P.D. Workman's Blog, page 117

Excerpt from The Help

Today is your last chance to enter the YA Paperback Blitz and get 52 young adult paperback books! If you haven’t already entered, you’d better do it before it is too late.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.

Here is one that has been on my reading list for some time, but I didn’t get to it until this month: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The Help has been made into a successful motion picture. I haven’t yet seen it, but the book is always better than the movie and should be read first! The Help is about the black maids in Jackson Mississippi at the time of Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights movement. It is a light but insightful read, with plenty of emotion and good humour.

“I always order the banned books from a black market dealer in California, figuring if the State of Mississippi banned them, they must be good.”

Kathryn Stockett, The Help

Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who’s always taken orders quietly, but lately she’s unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She’s full of ambition, but without a husband, she’s considered a failure. Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town…

Excerpt from The Inventor’s Secret

Check out the features in the sidebar! I’d love to get some donations to our local youth shelter, and you can find lots of good reads and deals.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along.

I don’t think I’ve featured any steampunk here before. I don’t read very much of it, but it can certainly be a lot of fun. I am currently in the third book of The Inventor’s Secret series, but I’ll post a quote from the first book. While the girls on the front covers of these books appear to be in their twenties, the protagonist is actually sixteen. One warning about this series: it is really a serial, with the plot arc extending across all three books, rather than resolved in one. Both the first and second books end at plot climaxes. Make sure you have all thee handy before you start.

This is why I keep telling Ash to get you a cat or a bird. Guns aren’t proper pets.

The Inventor’s Secret, Andrea Cremer

In this world, sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her fellow refugees have scraped out an existence on the edge of Britain’s industrial empire. Though they live by the skin of their teeth, they have their health (at least when they can find enough food and avoid the Imperial Labor Gatherers) and each other. When a new exile with no memory of his escape  or even his own name seeks shelter in their camp he brings new dangers with him and secrets about the terrible future that awaits all those who have struggled has to live free of the bonds of the empire’s Machineworks.

Proxy, Medical Kidnap Files #3 and other new releases!

Release of Proxy

Proxy, book #3 of the Medical Kidnap Files has just been released!

I’ve been getting great feedback from readers who are enjoying Mito and EDS, and who are super-excited to see medical kidnap, mitochondrial disease, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome featured in thrillers. Pick them up and see what the excitement is all about. And get ready for a new twist in Proxy!

Fourteen-year-old Seth Wilcox has been admitted to the hospital forty-eight times, according to his mother’s latest social media posts, when Social Services steps in and takes Seth into care, believing his mother suffers from Munchausen by Proxy and Seth is not safe in her care.

Gabriel Tate is now a veteran in dealing with medical kidnap and reuniting children with their families. He knows Seth and his mom, Leva, a tireless mitochondrial disorder advocate. He knows he needs to get Seth back to Leva as soon as he can.

With the authorities hot on their trails, Gabriel and Renata face increasingly difficult challenges. Can they stay one step ahead of the authorities? Can they finally get Seth somewhere he will be safe?

Get it now, and scroll down for more new releases!

—You bring great awareness to the issue of “medical kidnapping” – an issue some friends and I do advocacy for as well as the troubled teen industry in general, so I am DELIGHTED to see an author using the thriller medium to bring awareness to this problem… Sometimes fiction and thrillers are the best way to reach out and educate people and let people know they are not alone.

—Oh my goodness!!!! I need more!! I’m freaking out over here. This was my favorite out of the three.

—I didn’t want to put any of [the Medical Kidnap Files] down.

—Although [P.D. Workman’s] books are fiction, they hold a remarkable amount of information.

More new releases!

Of course, I have more than just one new release for you. Here are some other new faces (covers) on the block:

The Chemist, by Stephanie Meyer

Here is one that I am excited to read by the author of The Host and the Twighlight series.

In this gripping page-turner, an ex-agent on the run from her former employers must take one more case to clear her name and save her life. She used to work for the U.S. government, but very few people ever knew that. An expert in her field, she was one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn’t even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came for her without warning. Now, she rarely stays in the same place or uses the same name for long. They’ve killed the only other person she trusted, but something she knows still poses a threat. They want her dead, and soon. When her former handler offers her a way out, she realizes it’s her only chance to erase the giant target on her back. But it means taking one last job for her ex-employers. To her horror, the information she acquires only makes her situation more dangerous. Resolving to meet the threat head on, she prepares for the toughest fight of her life, but finds herself falling for a man who can only complicate her likelihood of survival. As she sees her choices being rapidly whittled down, she must apply her unique talents in ways she never dreamed of. In this tautly plotted novel, Meyer creates a fierce and fascinating new heroine with a very specialized skill set. And she shows once again why she’s one of the world’s bestselling authors.

The Nature of Man, Life and Humanity, by Joseph Stadtmiller (freebie!)

The Nature of Man, Life and Humanity tells the story of the cosmos, Sun and Earth: the evolution of mankind expanding across the continents, the tools that aided us, the cultural networks that brought us together, the spirituality that answered what we didn’t understand. Along the way we began thinking that technology could solve all of our problems; our nature connection became a thing of the past. Mankind began a struggle against nature as brutal as the wars we perpetrated amongst ourselves, a war taking place in the air and water with the degradation of the land, the annihilation of ecosystems and biodiversity, concluding with the consumption of Earth itself. Climate stability is collateral damage as the human population continues to explode. While much of the environmental discourse currently focuses on climate change, this story is also about the issues regarding air, water, topsoil, biodiversity, energy and natural resources, and how mankind is attacking each of these areas with equal disregard.

No Tears Tomorrow, by Tony Nash (freebie!)

From Norfolk to Normandy – a family goes to war.

The 16-year old twins, David and Emma, in the carefree world of the mid-30s, joke about becoming spies.

To Commander Gregory, head of what will become the SOE, espionage is no joke, and he already has his eye on them.

Despite strong opposition from their father, they and their younger brother, James, and their Belgian friend, Nicole, become major players on the great stage that was the Second World War.

Emma’s rape hardens her resolve and she finds her niche in life is that of a highly accomplished assassin.

Life becomes a stampeding kaleidoscope of horrific hardship and daily danger; of incredible courage and unbelievable achievement, of daily death and ghastly disfigurement, and of moments of incredible joy and of hot, despairing tears.

Shillelagh Law, by Joseph Ferguson

This eclectic collection of short fiction explores the human condition in all its absurdity, beauty, and heartbreak. Some are simple, uncomplicated tales; others are quirky or filled with symbol and allusion. Some are coming-of-age tales; some funny, some horrific. Still others examine themes of redemption or ruin.

Daddy and the World’s Longest Poo, by Brydie Wright

Do you ever wonder why daddies disappear for hours on end? Where on earth do they go?

Based on true events, Daddy and the World’s Longest Poo tells the adventure of a little boy who faces just such a conundrum. Follow him on a journey of discovery as he tries to make sense of one of life’s great mysteries.

This debut picture book from self-published author Brydie Wright will delight pre-school and early primary readers with its honesty and sense of humour. Mums, Dads and grandparents will get a cheeky laugh out of it too.

Brave Vulnerable, by Sheen Francis Reyes

This collection of poetry is a story about love, abuse, loss, and longing. It’s the product of over a year and a half of unbelonging, of tear-drenched pillows, and of euphoria and pain that won’t let you sleep unless turned into ink.

This book will definitely touch anyone who is drunk in wanderlust, has a quivering heart, and has been separated to the one and only person they have a unique connection with by distance, wrong timing, and misjudgment.

Made of Glass, by Kim Padgett-Clarke

Emily and Clare are sisters who share a special bond. Clare is overweight, plain looking, and has epilepsy. When Daniel comes into Clare’s life, all her dreams have come true. Daniel is handsome, successful, and to Clare’s amazement, is attracted to her. Clare finally has a man who will give her a loving relationship. But Daniel is not all he seems to be. He is a control freak, who will do anything to keep Clare to himself. When Emily tells Daniel that she’s found out who he really is, he has to take drastic action to get Emily out of their lives, for good.

Davenport House 6, by Marie Silk

The family saga continues in this sixth book to Davenport House. It is 1919 when America begins to heal from the Great War and take her first steps into a roaring new Era.

The residents of Davenport House are changing with the times as new fashions and new laws are introduced. Clara turns a blind eye to her troubles at home and plans a grand masquerade ball for the county. Bridget uncovers a distressing truth and returns to the house to warn the others, but soon finds that she is no longer welcome there.

When a suspicious death occurs on the estate, the abundance of motives and sudden hushed lips cause tensions to rise throughout the house. Only the painful truth can set everyone free, but it will come at a price to reveal the house secrets once and for all.

The Recoil Trilogy, by Joanne Macgregor

FROM RECOIL (BOOK 1): When a skilled gamer gets recruited as a sniper in the war against a terrorist-produced pandemic, she discovers there’s more than one enemy and more than one war. The Game is real.

Three years after a series of terrorist attacks flooded the US with a lethal plague, society has changed radically.

Sixteen year-old Jinxy James spends her days trapped at home – immersed in virtual reality, worrying about the plague and longing for freedom. Then she wins a war simulation game and is recruited into a top-secret organisation where talented teenagers are trained to become agents in the war on terror. Eager to escape her mother’s over-protectiveness and to serve her country, Jinxy enlists and becomes an expert sniper of infected mutant rats.

She’s immediately drawn to Quinn O’Riley, a charming and subversive intelligence analyst who knows more about the new order of government and society than he is telling. Then a shocking revelation forces Jinxy to make an impossible decision, and she risks losing everything.

All three full novels included.

Argentum, by Debbie Manber Kupfer

Argentum is the threat that binds all magic …

The silver of Miri’s cat charm passed on through the generations.

The silver of Jessamyn’s scepter, the source of her illusions.

The silver of Quentin’s scrying bowl, forged by Merlin.

All intertwine in Argentum.

With Alistair gone a measure of peace returns to P.A.W.S., but Miri is tormented by nightmares. The silver charm that had recently hung around Alistair’s neck is now in Miri’s possession and seems to have taken on a life of its own. And then it mysteriously disappears.

Jessamyn seeks help from Quentin, who claims to have repented his past association with Alistair, but can he be trusted?

And what of Jenna? The young girl rescued from Alistair’s pack house holds a terrible secret. One that could determine the future of P.A.W.S.Fo

Food Wars, Episode IV: A Noodle of Hope: A “Star Wars” parody as told from the imagined perspective of Man’s Best Friend, by Michelle Eshbaugh-Soha

Puke Skywalker is a young mutt with a yearning to get out and smell the world. But when he intercepts a secret message from a furry princess, the Doberman-Yorkie bites off more than he can swallow (almost), and unknowingly casts himself into the heart of a galactic war. Armed with his father’s light-skewer and guided by hunger and the mysterious wisdom of a hound named Old Bone, Puke joins a group of rebels in their attempt to save dogkind from the evil Alpha Empire and one dark-haired rogue warlord who would force dogs everywhere into the slow death of a vegetarian diet.

But will our heroes be able to stop the Alphas before spinach and crab grass become their only source of nutrition? Will their hunger distract them from their goal? Will they ever learn to count past two?

Lost Lands, by Shaun L Griffiths

Holly lies lost in a snow covered mountain pass, abandoned and left for dead. But her memory will never allow Carter to find peace. Not until he tries one last time to save her from the Evil that now permeates the Lost Lands.

He embarks on a quest to recover his young friend’s body, joining the last remaining Snow Bears sent South to recover the mysterious Crystal, stolen from their people.

But the corrupting seduction of owning the Crystal, opens a Pandora’s box of Evils, threatening the very existence of their world.

On his perilous journey, Carter must fight his way through mountain storms and snow blocked passes. He must face ambush, constant danger, and an agony inflicted on his mind by an unseen enemy, intent on possessing both the Crystal and Holly.

Through every step, Evil is watching, listening and waiting…

Full Moon Hunt, by F.A.R.

Tired and on the run from powerful enemies, Michael arrives at Wolfwood City. He wants nothing more than to rest for a few days, but life is rarely so kind. A hunter from the Council is hot on his trail, an intrepid reporter keeps on asking the right questions, and of course, there is the possibility that the biggest werewolf convention in the country might have attracted a real monster!

When the moon rises, Michael Walker will need to use all his skills to survive!

Sweet Fifteen, by Beth Rodgers

Sophomore year starts off on a positive note, with Margot Maples enjoying a circle of new friends, an influx of confidence, and the attention of the oh-so-cute new basketball player, Kirk. But she quickly finds herself stuck in a rut, battling mean girls, and getting caught up in Kirk’s past. Margot’s friendships, heartaches, and presidential campaign lead her on a path to self-discovery, making sophomore year one to remember.

Come along on Margot’s journey in this sequel to Freshman Fourteen that has new faces, backroom politics, and a few twists and turns along the way.

Living or Retiring in Mexico, by Leo Buijs

‘Living or Retiring in Mexico’ is a poignant collection of stories and practical information for anyone that wants to spend more time in Mexico, or would even be considering staying permanently. Written by a seasoned gringo, the book covers Mexican culture and history, what to expect in this foreign country and how to deal with it. From bringing goods into Mexico, insurance or buying property, handling utilities to nachos and mescal. Many useful suggestions are shared, even for one who is not planning to be an expat, it’s informative and at times funny to anyone with an interest in Mexico. The 174-page book is a guide for people considering ‘living the life’, or retiring in Mexico, while seeing their retirement budget gain substantial spending power.

Fall For Me, by K.R. Reese

Ashlee moved away from every painful event of her past. She was happy in Wilson Creek, at least as much as possible. She wasn’t looking for relationships, wasn’t looking for a one-night stand, wasn’t looking for the turn of events that throws her life into chaos. But it’s here and she has to overcome it.

Michael hadn’t been back home once since he moved away for college. The small town, country lifestyle wasn’t exciting enough for him. And he didn’t like permanence anywhere. Going home to Wilson Creek is a huge step for him and his family knows it. What he doesn’t expect is the outcome of his choices that unravel his world, and there’s nothing he can do to change it.

Will it be a one-night stand of unkindled love? Can they walk away unscathed? Or will Ashlee and Michael’s paths lead them to where they belong? With each other. In the end, they’ll have to give up everything they’ve worked for to face the changes in their lives. Can they do it together? Or will it cause them to fall apart?

Chemistry, by C.L. Lynch

Sassy seventeen-year-old Stella Blunt faces self-esteem issues, bullies, first love, and a zombie outbreak in this hilarious feminist response to paranormal romance tropes. Teens will laugh out loud as Stella solves her problems with confidence, curse words, and a chainsaw.

What Reviewers Are Saying: “Smart and Sassy!” “Clever, bold, and funny from cover to cover”, “delightfully funny, wickedly sharp”, “I couldn’t put it down.”

The Treason Game, by Viv Doyle

Lina has two passions in life: playing The Treason Game online and dreaming about Tyler, the avatar of a fellow gamer. A gifted artist, she applies for an internship with a company whose boss, Aron Taylor, helped to make ‘Treason.’ But could Taylor and Tyler possibly be one and the same?

At home, Lina is in constant conflict with her religious mother, who believes all video games to be the Work of the Devil. Her best friend, Kit, who works for another games company, is supportive at first. But then Kit finds a new partner, and her friendship with Lina takes second place. At work, the other game developers are helpful and kind, but although Lina finds Aron Taylor very attractive he seems unapproachable. She can’t bring herself to reveal her online identity, much as she longs to do so. Only when the studio team goes to Paris Games Week is everything resolved, but not at all in the way that Lina expected.

From Ashes, by Lynzie Allen

Everybody loves a bad boy. The exhilarating feeling of being wanted, the safe danger and even the fights can be intoxicating. The fun fades when the romance twists into possessiveness and jealousy.

Brooke Dell is the oldest of three sisters and she knows all about dating a controlling man. She wants nothing more than to put it behind her, but when her younger sister starts having an affair, her past is brought to light.

Will she be able to close that door forever or has this old wound cut too deep?

 

Christmas fundraiser for youth shelter

As the The Christmas season begins, my thoughts go to those who won’t be with their families this Christmas. Kids who are homeless, who have been kicked out or made poor choices, feel especially lonely and abandoned at this time of year. Let’s make their year a little brighter, if we can.

My donee of choice is Avenue 15, run by the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary. Avenue 15 is a well-established shelter that has been around since before I was a teenager. Here is a video about them.

Click the PayPal button below or send a PayPal or etransfer to pdworkman.author@gmail.com and I will send you an ebook copy of the Dickens Advent Reader (containing both A Christmas Carol and The Life of Our Lord divided into 24 bite-sized readings for the season.) 100% of the money I collect will be sent to Avenue 15, either by cheque or by purchasing gifts or hygiene items needed by the shelter.

Together, let’s try to make things a little better for someone less fortunate this year.

*This is not an official fundraiser of Boys and Girls Club of Calgary and is not endorsed by them. But 100% of the proceeds will be sent to them. Your email address will be added to my mailing list so that you will be notified of future releases and promotions, if you are not already on it.

For any of you who are in Calgary, if you want to donate any of the following items, get them to me and I will see that they get to the shelter:

Advent Readers, a Gift, and other Christmas Reads

What gets you in the spirit of Christmas more than reading a good seasonal book? Whether it’s an old classic, a new romance, or even a Christmas cozy mystery, Christmas books will warm your Grinchy heart and get you in the mood for hot chocolate, Christmas trees, and time with your family or worship.

Advent Readers

My advent readers are perfect for family readings. Grab a chocolate from the advent calendar, snuggle up in some fuzzy socks, and listen to a short passage of A Christmas Carol or The Life of Our Lord (or both) each night from December 1 to December 24. Footnotes will help guide your family through some of the more obscure passages. A devotional scripture and discussion question are included at the end of each reading to encourage you to really ponder and discuss the daily reading. Don’t forget that if you buy a print copy, you can get the Kindle edition for $0.99 under the Kindle Matchbook program.

There are three unabridged readers available:

A Christmas Carol – Yes, Charles Dickens’ much-beloved tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s visit by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. You’ve seen the movies. You keep saying that you’re going to read it. Put your plan into action this year by reading A Christmas Carol in 24 nightly readings throughout the advent season.

The Life of Our Lord – Sit back and listen to the master storyteller Charles Dickens share the life of our Lord with his children. This story of the life of Christ is perfect for families to read together, and what better time than during the season we celebrate his birth?

Dickens Advent Reader – Two great books in one. Get both A Christmas Carol and The Life of Our Lord in one volume. Both have been divided into 24 readings for the Christmas season. Double your Dickens, double your Christmas spirit!

A Special Christmas Gift

How about a little something free for your stocking? Download this beautifully formatted copy of A Visit from St. Nicholas to frame, give as a gift, or read Christmas Eve with your children or grandchildren.

 

More Christmas fun

Yuletide Lights: Holes in the Christmas Stocking, by Lenore Plassman

Fifteen tales of love, laughter, giving and warmth. The stories are drawn from the richness of the author’s experiences and tell of strength in the midst of adversity, generosity amongst poverty.

Walk in dark and lighted places of street, island, and farm, and know that the spirit of the holiday is there in all its forms.

Here is the magic of the holiday as seen through the eyes of children, working mothers and the elderly. Here also is kindness for the weak and compassion for fellow travelers.

Contains two guest tales by the author’s husband and daughter.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson

One of my favourites!

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.

None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Their interpretation of the tale — the Wise Men are a bunch of dirty spies and Herod needs a good beating — has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.

A Christmas Song, Mark Heiner

Merry Christmas! Or is it? Take a holiday journey with Thomas G. Pemblin and Ebenezer Scrooge as they examine the state of Christmas and its questionable future.

 

The Christmas Box, by Richard Paul Evans

The Christmas Box has become a holiday classic, a tale so touching that it continues to “tug families’ heartstrings” (USA Today). His exquisite prequel, Timepiece, and The Letter completed the glorious trilogy of the Parkin family. Now all three magical stories are compiled in one extraordinary treasury that -reaches into that place where all broken hearts will forever be made whole” (The Star, Chicago).

The Last Christmas Letter, by M. J. Goulart

Patti has dreamed of the mail since she was a little girl. So, she is delighted when she receives her first letter to deliver…all the way to The North Pole! Will the letter make it to Santa in time? How?

Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and find out in this heart-warming Christmas tale.

*Includes “My Christmas Letter” page. Don’t forget to fill it out and mail your letter to Santa!

The Shepherd, by Frederick Forsyth

It is Christmas Eve, 1957. Flying home, on leave from Germany, he is alone in the cockpit of the Vampire. Sixty-six minutes of flying time, with the descent and landing – destination Lakenheath. No problem, all routine procedures.

Then, out over the North sea, the fog begins to close in. Radio contact ceases and the compass goes haywire. Suddenly, out of the mist appears a World War II bomber. It is flying just below the Vampire, as of trying to make contact…

Christmas Tango, by Aislinn Kearns

It’s nearly Christmas, and the last thing Duncan wants is to be dragged to a fancy party and made to play nice. And yet Mandy—his business partner and bane of his existence—somehow convinces him to attend a charity auction with her so they can scout potential clients.

Duncan is looking for an escape from the festivities when vicious armed men take over the building, trapping Mandy in a deadly situation. With no way to call for help, Duncan is the only one that can save her.

No weapons, a bad leg, and a growing realisation of his feelings for Mandy.

Yippee-ki-yay.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, by Dr. Suess

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. No holiday season is complete without the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou, and all the residents of Who-ville, in this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit on even the smallest and coldest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.

The Daughter Claus, by D. Thrush

Tina Claus has daddy issues. Santa is a workaholic who has focused all his attention on her brother assuming he’ll take over the family business. But Nick just wants to be a rock star. Santa’s wife frets about his health and urges him to retire to their condo in Florida. But who will step into his boots? Tina just wants to finish college and have her own life. But a family emergency forces her to return to the North Pole while Nick’s band is on tour. Now she has to deal with a long distance crush, an irresistible old boyfriend, belligerent reindeer, her best friend’s drama, and too many Peppermintinis at the pub. And then there’s her father’s resistance to everything she does! Christmas is quickly approaching, and she’s counting on her undependable brother to do the delivery. It’s not easy being Santa’s daughter! Fun, girl power, and a little magic make this a merry story any time of year!

 

Excerpt from Blood of Olympus

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along.

Who doesn’t love Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus? I just picked up book #5, The Blood of Olympus. Like all of the books in the series, it is full of Greek and Roman mythology, friendships, kids rising above their difficult pasts, and snarky, tongue-in-cheek humour. Percy, Jason, and the rest of the gang are on a mission to stop a war between the Greek and Roman camps and the rising of Gaea.

And if you like reading about kids against the world, be sure to check out my Kids in Peril prize pack.

“Will they cower?’ Kym asked.

‘Tons of cowering! Plus your name in the summer programme. A custom-designed banner. A cabin at Camp Half-Blood. Two shrines. I’ll even throw in a Kymopoleia action figure.’

‘No!’ Polybotes wailed. ‘Not merchandising rights!”

Blood of Olympus, Rick Riordan

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them, and they’re stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake. The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps. The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea’s army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

It’s Thanksgiving again, in the US this time! Big shopping weekend for my neighbours!

Nicole Locker’s Big Book Sale

I am taking part in Nicole Locker’s Big Book Sale. We have 50 participating authors, with 70 books being discounted for $1.99 or less between November 25-28! Get your holiday reading lined up and fill up those Black Friday ebook readers!

I have the following on for the Big Book Sale:

EDS is free this weekend only! (Due to a technical issue with Amazon, this one will not show up free until Saturday.)

With a long string of unbelievable stories to explain her frequent injuries, Social Services sees Katt is the stereotypical abused child. When she is admitted to hospital with yet another broken bone, they do the only logical thing to protect her, removing Katt from her mother’s custody.

But Katt and her mother know that something is wrong, and it has nothing to do with abuse, and the longer Katt stays in foster care, the worse her health gets. Can they get the answers they need before it is too late? Can they get the answers and get Katt back home?

Ruby, Between the Cracks is also currently free, in anticipation of the release of Chloe, book #4 of the Between the Cracks series in January.

If you asked Ruby, she’d tell you she’s happy with her life. She’s tough and independent and doesn’t depend on anyone else. The road that has led her here has not been easy, and she’s blocked a lot of it from her memory.

But things aren’t as rosy as she would have everyone believe, and the road ahead of her is filled not only with gangs, drugs, and depression, but other challenges that Ruby hasn’t even imagined.

Winner of “In The Margins” Top Ten Best Books for Teens Award 2015 awarded to relevant books for our communities that validate, illuminate and humanize those living in the margins

In the Tick of Time is available for $0.99 this weekend only!

Matt Malloy, infectious diseases expert, for the DOH vector-borne disease division knew there was something wrong with the Buffalo Head infection cluster as soon as it hit his desk. But knowing it instinctively and proving it were two completely different things, especially when his boss and coworkers already thought that, battling sleep deprivation, he’d already gone around the bend.

Matt knew that solving the mysteries of the Buffalo Head cluster was a matter of life and death. He just didn’t know that it could be a matter of his own life and death.

More Deals!

But that isn’t all. I checked around for some more book deals happening this weekend. So here are a few more books to be thankful for!

Freebies!

We Defy! by Tommy L. Attaway, Jr. is the story of a band of Texans who become frustrated with the loss of liberty in their lives and determine that the situation is no longer tolerable. Using the past as a guide, they found their own community and proceed to establish a society based on the principles which originally governed the United States and Texas. They decide to ignore unconstitutional edicts of the national government and live as the founders of the United States intended for free people to live. The Texans are equally willing to use the soap box, ballot box, and cartridge box as the situation dictates.

As the community grows, the residents are confronted with issues of local government and eventually they come to the attention of federal authorities. Those authorities are determined to enforce the US Code of Federal Regulations and the Texans bid defiance.

We Defy! is the tale of that return to a way of life of individual liberty and the resulting conflict with governmental authorities. The results of those actions impact the residents, Texas and the United States.

Fire in Frost, by Alicia Rades

What would you do if a dead classmate came to you for help?

CRYSTAL FROST tells herself she isn’t crazy, but sane people don’t see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers there’s a much bigger story behind her mother’s Halloween-themed shop than she ever realized. Now blessed with the ability to see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead, Crystal must use these tools to save those who have come to her for help.

But that’s not an easy task between learning how to use her abilities, trying to hide them, and uncovering the secrets her loved ones have been keeping from her. Add blackmail to the list of things Crystal never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. Will she learn to control her abilities in time, or will the whole school learn of her secret before she’s ready to reveal it?

Magick, by Mira Monroe

Willow and her best friends, Emily and Lucy, are making plans for a great senior year and daydreaming about life away from sleepy Chepstow, Massachusetts. Willow tries for a life under the radar, where her biggest adventure is dating Daniel – voted best all-around guy. Her life is perfect, until a long-lost grandmother reveals that not only does she come from a long line of Wiccans, but she’s also part of the royal family – and next in line for the crown! Not everyone is happy to discover this outsider is about to take the throne, and Willow’s life is in danger – along with those around her. Willow’s world is turning upside-down, as a new realm invades, complete with rogue Guardians and a handsome warrior who’s sworn to stand by her side. Rhydian knows everything she doesn’t, and Willow must learn to use her magick to uncover the dark secrets about her family’s past in order to save the Edayri realm and everyone she’s ever loved before it’s too late.

Love and Self Discovery, by Samantha C. Fischer

Adamina is a senior in high school who is discovering that she may not be the perfect Christian girl her parents want her to be.

 

 

Saving Angel, by J.L. Weil

I wondered what my life would be like if we had never moved to the ho-dunk town of Spring Valley, Illinois. Sure the internet service was splotchy, there was nothing but miles of wheat fields, and I probably wouldn’t be faced with death at every corner.

My only neighbor in this god forsaken town was…well there really was only one to describe him, hot as hell. With his sinful dark looks, unusually silver eyes, and kissable lips, there was something about him that was more than meets the eye.

Of course I was determined to find out.

The Undelightened, by Bentz Deyo

Leam Holt’s eighteenth birthday tomorrow caps the most depressing year of his life, marking the anniversary of his failed delightenment—the soul-darkening, magic-bestowing rite of passage that should’ve launched him into the fight between Darkness and Light. Making things worse, Leam’s insufferable brother, Zach, the pride of the family, is set to delighten in a few short hours.

When Gideon, the evil leader of Darkness, arrives to preside over Zach’s ceremony, the course of Leam’s life takes a drastic turn. Rather than fading farther into the background, Leam is ordered to undergo a series of brutal trials. Vast magical power is suddenly within Leam’s grasp if he triumphs, but Leam can’t seem to stay away from a beautiful girl of Light, and his testing is yielding disturbing results.

As Leam begins to uncover secrets on both sides of the war, he realizes the fate of humanity is at stake, and he may have the most to lose in the fight.

Fire in Frost, by Alicia Rades

What would you do if a dead classmate came to you for help?

Crystal Frost tells herself she isn’t crazy, but sane people don’t see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers there’s a much bigger story behind her mother’s Halloween-themed shop than she ever realized. Now blessed with the ability to see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead, Crystal must use these tools to save those who have come to her for help.

But that’s not an easy task between learning how to use her abilities, trying to hide them, and uncovering the secrets her loved ones have been keeping from her. Add blackmail to the list of things Crystal never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. Will she learn to control her abilities in time, or will the whole school learn of her secret before she’s ready to reveal it?

The Tucson Prophecy, by C.L. Wells

Jimmy O’Conner, an enforcer for the Chicago mob, is in a race against time. A visit from a supernatural being, a cryptic prophecy, a psychotic killer, and a little girl named Angel have turned Jimmy’s trip to see his dying sister Sarah upside down. Can Jimmy save the little girl from the killer’s clutches and possibly help save Sarah’s life? Who is sending him these cryptic messages to enlist his help? Can this mysterious person really help save his dying sister? Jimmy’s not sure exactly what’s going on, but he is certain of one thing; he would do anything to help save his sister’s life – anything.

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Distant Dreams, by Alicia Rades

Kai Watson is only 16, but she’s never had a real dream in her life. Each night, she leaves her body, travels to a new location, and adds the sites she sees to her “dream book.” When she witnesses the brutal murder of upperclassman Darla Baxter while astral traveling, Kai is determined to stay out of it. She never saw the murderer’s face, and who would believe her anyway?

Now Kai has lost her ability to astral travel, and she’s forced to relive the murder each night in a nightmare. With no word on Darla’s body, Kai decides to take the mystery into her own hands to find closure and get back to her travels. As she searches for answers, she continues to bump into Darla’s brother, Collin. Can she catch the killer and still open her heart to Collin, or will she lose her gift forever?

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Download translations for free

Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers!

From November 24 to December 1, all of my Kindle foreign-language translations are on free! Download today.

El Mal Camino de Ruby

No Olviden a Steven

Non Dimenticate Steven

Por Mí Misma

Por Conta Propria

I have other deals for you for Black Friday through Cyber Monday, so stay tuned for more tomorrow!

Excerpt from I Am Malala

Have a look at the promos in the sidebar. Today is the last day for the Instafreebie sale.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules at Books and a Beat. Anyone can play along.

I was happy to pick up a copy of I Am Malala, by Malala Yousafzai, the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.  I’ve wanted to read this one since it came out. Malala is an amazing young woman; a brilliant girl reading Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time and blogging about the difficulty of getting an education as a girl in Pakistan at age 11. Her description of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto brought me to tears. I remember how exciting it was when Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1988; reading what happened to her country after her exile was tragic. 

“If I am speaking for my rights, for the rights of girls, I am not doing anything wrong. It’s my duty to do so. God wants to see how we behave in such situations. There is a saying in the Quran, “The falsehood has to go and the truth will prevail.” If one man, Fazlullah, can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it? I wondered. I prayed to God every night to give me strength.”

I am Malala, Malala Yousafzai

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala’s miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

Young Adult Instafreebie Sale

David Estes is holding an Instafreebie young adult promotion. Twenty-two books for your eBook library!

The book I have included in this giveaway is Tattooed Teardrops, winner of the first place fiction book in the Between the Margins best books for Teens literary award.

A realistic and beautiful story filled with suspense, heartbreaking friendship and loyalty award-winning author P.D. Workman’s brings you the intriguing story of Tamara’s struggle to make a life for herself after her incarceration. But things aren’t going to be easy.

I don’t plan on getting in any trouble.

Tamara had thought that when she got out of juvie, things would be easier. But before long, it seems like her life is spiraling into chaos.

If she can’t prove to her probation officer that she is innocent of the allegations against her, she’s going back to prison, and Tamara just can’t let that happen.

By the author of Ruby, Between the Cracks, a winner of the Top Ten Best Books for Teens 2015 award, Tamara’s poignant story will change the way you think about the nature of evil.

Praise for Tattooed Teardrops

—For me, a sign of a good book is that it is a quick read, holds my interest front to back and I like the characters. This book met the mark on all three of those characteristics.

—A slimy villain, an eager-to-please side-kick and a heroine who simply wants to move on from her past make for an intriguing tale, indeed! A realistic and beautiful story filled with suspense, heartbreaking friendship and loyalty that will keep you reading until the very end.

—This book is refreshingly bold

—That was an amazing book…I couldn’t stop reading it! It took me about two days to read it and I ended up staying up late on a school night! Oh well, it was totally worth it! Thank you!

—Absolutely amazing, I just want to keep reading!

—No words, just pure happiness.

—I found myself rooting for [Tamara] all the way to the end.

Praise for P.D. Workman

“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”

“The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book.”