Harmony Kent's Blog, page 136
March 29, 2016
Breath of the Titans Book Review
Breath of the Titans Trilogy
BY RILEY and SARA LYN WESTBROOK
Book 1–Little Black Stormcloud
Book 2–A Mother’s Love
Book 3–War of the Cheifs
Fantasy Fiction
Reviewed on behalf of The Review Board by Harmony Kent.
I received a free PDF copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I have read this trilogy as a whole, and therefore this review pertains to all three books in the series.
BOOK 1: LITTLE BLACK STORM CLOUD introduces us to Lov, a half-elf/half-dragon sixteen-year-old boy and his companions. Titans devastate his home at Elvenhom and either slaughter the villagers or take them as slaves. Lov’s family is killed, except for his mother, who is taken hostage. Lov and his companions set out on a quest to save his mother.
BOOK 2: A MOTHER’S LOVE and BOOK 3: WAR OF THE CHIEFS continue the story. I don’t want to write a synopsis about the final two books in the series, as this would give too much away, and so I shall follow the author’s example and settle for the one book description to cover the whole series.
These books are not standalone novels, and will need to be read in order for maximum benefit. This series is traditional fantasy fiction filled with magical creatures, battles, adventures, and the whole works you would expect from this genre. Strong language is used at times, which some readers may prefer to avoid. This isn’t an issue for me at all, and only adds to the realism of the read.
While I had looked forward with eagerness to an epic fantasy read such as this, I quickly found myself disappointed. The writing needs some polishing. It is filled with telling instead of showing (especially ‘ly’ adverbs), split infinitives, comma splices, filter words (he knew/she decided/he watched/etc.), and spelling mistakes—there is a huge difference in meaning between ‘Unphased’ and ‘Unfazed’ for instance. I don’t comment on these things unless they prove too numerous, which—in this case—they did.
Add to this morass the passive writing style and jumping POV, and it all makes for an arduous read.
While the ideas behind this tale have awesome potential, the execution is lacking. I never felt able to connect with the rather clichéd characters—standard young boy with hidden power and an older mentor—and even when the characters were placed in danger, it just never quite felt as if they were in danger at all. For me, this fantasy trilogy hasn’t given me anything new, interesting, or intriguing. The most it gave me was a headache, trying to wade through the passive and error littered text. If I hadn’t had a commitment to reading this series on behalf of The Review Board, it would have been a DNF from 25% of the way into book one.
From an aesthetic perspective, the book covers do absolutely nothing for me. If I saw these sitting on a shelf, I wouldn’t pick them up. The book blurb also fails to entice. A blurb that has me bored before I’ve finished reading it is always a good indication that I won’t enjoy the book.
I wanted to love this series. Being an avid reader, I always want to enjoy a book, especially when it’s in a genre that I adore. It fills me with dismay when I have to leave such a negative review as this. However, I cannot in all conscience, recommend this series. Again, if I weren’t committed to leaving a review, I would have preferred to remain silent instead of trashing the book so publicly. It’s a rare thing that about the only good thing I can find is the story premise.
I give it 5 out of 10 stars on the TRB rating scale, which basically means: Flip a coin and/or take a chance (if you dare). This equates to 2.5 out of 5 stars on other rating scales, and for the purposes of posting this review, I round that up to a soft 3 stars.
by 
March 18, 2016
It’s release day! Never Say Goodbye. C A Bell.
Sometimes white magic can turn dark. Even with the best intentions.
When Angelica placed a protective curse over her granddaughter, Nancy, in a bid to keep her safe from society and her own powers until she was old enough to understand, she had no idea of the consequences.
It’s October 31st, and a grown-up Nancy is holding her annual Halloween party. Only this year she strays away from her traditional festivities that include her famous Halloween punch, and dancing to the Monster Mash, and opts for a spookier night. She will be holding a séance with the help of her friends and her new Ouija board. Little does she know that the protective curse her grandmother secretly cast over twenty-seven years ago is lifted tonight, and her true powers are finally presented to her.
A spirit is summoned. But only time will tell just who he really is.
My Review
I received a FREE Advanced Review PDF copy of this book from the author in exchange for an HONEST review.
Never Say Goodbye is a short read of about 30 pages, which makes it hard to review without putting in spoilers. When Nancy was but a young girl, her grandmother (a white witch) put a protective spell on her. Little did either of them know how things would turn out when Nancy came of age. One halloween, Nancy dispenses with her usual humorous halloween party set up, and instead, goes for the serious spookiness of an Ouija board.
The narrative is written in present tense. The characters are well defined, especially for such a short story, and you are left wanting more. I finished this read with more questions than I started with, but all in a good way, and I can’t wait for the next instalment. The suspense is high, as is the heat … this is a steamy little read.
It gets 4 stars from me, and is well worth a look 
Excerpt
“Is there anyone there who wishes to make contact with us?”
They all stare; mesmerized by the piece of wood and the hope that something might just happen. The kitchen door creaks and then pushes open. Lucy screams. Everybody, including the men, jump up off their chairs and head sharpish for the other end of the room.
With every hair on her body stood to panicked attention, Nancy tries to open the lounge door with her trembling hands… until she realises what’s happened when she notices her cat strolling in like he owns the place.
It prompts the gang to burst out into laughter, breaking the onset of tension. Eventually, they manage to compose themselves, all admitting out loud that this Ouija lark is actually quite fun and, hey, they should try to really contact someone. This time with the doors closed, so no cats can further impede.
Making their way back to the table, Nancy scoops up Salem. Bending over and shooing her little friend off out the door, Nancy feels inappropriate eyes burning holes through her dress.
Twisting her head to see who is looking, she’s surprised that not a single one of them is peeking her way. And yet… the feeling of being watched still lingers. Straightening her chair back up from the panic before, she notices that the scent of the air has changed; it smells unfamiliar, musky, and manly. The flames of the candles are flickering more aggressively, as if there were a window open. Putting it down to James’s aftershave and the fact that they all just ran across the room, she takes her seat back at the head of the table and they start again.
“Is there anyone there?” Nancy asks, her fingers back on the wooden heart. They’re left hanging again, so she dashes to the kitchen to get the instruction booklet. Opening the cutlery drawer, that being watched feeling appears again and a cold breeze strokes the back of her bare neck. It sends shivers through her entire body. Snatching up the booklet, she darts back to the safety of her friends.
Buy Links
Amazon US Amazon UK Smashwords
Social Links
Facebook Blog Amazon Author Page Twitter @cbellAtrix09
C.A.Bell was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England, but for the past three years has resided in a much more rural town of Shropshire, where she married and made a home.
She is author to many erotic fiction stories, including The Architect, Never Say Goodbye (Nancy’s Curse Book1), Reverend James Ashworth, You Get What You Pay For, Seducing the Jury, and many more. As well as writing her own books, contributing to anthologies and online magazines, she also writes poetry and has a collection of her own entitled BDSM.
Currently she is working on the follow-on book to The Architect, book two of Nancy’s curse, and a novel which she started a while ago.
In-between writing and running a busy household C.A.Bell also promotes other erotic authors on her site, Bell, Book and Erotica.
by
March 16, 2016
RRBC PIF Week! Welcome to Paula Radell!
Great to see you today
It gives me great pleasure to host Author Paula Radell on my blog today, as part of RRBC’s Pay It Forward Week!
The idea of this week is to pay forward support by promoting one author for a whole day. My author for today is Paula Radell, author of Where Angels Sleep (coming later this year!).
Paula only just launched her website (at the end of February), and I have to say, I’m impressed
Blog/Website: http://www.paula-writes.com/
Twitter: @Lady_LovesBooks
Facebook: Facebook.com/paula.radell.author
As well as writing her debut novel, Paula has been busy. Here’s a bit about her from her webpage:
Born and raised near the beaches of southeastern Virginia, Paula now lives in Mendocino County, California with her husband Ray, a couple of adopted tabby cats (Matthew & Diana, named after a favorite fictional couple!), and Willow, a 3-year old retired racing Greyhound.
Always a passionate reader and a freelance writer, Paula started her first WordPress blog in 2013. The following year she set up her website and established Passionate Reads & Promotions, a consulting service for self-published authors, collaborating with them on story development, beta reading, editing and various types of social media marketing. She is an experienced Goodreads Group Moderator, a NetGalley Professional Reader, and a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association. Having become addicted to social media in 2012 – and understanding the power it has in today’s dynamic publishing world – she went on to complete 5 post-grad courses in Advanced Internet and Social Media Marketing from the University of San Francisco in 2014.
Paula is currently writing her first fiction novel, Where Angels Sleep, a dark but ultimately inspirational romance set in the holiday season – release date expected in Autumn, 2016. She has two other works in progress: Deception, a dark romance/crime novel, and Night Shift, a collection of “fictionalized non-fiction” nursing stories based on her previous career as an RN, with contributions from nurses around the world.
Paula has worked as an RN – in every area from the Neonatal/Pediatric ICU to Obstetrics, Newborn Nursery, Psychiatry, and a Retirement Village. She’s currently a freelance health care project consultant, a casual but passionate writer, and a sassy editor. These days, she is especially proud of her reputation as a seriously unrepentant bookaholic, passionate about novels featuring complex romantic relationships, mystery, suspense, humor, hope, a healthy dose of unadulterated lust, and a bit hit of the paranormal.
She loves cooking & trying new recipes; sipping French & California sparkling wines; feasting on hot fudge sundaes & Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt; traveling, action-suspense movies with romantic subplots, comedies, books & book boyfriends; David Gandy; Jamie Dornan; philosophical arguments; writing; editing; art; and laughing inappropriately at the worst possible time (not necessarily in that order).
Willow
Matthew (above) and Diana (below)
{Cute!}
Where Angels Sleep
Synopsis …Matt St. Clair is an angry, bitter, broken man; a man without hope, faith or purpose. But he wasn’t always that way. Once the Chief Resident at a major university Trauma Center, he was a committed family man, married to his high school sweetheart, with a beautiful daughter, loving family and friends, and a bright future ahead.
Until, in a tragic twist of fate, he lost it all.
In the aftermath, a toxic blend of grief and guilt sent his life spiraling out of control, taking everything, leaving only shadows and demons in its wake. Convinced that there was nothing and no one with the power to heal him, he decided to end it all. But first there was one final stop to make — to ask forgiveness, say his last goodbye, and find peace with his decision.
Little did he know that another twist of fate was waiting in the wings. In the least likely place, on the brink of self-destruction, Matt meets a couple of strangers who will challenge everything he’s come to believe about life, love and family. All it will take is a leap of faith and a spark of hope – two things that have eluded him for the past three years.
To save himself, can he risk loving and losing again?
Where Angels Sleep is a dark but hopeful inspirational romance with a faint hint of the paranormal. Due to mature themes, adult language and sexual content, it is most appropriate for readers over the age of 18.
An unedited excerpt from Where Angels Sleep…
Prologue
December 14 – Present Day
In loving memory of Alexis Taylor Beckett and Emily Katherine Beckett
Beloved wife and daughter of Matthew Allen Beckett
Who entered into eternal rest together on December 14, 2012.
“For all the angels must return from whence they were sent.”
Cold, tired, and resigned, I slumped down on the decorative marble bench that Lexi’s parents had placed at the gravesite, and thought about the night ahead. It was time; my decision was made, my commitment unwavering. Yet I felt lost, my soul adrift in a haze as I stared at the snowy ground, oblivious to anything other than the inscription on the bronze marker, covered with just a dusting of snow. Three years ago, I was forced to say goodbye to them, thanks to a terrible twist of fate. Tonight I had to say it again – forever.
After all this time my emotions were as raw and fresh as the falling snow. I’d figured the hardest thing I’d ever have to do was to bury them here on that cold December afternoon, but I was wrong. The worst thing was trying to get out of bed the next day, and the day after that, and every day since – to face life without them, to know I’d never see them again.
Looking around to be sure I was completely alone, I pulled the letter from my coat pocket and read it aloud – the last words of a husband and father, filled with unrelenting, soul-searing pain and all-consuming guilt. Words would never be enough to redeem me, or banish the darkness that engulfed me every waking moment, tortured me in my sleep, made it impossible to go on. I choked out the words, praying they could hear me one last time…
©2015 by Paula Radell
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Best of luck with all your writing endeavours, Paula!
It’s great to have you here today
Thanks for stopping by, everyone!
by
March 14, 2016
RRBC PIF Week! Welcome to D E Howard!
Great to see you today
It gives me great pleasure to host Author D E Howard on my blog today, as part of RRBC’s Pay It Forward Week!
The idea of this week is to pay forward support by promoting one author for a whole day. My author for today is D E Howard, author of Assaie’s Gift and Spirit of the Book. I did some digging around and came across this:
Random Facts (from DE’s blog)
Below is a list of random facts I have discovered or been told – I will add to this as new ones come to my attention – any contributions to the list will be most welcome.
Note: some of these may only be applicable in the UK
The best before date on a packet of crisps is always a Saturday (I just know you will be checking this on the next packet you eat – I did)
It is illegal to carry a tin of paint on a bus
Fingertips get wrinkly in the bath when the rest of your skin doesn’t to give you more grip when wet
The spelling of William Shakespeare’s name was not spelled any single way during his lifetime. So if you ever spell it wrong – don’t worry, it seems he didn’t know how to spell it either.
If you type askew into google it goes… well askew! (Go on you know you want to try it)
Disclaimer: I cannot confirm the validity of all of the above facts, they are just those I have gleaned over time from various sources and people and found them interesting, amusing or just plain weird.
Hilarious! And, yes, I did try them! Have you?
DE’s first book “Assaie’s Gift”, published in February 2015, is available in Kindle or good old paperback versions.
Human love can last a lifetime, the love of a Goddess is eternal.
“A pantheonic love story with several twists on the theme, I can highly recommend this first novel by this author”
“Amazing book from start to end”
“I shall be recommending it to my friends”
There was a time when the Gods and Goddesses watched over the world, a time when they were worshipped and loved, but that time has passed.
Their names became legends, those legends became myths and eventually even the myths were forgotten… but not by everyone.
Kia Deering had lived an ordinary life, raised by a loving mother her life was happy, but simple. On the morning of her eighteenth birthday everything began to change. Kia expects a day filled with excitement and fun, what she does not anticipate are the events that will change her life forever, turning the reality she believes in on its head and introducing her to the existence of the Goddess Assaie.
Read D E Howard’s debut novel Assaie’s Gift and follow a love that began in a time long passed
Buy it here: http://tinyurl.com/k3zmj7l
Available now – DE’s second book “Spirit of the Book”
Do you believe in magic?
Ellie Forrester didn’t.
Raised an only child by a mother who never hid her resentment Ellie learned from an early age to be self sufficient.
Finally moving away from her mother’s negative influence Ellie thought her small run down flat was a little piece of paradise.
The old book she found hidden away didn’t seem to be anything remarkable but Ellie soon discovered that it contained far more than just the words on the pages.
Ellie soon discovered that not only did magic exist but it was within her reach.
Do you believe in magic?
Ellie Forrester does!
BUY IT NOW – you know you want to!
Connect with D E Howard:
Blog or Website: https://dawndelivers.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @dehauthor
Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/DEHAuthor/
by
March 10, 2016
RRBC Spotlight Author Janelle Jalbert!
It gives me great pleasure to welcome author Janelle Jalbert as part of her Spotlight blog tour with Rave Reviews Book Club!
Janelle’s blog topic today is on Writing Topic of Choice
To Niche or Not to Niche
In business, owners are encouraged to pick a niche to focus on in order to make a name, build a brand, and develop a client base. As indie authors we too are in business. The difference with publishing and writing is that the niche is otherwise referred to as genre. Authors get asked it is they write, and the answer sought and given is typically a genre. It’s a quick and easy way to convey the nature of a writer’s work. But, what happens when the Muse has you crossing genres for the sake of a story?
That is a question that I have grappled with throughout my writing career. I have diverse interests which results in visits from the writing Muse that leave me with book ideas that are equally varied. They are truly miracles, and it’s never smart to pass on a fortuitous opportunity. What to do?
A Writer Simply Wants to Write
My writing history includes academic, business, reporting, copywriting, ghostwriting and publishing under my own name. It was both out of passion and necessity. My business writing has covered everything from the motivational to the technical to public relations. Reporting started in education and shifted to motorsports. Copywriting, well that was even more across the board. Ghostwriting led to anonymous bestseller status in areas such as wellness, productivity, money management, biographies, and even sex advice. It brought in money to pay the bills but did little for my own fan base.
And then there were my own books. My first book was about wine thanks to being a wine enthusiast and a successful pitch to a small publisher. At the same time, I got the opportunity to be a regular contributor for a fiction magazine, which became the driver for FLASH 40: LIFE’S MOMENTS, a collection of flash fiction that went on to win the silver medal for anthologies in the 2015 Readers Favorite Book Awards.
Even while all that was going on, I was endlessly revising, polishing and pitching my debut novel, TRIANGULATING BLISS. Here’s the thing…it too didn’t neatly fit into a given genre. Agents and publishers repeatedly told me that the story was compelling, but the fact the novel was a mash-up of genres (mystery, romance, paranormal/supernatural, visionary, with elements of Magical Realism) meant it wasn’t marketable. “Cross-genre books just don’t work.” I was told repeatedly. Still, I believed in my Bliss Baby and pushed out on my own. The novel that was deemed ‘unmarketable’ was recently announced as the medalist for of all things Cross-Genre Fiction in the 2015 New Apple Book Awards.
To make things more convoluted, my writing therapy – in the form of vignettes about my time in North Carolina – screamed to be born as my latest book baby. Now, it’s off to the memoir world with WINGDOG: Soul Pup. I couldn’t say no to a book I believe in simply because it was a different genre, but it does leave me with a conundrum when it comes to building a fan base.
What’s the non-conformist to do?
First of all, I’m not implying that everyone who finds a happy place in a given genre is literally or metaphorically selling their writer soul for the sake of sales. It has been proven to be easier for an author to make a name by niching into a genre. Still, many authors face the desire to branch out. Does that mean they are doomed to obscurity? Is there anything the non-conforming author can do?
Here are a few thoughts and hard won personal insights:
Adjust your goals and expectations accordingly and be willing to celebrate the smaller victories along the way to keep your confidence high.
Developing an author platform becomes more convoluted when crossing genres. My advice, get comfortable building multiple platforms. Personally, I have an author site that is a clearinghouse for all information about my writing. It is a bit more static in nature. Then I have a series of websites that are thematic, in addition to specific book sites. In some cases the book site (domain name) is nested under a more established site if the works are complimentary.
List building is even more challenging with readers who have differing tastes and interests. Segment your lists based on the books/series that you produce. This allows you to do targeted marketing as well as help lead the unsuspecting to try new things. Instead of a single newsletter blast, you’ll likely find greater success with several mini-campaigns and a quarterly “bring them all together” blast. You’ll retain subscribers better if you provide content that touches existing interests, so a one-size-fits-all approach to newsletters doesn’t work best for diverse fan bases. It sounds like a lot more work, I know, but keep the mini campaigns short and sweet (and on subject topic) and leave the “big” send to the quarterly blast. Otherwise, forcing readers to review material that they don’t care about will likely make them hit the unsubscribe button.
If you can, find a way to unify your books. Have fun and think out of the box to find ways to cross promote. One way is to identify a common theme or mission and incorporate it into all or as many of your books as possible. For me, it is ‘a celebration of everyday magic’ and all the forms that can take. Also, if you can work in elements (even briefly) from your other genres it can help you promote multiple works. For example, my information book WINE FOR BEGINNERS is not likely to pull the same crowd as my novel TRIANGULATING BLISS. However, Bliss has a bar setting and there is talk of food and wine between the characters. So, I developed cross promotions to touch both fan bases. For example, a wine tasting where readers get the chance to sample food and wine similar to what is in the novel. They were also presented to with challenge of creating the best pairing. During the event both books are offered for sale. A similar book launch party is in the works for WINGDOG: Soul Pup by combining a fundraiser for animal rescues, with a wine event held at the place that inspired Bliss.
While we’re on the subject of cross promotion, be sure that you promote your books as equally as possible. Like human children, book babies don’t do well when favoritism is shown. Uneven promotion undermines the perceived quality and credibility of any specific book. If you don’t care about a book, readers don’t see a reason to invest time and money in your efforts either.
The current trend is to create a series to help build a following/sales funnel for your work. Under NO circumstances, begin a series if you are not going to follow through. It’s true for any author (genre-specific or otherwise), but it is imperative for the cross-genre author. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep. Angry readers will not only tank a given book but also they can make it nearly impossible to return to the genre again.
We cross-genre indies need to stick together. Tell me what you think. Are any of these pointers helpful? Do you have some tips, tricks and insights to add to the mix? I look forward to hearing from others who are also braving the less travel traveled road. Carry on and good luck to us all!
Janelle Jalbert discovered her passions at the age of 10. One was teaching, as she taught stuffed animals daily lessons. The other was writing, thanks to her love of reading. After reading about an aspiring writer in her favorite book series, the light bulb clicked on, and Jalbert said “I want to do that!” Thus, her writing career began with serialized stories for her friends.
Then, the cries to pursue a “stable” career won out over her dreams of writing.
After college, Jalbert taught language arts and writing at all levels. While deciding on a topic for her master’s thesis, Jalbert stumbled into the world of Magical Realism and was hooked, though at first it was limited to academic interest. Jalbert wrote while teaching including an educational book, contributing to a business book, blogging and reporting on education. Once Jalbert transitioned to online teaching, she simultaneously taught and served as a motorsports reporter and photographer while traveling the country for racing events.
It was during this time of pursuing education and a passion for motorsports that Jalbert took a leap of faith and relocated from Southern California to North Carolina. The move proved to be challenging in its own right. In trying to establish a new normal, Jalbert learned of a pup that had been rescued on the side of the highway after being dumped. Meeting Goose was a life changing experience for human and canine alike. It is that bond that is the focus of Jalbert’s latest release WINGDOG: Soul Pup, A Magical Mutt Memoir.
It took nearly five years for the ‘dog tale’ to see the light of day. In that time, Jalbert had an epiphany and realized that her love of writing was where her true passion lies. In the process of rededicating herself to the craft, Jalbert was faced with numerous heart-breaking challenges that tested her tenacity, yet her writing remained her lighthouse during dark times.
Jalbert seized any writing opportunity that presented itself, from copywriting to ghostwriting non-fiction books. The momentum and focus Jalbert maintained amid personal turmoil lead to her first book contract for a wine-themed book. While drafting WINE FOR BEGINNERS, she took the plunge and came out of the shadows with her fiction writing. Initially, Jalbert dabbled with a contributor role for an online flash fiction magazine. The work with the magazine gave her confidence to publish her first fiction title, FLASH 40: Life’s Moments, which went on to win the Silver Medal for Anthologies in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards.
In 2015, following the release of both a fiction and a non-fiction title, Jalbert’s new debut novel, TRIANGULATING BLISS, medalist for cross-genre fiction in the 2015 New Apple Book Awards. The first book in THE MYSTIQUE OF LIVING SERIES was released after two years of drafting, editing and planning during the most challenging years Jalbert had ever faced. The tale of living life to the fullest provided a touchstone for Jalbert, as she worked to reorganize her life once more, and illustrated the common theme in her literary projects: a celebration of the magic in everyday life.
Now, more than five years after the events that inspired WINGDOG: Soul Pup, Jalbert shares how the special bond between human and animal can be a case of unending love and loyalty that can overcome even the greatest of obstacles. It’s true, a dog may be a man’s best friend, but a wingdog is truly a woman’s gift.
In addition to her teaching and writing background, Jalbert loves to explore the world. Jalbert has traveled throughout Japan, Australia, Europe, the United States and other destinations. Her travels are often solo ventures with as little as a wallet, backpack and passport. Her interests include auto racing, the guilty pleasure of a story with a happily-ever-after, a glass or two of good wine, and some cooking therapy. Jalbert currently lives in Southern California with her rescue pups and regularly returns to her second home in North Carolina. To learn more about Janelle Jalbert and her current/upcoming releases and promotions visit www.triangulatingbliss.com or www.janellejalbert.com .
Website: www.janellejalbert.com
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/JanelleJalbertRRBC
Twitter handle: @JustJJWriting
Facebook: Facebook.com/janellejalbert.author
WINGDOG: Soul Pup will be released on Amazon, March 7, with full release across most major retailers in June 2016
by
March 8, 2016
Never Say Goodbye
Sometimes white magic can turn dark. Even with the best intentions.
When Angelica placed a protective curse over her granddaughter, Nancy, in a bid to keep her safe from society and her own powers until she was old enough to understand, she had no idea of the consequences.
It’s October 31st, and a grown-up Nancy is holding her annual Halloween party. Only this year she strays away from her traditional festivities that include her famous Halloween punch, and dancing to the Monster Mash, and opts for a spookier night. She will be holding a séance with the help of her friends and her new Ouija board. Little does she know that the protective curse her grandmother secretly cast over twenty-seven years ago is lifted tonight, and her true powers are finally presented to her.
A spirit is summoned. But only time will tell just who he really is.
Pre-order Links:
Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CITJ7V8
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/620767
Release Day March 18th 2016
Social Links:
Twitter @cbellAtrix09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010696021804
Website: http://authorcabell.co.uk/
by
March 4, 2016
All About Imps
Hello folks!
Last month, I gave a 5 star review to Henry Herz’s latest children’s book: When You Give an Imp a Penny.
Today, it gives me great pleasure to host Henry on my blog. Read on to learn …
All About Imps by Henry Herz
According to German mythology, imps are lesser goblins who often seek humans on whom to commit mischievous, not evil, acts. Imps are described as small, wild and ; in some cultures they are synonymous with fairies. They are sometimes depicted as unattractive small demons. Although immortal, imps could be harmed with magical weapons or kept out of one’s house with magical wards.
There’s a certain pathos associated with imps, as their mischief is meant to attract human attention and friendship, but typically produces the opposite effect. Even in “successful” situations, the imp remains true to its nature, and continues to play pranks on its human host. Hence the term “impish” is often used today to describe someone who is a trickster or practical joker.
Given their quasi-demonic appearance, some believed that imps were servants of witches and warlocks, sometimes known as familiars. Such familiars, in the form of the all-too-common black cat, black dog, or toad, were considered proof of witchcraft during the era of witch hunts. Science!!
Imp legend in some cases associates imps with an object. Some imps were kept within a container, like a bottle or lamp. Others were not contained within, but magically bound to an object like a sword or jewel.
Imps could be considered the alter-egos of the far more helpful brownies (not to be confused with young girl scouts or a delicious chocolatey treat). According to Scottish and English folklore, brownies are small humanoids that inhabit unused portions of houses, such as attics, basements, or within the walls. Brownies help with the household chores, but because they don’t like to be seen, they work at night. They appreciate gifts of food, particularly honey, porridge and dairy products. But brownies may depart the home if their gifts are referred to as payments, or if the human occupants mistreat them. It seems like a brownie would be a natural solution to an imp infestation.
Imps appear in the games Forgotten Realms and Dungeons & Dragon, and in the books THE BOTTLE IMP by Robert Louis Stevenson, LIVES OF THE NECROMANCER by William Godwin, THE IMP AND THE CRUST by Leo Tolstoy, The Oz series by L. Frank Baum, and MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES by Henry Herz.
Henry Herz’s latest picture book, published by Pelican (32 pages), is WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY. Before you lend an imp a penny, there’s something you should know—such a simple act of generosity could set off a side-splitting chain of events! A colorful picture book full of mythology, mischief, and magic, WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY shows us just what happens when an accident-prone—but well-intentioned—imp comes along asking for favors! The same writer/illustrator duo that brought you MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES brings to life a comedy of fabled proportions.
From tracking mud on the floor to setting the broom on fire, this clumsy little imp causes accidents wherever he goes, but he’s determined make things right again. The only thing it will cost his host is a little patience—and maybe a bit of time cleaning up some messes! It won’t be long before this troublemaker has won over the entire family (except for the cat) with his irrepressible charm. Herz’s whimsical prose and Larson’s bold illustrations make this tale a laugh from beginning to end—and then again!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you’ve had fun You can find Henry and his books at: 
Blog: http://www.henryherz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.herz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nimpentoad
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-You-Give-Imp-Penny/dp/1455621447/
You can find my review for When You Give an Imp a Penny here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/when-you-give-an-imp-a-penny/
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March 1, 2016
The Infinity Pool
By Jessica Norrie
Four out of Five Stars
Review from Harmony
The Infinity Pool is a book of Literary Fiction with a steady pace and a thread of unease running throughout the read until the end. On Amazon, one of its genre categories is listed as ‘Mystery/Thriller’, but this is somewhat misleading, as it isn’t anywhere near what a reader would expect from this genre. While it does contain a low element of suspense, it sits more firmly within the Literary Fiction category and doesn’t hold any twists or thrills and spills.
Rather, this story takes a look at what happens when a traditional small island community clashes with the Western interlopers from a nearby holiday camp that offers ‘Peace and Happiness’. The novel examines cultural prejudices and what might happen when lines are crossed. The book opens with the brutal attack of the resort director, Adrian, who is left for dead. It then covers the events leading up to his current demise. Once the tale weaves its way to the end of the summer, the narrative takes up in Part 2 with the resort re-opening in June of the next year, where Adrian is missing and unaccounted for.
The characters are well developed and distinctive, and the scene setting has the reader sitting at the pool right alongside them, fully a part of the community and experiencing what they do. Norrie has a knack for astute description that doesn’t overdo it. I love how she can mix the languid heat and siestas with a subtle sense of tension and menace, so that the two are woven together seamlessly.
This would have been a 5 star read for me if not for the numerous spelling and punctuation hiccups along the way. Which is frustrating when so much skill is shown in other areas. The amount of coughs and sneezes give this book a chronic cold that’s liable to leave the reader a little watery eyed if they notice this kind of thing–which I do.
So, it gets a strong 4 stars instead, which means it’s a great read and well worth buying. Just don’t expect a classic Mystery/Thriller, because you won’t get one, but you will get a tense and enjoyable read with a steady unfolding.
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February 29, 2016
March Madness! Prize Giveaways! Enter for a chance to win!
for a chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card!
Anyone who also leaves a comment on this post will be put into a draw to win their choice of ONE copy of one of my ebooks!
Read on for a sneak peek of my latest book, Interludes!
Competition open from midnight GMT 1st March 2016 until midnight 30th March!
Good luck
A collection of short erotic fiction that will tickle more than your taste buds and wet more than your appetite. With a range of genres and styles, this book has enough steam for everyone.
GREY MANCHESTER—contemporary romance in 1000 words. Will Nadine choose to drop her knife or her knickers?
DOUBLE TROUBLE—ménage a trois in 2000 words. After a dry spell, Sophia gets more than she bargained for with a solicitor and a teacher.
DRAGON KISSED—shifter romance in 3000 words. Jenna’s life is fairly run of the mill until she has a flying accident. With a dragon. All is not as it seems in this fiery romance.
TRYST—contemporary romance in 4000 words. Polly pushes the boundaries on a workplace night out.
LOVE ON THE CORNISH LINE—contemporary romance in 5000 words. Becky falls flat on her face, and madly in love. Her weekly commute home proves to be anything but routine.
THE INLAW—contemporary romance in 6000 words. At 43, amputee Carla never expected in her wildest dreams to be called a MILF by a hot young stud. Trouble is, he’s her son in law’s brother. And young enough to be her son. Sparks fly when she’s caught with her hands in the biscuit tin.
NIGHT NURSE—contemporary romance in 7000 words. Denise has only weeks left to live. What constitutes life, though? What fills the yawning hours of empty days? Who are you once the chemo and the cancer have stripped you bare? What to do?—Go out on a slow fizzle, or with a big bang?
OVERBOARD—contemporary romance in 8000 words. When Stella falls overboard in the middle of the Pacific, she gets more than she bargained for. Sharks and storms not withstanding.
ALIEN LIAISON—alien romance in 9000 words. When the military transport, Lunas Two, crash lands on Zorth, Jay is given the job of liaising with the locals. She’s seen plenty of aliens in her four years of service, but never one as finger licking good as Lemo. How far will she have to go to keep the peace?
SAVING FACE—historical romance in 10,000 words. Non-related step brother and sister, David and Annalise, break all the rules in this steamy historical romance. Forced to live apart from the love of her life and into an arranged and loveless marriage, Annalise has to grow up fast. When all is lost, will she be able to save face?
READER ADVISORY: This book contains explicit sex scenes and language hot enough to melt your Kindle. For mature readers only.
Pre-order Now at Amazon US / Amazon UK!
Release date May 2nd, 2016
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February 26, 2016
Street Team Open for Sign Up!
Hi there!
I hope you’re doing well I am looking for avid readers to create my very own Street Team. I am an awarded writer of multiple genres, which include:
Fantasy Fiction
Young Adult
Mystery/Thriller
Women’s Fiction
Poetry
Non-fiction (how to self edit)
Erotic Romance-short stories
And, so, I’m reaching out to my favourite people – YOU! Enter the Rafllecopter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon GC PLUS a chance to win one of my ebooks if you leave a comment to this post. HURRY! Competition runs from today through to March 18th! To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is to sign up for my Street Team mailing list by going to the link in the Rafflecopter and to tweet about it! 
My latest book is called ‘Interludes’ and will be out on May 2nd. You can pre-order it now for only $0.99 – and I think you should – at AMAZON.
However, if you have the time and will, I am putting together my Street Team, and if you join me, you’ll get a chance to get ARC’s, review older books – the whole nine yards! Sign up now!
Goodreads
Amazon US Author Page
Amazon UK Author Page
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