D.E. Haggerty's Blog, page 68
September 15, 2016
How to get an author following? #marketing #selfpublish #amwriting
You’re already figured out that you need an author following, but you have no clue how to go about getting one? There is really only one way to get an author following (unless you’re one of those lucky bastards that had a big hit with her debut novel) and it’s this: Be Engaged. What the fluff do I mean with that? It’s simple. Just like any job, networking is important for indie writers. Only we do our networking online. Not as much fun as Friday afternoon drinks but just as engaging. But how do you go about networking online? Read on and I’ll tell you. Feel free to grab a glass of wine as well.
Blog. So you’ve got your blog. You’re putting interesting content on it on a continuous basis, but you’ve only got five followers and you’re ready to give up. Oh man, I get that. Been there, done that. You cannot live in a vacuum with your blog. You have to read other blogs, follow other blogs and like and comment on those blogs. Once you start engaging with other bloggers, you’ll find that your stats will improve. You’ll have more visits and slowly build up followers. I’m on WordPress and downloading the WordPress app was one of the smartest things I’ve done for my writing career. Whenever I’ve got a few minutes to myself (because my tennis partner showed up late or something), I go to my followed sites and scroll through the published blogs.
Twitter. This cannot be repeated enough: do not just shout out about your books! Follow other writers, readers, fun people, whoever! Re-tweet interesting tweets. And now that you’ve started following some blogs, go ahead and tweet some of the content of those blogs.
Facebook. I can’t reiterate this enough: keep your private life and your author persona separate! Seriously, do your ‘real’ friends (you know the ones that have actually met you in person) want to see post after post about your books? No, they want to know how you’re doing. On the other side of the coin, your readers also want to get to know you as a person. Don’t only post about your book or marketing stuff. Also include some posts about crazy stuff that happens in your life. I find these types of posts are the most popular.
Pinterest. I’m going to go ahead and admit I’m at a loss here. I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing on this site. I make sure I follow bloggers/reviewers/readers who are on Pinterest, but I haven’t gotten much further than that. Stay tuned…
This all probably seems like a lot of work. Let me tell you – it is work! But maintaining relationships with other writers, bloggers and readers is part of the job of being a self-published writer. Fight it all you want but it is what it is. It may seem that none of the above makes a darn bit of difference in book sales. Not so. Sure, you won’t immediately see your book jump to the top twenty. But improve it will! Your exposure will increase and this will lead to book sales. Really! Now go forth and engage!
September 14, 2016
Cover Reveal ~ Misfortune by @amy_saunders #cozymystery
Title: Misfortune
Author: Amy Saunders
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 18
About the Book
Belinda & Bennett get caught in a battle of wills in an effort to help a new heiress, who’s inherited from a woman she never knew. And it looks like someone wants her out of the way. After a man is killed on her property, it will take digging through an old house–and a family full of secrets–to unmask a killer, and a decades-old mystery.
Grab a copy here:
Amazon ~iBookstore ~ B&N ~ Kobo
About the Author
Amy is a sci-fi/mystery addict with a soft spot for humor and romance. She lives in Massachusetts, and loves to bake and watch movies. Learn more about Amy and her books at http://amysaundersauthor.com.
Participating Blogs
Polished & Bubbly
Up Close & Literal
Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Ali the Dragon Slayer
Whispering Stories
Pretty Little Book Reviews
Book Lover in Florida
Authors and Readers Book Corner
The Phantom Paragrapher
Coffeholic Bookworm
Kelly’s Nerdy Obsession
Readsalot
Sassy Southern Books
Chick Lit Plus
September 13, 2016
Spotlight on John A. Heldt author of Indiana Belle #timetravel #historicalromance #adventure
Book title: Indiana Belle
Series: American Journey (Book 3)
Is the book a standalone? Yes
Author: John A. Heldt
Genre: Time travel, historical romance, adventure
Published: 2016
Synopsis:
Providence, Rhode Island, 2017. When doctoral student Cameron Coelho, 28, opens a package from Indiana, he finds more than private papers that will help him with his dissertation. He finds a photograph of a beautiful society editor murdered in 1925 and clues to a century-old mystery. Within days, he meets Geoffrey Bell, the “time-travel professor,” and begins an unlikely journey through the Roaring Twenties. Filled with history, romance, and intrigue, INDIANA BELLE follows a lonely soul on the adventure of a lifetime as he searches for love and answers in the age of Prohibition, flappers, and jazz.
Grab a copy here!
Author bio:
John A. Heldt is the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage and American Journey series. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports on baseball heroes in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, home brewer, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.
Author links: http://johnheldt.blogspot.com
Book Blast ~ The Emerald Key by @mfredwriter & @MeloraPineda #ya #scifi #fantasy #giveaway
The Emerald Key by Mark Frederickson & Melora Pineda
Penny and Laci are headed for a mundane summer vacation until a mysterious journal unlocks a portal to another world and they find themselves face to face with a baby dragon. In an attempt to send their new acquisition back to its home, the girls, along with two neighborhood friends, get sucked through to a mythical world. In this land, they must battle foes seen and unseen, pushing them to both their physical and mental limits. If they fail to stop the powers they’ve unleashed, it could not only destroy this strange world, but also annihilate their own.
Praise for The Emerald Key
“In The Emerald Key, authors Mark Frederickson and Melora Pineda take readers on a fast-paced journey sure to enthrall not only middle-grade readers but their parents, as well. Laci and Penny will appeal to anyone looking for strong, resourceful female characters and the side characters are well-developed and hilarious, too (my favorite might be Buzz!).”
– Author Julie Gardner
“If you like fantasy and want adventure, this book is for you! It is entertaining for adults as well as middle-grade students…Just when you think there’s nothing new anyone could offer in a fantasy, these two authors prove you wrong. They have created a very believable new world fraught with danger and excitement at every turn. I couldn’t put it down.”
– Dani B
“I love the vivid characters and the way you can picture all the action…I would recommend this book for any age and it is a book that grandparents can buy for their grand kids and know that it is an exciting story and a safe read.”
– Amazon Customer
“A real page turner, loved it. This book is funny and an adventure story for both young and old readers. I’m looking forward to the next book!”
– MJP
Excerpt:
THE PIRATES
Hallvard was gallantly dueling the taller pirate, while Ethan and Buzz were hitting the short smelly one with a stick and throwing dirt into his face. Ethan hauled off with all his might and swatted the pirate in the head, knocking him down. The rotund pirate tried to get back up and grab his sword, but stumbled and fell just as Buzz hit him in the face with a giant dirt clod. Buzz grabbed the sword, but the weight of it caused him to fall over. Ethan took it away before Buzz hurt himself.
“It’s clear; let’s go,” Penny said to Verge and Laci. As they exited the woodshed, running for the top of the knoll, Penny motioned for Ethan and Buzz to follow. They sprinted up the hill, with the smelly pirate in pursuit.
Join the Blog Tour Coming October 10th!
About the authors
Mark Frederickson
Mark was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated UC Santa Barbara with a degree in film and has worked in the film industry for years. He has written several screenplays and had a show optioned by MTV. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Rebecca and his daughter Sara. This is his first novel, and hopefully not his last.
Melora Pineda
After Melora graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, she worked in the television industry for several years before becoming a library volunteer at her daughters’ school. Her passion for both reading and entertainment inspired her to write. This is her first novel. She currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, daughter, and a pet bunny and a fish. Oh…never mind, the fish died.
Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/3/16
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.
September 11, 2016
Spotlight on @glencraney Author of The Virgin of the Wind Rose #mystery #thriller
Did a shocking secret go to the grave with Christopher Columbus? The answer lies hidden in a Latin magical palindrome whose meaning has eluded scholars for centuries.
Title: The Virgin of the Wind Rose: A Christopher Columbus Mystery-Thriller
Author: Glen Craney
Genre: mystery-thriller
Published: 2014
Synopsis
Rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane was never much good at puzzles–but now she must unlock an ancient magical palindrome to expose a global conspiracy spanning five centuries.
While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, Jaqueline discovers the mysterious Latin word square carved into an underground church near the tomb of the biblical Adam. Obsessed with solving its coded message, she is drawn into a desperate race with an elusive Middle Eastern mastermind to find the last relic needed to resurrect Solomon’s Temple. A trail of cabalistic clues leads her to the catacombs of Rome, the crypt below Chartres Cathedral, a Masonic shaft in Nova Scotia, a Portuguese shipwreck off Sumatra, and the caverns under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
Intertwined in a time shift with this modern relic hunt, a parallel duel is waged:
The year is 1452, and one of the most secretive societies in history, Portugal’s Order of Christ, is led by a reclusive visionary. Prince Henry the Navigator and his medieval version of NASA plot to foil their archenemies, the Inquisitor Torquemada and Queen Isabella of Castile, who scheme to bring back Christ for the Last Judgment by ridding the world of Jews, heretics, and unbelievers.
Separated by half a millennium, two conspiracies dovetail in this fast-paced historical thriller to expose the world’s most explosive secret: The real identity of Christopher Columbus.
Buy links:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes ~ Kobo
About the Author
Glen Craney is a novelist, screenwriter, and journalist. He holds degrees from Indiana University School of Law and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He practiced trial law before joining the Washington, D.C. press corps to cover national politics and the Iran-contra trial for Congressional Quarterly magazine. The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences awarded him the Nicholl Fellowship prize for best new screenwriting. He is a Chaucer Awards First-Place Winner and a three-time Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Award Finalist. His debut historical novel, The Fire and the Light, was honored as Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards. His books have taken readers to Occitania during the Albigensian Crusade, to the Scotland of Robert Bruce, to Portugal during the Age of Discovery, to the trenches of France during World War I, and to the American Hoovervilles of the Great Depression.
Author links:
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads
September 9, 2016
#Review of Fight for Me by Jessica Linden
Raised in the streets, Knox is a battle-worn MMA fighter with no past, present, or future. Fighting every day just to survive, Knox owns nothing but the pride in his victories and the scars on his hands. When his control snaps and he must flee the city to keep his life, he runs into a stunning woman with the same intent. All big eyes and delicate features, she’s not cut out to survive on her own. And when finding her own inner strength leads to a shocking act of violence, Knox knows he must protect her at all costs…
Natalie couldn’t spend another day under her father’s lock and key. Raised to be the perfect picture of wealth and sophistication, she detests the dark, ugly side of her father’s greed. Refusing to be held captive by her life a moment longer, she escapes his fortress – and runs right into the arms of the strongest, most dangerous, most desirable man she’s ever met. As instant attraction leads to explosive passion, Natalie finds she cannot leave his side. But as their pursuers loom closer and threaten to tear them apart, Natalie and Knox have to decide: is it easier to stand apart? Or is a love this strong worth the fight?
~ My Review ~
Fight For Me reads like a movie: complete with violence, an unexpected hero, and somewhat questionable (perhaps even dumb) decisions. If you like action, this is the book for you. Except for the love scenes, the book is go, go, go. The story itself was a bit far-fetched. I did find myself sighing from time to time thinking if Natalie was indeed intelligent she would have figured out how to get herself out of the very violent and dangerous situation. The background with Knox was more believable.
Knox was absolutely swoon worthy. I wouldn’t have a problem running straight into his arms – at all. He’s your typical alpha male with a horrible background but a heart of gold. I’m still not sure if I liked Natalie. She made way too many mistakes and drove me a bit nuts.
The writing itself was a bit repetitious. I also felt there could have been more dialogue and less self-reflection.
All in all Fight For Me is a quick read, full of action and hot romance. An enjoyable read for that dreaded overfull flight.
~ About the Author ~
Jessica lives in Virginia with her college-sweetheart husband, two rambunctious sons, and two rowdy but lovable rescue dogs. Since her house is overflowing with testosterone, it’s a good thing she has a healthy appreciation for Marvel movies, Nerf guns, and football.
Visit her website at http://jessicalinden.net/.
Why I’ve been incommunicado – Part 3 – August & the boring bits #expatlife
Many of my friends, associates, strangers I meet at the dog park and fellow imbibers of alcohol at various drinking establishments think my life is glamorous. I am now going to irrevocably prove that my life is – without a doubt – in no way, no how glamorous. Strip away the traveling, the living in foreign countries where I may or may not speak the language, and the coolness that seems to come from having a pilot husband and you are left with day-to-day life, which at times is boring and at other times beyond frustrating to the point that there just aren’t enough swear words to describe such frustration. So, yeah, normal.
Thus, without further ado, here are the utterly boring reasons why I have not been writing and blogging this past month.
Internet. We just can’t live without it anymore. Let me rephrase that. I. CAN. NOT. LIVE. WITHOUT. INTERNET. This truth was brought to my attention in my first month back in the Netherlands again and again. I thought I had it all figured out. (Feel free to laugh at me naivety.) I signed up for an all-in-one package (internet, tv and telephone) in the beginning of July with a start date of August 1st. Of course, I had to have fiberglass. *Duh* Turns out the telecom company I chose for my wonderful all-in-one package, subcontracts to another company to connect the fiberglass. And here’s where all my problems begin.
First, the fiberglass dudes tried to come in July even though I specifically stated I wouldn’t be in the country until August and the contract actually starts on August 1st! So I had to make a very expensive call to the Netherlands to try and get another appointment. Of course, I got the run around. Stupid me. I actually believed they would call me back. Not. After that miscommunication, I couldn’t get another appointment until August 9th. Not surprisingly, they didn’t bother to show on August 9th and claimed they didn’t have my phone number to call me and that it would be another week until they could fit me in. I then uttered words I’ve never spoken before: “Put someone on the phone with some power now.” Fortunately, that worked and I got an appointment two days later.
Two days later the fiberglass dudes actually showed up! I was so excited I clapped and screamed when they showed. Let this be a lesson to you. Never celebrate in advance! My dudes couldn’t find the cable! And they needed to get to their next appointment. What? On Tuesday this company was perfectly happy with not showing for my appointment as they had troubles at another appointment. Why did I not get the same treatment?
I called the actual telecom company and complained. They said there was nothing they could do for me. I was pissed. I mean P-I-S-S-E-D! I called back and talked to someone else who was more sympathetic and she gave me two free additional data bundles on my mobile phone so I could try and get work done. Let me tell you I was going through those data bundles like a kid in a candy store.
The fiber glass company called me the next day and said they actually couldn’t come the following week because – based upon the drawings and their inability to find the cable – they needed to get permission from the city to dig deeper and further from the house. I am totally and completely ashamed to admit I lost it on the phone. Lost. It. It was raining and cold and I didn’t have any coat or shoes (besides sandals) as I was planning on going back to Istanbul to see the hubby. A trip I’d put off because of the numerous appointments with this company (and the piano thing but I didn’t tell the dude on the phone that part).
I somehow pulled myself together and did not commit any murders or other grievous crimes until a few days later when I received a letter from my telecom company – call us now because we don’t have your phone number! You don’t have my phone number? You are the company from which I have my phone. How can you not have it? Anyway, I called and they offered me an emergency package with modem and telephone. And no, they couldn’t tell me why that wasn’t offered to me the previous week when I called and complained.
Three weeks after arriving in the Netherlands, I finally had some type of internet although the data was limited. Yes! Even more exciting? The fiber glass company showed up early for the next appointment and had no issues finding the cable. I asked why it wasn’t found earlier and their only guess was that the other workers had been using the wrong plans. I had to let that go before my head literally exploded.
The telecom company actually called the next day to check if the fiber glass connection had been made. At this point, they were done. Wait – what? I had signed up for a deal that included a telecom worker coming and connecting everything. And how could I connect everything when I’d never received the modem or digital television receiver? I managed to get an appointment for the next day. Of course, the worker didn’t show for the appointment. I called and somehow managed not to scream. Someone showed up an hour later. And then proceeded to say he didn’t have the modem or television receiver. WHAT? He had extras of most things in his van, although he did need to leave to pick up one item. Several hours later (how in the heck would I have been able to do these connections when the expert took over two hours??) I freaking finally had internet and television. I also had a hook up for a ‘normal’ phone, although I have no clue what the number is.
Piano. After that long and very boring explanation as to why I didn’t have internet for the vast majority of August, I’m not going to cause readers to go comatose reading about the problem of getting my piano into my house. Suffice it to say, the piano is still in the hallway. On Monday, a man is coming to take the window out of my living room. Then, another company is coming with a lift to take my piano – laying on its side! – into the house. Hopefully the man will return and put the window back in not soon after. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Even more boring shit. If all the above wasn’t boring enough for y’all, there’s also the tedious unpacking to deal with. I’m still shaking my head at the things we packed in the container (seriously, why did I pack my golf clubs?) and the things we didn’t (where in the world is my kitchen stuff?). We didn’t have any furniture – except for the piano and a now defunct treadmill – so I’ve also been searching for furniture, buying furniture and putting furniture together. This is somewhat difficult when delivery people refuse to take stuff upstairs because the piano is in the way.
So no I haven’t found a general practitioner or dentist yet, but I do have a bed, a sofa and a super duper comfortable reading chair (just don’t tell the dog the chair is actually mine).
Read an excerpt and my #review of The Darkest Link by @itsscarlettcole #romanticsuspense #giveaway
When a pin-up worthy tattoo artist meets a car mechanic on a Florida roadside, it feels like the start of a great one-night stand. But when feelings grow, and secrets are revealed, both of their lives will be at risk. The only question is from who? Find out in THE DARKEST LINK by RITA finalist, Scarlett Cole.
Follow the blog tour from August 29th – September 9th! Two grand prize winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and the runner-up prize will be all four ebooks in the series.
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Visit all the stops for more chances to win!
8/29/16
Deborah Favorite Book Reviews, Spotlight and More’s blogs
8/30/16
8/31/16
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Boyfriends
9/1/16
9/2/16
9/5/16
Mary Gramlich (The Reading Reviewer)
9/6/16
9/7/16
9/8/16
9/9/16
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Title: THE DARKEST LINK
Author: Scarlett Cole
Series: Second Circle Tattoos #4
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pub. Date: August 30, 2016
Synopsis:
When her car breaks down off the side of a lonely highway far from her sunny Miami home, tattoo artist Lia never expected her very own white knight to ride up on the back of a barely street-legal motorcycle…and she never expected to fall for her dark savior. After a string of failed relationships and a bruised heart Lia is not looking for forever, and the hot mechanic, with his sexy scruff and shaggy hair, is simply impossible to resist. He’s the perfect candidate for a mind-blowingly-perfect, no-strings-attached one-night stand.
Reid left his life in Chicago far behind him and hasn’t been back, but he’s never been able to escape the guilt he feels about his own painful role in inviting a monster into his baby sister’s life. A monster who almost destroyed her. Being with Lia is an unexpected gift, one he doesn’t feel he deserves, and their one night together has him wanting more than he should. When he surprises her at her tattoo studio, Second Circle Tattoos, in Miami, he’s in for a shock—and a fist to the face—when his past and present collide.
With secrets coming to the surface, Reid and Lia are thrown into a world of betrayal and lies that threatens to pull them under, and the last link to his former life may be the darkest of them all.
Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks
Check out the other books in the Second Circle Tattoos series!
THE STRONGEST STEEL, Second Circle Tattoos #1
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks
THE FRACTURED HEART, Second Circle Tattoos #2
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks
THE PUREST HOOK, Second Circle Tattoos #3
Available at: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks
My review:
First off, let me just start by confessing that I haven’t read the previous books in this series. Luckily, that wasn’t an issue at all. I’m sure there were a few little pieces here and there that I missed, but in general the story was easy to follow; complete with background story. The story itself was a slow starter. I was at 30% before I became interested. And despite how well written the novel is, I probably would not have kept going had I not promised to write this review – as I usually give up around 10% if I’m not yet invested in the story. That would have been a shame because it is a good story that is worth reading.
The twists and turns in the suspense part of the story are what kept me flipping the pages. Although the reader can figure out who is behind it all fairly easily, there is still a slow build-up of suspense that keeps the story interesting. I found the love aspect less exciting. Don’t get me wrong. It worked perfectly in sync with the other aspects of the story: Lia’s problems with her family and Reid’s issues with his. It just didn’t do it for me.
It’s not that I didn’t like Lia. I just couldn’t connect with her. Sure, she has a cool job as a tattoo artist and drives a hot car, but the clothes and daddy issues? The obsession with clothes and appearances just makes me want to roll my eyes. The daddy issues were understandable but beyond frustrating. Reid, on the other hand, I want to connect with him in all kinds of ways. Even if he was a complete and total idiot for a while. He’s a man. It can’t be helped.
All in all, an enjoyable read when you are in need of a break from life.
Excerpt from THE DARKEST LINK:
Copyright © 2016 by Scarlett Cole
“What is this?” she asked, running her hand over the elongated hood.
“A 1958 Ford Thunderbird. It was a shell when I bought it. Was found in an unused barn with a bunch of other old classics.”
The wheels were black with white faces, and the soft top was a creamy white. Reflections from the chrome cast light onto the white walls.
“I love it,” she said, excited to sit inside.
“Hood up or down?” Kenny asked, slipping her cases into the trunk.
“Oh, most definitely down,” Lia said. Screw the victory rolls, she could always put her hair into a high ponytail and add the red ribbon she had in her purse if her scarf failed. She reached into her bag to find it and tied it around her head.
“I like this,” Kenny said, fingering the knot under her chin gently. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners made her feel all kinds of gooey inside. Perhaps it was a good thing they lived a long drive away from each other. His very presence made it difficult to remember why she was taking some time off from men. But a little harmless flirtation was adding to the adventure of a few days off work. There couldn’t be any harm in that.
Once inside the car, Kenny took her hotel details and plugged them into his phone. “There are few downsides to the classics, but lack of sat-nav has to be one,” he said, turning the radio on. “Ready?”
“I feel like Thelma and Louise about to drive over the edge of the cliff,” she said with a laugh.
“Close. That was a 1966 Ford Thunderbird, eight years younger than this baby. Does that make me J.D.?”
“That depends. Are you planning on driving me to a motel, having your wicked way with me on the dresser, then stealing my life savings?”
“I know a motel, don’t know if they have a dresser, but more than willing to do a drive-by to find out.”
Lia laughed. “I was joking.”
“I wasn’t. Say the word, Red.”
He revved the engine several times, the low growl sexy as all hell, and grinned as he roared out onto the street. Lia watched his hand as he shifted the stick. He caressed the gear stick. The more she stared, the more turned on she became until she had to cross her legs and look out of the window.
Damn him for getting her so hot and bothered. She spared a glance back toward him, just as he turned to face her. And he winked. Because he knew.
And that just turned her on even more.
About SCARLETT COLE
Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.
When Scarlett isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.
Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.
Rep’d by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, and published by St. Martin’s Press.
She’d love to hear from you on twitter @itsscarlettcole
Connect with Scarlett: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
September 7, 2016
Read an excerpt of Slave Queen by @heatherbmoore #thriller #giveaway
Slave Queen by H. B. Moore
Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendent of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.
Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.
To expose the plot, Zagouri must team up with Naim, the son of his nemesis, who heads an international black-market operation that may have ties to the killings. From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.
Excerpt
Chapter One
Al Karak, Jordan
Rashed Sayid picked up his cell phone and selected his most trustworthy contact. The phone call would take only moments, but the result would teach the entire Sayid tribe what honor meant. He shut his third-floor office window, blocking out the rising heat of the Jordanian desert’s summer morning. He and his only brother owned the bank in the city of Al Karak, having started the bank three decades before, and now they were among the wealthiest in town.
“Yes?” Yamil answered.
“We have proof,” Rashed said into the phone.
“Four male witnesses?” Yamil asked.
Rashed blew out a breath. Yamil was a stickler for rules. An execution couldn’t be ordered unless there were four respected male witnesses to the crime. There were actually no witnesses, but Rashed knew his daughter was guilty. He had plenty of video footage of her leaving her university apartment more than once after midnight, and he also had other, less legal evidence. There was only one reason for his daughter’s midnight forays. Worst case scenario, Aamira was no longer a virgin. Next case scenario, she’d been tainted in some way by having a relationship with a man other than her fiancé. Rashed was still working on trying to find out whom she was meeting. But it was time to put the execution order into motion.
Praise for Slave Queen
“Moore does an excellent job of setting the scene of international intrigue, and although this novel is part of a series, it also works well as a stand-alone. The story jumps back and forth between the present and the past as Moore tells the story of Roxelane’s capture by the Turkish army and her subsequent love affair with Suleiman. Roxelane is an excellent, strong female character, and Moore brings some obscure players from the Ottoman Empire vividly to life. She even quotes from Suleiman’s actual poetry . . . to conjure a complex portrait of this larger-than-life figure. A satisfying historical thriller.” –Kirkus Reviews
“From sultans and hierarchies that separate men and women from Poland to Constantinople and beyond to new lives in great cities where mosques and sultans rule, these vivid past and present scenarios contribute to a story fueled by cultural revelations and the long-standing threat a series of letters reveals. The result is a fast-paced, complex, and absorbing adventure saga that crosses time and place to give Omar, Mia (and readers) a run for their money. Warning: once begun, it’s nearly impossible to put down the full-flavored, multi-faceted Slave Queen, which reveals many insights about the Ottoman Empire, Süleyman the Magnificent, and the slave girl foreigner who turned out to be his favorite wife.” –D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Author H. B. Moore
H. B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.
Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 9/25/16
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.
Songs that make me travel in time #music #feelingnostalgic #wednesdayblogs
Songs are like mini books. A book can help you escape the mundane of life and cheer you up. But it takes time. Sometimes I need to read for an hour before I forget where I am and feel like I’m living in the world created by the author. A song? The right song? It can take you away with a simple chord progression.
There are songs that cheer you up because they are light-hearted and the chorus is addictive. There are songs that remind you of a certain time period of life. And then there are songs that take you back to one moment of time. It isn’t necessarily a perfect moment. Sometimes it’s a painful moment.
Here’s a short list of some songs that make me time travel.
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. There’s a popular remake of this song on the radio constantly, but the remake does nothing for me. The original song, though? That song takes me back to driving in my then boyfriend’s car around Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The sun was shining and we had the windows down. I can almost smell the water and feel the wind in my hair when I hear this song. I haven’t been in touch with that boyfriend for over twenty years. I don’t care. It was a beautiful moment and I’m keeping it.
Friday I’m in Love by The Cure. This song doesn’t bring happy thoughts. Don’t get me wrong. I love this song. But the very last conversation I ever had with a good friend of mine was about this song. It seems like such a stupid topic for the final conversation with a friend. But I didn’t exactly expect her to be killed when a truck driver didn’t notice the traffic on the Autobahn was completely stopped and rammed into her car. I still can’t listen to this song without thinking about her and tearing up. It’s been six years.
Als ze er niet is by De Dijk. I was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany when I met my Dutch hubby. At the time, this song by the Dutch band, De Dijk, was super popular. Whenever he and his friends got drunk (which was often!), they’d start singing it at the top of their lungs. I had no idea that the lyrics of this song would tell my love story. You see this song talks about how a man doesn’t know what he’s missing until she isn’t there. When the hubby’s service time was over, he went back to the Netherlands. We made some loose plans about seeing each other, but we both knew I was heading back to the US soon as my tour was nearly over. It didn’t take long before my then boyfriend was taking me out to lunch and asking if he could follow me to the U.S. Twenty-two years later we’re still putting up with each other. So everytime I hear this song, I remember my hubby and the other Dutch men walking me home from the bar drunk off their asses singing this song at the top of their lungs. Spoiler alert: None of them can carry a tune.
Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow. We bought this album at a used book market in a quaint Italian village in Tuscany. Whenever I play this song, I see the hubby and us drinking coffee in this tiny coffee house near that book market. I have no idea what town we were even in. I don’t care. It’s happy memory.
Anyone else have songs that can make you time travel?
