Diane Bator's Blog, page 9
August 22, 2023
Killer With Ice Eyes, the newest installment of the Killer Series by Rockhill Publishing’s own, James Hill
Killer With Ice Eyes!!
The newest installment of the Killer Series by RockhillPublishing’s own, James Hill
Released by Rockhill Publishing
The book is available worldwide in digital and print format
1997 – Maria is twenty-two years old. She is leading theBright Skies Agency, an anti-terrorist/mercenary group, which combats humantrafficking around the world. Barry Thomas, a government intelligence agent,working with Maria and her father MoJo objects to her tactics of lettingherself be captured, then using the GPS within her to direct the BSAmercenaries to their target.
Maria is driven to finding Sgt. Warren whomneither her nor her father, MoJo, believe is dead.
MoJo tells her and Barry the only way to becertain of death is to look a man in the eye and shoot him in the head. He alsotells them the Sargent will not show himself while he is alive. Maria takescontrol of the businesses which includes arms dealing, money laundering,kidnapping/rescues.
Nicky tells Maria he is stepping down as theGodfather and she is going to head both organizations. She has plans to rebuildthe mob as a legitimate business after the Commission Trials had decimated thefive families. At her request, Nicky puts out a contract hit on her as if sheis performing a hostile takeover. She thinks it will bring Sgt. Warren out ofhiding. It brings out more than they bargain for. Maria kidnaps Warren’s daughterto use her as bait, as he had kidnapped her, to force him to face her.
Sgt. Warren will face off with Maria and heriron fist, the Ball Buster, in a fight to death.
Other Books in TheSeries:
Killer Series (4book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)About The Author
James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker fromthe South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree incomputer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiencesseasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHillPublishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literaryworld.
The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, KillerWith Black Blood have all receivedfive-star reviews. Killer With IceEyes, the final chapter of theboys from the Bronx, is available now. He is currently working on athree-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is inpublication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, TheDiamond Warrior, is coming soon.
Torequest additional review copies or an interview with James Hill, pleasecontact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity:mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925. We look forward to the coverage!
August 19, 2023
A relaunch of the critically acclaimed guide for women by Dr. Katherine Hayes, God's Little Black Dress for Women
God’s Little Black Dress for Women
How to Put onthe Full Armor of God Without Losing Your Femininity
A relaunch of the critically acclaimed guide for womenby Dr. Katherine Hayes
Released by Lulu.com
The book is available worldwide in print format
Women want to be spiritually stylish, but wearing the armorof God sounds clunky and unattractive. In "Gods' Little Black Dress forWomen: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing YourFemininity", we discover how God tailor-makes a "little black dressof truth" that is battle ready for every occasion. Each of the 12 chaptersis followed by a "Teaching Highlights" and "Participants'Guide" complete with memory verse and prayer focus scriptures. Alsoincluded is an excellent "Leaders' Discussion Guide", "SmallGroup Leadership Guidelines", "The ABC's of a Small GroupCovenant" and much more! Don't miss the "Memorable Quotes" onpage 179!
God's Little BlackDress For Women: How to Put on the Full Armor of God Without Losing YourFemininity: Hutchinson-Hayes, Dr. Katherine: 9781365056161: Amazon.com: Books “Theattention to detail the author gives to this book in regard to the biblicalverses and the way the author was able to find ways of incorporating femininityand female empowerment into the lessons that each chapter taught were great tosee. The importance of making more room for positive interactions for women andsupporting women in general when it comes to faith and religion as a whole isso important in this modern age, and seeing the author’s work incorporate thisinto the lessons showed through her powerful experiences and memories.” Anthony Avina_ TopU.S. ReviewerAbout The Author:
Author,speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. hashad her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and deliveringmessages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelancewriter/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media,and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a reviewboard member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christianwriters), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work inart/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’sContribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and theFoundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference(2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves asan online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida WritersAssociation), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers ofColor), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (AmericanAssociation of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofitorganization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor for the nonprofitorganization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery& Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study forwomen and is currently working on the sequel to her first general marketthriller novel.
Torequest additional review copies or an interview with Dr. Katherine Hayes,please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity:mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925. We look forward to the coverage!
August 18, 2023
Launch Event for A Beach of a Crime is Sunday, August 20!
So I wrote a short story for a fun little anthology that comes out this Sunday! It’s called On Beach Time and features Dashiell Allman--Dash for short--who loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffett, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator. When her latest client, Phil Turner, turns up dead in a botched robbery, Dash races against time and the police to catch his killer.
Want a taste? Keep reading!
My phone fell off the table while Jimmy Buffett serenaded me about looking for salt over my earbuds. I reached to pick it up but was stopped cold by a shiny, black loafer resting on the back of my only good hand, the right one. There was only one man I knew who wore Brunello Cucinelli loafers with tassels.
“Phil. Buddy. What’s up?” I asked, still doing an awkward version of Triangle Pose while waving my purple cast in the air. Good thing I’d opted to put on shorts that morning.
“Your time.”
I smirked and stood as he released my hand. “Seriously? That joke’s as old as you are.”
He gripped my throat with his left hand before I could back away. A freshly broken left wrist from a fall while chasing a bad guy last night had made me slower than normal. Too bad I hadn’t listened when the doctor instructed me to fill the prescription of painkillers.
“Let’s make a deal,” he said, pulling my face to within two inches of his. “You solve a case for me, and I won’t have to kill you.”
I weighed my pros and cons. Pay rent. Solve a case. Life a little longer. Go work at the Seaglass Pub serving drinks while wearing a short skirt for tips.
“What case?” I croaked, struggling to breathe.
Phil Turner eased his grip but didn’t let me go. “Follow my wife and see what she’s up to.”
Trying to swallow, I asked, “Affair?”
His grip tightened as his spittle hit me right below the eye. “Not in a million years. You got that, Dash?”
The joke in my family was that my mom hated me, but loved Dashiell Hammett, which really sucked for the little girl she named Dashiell Allman. Not funny. The nickname Dash did make me feel faster though.
“Yup,” came out barely a squeak.
This time, he released me, shoving me back against the kitchen table. I really hated it when the creeps knew where I lived. I picked up my phone before he or the goon who blocked my doorway could step on it.
Like what you read? Be sure to get your copy!
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Beach-Crime-Mystery-Tribe-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0CD6B1DQ8/
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Beach-Crime-Mystery-Tribe-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0CD6B1DQ8/
AND join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryreaders/
Feel free to follow me on Substack now as well to keep up to date on all the latest and craziest! https://dianebator.substack.com/
August 17, 2023
I Burn, the newest single by Grammy considered singer/songwriter Glenda Benevides
I Burn
The newest single by Grammy Consideredsinger/songwriter Glenda Benevides
GLENDA is anaward winning, Recording Academy voting member, GRAMMY® consideredsinger-songwriter who weaves stories that touch the soul. Imagine the soulsinging love child of Heart,Janis Joplin, and Bessie Smith and that isGlenda. A powerfully resonate voice, emanating with blues and soul, demandingattention, calling to action and uplifting the very fabric of love sharedamongst us all… Like a wild tent revival preacher, Glenda’s sermon isempowerment, enlightenment and building bridges of understanding all wrapped inpowerful self-expression that moves you from the head to the feet!
GLENDA’s career hasincluded singing and performing for the South African Film Festival in CannesFrance, The Brava theater for a women’s fundraiser gala in San Francisco, thePopkomm Music conference in Berlin, a Beverly Wilshire, Los Angeles soloperformance for best selling author Harv Ecker (Millionaire Mind seminars) anda guest appearance at the Crown Plaza in Santiago, Chile to a Presidentialfundraiser for Dennis Kucinich at the Kuumbwas Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, CAand in 2017 a rally for Alabama Democratic Senator Doug Jones.
“I have known Glenda for numerous years now and she is one ofthe most loving, kind and amazingly talented people I havebeen privileged to meet. Over the years she has worked withexceptionally highly acclaimed creative musical and stage personalities. Her love of music shines through her songs and performances and I believe thatshe is a star in her own right. I have to add that I absolutely lovewatching her music videos which she directs and stars in. Glenda adds a veryspecial uniqueness to the music industry and I wish her all the best for hercontinued success.” Alison Demarco Author, Edinburgh Rock andBlues Festival - Edinburgh Scotland
I am very fond of a good turn of phrase and have long wondered whenI might use a particular one. I’m pleased to finally find this perfectopportunity. Glenda’s music is “a slow drink of whiskey.” Greatphrase, isn’t it? But I can honestly say that I can think of nothing moreevocative to describe what I hear. Her music is rich, full of life, andit will warm your soul. Her passion for reaching people with her music isunique and it shows. Treat yourself to a slow drink of whiskey. You’ll thank me later. Tim "Santiago" Converse of"Santiago's Magic
Goddessis a music and lyrical conversation that is fun, uplifting, introspective andsoulful. Goddess is inspired by and dedicated to honoring women who are self-expressed,who are courageously living life rich in self-expression and soul.
LULUWHITE – The Newest Single by GlendaBenevides!!!
Glenda's music makes a difference
EVERY TIMEYOU BUY A SONG, I PLANT A TREE FOR YOU!YES, every time you buy asong I'm planting a tree!
It's Simple: You buy my song or EP and I plant a Tree for you.
I give back by planting a tree for all music purchased.Together we can be In action and apart of the solution! Thank You!
To Plant More Trees! https://onetreeplanted.org
GLENDA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRESS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Mikkelson
Email: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com
August 15, 2023
THE SCIENCE OF AGATHA CHRISTIE by horror duo Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl.
THE SCIENCEOF AGATHA CHRISTIE
The Truth Behind Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and More Iconic Charactersfrom the Queen of Crime
The Bram Stoker Award nominated horror duoof Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl is back with a new direction in their nextinstallment of The Science of….non-fiction anthology!
Released by Skyhorse Publishing
The book is available worldwide in digital and print format
Uncover thetheories behind Dame Agatha Christie's most thrilling mysteries: Murderon the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, The A.B.C.Murders, and so much more!
Gothic media moguls Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence,authors of The Science of Stephen King and co-hosts of theHorror Rewind podcast called “the best horror film podcast out there” by FilmDaddy, present a guide to the Agatha Christie stories and supersleuths we allknow and love. Through interviews, literary and film analysis, andbone-chilling discoveries, The Science of Agatha Christie uncoversthe science behind the sixty-six detective novels and fourteen short storycollections that have become an integral part of the modern murder mystery, answeringsuch questions as:
· What is the science behind the poisons used tocommit murders in Agatha Christie’s stories?
· When did crime investigation become more common asseen in Murder on the Orient Express?
· Has science made it possible to uncover the truthbehind the investigative powers of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple?
· How did Agatha Christie use isolated settings tobest explore the psychology of her characters?
Join Kelly and Meg as they discover why sometimesthe impossible must be possible.
PRAISE FOR THE SCIENCE OF SERIES:
“Throughthe lens of horror, Kelly Florence and Meg Hafdahl take readers on athought-provoking journey through history and real-life applications on what itmeans to be a woman. A monstrously feminine and insightful read; the past,present, and future of horror is female.” —Meagan Navarro, genre film journalist, critic, andcolumnist at bloody-disgusting.com
Hafdahl and Florence havedone it again. The Science of Serial Killers isan engaging, informative dive into the forensic, environmental, and legalperipherals of notorious crimes that have inspired the horror genre’s mostcelebrated films.”
—Anya Stanley, writer and film criticfor Fangoria magazine and AVClub.com
“Hafdahland Florence have written a page-turner probing into the most notorious killersand their influence on film and TV. They wisely dive into a variety offascinating angles with Hollywood’s fascination, and the psychology and sciencebehind what made them tick. By the end, you’ll have plenty of movies to add toyour streaming queue.” —Paul McGuire Grimes, film critic and entertainment reporter
Other Books in The Series:
Don’t forget to listen to Kelly & Meg on Horror Rewind
Horror Rewind
About The Duo!
Kelly Florenceis an American author, screenwriter, and podcaster. She is best known for herbooks The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, The Science ofStephen King, The Science of Serial Killers, and the forthcoming The Science ofWitchcraft all from Skyhorse Publishing. All of the books are written togetherwith her co-author, Meg Hafdahl. She is also known for her podcasts HorrorRewind and Be a Better Communicator.
Horror andsuspense author Meg Hafdahl is the creator of numerous stories and books. Herfiction has appeared in anthologies such as Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women,Mystery and Horror and Eclectically Criminal. Her work has been produced foraudio by The Wicked Library and The Lift, and she is the author of two popularshort story collections including Twisted Reveries: Thirteen Tales of theMacabre. Meg is also the author of the two novels; Daughters of Darkness andHer Dark Inheritance called “an intricate tale of betrayal, murder, and smalltown intrigue” by Horror Addicts and “every bit as page turning as any Kingnovel” by RW Magazine. Meg, also the co-host of the podcast Horror Rewind andco-author of The Science of Monsters, The Science of Women in Horror, TheScience of Stephen King and upcoming The Science of Serial Killers, lives inthe snowy bluffs of Minnesota.
Torequest additional review copies or an interview with Kelly and/ or Meg, pleasecontact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity:mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925. We look forward to the coverage!
August 12, 2023
Zarya Episode II, Sochi Unleashed, from international best-selling author, Jackiem Joyner
Zarya Episode II
Sochi Unleashed
The critically acclaimed series continues frominternational best-selling author and Best-selling saxophonist Jackiem Joyner
In Zarya Episode II Sochi Unleashed, the fate of Cydnus, a highly advanced desert world, hangs in the balance. With oxygen levels beginning to deplete, this politically divided planet stands on the brink of an existential crisis.
In the heart of the advanced city of New Cebrenia City, Zarya, along with her father, Aaron, and friends Kizzy and Marco, must navigate a complex web of political strife. With Vice Chairman Eros's dark plots threatening their progress, the security of their only political ally, the chairman, is under threat.
Their most powerful asset is Sochi, Zarya's advanced AI Airboard. Yet, Sochi's newfound ability to control other machines presents both significant opportunities and risks.
Meanwhile, Aaron embarks on a perilous journey into the cosmos, driven by desperation to resurrect a long-abandoned project that might be Cydnus's last hope. His mission, shadowed by his past, is a race against time, with the future of Cydnus at stake.
Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed delves intothe intricate relationship between sentient beings and technology, braveryamidst uncertainty, and thestruggle for survival. As Zarya, her allies, and Sochi traverse this journey,the tale evolves into a saga filled with challenges and triumphs. Welcome to Cydnus, a world teetering onthe brink of an uncertain future, in this captivating narrative.
More From JackiemJoyner:
Zarya is only fifteen, but her planet's fate lies in her hands. Will shestop Gerik and his secret weapon in time to save the people?
Governed by a brutal military, Cydnus is an advanced desert planet withdrones and flying killing machines. Buildings that claw high into the sky.Everything is under surveillance and everyone is controlled by this system.It’s a fact, the way of life, and no one dares question it.
That is, until Zarya's father confronts Gerik, the planet’s sadistic,chief military officer. Immediately, he's silenced and never heard from again. In a desperate search to find her parents, Zarya uncovers a plotby Gerik to release a lethal weapon against the people, killing half thepopulation. The weaker half with inferior DNA. Using her father's research anddetailed specs of the technology used by the military, she is Cydnus's onlyhope.
Equipped with Sochi, her AI-powered flying airboard, and accompanied byher high school friends, Zarya sets out on a journey to find her family, stopGerik, and save her home from certain destruction.
Zarya - Cydnus Final Hope bringsreaders a stunning adventure of teen survival led by a strong female heroinelike no other.
“This is asizzling science fiction fantasy, complete with imaginative objects, devices,and scientific concepts that make this novel soar - contemporary conceptspushed forward and embellished in time, creating a cinematic tale well worthfollowing”, Grady Harp, San Francisco Review of Books
Now Out! Jackiem’s newest BillboardNumber One Single
About Jackiem Joyner
Contemporary saxophonist,author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner is set to release his 7thalbum, Touch, worldwidethis fall, 2019.
After more than 12 years as a recording artist, Jackiem continues to stand outwith electrifying live performances and brilliant music productions. As aperformer, he has toured over 30 countries and performed with the likes of thelate George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill,Najee, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and many, many more. Joyner’s radio success iswidely known within the industry. Joyner has two number 1 hit songs, five top10 billboard singles, and a number one debut album under his belt. In addition,he published the highly acclaimed science fiction novel Zarya, whichreceived high praise and a five-star rating on Amazon. In Zarya Episode IISochi Unleashed, the epic series continues.
To requestadditional review copies or an interview with Jackiem Joyner, please contactMickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.
We look forward tothe coverage!
August 10, 2023
donalee Moulton, Canadian Freelance Journalist and author of Hung Out to Die
I was thrilled to meet donalee virtually while a part of the Crime Writers of Canada Board of Directors. And now I get to feature her on my blog! I hope you enjoy meeting her!
donalee Moulton isan award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print andonline publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine,Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.
Her first mysterybook Hung out to Die was published this spring. Her short story“Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime.A second short story, also featuring the Iqaluit-based chief of police DougBrumal, was published this spring in Black Cat Weekly. Her literaryshort story “Moist” was published recently in After Dinner Conversationand The Antigonish Review. Aswell, she is the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean andMeaning What You Say and co-author of, Celebrity Court Cases: Trialsof the Rich and Famous.
CONTACTS:
Website: donaleemoulton.com
Amazon Author URL:amazon.com/author/donaleemoulton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donaleemoultonauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/donaleemoulton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaleemoulton/
Twitter: @donaleeMoulton
Instagram: donaleemoulton
Tellus about your life outside of writing.
Life isgood. It is filled with family, friends, and furry critters. There is yoga fourtimes a week; I wish it could be more. That is, I know, I wish I could fulfill.There are wonderful times in the hot tub with the snow falling and bubble bathsin the other times when the weather says it’s wisest to stay inside and soak.
Professionally,I’m transitioning from corporate writing and editing to doing moredevelopmental, copyediting, and proofreading for writers. That is a joy.
Doyou have a work in progress?
I have twoworks in progress. One is a new mystery with new characters. They meet in ayoga studio and come together to catch a thief. I loved Riel Brava, the maincharacter in my first mystery, Hung Out to Die, but he was very much asurprise. Not what I would have picked as a main character emanating from myimagination. The next book, Bind, sounds and feels a little bit morelike me. That said, it’s always good to be taken outside your comfort zone.
My secondmystery-in-the-making does that. It’s an historical mystery, my first. It’s adelicate balancing act: focusing on the fiction and ensuring upmost accuracy ofinformation.
Whatwas the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?
That’s aninteresting question. As a freelance journalist, I wrote on everything fromintellectual property to the armoured truck industry to eel grass. Accuracy wasparamount as was engagement. However, the most difficult piece I ever wrote wasfor “Lives Lived” in The Globe and Mail. It was a tribute to my motherfollowing her death in 2020. It was so difficult to write because it was sopersonal. I had no perspective, and I feared I would not “get it right.” Theonly thing I know for sure: Mama, would have told me not to worry. And therewould have been a hug.
Whatsort of research do you do for your work?
Thehistorical mystery dictates the era and, in this case, the crime and itsoutcome. So, I am busy researching that, reading books, listening todocumentaries, and finding everything and anything online. For my other fictionwork, I research elements of the crime as a first step and, in the case ofRiel, psychopathy. Sometimes place is a key component and I immerse myself inthis new world. Usually, however, I find specific issues and questions arise asI write, then I take the time to investigate.
Whichbooks and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author who inspiresyou?
I relishreading. I was a judge in the Crime Writers of Canada’s most recent Awards of Excellence,and I got to dive into more than 40 fabulous – and very diverse – books thatkept me on my toes and my eyes glued to the page. When I was younger and I wasdiscovering the wonder and wow of the mystery genre, I devoured authors likeTony Hillerman, Martha Grimes, Ruth Rendell. More recently I have discoveredwriters like Richard Osman. And Delia Owens’s Where the Crawdads Singwas nothing short of joyous.
Wasthere a person who encouraged you to write?
My mother taught me to love language – and to respect it.She cared about words and getting the words right. She was my greatestinfluence.
HUNG OUT TO DIE
Riel Brava, CEO ofthe Canadian Cannabis Corporation, just wants to be left alone to do his joband one day run for president of the United States. He has a plan. Murder keepsgetting in his way. It isn’t easy being a psychopath.
THE THONG PRINCIPLE: SAYING WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEANINGWHAT YOU SAY
The ThongPrinciple hasnothing to do with beachwear and everything to do with communication impact.The book explores why miscommunication occurs, where writers and speakers aremost likely to muddy the waters, and why we put our heads in the sand when itcomes to saying what we mean.
ALL EBooks and Print:
https://www.amazon.ca/Donalee-Moulton/e/B09WVR3K44/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk
August 8, 2023
THE WOODCUTTER, by horror noveist, Stephanie Ellis
THE WOODCUTTER
An examination into horror by critically acclaimedauthor, Stephanie Ellis
Released and published by Brigids Gate Press
Thenovels are available worldwide in e-format
A tragicaccident, shrouded in mystery, leads to a family reunion in the hidden villageof Little Hatchet, located in the smothering shadow of GodBeGone Wood, the homeof the mythical Woodcutter and Grandma. Alec Eades rediscovers his bond withGodBeGone Wood and the future his father agreed to years ago as nefariouslandowner Oliver Hayward schemes to raise money for the village by re-enactingpart of the Woodcutter legend. Old wounds are re-opened and ties of blood andfriendship are tested to the extreme when the Woodcutter is summoned andGrandma returns.
MORE FROM STEPHANIE ELLIS:
Return to the Weald, the world Stephanie Ellis introduced usto in The Five Turns of the Wheel.
Reborn is the story ofCernunnos, the Father of all, who has risen. Born of blood offerings, hetravels to the Layerings—one of those places, like Umbra, which sit just beyondthe human veil.
Reborn is the story of Tommy,Betty and Fiddler, the infamous troupe whose bloody rituals were halted byMegan, Tommy’s Daughter. Rendered weak by Megan’s refusal to allow them to huntin the human world of the Weald, they seek their rebirth and forgiveness fromthe Mother and Cernunnos.
With Reborn,Ellis delivers another powerful tale of folk horror that will captivate thereader from the first page until its final bloody climax.
Tyler Torrence has inherited his late grandfather's house, a home filled withbad memories and nightmares from his childhood. He returns hoping to learn thetruth of his grandfather's secrets, especially the secret of the 'impossiblebottles' and what lay beyond the black door. The door through which he wasnever allowed to enter as a child.
But returning to the house is a mistake. Itdoesn't take long for Tyler to realize the hold the house has over him, andthat he is a prisoner of the ancestral curse that claimed his grandfather. Nowhe must fight to break the curse before it claims him and his son.
ABOUT STEPHANIE:
Her poetry has beenpublished in the HWA Poetry Showcase Volumes VI, VII and VII, Black SpotBooks Under Her Skin and online at Visual Verse. She has also co-writtena collection of found poetry, Foundlings, with Cindy O’Quinn based onthe work Alessandro Manzetti and Linda D. Addison. A gathering of her darktwists on traditional nursery rhymes can be found in the collection, One,Two, I See You.
She is co-editor ofTrembling With Fear, HorrorTree.com's online magazine and also co-edited the Daughtersof Darkness anthologies. She is an active member of the HWA and can befound at https://stephanieellis.org and on twitter at @el_stevie.
To request additionalreview copies or an interview with Stephanie Ellis, please contact MickeyMikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: | 403.464.6925.
We look forward tothe coverage!
August 5, 2023
RESTORE, Book 3 of the Reborn Marks Series by Jenna Greene
RESTORE
Book 3 of the Reborn Marks Series
The Award-Winning Series Continues!!
Alone, back in slavery, Lexil must figure out away to survive...
Lexil is back inAnstetor where it all began. Back to who she once was. Not only has she beenseparated from everyone she knows, she is imprisoned by a group of rogueRetrievers who want to brutally punish runaway Reborns.
Though obstacles are placed in her path, she continues her quest to rid theland of prejudice and slavery. Will she achieve her goal? Will she changebeyond recognition by the choices she is forced to make?
Aided by unlikely sources, Lexil forges deeper into Anstetor, revisitingfamiliar places and haunting memories. New truths are presented to her.Relationships are challenged. Her body, mind, and emotions are pushed to thelimit.
More Books in The Series:
Seven timesmarked. One way out...
From birth, Lexil is counted among the marked, souls who have lived before andmust now serve those who are on their first lives. Which means she’s doomed toa life of slavery with its hard labors and brutal punishments. A life she’slearning to endure.
But when the marked child she’s befriended is faced with a fate worse thandeath, Lexil decides to fight back. No matter the risk, no matter the cost.
Her only hope is to flee to the Wastelands with the one person she trusts,Finn. As he leads them through the deadly lands, she realizes that there are onlytwo classes of people in the dangerous wilds, the hunters and the hunted. Andamong them, those who carry the knowledge of what it truly means to be aReborn.
But to get to that truth and escape the barren lands alive, Lexil must facechallenges that will test everything she thought she knew--and everything shethought she was…
The 100 meets Hunger Games and Divergent in thisstunning young adult Dystopian series. Scroll up and one-click now to find outif being a Reborn is a myth, a curse...or an incredible destiny.
Haunted by memories of those left behind, Lexiland Finn are forced to venture back into the Wastelands.
The Unclaimed Cities are not the idyllic setting Lexil, Finn, and Ceera thoughtit would be. This new land has challenges of its own – which they soondiscover. When Lexil and Finn return to the Wastelands, they are accompanied byKaylen, someone they can’t decide is a friend or foe. As they retrace theirpath, they meet up with old allies and enemies, and encounter other treachery embeddedin the Wastelands. The trio are then forced to face their own assumptions,prejudices, and fears.
And in the end, to change her fate and alter the destiny of all other Reborns,Lexil must decide what she is willing to risk...
About Jenna:
Jenna Greene is a writer and teacher, as wellas a clumsy dancer, enthusiastic dragonboat paddler, and a semi-professionalnapper.
Jenna is available for interviews, media appearances,speaking engagements, and/or book review requests - please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.comby email or by phone at 403.464.6925.
Welook forward to the coverage!
August 3, 2023
Introducing Wine Witch on Fire by Canadian Wine Expert and Writer, Natalie MacLean
After reading WineWitch on Fire by Natalie MacLean while on holidays, I just had to reach out and ask to share her book on my blog! Here's my own review posted on Goodreadsand Amazon. Keep reading for many, many, many more!!
"When we name what's happening to us and how we feelabout it, we often feel a release. That's why memoirs are so powerful. Peoplefeel seen and heard in someone else's experience, someone who has put it intowords for them." (page 259 - which has a lot of great stuff!)
During myown coming-of-middle-age story, I discovered Wine Witch on Fire in a wine storein the Okanagan Valley after moving from Toronto. Coincidence? I don't believein them! I can say that once I dug into this book, I couldn't put it down-muchlike a good glass of pinot grigio or semillon. This book is not only filledwith Natalie's story of a horrific year that completely changed her life, butlots of great tidbits about wines, wineries, and witches. I found myself takingnotes!
Whether youlove wine or are just looking for a good memoir to read, Natalie's story dealswith her entire world imploding after the end of her marriage as well as anonline attack from people who envy her success. I highly recommend this book,which has several great insights and an easy to read style.
It also pairswell with a patio and something cold, light, and bubbly. But that's just mypersonal preference! --- Diane
And now, here's Natalie!
Natalie MacLean wasnamed the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards, and haswon four James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. She is the only person tohave won both the M.F.K. Fisher Distinguished Writing Award from the JamesBeard Foundation and the M.F.K. Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writingfrom Les Dames d'Escoffier International.
Her books — Red,White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass and Unquenchable:A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines — were both selectedas one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year. Wine Witch on Fire:Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much isher debut memoir.
Natalie is the hostof Unreserved Wine Talk, named one of the seven bestdrinks podcasts by the New York Times and one of Apple's Best Listens of theYear. Her website attracts 3.2 million visitors a year andher team has a combined following of 550,000 followers on social media. She is the wine expert for CTV's TheSocial, CTV News, and Your Morning.
Natalie studied theRomantic Poets at Oxford University with Jonathan Wordsworth and graduated withhonors from the Master's of Business Administration at Western University.Before joining the wine world, she worked at Procter & Gamble in brandmanagement (Pringles, Crisco, Duncan Hines), and then at the supercomputercompany SGI in Mountainview, California, now the headquarters of Google.
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Wine Witch on Fire
Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much
A powerful memoir of how one woman resurrects her life and career in theglamorous but sexist wine industry.
Natalie MacLean, a bestselling wine writer, is shocked when her husband oftwenty years, a high-powered CEO, demands a divorce. Then an online mob ofrivals comes for her career.
Wavering between depression and determination, she must fight for her son,rebuild her career, and salvage her self-worth using her superpowers: heart,humour, and an uncanny ability to pair wine and food.
Natalie confronts her insider role in the slick marketingencouraging women to drink too much while she battles the wine world’s veiledmisogyny. Facing the worst vintage of her life, she reconnects with thevineyards that once brought her joy, the female friends who sustain her, andher own belief in second chances.
This true coming-of-middle-age story is about transformingyour life and finding love along the way.
Advance Praisefor Wine Witch on Fire
Zesty, vibrant, meditative, edgy,structured, intense—these words Natalie MacLean might use to describe wines allapply to her Wine Witch on Fire. With clear-eyed honesty andneedle-sharp probing, her memoir covers a time of personal and of professionalcrisis, much of which rose from the astonishing sexism of other winewriters. Dire, yes, but the book is funny and a page turner. MacLeanappreciates the scope of the wine world, commenting that “You could createliberal arts degree with wine as the hub, connecting the spokes of all humanendeavor.” Fast-paced prose nevertheless yields many moments to ponder:“Maybe a memoir is a hug for your past self when you needed one but werealone.” And: “While meeting Daniel helped, I realized that I was theone I’d been waiting for.” Anyone at a crux will be buoyed by this writer’sgrit and grace. - Frances Mayes, author of the#1 New York Times bestseller Under the TuscanSun and A Place in the World
Courageous—that’s the first word thatcomes to mind while reading Natalie MacLean’s new memoir Wine Witch on Fire.MacLean is an accomplished wine writer, but this deeply personal book takes usbehind the scenes, revealing one woman’s journey and extraordinarydetermination. - Karen MacNeil, best-sellingauthor of The Wine Bible
Rousing, funny, and insider-y, NatalieMacLean's soul-baring memoir paints an evocative and compelling picture of whatit’s like to be a woman in wine.- Nell McShane Wulfhart, best-selling author of Off Menu and NewYork Times columnist
Thisdeeply personal memoir tells the inspiring story of a talented woman navigatingthe treacherous currents of the wine industry, finding her voice and regainingher power through a true connection to time and place, human terroir. - ChefMichael Smith, best-selling author of ten cookbooks, Food Network host,Order of Canada
Filled withgrit and vulnerability, MacLean examines the hardest parts of being a woman ina man’s world with honesty and poise. A read filled with healing and hope. - Victoria James, best-selling author of Wine Girl: The Obstacles,Humiliations, and Triumphs of America's Youngest Sommelier
There’s a lot ofunderbelly in this memoir. Someone will inevitably say it’sabout score-settling, but that’s less an opinion than a gaslighting. Natalie bent overbackwards to be fair. This book is a significant gesture to push the wineindustry toward greater inclusion of people who’ve beenmarginalized. While this memoir will be torn and shredded by many personsof ill will and with minds less acute than hers, I hope shestays resolute. I wish her strength andcontentment. Natalie, you done good. - Terry Theise, bestsellingauthor of Reading Between the Wines and What Makes AWine Worth Drinking
Nataliehas crafted her experience into what could pass for an unputdownablethriller. It’s all the more jarring because it’s based on fact. I lovedthe tension and fast-paced writing. Any man who has adaughter, sister, or mother should read this book. Women with a little witchand fire within them will enjoy it too.- StevenLaine, bestselling author of Dragonvine
With a voicefull of humour and keen honesty, wine writer Natalie Maclean pairs the personalwith the political in her new book, Wine Witch on Fire. In the process,she exposes the sexism of an industry while coming to understand her ownhard-won strengths. A delightful read with or without a glass of wine. - Suzanne Evans, author of TheTaste of Longing, winner of the Taste Canada Gold Award
In Wine Witch on Fire, Natalie MacLean opens herheart with authenticity to the pain of love lost, the joy of discovering newlove, and the endless questions of balancing parenting with being a workingprofessional. Her love of language is a joyous counterpart to her love ofviticulture. I learned so much from this fine memoir and I have a strong senseits appeal to the artist in all of us is limitless. - Ken Goldstein,best-selling author of Endless Encores and FromNothing
MacLean is well known for her vastwine knowledge and for sharing that knowledge but with this work she shares aplethora of personal life crises with humour and compassion teaching thatanyone who experiences similar troubles and mid-life crises can also transformtheir lives. Middle-aged men can learn a lot about how to support their femalepartner by encouraging her self-worth. It’s a must read for everyone overthirty years old. - John J. Mahoney, Ph.D., C.W.E.,author of Every Bottle Has a Story, Wine for Intellectuals and Wine:The Source of Civilization
NatalieMaclean has written a harrowing, heartfelt and often hilarious account of thebacklash she endured breaching the largely male-dominated world of winewriting. This highly personal odyssey is an eyes-wide-open take on betrayal,the insidious lure of addiction, and the sheer mettle required to rise abovethose seeking to cast a poisonous spell. - Rosa Harris, best-sellingauthor of Boomerville
Wine wizardwordsmith, enchanting interviewer, battle-tested survivor, fierce mother,witty, wise—Natalie MacLean is the whole package. Sip a great wine while yousavor her memoir. - Gus Clemens, nationally syndicated wine columnist,Gannett/USA Today
NatalieMacLean offers readers a look into the magical world of wine, addressinghead-on its problematic treatment of women throughout the industry. I came awayfrom this book feeling less alone, as if I'd shared a great bottle with afriend and talked through the life problems we all experience at some point. - RachelSigner, best-selling author of You Had Me at Pét-Nat
I'm encouraged by the support everyday wine lovers andreaders are giving the book on Goodreads, the social media site forbook lovers owned by Amazon:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62020400-wine-witch-on-fire
Other Books By Natalie
