Angela Myron's Blog, page 4

Ennara Chosen a "Magical Read" by Nickelodeon & Wattpad

I've been quiet as far as news is concerned. This spring, I drafted a retelling of the Buddhist story The Flying White Horse, featuring a stubborn girl,  a mysterious homeless boy, and plenty of peril.  After a month of making trailers for friend authors, I've dived deep into revisions on the story. 

However, I'm breaking from rewrites to share a rare gem of news! Ennara and the Fallen Druid is featured this month as a "Magical Read", chosen by Wattpad HQ and Nickelodeon's Every Witch Way as one of four favorite magical stories on the site. I'm thrilled by the honor. Check it out!

The Children of Darkness by David Litwack

The Children of Darkness, book one of the dystopian trilogy, The Seekers by David Litwack"But what are we without dreams?"

A thousand years ago the Darkness came--a time of violence and social collapse when technology ran rampant. But the vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with "temple magic," eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything.

Childhood friends, Orah and Nathaniel, have always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for more from life but unwilling to challenge the rigid status quo. When their friend Thomas returns from the Temple after his "teaching"—the secret coming-of-age ritual that binds the young to the Light—they barely recognize the broken and brooding man the boy has become. Then when Orah is summoned as well, Nathaniel follows in a foolhardy attempt to save her.

In the prisons of Temple City, they discover a terrible secret that launches the three on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in jeopardy. For hidden in the keep awaits a truth from the past that threatens the foundation of the Temple. If they reveal that truth, they might release the long-suppressed potential of their people, but they would also incur the Temple’s wrath as it is written:

"If there comes among you a dreamer of dreams saying 'Let us return to the darkness,' you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light."

AMAZON * Barnes & Noble

Praise for The Children of Darkness“A must-read page turner.” Kirkus Review

“Litwack’s storytelling painted a world of both light and darkness–and the truth that would mix the two.” Fiction Fervor

“The Children of Darkness is a dystopian novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.” C.P. Bialois

“A fresh perspective on our own society...[an] enjoyable read that will make you wonder just how society will judge us in the future.” Lexie
Author David Litwack The urge to write first struck when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter's editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.

After publishing two award winning novels, Along the Watchtower and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky, he’s hard at work on the dystopian trilogy, The Seekers.

David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.Website * Facebook * Twitter

  BookBlast Giveaway$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 7/12/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starchild by Vacen Taylor

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade science fiction series "Starchild" by Vacen Taylor (May 8 to 10, 2015). There is so much to celebrate: not only do the books have NEW covers, but the third book in the series, "The Healing Stone" has just been released! About the Books The Age of AkraBook 1: The Age of Akra 
Author: Vacen Taylor
Publication Date: March 6, 2013
Publisher: Odyssey Books
Pages: 150
Recommended Ages: 10+

When Mai is chosen to take a pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts to train with the oldest and wisest master of their people, an ancient prophecy is set in motion. The events to come have been predicted but are not unchangeable. When the Starchild returns to the planet of Sage, the foreknowledge of the prophecy begins to gain strength. Four children come together and become linked to the events that lie ahead. In The Age of Akra, the first stage of their journey has them facing the deadly spiderflax, only then to be confronted by a creature of the underworld, an evil Dementra called Amual. The struggle to bring peace to the world of powerful energies lies in the hands of these four children and a strange little lizard. And it will not come easy. This journey is only the beginning.

*Available as a 99 cent E-Book through Amazon *

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Ganxy | iTunes | The Book Depository Buzz About Book 1

"The Age of Akra is a riveting, well-written, and imaginative story featuring an intricate plot and stellar cast of characters that is sure to be thoroughly enjoyed by tweens, teens, and even adults who love a great science fiction tale. This is a real page-turner and I highly recommend this book to children aged 10 and older. I just loved it and to think the author has seven books planned for the series ... I'm salivating." ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"What an imagination!! Absolutely fabulous. What a great read. The characters came to life so easily. Their physical descriptions have me a visual idea but their personalities evolved and developed quickly so they were my friends and heroes before very long. I cried when Mia was selected and was on the edge of my seat when it looked like Long wouldn't make it. I couldn't put it down. A very clever story with wonderful likable characters in amazing places with fascinating skills and weird animals. I went through a range is emotions with these characters where I wanted to hug them, love them, give them a good slap, protect and spend time with. I cannot wait for book 2. Highly recommend this series of books and hope they make a movie from it would be a blockbuster!!!" ~ 5 Star Review, Dannielle S., Goodreads

"Masterfully told from different viewpoints, Starchild is neither a "boy" nor "girl" book, but rather an everyone book. Struggling readers will enjoy the simple truths of the characters, and more advanced readers will delight in the journey of Mai, Long, and Akra. A journey that introduces multifaceted characters, whom I hope will make an appearance in subsequent titles in The Starchild Series, because I'm already attached to them. Even the slightest of creatures was placed in Starchild with the greatest of skill, care, and thought. Outstanding job, Ms. Taylor, and I look forward to continuing my journey through the series." ~ 5 Star Review, C. Bullard, Amazon

The City of SoulsBook 2: The City of Souls
Author: Vacen Taylor
Publication Date: October 14, 2013
Publisher: Odyssey Books 
Pages: 176 
Recommended Ages: 10+ 

In The City of Souls, the pilgrimage to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts continues. Having already triumphed against dangerous adversaries in The Age of Akra, the four children -- Mai, Long, Akra and Sahib -- now face the evil melkarie and must escape to the City of Souls. When they reach the safety of the land of Naroan, in a city hidden under a blanket of living green, the children are confronted with the challenge of locating the Singing Soul. But the underworld is searching for it too, and will do anything to stop the young pilgrims from finding it. The prophesy is at risk of being extinguished unless the children succeed in their quest.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | The Book Depository Buzz About Book 2

"The City of Souls is the second book in a science fiction fantasy featuring an intricate and engaging plot, well-developed characters who are faced with new challenges, a well-described setting reminiscent of Star Wars with a hint of Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones-style action and suspense. I’m in this series for the whole haul as I feel completely invested in what happens next as the prophecy continues to roll forward. I highly recommend this book as well as the series to science fiction aficionados ages 10 years and older looking for something a little different. ~ Renee, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"The author graciously sent a signed copy of this 2nd book in her series to my daughter Emily. Emily read Vacen Taylor's first book in the Starchild series: The Age of Akra. She very much enjoyed the adventure and getting to know the characters. Emily eagerly anticipated the next book! Emily was thrilled when her copy of The City of Souls arrived and did what she could do to avoid her homework so that she could sneak and read The City of Souls. She read the book with much interest and said that she loved every bit of it. As a parent, it's a big comfort and joy to me when my kids find stories written for their enjoyment! The Starchild series captured the heart and imagination of my daughter. And she very much looks forward to book three." ~ 5 Star Review, Vonda N., Goodreads

"Ms Taylor provides masterful descriptions that don't bore the reader. Thank you. I think the writing is at its best in the action, but the character building, backstory and forewarning is all there and relevant to the overall building of good storytelling. I'm assuming the introductions to some of the other multifaceted characters will have relevance in future books. I do hope so. Overall, a great read for children who are looking for something refreshingly new and unique." ~ 5 Star Review, Kirt T., Amazon

The Healing StoneBook 3: The Healing Stone
Author: Vacen Taylor
Publication Date: April 10, 2015
Publisher: Odyssey Books
Pages: 176
Recommended Ages: 10+ 

After finding the Silvershade and escaping the attacking forces as the Wilder Forest city was scorched to the ground, Mai, Akra and Kalin must now face the evil that has consumed Long. When they reach the land of Cruscar and enter the ice city of Algus, the children are confronted with an ice challenge to win an audience with Queen Isolda. A treacherous journey now awaits them if they are to reach the Healing Stone to save Long. But Piceptus, the underworld king, will not give up his search and he will do anything to bring the pilgrims' journey to an end. The children grow stronger as they begin to master their powers, but will this be enough to escape this danger and continue on their pilgrimage to fulfil the prophecy?
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Odyssey Books | The Book DepositoryAbout the Author: Vacen Taylor Vacen Taylor is an Australian author, writer, occasional artist and amateur photographer. She loves creating stories for children and reading to her young readers. She is a happy person with a zest for life and exploring the world at large. Vacen collects comics and loves superheroes. Her favourite superhero is Spider-Man. Vacen also believes in expressing the uniqueness of self. She has had several short stories published for adults online. Starchild  is her first novel for children and is the first book in a series of seven.

Book Website | Author Website | TwitterFacebook | Goodreads | Google+Book Blast Giveaway *Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice) Contest ends: May 22, 11:59 pm, 2015 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, Vacen Taylor 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

Children's Book Week Giveaway

Mother Daughter Book Reviews, in collaboration with the fabulous sponsors listed below, is pleased to be coordinating a giveaway for a Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition 7" Tablet (+ $50 gift card/cash). This giveaway will take place from May 1 to 31, 2015, overlapping with Children's Book Week (May 4 to 10, 2015).  About the Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition 7" Tablet The Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet also comes with 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited (which means kids get unlimited access to 5,000 books, movies, TV shows, educational apps, and games—at no additional cost!). It includes a quad-core processor for great performance, a vivid HD display, front and rear-facing cameras, and Dolby Audio PLUS comes with a Kid- Proof Case, and a 2-year worry-free guarantee - if they break it, return it and Amazon replaces it for free. No questions asked! PLUS, we will also gift the winner a $50 Amazon gift card to help fill up their new Kindle with books!  Fabulous Sponsors (Bloggers)Thank you to the following bloggers who are sponsoring this giveaway. Please consider visiting at least one or two and thanking them personally.

Mother Daughter Book Reviews

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 Fabulous Sponsors (Authors and Publishers)A big thank you to all of the participating authors and publishers who are sponsoring this giveaway. Below you will find their fabulous books Please consider purchasing one, two or more books that interest you as a "Thank You" to these generous sponsors. Some books are free, others only 99 cents! GiveawayPrize: One winner will receive either a new Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition 7" Tablet + a $50 Amazon gift card (US only) a $200 Amazon gift card (US Only) or $200 PayPal cash prize (International) Contest closes: May 31, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: 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 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. NOTE: When the winner is chosen, ALL of their entries will be verified. If ANY of the winner's entries is invalid, they will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. In our last Kindle giveaway, the first winner chosen was disqualified for this very reason!  * PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BEGIN *ADDING BOOKS TO WISH LIST ON AMAZON: Hint...if you scroll to the bottom of the list on Amazon, you will see a button "Add All Items to Your Wish List". One click is all it takes! ADDING BOOKS TO "WANT-TO-READ" SHELF ON GOODREADS: If you do not see the column entitled "my rating", click on "settings" and make sure that the "shelves" box is checked. This will make it super-easy to add the books to your "to-read" shelf. a Rafflecopter giveaway

LA Times Festival of Books

Join me and the wonderful local children's authors of SCBWI at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend! The festival is held annually on the USC campus.

I'll be at Booth 834 on Child's Way Saturday morning until 11 a.m. For a schedule of SCBWI author signings and more information about their books, visit the SCBWI LA Times Festival of Books webpage. More info on the festival at the LA Times event page.

Interview with Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book? 
I became involved by working with girls and women and being a girl, now a woman myself. I saw as a clinician and as a female that again and again we are so sensitive, so intuitive, so caring and often we fall off of our horses and loose our stride if we feel deflated, hurt, ignored, etc. I decided to find a way to help girls feel stronger, more resilient and courageous, via fiction!

What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
My goals are several: an enjoyable fiction read in diary form; a good set-up for parents and daughters to chat and communicate about lots of growing up issues, via the pages themselves and/or the questions in the back; girls finishing the book feeling really upbeat, having identified with the heroine, the girl, and feeling stronger and more courageous about aspects of their own lives. 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 
I loved the girl coming alive and writing the pages rather than feeling I was pulling her along! There is a stream of fictional beings that authors often talk of joining up with as they write and it is true! The girl knew that she wanted to visit her aunt and find out secrets in the family and she decided to have a happier ending to the book than I initially expected. She knew things could get better, no matter how down she felt!

Are there underrepresented groups or ideas featured if your book? 
The underrepresented groups and ideas are the perceptions and feelings that we all had growing up. Once we are older we tend to minimize or ignore or forget the real feelings and insights we had as children. I don't want us to forget, because great wisdom, courage and the capacity for fun and renewal lies in those childhood memories! Find them again in yourself and treasure them as you see them in your kids!About the AUthor I have been a positive psychologist in private practice for the past thirty years. In the course of working with my clients, I originated the idea of THE ENCHANTED SELF(R), a positive psychology therapy where I teach people how to recognize and utilize their strengths, talents, skills and even lost potential. I have developed a number of methods, including using our memories to rediscover what is right about ourselves and our lives, rather than what went wrong, helping people to overcome adversity, experience positive emotions and live the good life!

Since developing this concept, I've been able to use many tools to bring the Enchanted Self to everyone, particularly women and girls. I've written many books, starting with THE ENCHANTED SELF, A Positive Therapy, and then Recipes for Enchantment, The Secret Ingredient is YOU! My books for girls are very popular, as they are great fictional reads and also help deal with many of the questions that trouble kids as they move into the tween and teen years. The Truth, Diary of a Gutsy Tween and Secrets, Diary of a Gutsy Teen are the first two books in this series.

I really love to teach and educate about happiness and how to benefit from positive psychology in ways that let us lead lives of meaning and happiness. You can find me all over the place on the web. 

enchantedself.com | thetruthforgirls.com | Facebook | Pinterest | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Barbara will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.  Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found at the Goddessfish Promotions Blog.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Author Cindy Freland

Cindy Freland writes the Chesapeake Bay Adventure series, teaching children the wonders of the Bay and how to care for it, the creatures and the land. The series also teaches children to be brave, helpful, patient, resourceful, loving, friendly, unselfish, respectful, careful and forgiving. Books are for children 3-10 years old.

How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your books? 
I have lived in Bowie, Maryland, since 1967. I love the Chesapeake Bay and the animals of the Bay. The gorgeous fields of sunflowers, children playing at the beach, soaring bald eagles, and majestic blue herons give me wings to fly into each story I write.
 
What were your goals and intentions in these books, and how well do you feel you achieved them? 
My goals in writing the first book, Jordan the Jellyfish, were just to write a fun story about the adventures of a jellyfish and to teach children about a misunderstood creature. Then I decided to write a series of books about the Chesapeake Bay and I wanted children to learn life values. I included stories to help with bravery, unselfishness, and helping others.
 
What are the future plans for your books? 
I have three books, including Jordan the Jellyfish, Curtis the Crab, and Heather the Honey Bee. I am planning at least 10 books in the Chesapeake Bay Adventure series to be published by 2017. A few of the other titles are, Oakley the Oyster, Olivia the Osprey, Chester the Chipmunk, and Christmas with Marco. I am very happy with the results of the books as they are in 25 retail locations and three library systems so far.

Can you share some stories about people you met while researching these books? 
While I was a vendor at a craft show in the fall of 2014, I met another vendor who told me about a manatee who swam from Florida to the Chesapeake Bay. The vendor asked if I had written a story about him. I said “no” but I would think about it. I am now planning a holiday book called Christmas with Marco, based on the true story of the manatee the vendor told me about.

What are some of the references that you used while researching these books? 
I do a lot of research for my books about the Bay. I love searching online and using just about anything I can find, but I especially love the website for The Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
 
Are there underrepresented groups or ideas featured of your books?  
The stories I write are to help everyone, especially children, understand the benefits of the Bay and the animals. Some of the animals are misunderstood, including the jellyfish. They sting but jellyfish are very beneficial to the beauty and the bounty of the Bay.

What inspires you? 
I love children and animals and they are my inspiration. I have two adult daughters, Alyssa and Andrea, to whom I dedicate all of my books. I also enjoy traveling to the many places around the Bay, including Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, Maryland, where I saw my very first bald eagle.

How did you get to be where you are in your life today? 
I am determined and a survivor of many personal obstacles. I take after my 85 year old mother as she is very determined too. I try to help people along the way in hopes they will help someone too.

Cindy Freland can be found at www.cbaykidsbooks.com, and cindy at marylandsecretarial dot com. She lives in Bowie, Maryland.

Years & an Ocean by Jo Noelle

Going to a séance was supposed to be a harmless diversion in Victorian England, but for Delia Spencer, it was life altering. Since that day, she has been plagued by fainting spells, while her consciousness visits Elle Thomas more than a century in the future. In modern-day New York, Elle has kept secret the dream-like memories of Delia’s life. As the visits have become more frequent, Elle is confused about what is her life and what is not. Back in England, Delia’s father is determined to marry her off to any marginally suitable man before her illness becomes known to society. But will Delia consent, now that she’s had a taste of Elle’s independence?

Amazon

Praise for Years & an OceanI enjoyed this fresh take on characters that connect over differing time periods. The characters were rich and interesting, and I loved the historical aspect with the modern. Clean romance is a bonus. The light fantasy elements bordered on paranormal, but never got out of the realm of plausibility. Good writing and a story I can recommend. ~Renae Mackley

This book was not at all predictable, which I love! Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, Jo Noelle took me for a ride. ~Stacy Carroll
An Excerpt from Years & An OceanMoth holes in the threadbare velvet curtains wink with the last western rays of sunlight as Mrs. Aggret, a medium from America, excuses herself to prepare the chamber.

“Delia, we’ll go to hell for this, won’t we?” Madeline whispers terribly close to my bonnet. The image of a fly buzzing in my ear comes to mind, but I acknowledge her comment instead of shooing her away. She’s sure we’re consorting with the devil—or at least his minions—and has mumbled a constant sermon into my ear from the time we sat in the carriage, crossed town, and climbed the stairs to this upper apartment.

But there’s no such thing as divination, and mediums are just actresses with a steady income. Instead of announcing my opinion aloud, I press my lips together so I don’t ruin the outing for my friends. Really, it’s kind of a brilliant trade for a woman who has to live independently and doesn’t have a conscience about stealing. They probably think they sell entertainment, and tonight, I’d agree. Any diversion would be better than sitting at the academy or packing to return home in a few days. Though the other girls seem excited to return to their families and be presented to society, Saint Helena’s Academy for Girls has been a godsend to me.

Who would have thought that this group of debutants would sit in a shabby apartment, bubbling with fascination at the prospect of visiting with spirits? Truthfully, each face carries its own level of comfort, from Janey’s look of amusement to Charlotte’s expression of boredom, and Madeline looking a little sick. My expectations are low—if this distracts me from thinking more on my family, I’ll call tonight a success.

Ruth leans closer to the group. “Could we contact my grandmother? Does our spiritual guide take requests for which ghosts will visit?”

“We didn’t come all this way to talk to your senile grandmother.” Charlotte doesn’t even notice the shock on Ruth face. “I’m hoping for a murderer or his victim—someone who died in this very building, maybe.”

“Do you suppose the spirit of the victim will be battered and bloody?” I ask, trying to look sincere, but a secret smile passes my lips and calls Charlotte’s attention.

“Of course they are,” she answers with a serious countenance. I jab her lightly with my elbow, but she continues, “Well, what do you expect from someone living on Marylebone Lane? I’m sure our medium contacts only the seedy types for our enjoyment. Perhaps on the way home we can stop off at a fistfight or a bear mauling.” Though her voice is dull with mock nonchalance, I have no doubt she hopes to see one or the other—maybe she already has.

Madeline takes a deep breath and whispers again. “This is sacrilegious. I know it is. We should leave before we’re possessed by demons.” She bites the corner of her lip, her eyes scanning the room as if a ghost will pop through the wall right into her body.

Janey removes her gloves and drops them into her reticule. “It isn’t sacrilegious, and we’re not going to get possessed. It’s spiritual. They are spirits. We have spirits. And we’re just going to chat. Now take off your gloves so we can get a better connection with the table.”

Obeying Janey’s suggestion, Ruth tugs on her calf-skin gloves. “It isn’t spiritual. It’s science—another part of the world science is discovering. I suppose that the spirits still maintain their ability to choose. If they are present tonight, it’s because they choose to contact us.”

I wish it were magic. Then I’d have the medium transport me anywhere else and as someone else who wouldn’t have to go home next week.

Our medium parts a curtain and reenters the parlor, candlelight flickering behind her. Silently, she makes eye contact with each of us, her gestures bidding us into the next room, arranging us around a wooden table, seating herself between Janey and me. The night is clear, but the air smells of dust with the static charge of a lightning storm, though it didn’t feel like this a minute ago. If this isn’t a well-staged theatrical as I’m expecting, then I hope Janey has the right of it and not Madeline. I survey the faces of my friends, smiling or grimacing, as Mrs. Aggret begins snuffing the tapers in the center of the table. It takes a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dimming light.

“Many spirits linger near tonight. Keep your palms against the wood to thwart the malevolent souls seeking entrance.” She presses her own hands to the table, nodding to us to do the same. Madeline’s hands press the table hard enough for her fingernails to whiten.

With only one small candle lit and glowing red embers in the fireplace, the room is nearly dark. The medium begins to hum, her head lolling from shoulder to shoulder, her eyes closed. A flicker of anticipation courses through me, part excitement, part fear. When the table shifts back and forth under our hands, I’m close enough to see our medium’s palms resting lightly atop of it, and I realize she isn’t moving it. The feeling of icy sparks wraps around my arms and spills down my spine. I want to shake them out, but I dare not remove my hands from the wood.

The table rocks sharply to the side and drops back, then tips away again. The hair in my clip rises in a breeze. When I peek around the table, no one else’s hair is moving. A cold presence brushes across my back and neck, and my eyes fully open, looking for whoever was touching me, but there is no one in the room with us. I feel it again and gasp, then raise my hand to rub the sensation from my skin. A warning voice whispers fear to my mind. “There’s nothing there. You’re imagining it.” I tell myself with much less confidence than I wish, my warning voice whispers fear to my mind.

Mrs. Aggret’s voice sounds shaky and frightened. “Who’s there? What do you want?” Then she moans, slumping toward her hands, convulsing then stiffening, her head skewing to the side and her chin rising. When she grabs my hand, lightning riots through my body, scorching through my blood, blasting across my skin, and writhing against my heart in palpitations. Though I try to rip my fingers from the table, they don’t respond, and neither does my voice. I’m frozen in place from an electric charge gnawing through me. Gray shadows of myself convulse in and out of my body. I feel as if my flesh, my mind, my very spirit were fighting to remain together. Panic swells in my chest.

The medium’s mouth opens for each word, but it is not her voice I hear. “An altered creature you have become—two lives, a time-ripped soul, from one.” As she finishes, two things happen at once—an arctic breath of wind chokes out the final candle, and the embers in the fireplace explode with life.

My friends leap from their chairs and back away from the fire, their mouths wide with shock, but I hear nothing. The sound in the room is completely white and blank. And it appears that I am the only one incapable of escaping my chair.

Looking down, I will my hands to move, but they stay firmly attached to the tabletop, my thumbs anchored to the edge with ghostly white knuckles. Crimson drops splatter the front of my dress, falling from my nose. Janey’s eyes are wide as she rushes to my side. From deep within my chest, a rip travels up my body, bisecting me, burning away the cold, scalding my heart, searing reality from my sight.

Author Jo Noelle Jo Noelle grew up in Colorado and Utah but also spent time in Idaho and California. She has two adult children and three small kids. She teaches teachers and students about reading and writing, grows freakishly large tomatoes, enjoys cooking especially for desserts, builds furniture, sews beautiful dresses, and likes to go hiking in the nearby mountains. Oh, and by the way, she’s two people--

Canda Mortensen and Deanna Henderson, a mother/daughter writing team.

They began writing separately several years ago but found the process much more fun when they started collaborating. They are debut authors, with Lexi’s Pathetic Fictional Love Life as their first completed work. Other titles include Newbie and Damnation.

Deanna attended college before marrying and starting her family. Canda received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Reading Specialist endorsement, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her day job focuses on teaching teachers and children about literacy.
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Ends 4/30/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.a Rafflecopter giveaway

YA Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!

Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are SIX contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the PINK TEAM--but there are also RED, BLUE, GOLD, GREEN, ORANGE, TEAL, and PURPLE teams for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!

If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.

SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLEDirections: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the pink team, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). 

Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by Sunday, April 5, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered. SCAVENGER HUNT POST Today, I am hosting Janeal Falor on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt! 

Young Adult best selling fantasy author Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it's time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, fencing, or drinking hot chocolate. 

Find out more information by checking out her website or find more about Janeal's books here! 
janealfalor.com | You Are Mine on Amazon
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.

Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly.

This scene takes place after YOU ARE MINE.

I glance at Zade through my lashes as he strides toward me. How am I ever so lucky to be with him? Just watching him makes my heart warm. He grins as he sees me, walking right up to me and kissing me soundly. I kiss him back, everything in me aching for him. Only there's not much time for us to be together before he has to leave for another council meeting. There's always something coming between us.

“I love you, Serena,” he whispers in my ear.

Before I can tell him I love him too, his lips are on mine again, firm but soft. I melt into him, wishing this moment would never end. He picks me up, still kissing me, bringing me up to his height. 

Next thing I know, there's a bright yellow spell beneath my feet keeping me in the air.

“Isn't that cheating?” I ask, a nervous titter escaping.

“Nothing is cheating if it gets me closer to kissing you.”

I sigh and lean onto him, letting his strength wrap around me. If only it was as easy for him to shield me from all the problems as it is for him to hold me.

Now for some Clues...Howdy, it's Angela again. Wow, You Are Mine looks like an amazing book! I seriously can't wait to read it, can you?

Sometimes it strikes me that the most powerful stories I read are about the universalities of humanity. Our oneness. Whether I'm swept up in a romance where two souls come together as one, or an adventure where the heroine discovers that deep down, we're all held together by one common truth, it all seems to be about the power of ONE. No?

One life.
One love.
One earth. One Sun. One moon.
One true path.

Don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, Angela Myron, and more! To enter, you need to know what my favorite number is. (I've hinted pretty strongly at it in this post somewhere.) Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the pink team and you'll have all the secret code to enter for the grand prize!

CONTINUE THE HUNTTo keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, Anya Monroe! anyamonroe.com

And don't forget to enter the drawing below for a chance to win one of my audiobooks!Tweet #YASH a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt

Hello Everyone!

I'm so happy to introduce to you the Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt Authors!

We have eight outstanding teams this season. I am going to be a part of #TeamPink! The Scavenger Hunt runs from April 2nd through April 5th beginning and ending at noon Pacific time on those days. 

If you've never been a part of the hunt before you should give it a try. It runs like a giant blog hop, introducing you to new YA authors and books along the way. There are tons of prizes including a grand prize for each team. If you win one of the grand prizes you will get a book from each author on that team! For more information and to make sure you get hunt updates, sign up for news on the YASH website. 

Not only will I be hiding an exclusive sneak peek of Ennara and the Silver Throne, but I will also be revealing the title of book four in the series! On my website I'll be giving away copies of both Ennara and the Fallen Druid and Ennara and the Book of Shadows, too. You don't want to miss out on this fabulous and fun event, but play fast because the hunt is only live for three days.

And now, here are the teams! (Hint: If you click on the image you can get a close up)
   

I hope you are all as excited as I am!

THE HUNT BEGINS 4/2/15!