Cathrina Constantine's Blog, page 23

March 16, 2017

#CTST

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

Wow, what month is it? Isn't Spring 2 days away? Winter doesn't want to let us go. Schools had been cancelled Tuesday and Wednesday due to the storm. I wouldn't say it was a blizzard, just snowy and icy that lasted 2 days. Right now the sun is reflecting off the crystalized snow and making my eyes hurt. 

My release was a success! Incense and Peppermints made it to the #1 spot for Hot New Releases on Amazon, and stayed there for close to a week. I think its around #5 right now.

This weekend we're celebrated my mother's 84th birthday along with St. Patrick's Day with a corned beef dinner. I'm Irish one day a year! :)

Have a great weekend!!!
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Published on March 16, 2017 21:00

March 9, 2017

New Release: INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS #romance #ComingOfAge #contemporary #CTST



Peace demonstrations, sit-ins, and burning the U.S. flag following the escalation of the Vietnam War are leading to a catalyst known to the world as the Sixties. A musical revolution, flower power, hippies, marijuana, and drugs are carrying the generations—young and old—into a new decade. All the while sixteen-year-old Mary Monroe is caught between being an innocent good girl and an autumn of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

When her brother offers a solution to her dilemma in the form of a little pill, Mary ignores the rumba in her brain and takes a walk on the wild side. Plunged into popularity and a life she’s only imagined, she meets Michael Covington, the hot newcomer, and she’s instantly drawn in by his less than flawless exterior and bad boy sex appeal. Caught up in the danger and excitement as they drift from party to party, into underground fight clubs, and through a series of drug and alcohol fueled adventures. Mary follows her new crush into a world where young girls are never truly safe from the predators lurking in the shadows and where young men are hiding from the harsh reality of war.

Feeling buzzed and as if her life is spinning out of control, Mary is assaulted by an unknown man at a party, and she’s left questioning if the enigmatic Michael is truly her hero or if he is the face behind the terrible attack. With every piece of information Mary learns about Michael, her doubts grow deeper, but with every minute she spends in his presence, so does her love.

With the war and her fear threatening to separate Mary and Michael forever, only the death of a friend, a crushing confession, and her own sensibilities can carry her over the threshold between adolescence and adulthood.

Incense and Peppermints is on SALE for 99 cents for a Limited time.

AMAZON BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH81QJT/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1489098206&sr=1-1&keywords=incense+and+peppermints+book

Universal Link: SMARTURL.IT/IANDP

If you're on Facebook you can join in the Release Party on March 12th. It's only for 1 hour. Join in the games and prizes. 
3-4pm EST. Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/618522938338466/



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
Celebrating my New Release! Have a Great Weekend
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Published on March 09, 2017 21:00

March 7, 2017

New Release: GIRL WITHOUT A FACE by Medeia Sharif #mystery #suspense #books

NEW RELEASE!


GIRL
WITHOUT A FACE By Medeia Sharif


Evernight Teen, Amazon, Smashwords
Destiny awakes with amnesia. She'd been driving on a wet road, about to leave flowers at a memorial marker of a deceased classmate, when she almost met that same fate.


Her mother, Mildred, is beyond restrictive, and she doesn’t want Destiny to have her cellphone back. A nurse sneaks it into her room, but it’s useless without the passcode. After her hospital stay, her mother becomes physically abusive.


Destiny and the boy she’s developing feelings for decide to drive around to spark her memory. She’s positive she crashed near a memorial marker. When they find the place in question, and when Destiny remembers her phone’s passcode, nothing is as it seems—and Mildred is crazier than she first thought.
Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

I was born in New York City and I presently call Miami my home. I received my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a MG and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer, I'm a public school teacher. My memberships include MensaALAN, and SCBWI.


Website
  Twitter   |   Goodreads
|   Instagram
|   Amazon

WRITING MYSTERY/SUSPENSE
I’ve written middle grade and young adult in just about every genre—contemporary,
fantasy, historical, and paranormal—with all gradients of sweet and
serious. After writing my first book, I stumbled on a twenty-four chapter
outline template and have used it for each book I’ve written since then. Not
all my books are twenty-four chapters exactly, so I do modify the template for
each manuscript.
The template I use contains three acts and the opening, mid-point
reversal, and climax needed to amp up any sort of story. After using it for seven
published novels and several unpublished ones, I wondered what was so different
about it when writing GIRL WITHOUT A FACE. It’s the same template I used for
previous books, but there was a difference.
I revved up the suspense. When I write other genres, I usually have a few
quieter chapters (quiet still means I can reveal things about characters and
add some action) interspersed with ones with higher tension, especially if I
include romance and/or humor. With GIRL, I found that I had to make every
chapter intense. I was dealing with a character who had amnesia and was in
danger…all the time.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Published on March 07, 2017 10:57

March 2, 2017

#CTST and Cover Reveal: DARK WINDS RISING by Mark Noce

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
One week from today, I'll have a new book release. I'm working on getting ready. 
I'm been trying to get back to walking everyday.
Looking forward to a nice weekend.


***Now Onto Mark Noce's Cover Reveal***

Dark Winds Rising is the sequel to my debut novel Between
Two Fires
, and comes out with St. Martin’s Press December 5th
2017! Today is my cover reveal for the next book in my historical fiction series set in medieval Wales. A big thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the great cover art!



Dark Winds Rising (synopsis)Queen Branwen finds her world once again turned upside
down as Pictish raiders harry the shores of her kingdom. Rallying her people once more, she must face her most dangerous foe yet, the Queen of the Picts.
Ruthless and cunning, the Pictish Queen turns the Welsh against each other in a bloody civil war, and Branwen must attempt to stop her before her country threatens to tear itself apart. All the while Branwen is heavy with child, and finds her young son’s footsteps dogged by a mysterious assassin. Branwen must somehow defeat the Picts and save her people before the Pictish Queen and a mysterious assassin threaten to destroy their lives from the inside out.


About the Author

Mark Noce writes historical fiction with a passion, and eagerly reads everything from fantasy to literature. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he’s an avid traveler and backpacker, particularly in Europe and North America. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also
met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. When not reading or writing, he’s probably listening to U2, sailing his dad’s boat, or gardening with his family.

Dark Winds Rising is his second novel in a historical series published by St. Martin’s Press. His debut novel, Between Two Fires, (also published via St. Martin's Press) is available wherever books are sold. Learn more at marknoce.com or connect via his newsletter or blog.

Between Two Fires: Amazon
/ Barnes
& Noble
/ Macmillan



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Published on March 02, 2017 21:00

February 28, 2017

#IWSG



http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlJoin Alex J. Cavanaugh and a multitude of writer's in this monthly hop to help support one another!
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Alex's awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG will be Tamara Narayan,Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!
This has been a month of writer's doubts, anxiety, and a mishmash of emotions. 

I've grown a thick skin of armor, or I thought I did, against rejections and whatnot.  My armor has been dented, marred, and at times, feels as if it's been chiseled with a butcher knife. 
Becoming a little numb, I again had thoughts of putting my writing on the back burner to gather my thoughts. I've read some fantastic books recently, and feel as if I cannot compete with these authors in the least.

It's been a turnstile of going from one project to another and not finding the right words to carry on. 
With a new release coming out on March 10th, I should be excited and upbeat, instead, I'm a literal basket case. 
What do you suggest?
March 1 Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?
I wrote a story well over five years ago. I exhumed the ms and with much editorial advice and help, that book will be released on March 10th ~ Incense and Peppermints. So, I believe it is possible to take an old project and rework it, but if your manuscript is anything like mine, then it will cost you much time and effort.
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Published on February 28, 2017 21:00

February 23, 2017

#CTST

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

On my birthday it's normally a blizzard or a nasty day of snow flurries, but this year the temp hit 60 degrees. It was so springlike, it's almost scary. I had a pleasant walk with my dog and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. 

This weekend, the family is gathering for food, conversation, giggles, and fun.


I'm still looking for wonderful bloggers with a Facebook page or/and Twitter to support my Thunderclap. Your support means everything to me! :D 
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52987-incense-and-peppermints

If you're at all interested, I have sign ups for the book blitz: March 10-14th here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/01/17/blitz-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine/

Calling all bloggers, if you'd like to participate in the Incense and Peppermints Blog Tour: April 24-28th~sign ups are here:http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/02/07/tour-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine /

If anyone is interested in ordering a signed copy of any of my books, please message me on FB or at cathrinaconstantine@gmail.com
Have a nice weekend
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Published on February 23, 2017 21:00

February 16, 2017

#CTST

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog

It's been a cold week, but spring-like weather is surprisingly expected this weekend. This makes me happy since I'll be driving down to Pennsylvania to visit my son and my new granddaughter. The thought of driving into a snow storm had been on my mind for weeks. 

Winter break begins the day after tomorrow for teachers and school children in our area, which means I get a week off from my babysitting chores. 

I'd like to thank everyone that supported my Thunderclap. And also for those who've signed up for the book blitz and/or book tour. I truly appreciate it and would like to reciprocate when your time comes. 



I started a Thunderclap for my upcoming book. Your support means everything to me! :D 
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52987-incense-and-peppermints


If you're at all interested, I have sign ups for the book blitz: March 10-14th here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/01/17/blitz-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine/


Calling all bloggers, if you'd like to participate in the Incense and Peppermints Blog Tour: April 24-28th~sign ups are here:http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/02/07/tour-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine /
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Published on February 16, 2017 21:00

February 13, 2017

Prah, Constantine, Baryeh Reviews: Challenging Miss Valentine #romance

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY



This month of February our review team picked a sweet read.


Challenging Miss ValentinebyCindy K. Green
Ella Valentine doubts she’ll ever recover when her twin brother passes away in college. Four years later, living in a new city and working for a large corporation, she gets caught in a lie and saddled with a new boss who she suspects might be losing his mind. Now he has her enacting insane acts of espionage while trying to catch the culprit who has embezzled money from their company. If it wasn’t for his deep brown eyes and lazy smile she just might quit. Is this God’s plan for her life? She isn’t even sure who she is anymore without her twin and the way things are going she just might end up in the loony bin.

Charles “Charlie” Murray II may be the heir presumptive to his father’s industrial dynasty, but all he really wants is to create—be it drawings or a marketing campaign. When he’s summoned to the home office to take over the position of CFO, he discovers his new assistant is the same woman who passed him a phony phone number in a diner the previous weekend. If he can figure out who’s been stealing from the company, he just might attain the position of his dreams or will he sacrifice it all to be with Ella.


Cathrina's Review:

In the very beginning when Ella jumps out of character and musters up the nerve to speak to a good-looking guy, she never expected to take an indignant backwards fall. Needless to say, I chuckled and felt her mortification. She exits the restaurant secure in the fact she'll never meet the gorgeous man again. Wrong.

Challenging Miss Valentine has a bit of a mystery as she aids her new boss in discovering who is scamming their business. While Ella is struggling not to fall for her boss, Charlie, she eventually can't resist him. There is some steamy kissing, but this is a Christian read and it's a sweet, clean read throughout. 

Head over to read the reviews of Nana Prah and Empi Baryeh.

***Also, I'm getting all my ducks in a row for my upcoming release. If anyone is so inclined to help, I'd truly appreciate if you could spread the word.
I started a Thunderclap for my upcoming book. Your support means everything to me! :D 
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52987-incense-and-peppermints





If you're at all interested, I have sign ups for the book blitz: March 10-14th here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/01/17/blitz-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine/


Calling all bloggers, if you'd like to participate in the Incense and Peppermints Blog Tour: April 24-28th~sign ups are here:http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/02/07/tour-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine /


**Thank you and have a great week**
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Published on February 13, 2017 21:00

February 9, 2017

#CTST

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog


I have a full weekend ahead of me. We'll be celebrating my oldest daughter's birthday together with her little baby, Hazel's first Birthday!!!!
I can't believe how fast the year went by.

Also, I'm getting all my ducks in a row for my upcoming release. If anyone is so inclined to help, I'd truly appreciate if you could spread the word.

I started a Thunderclap for my upcoming book. Your support means everything to me! :D 
https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/52987-incense-and-peppermints





If you're at all interested, I have sign ups for the book blitz: March 10-14th here: http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/01/17/blitz-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine/


Calling all bloggers, if you'd like to participate in the Incense and Peppermints Blog Tour: April 24-28th~sign ups are here:http://xpressobooktours.com/2017/02/07/tour-sign-up-incense-and-peppermints-by-cathrina-constantine /


**Thank you and have a great weekend**
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Published on February 09, 2017 21:00

February 2, 2017

#CTST

Celebrate the Small Things Hop over to Lexa Cain's and join in this fun weekly Celebration. Lexa's wonderful co-hosts are:L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The EdgeTonja Drecker @ Kidbits Blog
It's been a snowy, cold week with more cold and snow on the way. But all in all it hasn't been a bad winter in Buffalo. 
Along with many people, this Sunday we will be watching the SuperBowl. My pet peeve is: Why don't they play the SuperBowl on Saturday? Why on a Sunday when people have to go to work the next day. It kind of puts a damper on all our spirits. 

I'm happy to report my manuscript is completely edited to the best of my knowledge, and it's off to be formatted on Monday. 


What are you Celebrating?
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Published on February 02, 2017 21:00