebook.com/DawnaRaverhttps://twitter.com/DawnaRaverhttps://dawnaraver.comSupport indie authors by reviewing this book at:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 18, 2013
Cover Reveal for Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh by... ME! And Blog Hop Details
SPECIAL BLOG HOP PRIZE!All those signed up before April 25th will go in the running to win an ebook copy of Kiya!
The time fast approaches for the release of my debut novel and I'm so excited, nervous and everything else. I haven't had this many feels since my wedding day and having a baby! So, I'm more than excited to reveal to you the cover of my "baby," Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh. So with no further ado, here it is!
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When Naomi’s sisters are snatched up to be taken to be wives of the erratic Pharaoh, Akhenaten, she knows they won’t survive the palace, so she offers herself in their place. The fearsome Commander Horemheb sees her courage, and knows she is exactly what he is looking for… The Great Queen Nefertiti despises Naomi instantly, and strips her of her Hebrew lineage, including her name, which is changed to Kiya. Kiya allies herself with Horemheb, who pushes her to greatness and encourages her to make the Pharaoh fall in love with her. When Akhenaten declares Kiya will be the mother of his heir, Nefertiti, furious with jealousy, schemes to destroy Kiya. Kiya must play the deadly game carefully. She is in a silent battle of wills, and a struggle for who will one day inherit the crown. If she does bear an heir, she knows she will need to fight to protect him, as well as herself, from Nefertiti who is out for blood.
Add it on Goodreads. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
I'm also having a BLOG HOP! Sign up on the link below to join in. All you need to do is write a blog post about Egypt and find the six hieroglyphs hidden throughout the hop. The first person will win a grand prize and I'll have a runner up too! So spread the word, get sign ups and let's make this fun.
Here are some of the prizes you could win!
Signed hardcopy of Kiya: Hope of the PharaohAmazon GC'sRisen by Britney JensenThe Charge by Sharon BaylissGaia's Secret by Barbara KlossSeveral Critiques
A Mummy Making Kit
Cruise around to some of the other blogs participating in the cover reveal, because they are so awesome for helping me out.
Official Curiosity Quills Cover Reveal The Arizona Typelings - Hosting a giveaway hop too!Aussie Owned and ReadJolene's Musical Mondays - PlaylistDawna RaverMatthew GrayboschLeigh StathamSharon Baylisswww.msmithbooks.comK.A. LastStacey NashAnabel GonzalezJessa RussoCassandra PageEmily MeadKrystal WadeLauren McKellarMara ValderranCourtney Worth YoungEliza TiltonAldrea AlienDarci Cole
Cover Reveal for Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh by... ME!
The time fast approaches for the release of my debut novel and I'm so excited, nervous and everything else. I haven't had this many feels since my wedding day and having a baby! So, I'm more than excited to reveal to you the cover of my "baby," Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh. So with no further ado, here it is!
To save her younger sisters from being taken to the cruel life of the palace, Naomi intervenes and gives herself to be a wife of the erratic Pharaoh Akhenaten.
In the palace, Naomi finds herself thrust into the intrigues of the royal family, and has her name changed to Kiya. She becomes beloved by the Pharaoh, who declares that she will bear him his heir. But the Great Queen Nefertiti, furious with jealousy, schemes to destroy Naomi and even brings her fidelity into question, which could cost Naomi her very life.
Naomi must play the deadly game carefully. She is in a silent battle of wills, and a struggle for who will one day inherit the crown. And if she does bear an heir, she will have to fight to protect him as well as herself from Nefertiti who is out for blood.
Add it on Goodreads. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
I'm also having a BLOG HOP! Sign up on the link below to join in. All you need to do is write a blog post about Egypt and find the six hieroglyphs hidden throughout the hop. The first person will win a grand prize and I'll have a runner up too! So spread the word, get sign ups and let's make this fun.
Here are some of the prizes you could win!
Signed hardcopy of Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh
Amazon GC's
Risen by Britney Jensen
The Charge by Sharon Bayliss
First 50 pages critique
Gaia's Secret by Barbara Kloss
First chapter critique
Cruise around to some of the other blogs participating in the cover reveal, because they are so awesome for helping me out.
http://typelingsaz.blogspot.com/ - Hosting a giveaway too!
http://aussieownedandread.com/
http://letsgetnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/04/musical-tuesday-katie-teller-kiya-hope.html - Playlist
http://dawnaraver.com/
http://www.matthewgraybosch.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh/
www.leighstatham.com
http://sharonbayliss.blogspot.com/2013/04/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-pharaoh.html
www.msmithbooks.com
http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2013/04/cover-reveal-kiya-by-katie-hamstead.html
http://www.staceynash.com/blog/
http://www.dreamsaboutwriting.blogspot.com/2013/04/kiya-hope-of-pharaoh-cover-reveal.html
http://www.jessarusso.com/
http://www.courtneyworthyoung.com/
http://cassandrapage.com/2013/04/18/kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh-katie-hamstead/
http://theloonyteenwriter.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh/
http://www.krystalwade.blogspot.com/2013/04/cover-reveal-time.html
http://laurenkmckellar.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-by-katie-hamstead/
To save her younger sisters from being taken to the cruel life of the palace, Naomi intervenes and gives herself to be a wife of the erratic Pharaoh Akhenaten.
In the palace, Naomi finds herself thrust into the intrigues of the royal family, and has her name changed to Kiya. She becomes beloved by the Pharaoh, who declares that she will bear him his heir. But the Great Queen Nefertiti, furious with jealousy, schemes to destroy Naomi and even brings her fidelity into question, which could cost Naomi her very life.
Naomi must play the deadly game carefully. She is in a silent battle of wills, and a struggle for who will one day inherit the crown. And if she does bear an heir, she will have to fight to protect him as well as herself from Nefertiti who is out for blood.
Add it on Goodreads. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
I'm also having a BLOG HOP! Sign up on the link below to join in. All you need to do is write a blog post about Egypt and find the six hieroglyphs hidden throughout the hop. The first person will win a grand prize and I'll have a runner up too! So spread the word, get sign ups and let's make this fun.
Here are some of the prizes you could win!
Signed hardcopy of Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh
Amazon GC's
Risen by Britney Jensen
The Charge by Sharon Bayliss
First 50 pages critique
Gaia's Secret by Barbara Kloss
First chapter critique
Cruise around to some of the other blogs participating in the cover reveal, because they are so awesome for helping me out.
http://typelingsaz.blogspot.com/ - Hosting a giveaway too!
http://aussieownedandread.com/
http://letsgetnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/04/musical-tuesday-katie-teller-kiya-hope.html - Playlist
http://dawnaraver.com/
http://www.matthewgraybosch.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh/
www.leighstatham.com
http://sharonbayliss.blogspot.com/2013/04/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-pharaoh.html
www.msmithbooks.com
http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2013/04/cover-reveal-kiya-by-katie-hamstead.html
http://www.staceynash.com/blog/
http://www.dreamsaboutwriting.blogspot.com/2013/04/kiya-hope-of-pharaoh-cover-reveal.html
http://www.jessarusso.com/
http://www.courtneyworthyoung.com/
http://cassandrapage.com/2013/04/18/kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh-katie-hamstead/
http://theloonyteenwriter.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-hope-of-the-pharaoh/
http://www.krystalwade.blogspot.com/2013/04/cover-reveal-time.html
http://laurenkmckellar.com/2013/04/18/cover-reveal-kiya-by-katie-hamstead/
April 10, 2013
Musical Tuesday
Jolene Haley has featured music for Kiya on her blog! Check out the play list for the trilogy.
http://letsgetnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/04/musical-tuesday-katie-teller-kiya-hope.html
http://letsgetnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/04/musical-tuesday-katie-teller-kiya-hope.html
April 9, 2013
Ever Review Blog Tour
EVEEEEEEEEEEER...
For a start, I love this cover. That was honestly the first thing that attracted me to it because yes, I'm fickle like that. It just says so much. The love Ever has for Frankie, but he's gone, she can't even touch him.
So anyway. Ever begins with a brokenhearted girl who has the misfortune that she can't move on because her source of heartbreak haunts her, literally. But the breathtaking Toby moves in next door and sweeps her off her feet. She has several breathtaking moment with him as they fall for each other, much to her ghostly companion's disgust.
I enjoyed this book. There were a few things I saw coming, but not the end! Ever has been stuck in a pretty sucky situation, and in this story she finds herself finally able to start moving on with some great passionate moments. I don't want to give any spoilers but, I'm definitely rooting for Toby!
I'm definitely looking forward to EVADE to find out how she resolves the even worse position she finds herself in by the end.
Swing by Jessa's blog for a chance to win a signed copy as well as being lined up to get book 2, EVADE when it comes out. Just click on the banner below.
Find Jessa:
Jessa's WebsiteJessa on TwitterEVER on AmazonOn Barnes & NobleGoodReads/EVERGoodReads/EVADE
For a start, I love this cover. That was honestly the first thing that attracted me to it because yes, I'm fickle like that. It just says so much. The love Ever has for Frankie, but he's gone, she can't even touch him.
So anyway. Ever begins with a brokenhearted girl who has the misfortune that she can't move on because her source of heartbreak haunts her, literally. But the breathtaking Toby moves in next door and sweeps her off her feet. She has several breathtaking moment with him as they fall for each other, much to her ghostly companion's disgust.
I enjoyed this book. There were a few things I saw coming, but not the end! Ever has been stuck in a pretty sucky situation, and in this story she finds herself finally able to start moving on with some great passionate moments. I don't want to give any spoilers but, I'm definitely rooting for Toby!
I'm definitely looking forward to EVADE to find out how she resolves the even worse position she finds herself in by the end.
Swing by Jessa's blog for a chance to win a signed copy as well as being lined up to get book 2, EVADE when it comes out. Just click on the banner below.
Find Jessa:
Jessa's WebsiteJessa on TwitterEVER on AmazonOn Barnes & NobleGoodReads/EVERGoodReads/EVADE
