Sage Nestler's Blog, page 32
September 11, 2017
Book Review: Hot Georgia Rein by Martha Sweeney
Title: Hot Georgia Rein
Author: Martha Sweeney
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Releases September 12, 2017
First loves don’t last, not like you think they will when you’re in the beginning or middle of them. First loves are fun and painful, giving you the beauty and darkness of life in a single relationship, breaking your fantasies like a twig and making you realize that life is not all sunshine, sparkling fireflies, and rainbows. No, it’s not pretty at all. First loves build you up, and just when you think that life can’t get any better, they shatter into a million raindrops, making you see how life really works. First loves crush you, ruining you for anyone else.
That’s what Ivy Lynn Abney and Henry Lee Rein have battled with since things ended between them about three years ago. Neither of them have spoken and are still hung up on what occurred. They both have regrets and the love they once had for each other never really went away. They were young and wanted different things. Have their wants changed enough to allow their love to reignite? Can first loves become second loves even with secrets?
Review:
Martha Sweeney knows how to capture the warmth of romance in the strands of her words. From the first page, I felt connected to Ivy and her southern family. The hot and heavy romance was paired with genuine storytelling, and I enjoyed how Sweeney focused on the development of the characters. Many times I find that romance authors focus too much on the romantic scenes and not enough with character development. However, Sweeney broke the mold with Hot Georgia Rein.
Ivy and Henry represent a romantic couple that is all too familiar – the estranged couple who have separated but are still hung up on the past. The tension between them guided the story, and it presented a beautiful sadness too. Having gone through a similar circumstance, I felt connected to Ivy and Henry’s relationship. I couldn’t help but root for them throughout the book, and I felt bonded to their personalities. Sweeney’s writing is fast moving and void of filler, which had me on the edge of my seat. I am a sucker for painful romances paired with a southern flair, and Sweeney completely won me over.
The only reason I didn’t give Hot Georgia Rein 5 out of 5 stars is that I found some of the scenes to be a bit corny. The relationship between Ivy’s parents was too romantic in my opinion, even though their romance was important to the story. I think that their scenes could have been toned down a bit, and the effect of the novel would not change. However, these scenes didn’t detract me from enjoying my reading experience, and I am sure that hardcore romance readers will enjoy them.
Hot Georgia Rein is a saucy southern romance with a twinge of irresistible sadness, and Sweeney kept me thoroughly entertained throughout her book. I look forward to reading her other work! If you are a romance fan, Sweeney is not an author to miss.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.*
September 6, 2017
Box Review: Yuzen – Fall 2017
Self-care is so important, and it is something that I am really trying to work on. That being said, I have found an AWESOME new box to share with you! Yuzen is a box that helps you with self-care every season. They send out organic lifestyle items to introduce you to new brands that you will just love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Much love,
Ashley
Yuzen box is a spa subscription box that brings you various spa products each season.
Each box includes high-quality natural and organic personal care products, healthy snacks, and lifestyle items carefully chosen from about 6 companies.
Plan:
$35/Every 3 Months + Tax
*FREE US SHIPPING
I was so excited to receive Yuzen Box because I desperately needed a spa treatment! This is a great healthy lifestyle box, and it doesn’t disappoint. Let’s dive in!
Yuzen comes in a simple kraft box with an exclusive design on it. I love the flowers!
The inside packaging is peaceful, and everything is wrapped with such care.
A note from the box creators is included in the box, and I love how personal this touch is! The letter creates a great introduction to this season’s items.
Every item in the box is wrapped up in a silken purple bag. This is a great bag to keep in your bathroom!
The first item in the box is a package of Chewie Fruities from Torie & Howard! These candies are organic and taste just like Starbursts, but better. I love trying new candies and treats that are better for you than other brands. Needless to say, these delicious candies are long gone!
The next item is a sample size of Poo-Pourri! I personally love Poo-Pourri for my bathroom because of how well it masks odors. It also smells so classy. This size is perfect to take with you!
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The next item is a tube of Savannah Bee Tupelo Honey Lip Balm! This lip balm smells delicious, and I love how smooth it is. Honey is one of my favorite ingredients in beauty products, so I was so happy to receive this!
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The next item is a small bottle of Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser! I use this cleanser to clean my face, and I love how refreshing it leaves your skin. It is a true treat!
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The next item is a sample of Good Spread Peanut Butter with Honey! This peanut butter is organic and it tastes delicious. It is so smooth!
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The next items are tubes of Red Flower Ocean Shampoo and Conditioner! These smell delicious, and they cleanse your hair really well. The bottles last for quite a few uses, which I appreciate.
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The next item is a bottle of New Chapter Perfect Hair, Skin & Nails Supplements! I have been in dire need of some supplements for my hair, so I was happy to receive these. They are all natural and come in a nice sample bottle.
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The next item is a Shray Anti-Aging Skin Regenerating Mask! This mask was so refreshing and it made my skin feel hydrated after I used it. I love the rosy smell of the mask, and I would absolutely try it again!
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The last items that are included are coupons for the different brands featured in this box! This is a great way to purchase more of these items if you enjoyed them.
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Final Thought: I love Yuzen! Everything that came in this box was so much fun to try out, and it helped me find new brands to love. The samples are bigger than just trial sizes, and so many items come in the box that it is the perfect treat for a spa day. If you love natural beauty and lifestyle items, then Yuzen is the perfect way to try out new products!
September 5, 2017
Cover Reveal – Revenge by Elizabeth Knox
I am happy to release the cover reveal for author Elizabeth Knox’s new book, Revenge! This sounds like such an edgy read, and I can’t wait to try it out myself. The cover is just gorgeous!
Much love,
Ashley
*>*******
+~+~+~+~COVER REVEAL~+~+~+~+
+~+REVENGE (SKULLS RENEGADE 3)+~+
*>*******
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Every single person at Skulls Renegade MC knows me as Jenna; Jenna Lawrence to be exact.
They think I’m some club whore because I’ve led them to believe that’s all I am. I’ve done a damn good job at being that girl. Here’s the thing, I’m not who they think I am.
My real name is Tegan Hill.
I’ve been here at Skulls Renegade’s Gainesville Chapter for nine long years, waiting for my golden opportunity that may never come. Skulls Renegade MC is responsible for my father’s death, or if I’m more specific, his killer Will Michaels is, Reed & Kyle’s father.
I’ve watched every single thing happen in this club. I’ve seen Reed and Elena get married. I’m watching everyone around me starting to have their own happily-ever-afters. Only, I don’t get one. I won’t ever be able to, until I avenge my father.
I’ve devoted 9 years, 3168 days, and 76,032 hours to my cause. He’s bound to show up sometime and when he does I’ll finally get justice for what happened to me and my father.
I’ve expected a lot of things, but what I never expected, was to fall in love with a Skulls Renegade MC member.
Which will conquer? My love, or my hate?
Goodreads:
Authors Social Media:
www.facebook.com/elizabethknoxbooks
www.instagram.com/elizabethknoxbooks
September 3, 2017
Book of the Day – Behind Broken Glass Walls
I am super excited to announce that today my novel, Behind Broken Glass Walls, is Book of the Day over at Online Book Club! This website is an amazing community of readers, and books are chosen to be featured based on their review score either on Online Book Club or at Amazon. I am so honored to be chosen for Book of the Day and to celebrate, my book is FREE today!
Also, I have had the honor of working with an amazing editor who helped me rearrange my story and make it the best that it can be. Therefore, the new special edition book will be premiering later this month.
Online Book Club is offering a FREE giveaway today if you visit the giveaway page and participate in their social media entries! You will need to make an account if you haven’t already, but this is an awesome way to find other amazing reads every single day.
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Abuse. A Gun. And Her Daughter.
You never know how strong you are until you are forced into a situation that tests every ounce of your strength. This is what one mother learns when she finds out that the person who committed a shooting at her daughter’s high school was indeed her daughter. Her feelings are a mix of every emotion, but what bothers her the most is that even though she knows that her daughter took the lives of many others, she can’t help but love her the same that she always did – maybe even more. It is this love for her daughter that curses her existence, and makes her question her loyalties. Learn what it means to love a child when everyone else sees her as a murderer, and experience what it feels like to love someone who you no longer understand.
What are the limits on your love?
Much love,
Ashley
September 1, 2017
Labor Day Sale
Hello, Everyone!
I’m excited to announce that we are having our annual Labor Day Sale at Literary Vacation Club!
It is back to school season, and what better way to welcome the new season with a de-stressing literary vacation?
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Starting today, September 1, through September 4, we are offering 15% off of new subscriptions, as well as 10% off of anything in our shop!
Simply Use Code “LABORDAY” at checkout!
Our September theme is also “Autumn Mountain Giveaway”, and will feature a book set in the mountains of North Carolina! Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and I just had to honor it with this box. Each item in the box will help you welcome the coziness of fall and face the season ahead!
Much love,
Ashley
August 30, 2017
Kiss Me by Live Glam Review – August 2017
Hello, Everyone!
I want to share with you another month of Kiss Me by Live Glam! This subscription brings you lippies that are long wear and come in the cutest colors. I love how bright this month’s colors are because they totally math my artistic nature! If you love playing with crazy makeup colors, then this subscription is the best.
Much love,
Ashley
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Be Ready to Kiss
Your Other Lippies Goodbye
Plans:
$19.99/month + shipping*
Get your pout hooked on these long-lasting liquid lipsticks! Every month you’ll get 3 new lipstick shades for less than the price of 1. You’ll never get the same color twice.
*NOTE: Ships Worldwide – US Shipping is FREE
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Hello, loves! I am so excited to share with you another month of Kiss Me by Live Glam! This subscription is my new favorite beauty subscription for lip products. The array of colors that you receive, as well as how long lasting the lippies are, can’t be beat. So let’s dive in!
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Kiss Me comes in a small black envelope with the logo on the front! I love how sexy the logo is.
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This month’s theme is Sweeter Days! The colors this month are so bright, and I love how they are based on different ice cream or candies. How cute is that?
The colors this month are Sherbert, Pink Cherry, and Berry! Berry is my personal favorite because I love bright purple lippies.
The lippies themselves are compact and come in a satin pouch. I love the look of the lippies and the fact that they go on so smoothly! One application of these lippies lasts all day for me, even with eating and drinking.
Final Thought: Kiss Me by Live Glam is my new favorite lip brand! I have never found lippies like theirs that last all day, especially with how much water I drink. You only need to put a fine layer on your bottom lip and rub it on the top for the best application. The small amount used makes these lippies last forever! Another perk is that you will never get the same color twice, and these lippies come three for the price of one with free shipping in the US. You can’t beat that! I can’t suggest Kiss Me enough.
August 29, 2017
Box Review: The Witch’in Way – August 2017
I’m sorry I haven’t been active lately! I just started my senior year of college, so I have been quite busy. However, I have so many good things planned for you! To start off, here is my review of a subscription box called “The Witch’in Way”. This is a great box for Wiccan and Pagans, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are spiritual like I am, then this box is perfect!
Much love,
Ashley
ENJOY A MONTHLY THEMED BOX FOR WITCHES
Join now and receive regular monthly items as well as 3-4 themed items each month directly to your door!
Subscription Options:
The Witch’in Way Monthly Box
Smudge Stick
2 Charcoal Discs
1 Specially Selected Stone
2 Bags of Specially Selected Herbs
Specially Dressed Candle or 4 Chime Candles (depending on the monthly theme)
AND 3-4 Surprise Items Relating to The Theme of the Month
$38/Month + Shipping
$114/3-Months + Shipping
Witch’in Surprise Box
Receive a monthly box of 5-6 plus surprise items tailored for the new and seasoned practitioner! Items include but are not limited to: incense, jewelry, ritual kits, smudge supplies, bags, spell components and much more!! It’s a great gift to give yourself each month!! Orders are taken from the first day of the month until the last day of the same month and ship on the first day of the next month
$45/month + Shipping
$125/3-months + Shipping
$230/6-months + Shipping
I was so excited to receive The Witch’in Way because I love all of the effort that the creators put into making the box! This box is perfect for Wiccans and Pagans, and I love being able to have a box to cater to my spiritual needs.
The Witch’in Way comes in a simple kraft box that is sturdy enough to handle shipping!
The contents of the box are wrapped beautifully in tissue paper! I like the care that goes into the packaging.
The instructions and item list for this month are wrapped up in a scroll! The mystical look of this is adorable. This box’s theme is “Moon Magic”, which is perfect because I received it before the eclipse occurred!
The first item is a pendulum! This mystical pendulum is designed to be an oracle to answer any questions that you might have. It is made out of quartz crystal and comes with instructions. I love using pendulums, so I am so happy that this was included! It is a necessity for spiritual practitioners, and it aligns perfectly with the eclipse.
The next item is a Dark Moon Candle! It smells like sandalwood and has a Wiccan charm on it. Black candles are always a nice touch on altars, and I love the simple smell of this candle.
The next item is a Dark Moon Bath Bomb made exclusively by The Witch’in Way! I am a sucker for bath bombs, so this is a nice touch. The oils and scents used in this bath bomb are designed to encourage spiritual growth, mastery of self, relaxation, energy, happiness, and peace. It is such a relaxing combination!
The next item is a bottle of Lunar Libation Oil! This is also exclusive from The Witch’in Way, which I love. It contains sandalwood, camphor, vanilla and geranium for a mix of positivity. I like using these oils on myself to attract positive energy.
The next item is a bath bomb based on the Full Moon! This bath bomb is blended with jasmine, sandalwood, and lemon to help connect you connect to your purest intentions. Jasmine is one of my favorite scents, so I love how crisp and clean this bomb smells!
In each box, The Witch’in Way sends out a different crystal or stone. This box came with a Labradorite stone, which happens to be one of my favorites! I am a crystal healer, so I love adding new stones to my collection and I use Labradorite frequently. Labradorite can be used spiritually to protect your aura, raise consciousness, and ground spiritual energies. It also helps with psychic abilities and strengthening your intuition!
The herbs included this month are Angelica Seeds and Jasmine Flowers! These bags are fairly big and provide enough herbs to work in many magical settings. I personally love using these herbs for herbal tea because of their properties, so I will be making my own teas with them!
Jasmine is considered to be the sacred flower of Kama, the god of Love, so it is often used for love or relationships. This is a great herb to use in baths!
Angelics Seeds are used to treat insomnia, headaches, and stomach problems. I constantly have headaches and digestive problems, so this is a perfect herb to use for that!
The last items in this box are staples, and they come every month! Included is a sage stick as well as two charcoal tablets. These are great to use in rituals.
Final Thought: The Witch’in Way is an excellent box for new practitioners or seasoned practitioners! I loved everything included, and the fact that most of the items were created/packaged by The Witch’in Way team was such a personal touch. I loved the moon theme of this box, and I will be putting everything to great use. It also has to be said that this box is well worth the cost because of how expensive these supplies can be at spiritual stores. I highly recommend The Witch’in Way!
August 10, 2017
Hello, Everyone!
If you are a huge fan of science-fiction...
Hello, Everyone!
If you are a huge fan of science-fiction and fantasy like I am, then you are going to love this new subscription that I found! It is called Afrofuture Books, and it features sci-fi and fantasy books by African American authors! I am amazed by this box, and I think that you will be too.
Much love,
Ashley
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Discover new SFF by black authors every month.
Every month we curate the best science fiction, fantasy, and speculative works by black authors. Our goal is to spread the voices of black authors in the SFF genre and encourage diversity in SFF publishing.
1-2 SFF books by black authors
Handpicked items related to the books
Access to our online book club
Support black voices in the SFF community
Plans:
$36.99/month + shipping*
*SHIPS WORLDWIDE – Calculated
I could not wait to receive Afrofuture Box because I absolutely love science fiction and the emphasis on African American authors is much needed! There is not another box on the market that features a genre this unique, and I love the creativity that goes into it.
Afrofuture comes in a simple kraft box with a logo sticker on the top! The simple design is safe and classic.
Upon opening the box, I was happy to see how carefully everything was wrapped! Nothing shifted during shipping, and each item was packed beautifully.
The box comes with an insert card to let you know what everything is and where each item comes from! I love having a list of what is included in the box, so I was happy to see this included.
The first item included is a card based on The Spirit from artist Olga Lolo! I love this artwork, and I love that it is presented on a card because it is useful.
The next item is a set of South African Rooibos Tea by Tega! I am a huge tea drinker, and I love how this tea brings a taste of Africa to the subscriber. This makes the box immersive, and that is a huge win for me.
The next item is a bag of South African Flag Colored Jelly Beans from Jelly Belly! These jelly beans are always a favorite, and I appreciate how they present the South African Flag. Adding this sense of African culture in the box is brilliant, while also giving the subscriber a treat to eat as they read!
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The next item is an exclusive Afrofuture mug! I love this mug because it can be used with the tea, and it has one of my favorite genres written across it. The mug was also nicely packaged and it didn’t break during shipping!
The next item is a book called Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha L. Womack. I love informational books like this, and it is nice to receive a book on black sci-fi and fantasy since it is so in depth! This is a great book to add to my book collection.
The last item is a book called The Prey of Gods
by Nicky Drayden! This book also came with an author letter, and I love that touch. I think that this is an excellent book choice for this month’s box!
Synopsis:
*A Wall Stree Journal “Summer Reading: One expert. One book” pick for 2017!
*The RT Book Reviews “June 2017: Seal of Excellence” pick!
*A B&N Sci Fi and Fantasy Blog “ Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2017 So Far ” pick!
From a new voice in the tradition of Lauren Beukes, Ian McDonald, and Nnedi Okorafor comes The Prey of Gods, a fantastic, boundary-challenging tale, set in a South African locale both familiar and yet utterly new, which braids elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and dark humor.
In South Africa, the future looks promising. Personal robots are making life easier for the working class. The government is harnessing renewable energy to provide infrastructure for the poor. And in the bustling coastal town of Port Elizabeth, the economy is booming thanks to the genetic engineering industry which has found a welcome home there. Yes—the days to come are looking very good for South Africans. That is, if they can survive the present challenges:
A new hallucinogenic drug sweeping the country . . .
An emerging AI uprising . . .
And an ancient demigoddess hellbent on regaining her former status by preying on the blood and sweat (but mostly blood) of every human she encounters.
It’s up to a young Zulu girl powerful enough to destroy her entire township, a queer teen plagued with the ability to control minds, a pop diva with serious daddy issues, and a politician with even more serious mommy issues to band together to ensure there’s a future left to worry about.
Fun and fantastic, Nicky Drayden takes her brilliance as a short story writer and weaves together an elaborate tale that will capture your heart . . . even as one particular demigoddess threatens to rip it out.
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Final Thought: Afrofuture Box is an excellent book subscription to introduce you to, or expand your knowledge of, Afrofuturism! Each item was carefully curated, and I could tell how passionate the owners were about the box. I thoroughly enjoyed each item, and there is nothing that I would do to improve this box. If you are a fan of sci-fi and fantasy, then this box is a must!
August 7, 2017
Author Interview: Allysa Hart
Today I would like to share with you an interview with author Allysa Hart! Allysa is the author of A Well Placed Wish. Allysa is a romance author, and I love how emotional her writing is. I hope you enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
[image error]When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have always loved writing. I used to pen stories in elementary school, but I was hopeless at illustrations so I stopped. After college, I rediscovered my love for reading and started devouring romance books like crazy. The stories started coming to me and I just followed suit and began writing. Best decision I have ever made.
What is the first book that ever made you cry?
I remember this very vividly, it was in 6th grade. Every day after lunch our teacher read to us from a chapter book. Where the Red Fern Grows was one of the books he read and I remember him tearing up as he read and I could feel the emotion like I was living it and before I knew it I was sobbing. It was intense.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I wrote this book in under two months. The other two took a bit longer, but as I get more serious about my writing career I dedicate more time to writing and get stories out faster.
Do you have any bizarre writing quirks?
I don’t think so. I am not a linear writer by any means. I write my stories in scenes and I move things all over the place before I end up with a finished product. When the stories come to me they are all there, from beginning to end, usually. I just have to get them on paper looking good for my readers.
Where do you get your book ideas?
Everywhere. I am always thinking about story ideas, but not all of them come to fruition. Usually, because I forget to write them down.
What do you do when you are not writing?
Read, graphic design, and hang out with my toddler.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are proud of me. When I told my mom her response was, “Its about time. You have always been great with words.” They buy my stuff, but they are not allowed to read it. lol
Do you hear much from your readers? What kinds of things do they say?
I love to hear from readers and I maintain the best relationships that I can with them. I have had tearful confessions of inner struggles and angry words because the emotions in my stories are strong and broke them down. Whether its good or critical feedback, I welcome it. I want to learn and grow and if no one tells me what I can improve on then there is no room for progress.
What do you think makes a good story?
Emotions. I want to love or hate or fear or agonize WITH the characters. I want to feel the story as if it is my own.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both. On days where the words are flowing I feel amazing like I could take on the world. The days that I am struggling to get 500 words, let alone meet my daily goal, I wonder why I am even doing this. Luckily that feeling never lasts long.
What are common traps that new authors fall into?
I am still a new author and still falling into traps. lol
Have you ever got READERS Block?
Sometimes nothing will keep my attention, I like to see books through to the end, but lately, I have been bad about it.
If you could tell your younger writer self-anything, what would it be?
Never stop. Start and never stop. The story is not stupid, it is your story and it deserves to be told.
What was the best money you ever spent as an author?
My new banner for a book signing. I think it is going to make a huge splash.
What does literary success look like for you?
I have achieved it. I wrote a book and at least one person bought it, read it, and loved it. I continue to write because I love it and it brings a little extra money to my family.
Tell us about your latest book.
Fiona Burelli is a 22 year old socialite living a fast paced privileged lifestyle where she believes she is untouchable. Her father, Vincent Burelli, is a wealthy politician with questionable ethics. Even though she can’t stand the man, she loves the money and the power that came with being a Burelli.
When Vincent is arrested, all of her possessions are seized and assets are frozen and Fiona has no choice but to seek out her family for help or end up on the streets.
She quickly learns the only person willing to take her in is an estranged aunt she has only met once in her entire life.
Fi is forced to trade in her credit cards and designer shoes for a broom and dust pan as she learns how the lower classes live, but she constantly reminds herself, the change is only temporary.
Stumbling into a hidden room of the antique shop, she lets her curiosity gets the best of her and ends up in the company of a sexy, nonsense genie with a penchant for discipline.
Being in the small town with the unique older woman and a sexy genie, she learns more than just how to do laundry and dishes.
Do you sometimes find yourself Googling yourself?
I actually never have. lol
Describe how you felt when you published your first book.
Like I had poured out my soul and people were going to actually read it. I was scared to death, but I am so so glad I did.
What’s coming next?
Sequels! I have a sequel written for Adopting Katie and the next book in the Fantastical Daddy Doms story is already in the works. I am also going to be revisiting Rawhide Ranch a whole lot more, stay tuned.
Do you have a favourite book?
No, it changes all the time and depends on my mood.
August 4, 2017
FREE BOOK: Behind Broken Glass Walls by N.M. Aaroones
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Abuse. A Gun. And Her Daughter.
You never know how strong you are until you are forced into a situation that tests every ounce of your strength. This is what one mother learns when she finds out that the person who committed a shooting at her daughter’s high school was indeed her daughter. Her feelings are a mix of every emotion, but what bothers her the most is that even though she knows that her daughter took the lives of many others, she can’t help but love her the same that she always did – maybe even more. It is this love for her daughter that curses her existence, and makes her question her loyalties. Learn what it means to love a child when everyone else sees her as a murderer, and experience what it feels like to love someone who you no longer understand.
What are the limits on your love?
*.*.*.*.*
In celebration of my book, Behind Broken Glass Walls, being Book of the Day at onlinebookclub.org on September 3, I am giving the book away FOR FREE on Amazon from August 5 – 6. I am hoping to get more Amazon reviews for my book up before then, so if you are able to download the book and leave an Amazon review, I would truly appreciate it! Also, who doesn’t love free books?
Thank you so much for all of your love and support!
