Kim Iverson Headlee's Blog: Book Musings from the Maze of Twisty Passages, page 44

#MistletoeHop, #Giveaways, and Holiday Answering Machine Messages! #MFRWAuthor #ASMSG

Christmas is coming, and The Maze has
decked its halls with the Mistletoe Hop!
Every author on this list is doing a giveaway,
and mine has several facets!
I'm rather famous in these parts for having a singing answering-machine message just about year-round, and my annual Christmas selection that I've used for more than a decade, Dashing to the Mall, is my favorite. However, just to liven things up—and because I was in a festive mood while driving home from the faculty party this evening—I've added a few more to my repertoire. Feel free to use these for yourself; no crediting necessary!

I won't bother to identify the tunes; you'll get the gist soon enough, I'm sure. :D
Leave a comment about your favorite message on my list, suggest improvements or ideas, or even contribute a new one. I'll draw one winner at random from the comments for an e-copy of any of my novels!

Outgoing Message #1: I'm Dreaming of a Solicitation-free Christmas
I'm dreaming of a solicitation-free Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the message light glistens,
And children listen
To hear grandparents who love them so.
I'm dreaming of a solicitation-free Christmas
With every Christmas card I see!
Leave your name and number for me,
And may all your messages be scam-free.
Mood: Wistful

Outgoing Message #2: Hark, the Herald Voice-mail Sings!
Hark, the herald voice-mail sings!
How do I work this newfangled thing?
Where's the booklet that I filed?
God, where is my genius child?
He's the one who set this up!
I'll be lucky if I stop
It, to hear your message repeat;
Hopefully I won't press delete.
Leave your name & phone, and pray
That I will call you back today!
Mood: Frustrated but determined

Outgoing Message #3: Deck the Halls Now
Deck the halls now; don't be lazy!
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Leave your message; don't be hazy!
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Your fine words will give me pleasure,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la!
And I'll call you at my leisure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la!
Mood: Festive

Outgoing Message #4: God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlefolk
God rest ye, merry gentlefolk,
And be ye full of cheer!
Remember I will be back soon,
Your message for to hear!
Be brief, be kind, be informational in what you say,
And I will call you back someday,
Perhaps today,
And perhaps I will return your call today.
Mood: Encouraging

Outgoing Message #5: I Hear the Phone A-jingling
I hear the phone a-jingling,
Ring-ting-tingling too!
You know I might be screening a call
I'm receiving from you.
So leave your name and number
While I decide what to do,
Because it's lovely weather
To play this phone-tag with you!
Mood: Snarky but honest

Outgoing Message #6: Dashing to the Mall
Dashing to the mall in my beat-up Chevrolet
Made me miss the call you placed to me today.
I went out for a ride, some presents for to buy,
But when I got outside I found the traffic inching by.
Oh! I'm not home, please don't groan, I will be right back!
Leave your phone at the tone so your message I won't lack!
Mood: Breathless


In celebration of this month's e-book release of Liberty , I am giving away:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!




And for more #MistletoeHop fun:

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE where all of the #MistletoeHop authors are advertising our books and posts; please invite your friends!
https://www.facebook.com/events/944231948923747/

Grand Prize Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#MistletoeHop Participants

ABOUT WRITING by @SuzdeMello @ReadThis4fun #writing #creativewriting #MFRWOrg

Last month on The Maze we met Suz deMello, erotica author of Plotting and Planning . This month I'm pleased to invite Suz back to feature her book for writers and readers, About Writing.


Both of Suz deMello’s famed writing manuals, now in one handy paperback. A perfect gift for any writer!

Here’s what folks said about Plotting and Planning:

Sue has written a concise manual that is valuable for both beginning and seasoned writers. Going to write a book? Read this first!
— Bestselling suspense author Kylie Brant

Suz deMello's Plotting and Planning is a concise, informative, and entertaining look at writing a novel.
— Paranormal author Silver James

Not only did Write This, Not That! reach #2 on Amazon’s writing reference list, but it also garnered many five star reviews:

Five stars...good advice and fun to read.
— Jo Frye

Five stars... Kudos to the author for a well-written manual!
— Book CraZ

Five stars from me... This short guide covers the essentials and is
useful for both new and experienced writers.
— Author Catherine Cavendish

BUY ABOUT WRITING HERE:
http://tinyurl.com/deMelloAboutWriting

About Suz deMello:

Best-selling, award-winning author Suz deMello, a.k.a Sue Swift, has written seventeen romance novels in several subgenres, including erotica, comedy, historical, paranormal, mystery and suspense, plus a number of short stories and non-fiction articles on writing. A freelance editor, she’s held the positions of managing editor and senior editor, working for such firms as Totally Bound and Ai Press. She also takes private clients.

Her books have been favorably reviewed in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus and Booklist, won a contest or two, attained the finals of the RITA and hit several bestseller lists.

A former trial attorney, her passion is world travel. She’s left the US over a dozen times, including lengthy stints working overseas. She’s now writing a vampire tale and planning her next trip.

Stalk Suzie online:

— Find her books at http://www.suzdemello.com
— For editing services, email her at suzdemello@gmail.com
— Befriend her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/suzdemello
— She tweets @Suzdemello
— Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/suzdemello/
— Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SuzATGoodreads   
— Her current blog is http://www.TheVelvetLair.com

Thanks for sharing, Suz!

Everyone, don't forget to enter this great Rafflecopter giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

A Hunk for the Holidays from #ABloodyGoodCruise by @DianaLRubino #cruises #vampires #sexynovels

Today on The Maze I am pleased to welcome back author Diana Rubino, who talks about the yummy actor who is a drop-dead ringer for the hero Fausto in A Bloody Good Cruise! You're welcome. :D

Diana says...

A Bloody Good Cruise is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, starring romance author Mona Rossi and Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.

My stories are romances set against a backdrop of political upheaval, court intrigue, poverty, general drama of the surroundings, and at times a splash of the paranormal. What I’m trying to get across in my stories is that love can prevail no matter what the conflicts and obstacles, earthly or not.

Coffeetime Romance says in its review, “A Bloody Good Cruise is a high seas adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The lively cast spins non-stop excitement with thrills and enough snags to keep the pages turning.”

Actor Vincent Irizarry
A Bloody Good Fausto
I wanted to combine Italian vampires, comedy and cruising in one package, so I hopped on my imaginary ship The Romanza to get my characters in all kinds of trouble. I envisioned the hero, Fausto, as actor Vincent Irizarry (Dr. Hayward on All My Children). That made my job so much easier. He is THE perfect vampire. Italian vampires and hunters (the Vampire Ball Busters) leave the field wide open for comic relief, and I had plenty of chances in this story. Since I'm hooked on cruising and I'm Italian, I didn't need to do that much research. The name Fausto came from an Italian woman I met in the 1980s, Fausta. I knew I had to use some version of that name in one of my books. I finally got the chance with the hero Fausto, close enough!

My husband and I are hooked on cruising, and my very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world.

Excerpt:

Mona forced a dose of cheer through her jangly nerves. Vampire hunters wouldn’t have the balls to attack Fausto and his friends on this ship. Security was tight. “Well, you’re here, so does that mean you’ve been going out, and aren’t confined to your house any more?”

Fausto shrugged. “Almost. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity forever. And I knew seeing you would make it worthwhile.”

She smiled and gave him a genuine Italian cheek pinch. “I’ll cheer you up, faccia bella, you can count on that. You must feel safe.” She gestured at the tacky duds. “I mean, relatively speaking.”   

“Don’t let this scare you, but –” He glanced around over the rims of his shades. Uh-oh. Whenever he said “don’t let this scare you,” it scared her. “I got an ominous message at the doctor’s office earlier.”

“What—” She swallowed a lump. “What kind of ominous message?”

He looked away, shaking his head. “Nothing to get alarmed about. The hunters just want me to know they’re here. After the initial jolt wore off, I said, ‘okay, I’m being stalked again.’ But I’m used to it. It doesn’t make me constantly look over my shoulder like in the old days. My family’s murder gave me a reality check. If they want me, they’ll get me. I can’t let it interfere with my work, or what little leisure time I have here. And you shouldn’t either.” He gazed at her adoringly and cupped her cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm. “But you’re still scared. All the blood’s drained out of your face, and not in a good way.”

Thank you for sharing a member of your Dream Cast, Diana.
As a bonus, here is an interview of Fausto himself!
How did you meet Mona?
We met through a mutual friend, the first violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic, who’s also a SF author. Mona knows him through her network. Since I’m a violinist, the three of us got on great, then he went back home, left me and Mona alone, and…here we are.

If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?
Two hours in a row is rare for me, being on call all the time as the ship’s doctor. But occasionally everybody stays healthy, so I crash in front of the TV and watch Roma,  my soccer team.

You own the team???
No [laughs] – I wish. But I know a few of the players. We met when I worked on a chartered yacht. They visit me when I’m at home in Rome, and we kick a ball around just for fun…then we play chess, where I can beat them!
 
What do you care about, live by?
Being a good citizen, but I want to stay close with my own kind. That’s why I became a doctor, a lot of us are doctors. I love to travel, so I took the job on the cruise line.

Why?
I’m proud of my heritage, yet ashamed on some level. I want to have a noble profession.

How do you behave in a crisis?
I want to work it out in gentlemanly manner. I abhor violence, because of my distant past.

What are your hobbies?
I play violin, piano, flute, I read all of Mona’s novels, and I sing opera arias in the shower.

What kind of books do you love to read? Why?  
I like medical thrillers by authors like Robin Cook, mainly to see how accurate they are, but to enjoy them, too. Another author I like is also a doctor, Larry Gold, M.D. I also like nonfiction books about Ancient Rome, where I came from. I mean, I’m not that ancient, but…I do like reading about the good old days. And, being an opera buff, I love biographies of opera stars, and I enjoy reading a libretto once in a while, although I know most of the storylines, having seen so many operas. To me, that’s light reading.
 
What is your stress buster?
I love to run when the weather’s good, around my home near Rome. My sister lives nearby and has three Great Danes. I enjoy taking them for a run. When I’m on the ship, I jog around the promenade deck with my iPod playing rock 'n roll music. I dance when I’m all alone, too. That’s a great stress buster. It transports me into another world. But you know what helps me forget my problems? Making love with Mona. Now that’s a stress buster.

What is your favorite food? What food do you seek when you’re sad, sort of a comfort food?
When I’m sad, I get my cook to whip up a chocolate Italian cream cake. One day, he was off, and I made it myself, with no recipe—just how I remembered my Nonna makes it. It came out more like pudding. But I devoured it, and it sure lifted my spirits.

Then if not cake, I reach for good old fashioned Italian anisette cookies. Brings me right back to my childhood.

Describe yourself in one word.  
Hopeful.
 
What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?  
Marrying Lucrezia Borgia. I knew it was dangerous, but I was in love with her, and as a young—well, relatively young—guy, of course I thought it would last forever. I should’ve done more asking around—after all, references on her were easy enough to get. 

What makes you happy/sad/disappointed/frustrated/hopeful/angry? (Pick one)
Let’s keep it positive. What makes me happy is seeing people board the ship, especially those who’ve never cruised before. Their excitement is contagious. They buzz with pent-up energy. I try to keep that energy level going by inviting the best bands I can get on board and the funniest comedians. It isn’t always easy—sometimes I have to do some serious bribing.
 
What are your wildest dreams/fantasies/kinks/quirks?
My wildest dream is to visit outer space. Not live on another planet, just get a ride up there, orbit Earth and the moon, and head back again. And take some great pictures.

What do you most want out of life, and what’s its opposite? 
I most want people to accept us for who we are, and realize we’re not all Dracula. We’re getting there…I try to get a live TV show broadcast from the ship every Christmas, and we televise the Vampires Ball, our famous costume party. Now they hold those balls on land…so it’s catching on.

What would you never say, do or think?
I’d never give destructive criticism. All my criticism is to be helpful...and only when I’m asked. I’d never do a strip on stage again. Even to make the point that we’re like everybody else. I’d never think I’m superior to anyone just because I have this unusual gene in my DNA.

What are some of your faults?
I bottle up all my emotions, which is very un-Italian and unhealthy. But Mona has done a good job of bringing me out of my shell. She forced me to blow my top when the Vampire Ball Busters tried to torch my home…I did call the police and they got arrested, but I kept all my anger inside, until she urged me to yell and scream and throw things. I admit, it made me feel good for a while. So now when I get really aggravated or sad or even ecstatic about something, I let it all hang out. Even if I have to go into my private den and close all the doors and windows to have a good scream-fest. 

What’s your background, your history?  
I’m a vampire, born in Rome, from long line of vampires, dating back to ancient Rome. I inherited it, it’s genetic. I had no choice. I can trace my ancestry to ancient Rome. So, I’m undead. I was born during the Middle Ages in Rome. Rome was too hot for me, so I moved to England during Mary Tudor’s time.

Over the centuries, our family tried to hide it--we were good Christians, etc., but we had to drink blood. But we never want to bite anyone to get it. We don’t attack strangers, or drink from them directly. We just need the blood of whoever our soulmate is. So if we do bite their neck, it’s part of the sex act.

I’m proud of my ancestors, but know most people wouldn’t understand. I love the sea because of my ancestor Cherubino, who had the sea in his blood. I also revere Columbus; he’s my hero.

There are a lot of descendents from that bloodline. They keep in touch and some are very good friends. Some even intermarried. That makes it easy, they already know what they have to do.  

Thank you for sharing with us today, Fausto!
Diana Rubino is a longtime a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society, and the Aaron Burr Association.

Please visit Diana at
www.dianarubino.com
www.facebook.com/dianarubinoauthorwww.dianarubino.author.blogspot.com
and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.

A Bloody Good Cruise is available in:
Kindle Version: www.amzn.com/B00ILXYAI6
Paperback: bit.ly/1k8Vlrs 


Don't forget to enter this great Rafflecopter giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

#HolidayRecipe Creme Eggnog and Fallen Leaves by @TinaGayle #MFRWAuthor #Giveaway

Author Tina Gayle shares on The Maze her recipe for a cup of Christmas cheer along with her latest release, Fallen Leaves!
FESTIVE CREME EGGNOG
1 c. milk
1 (7 oz.) jar Kraft Marshmallow Creme
6 eggs
1/4 c. rum
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (8 oz.) container (3 cups)
Cool Whip non-dairy
whipped topping, thawed
Ground nutmeg

Gradually add milk to marshmallow creme, mixing with electric mixer or wire whisk until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in rum and vanilla; fold in whipped topping. Chill. Mix well. Top with additional whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg, if desired. Approximately 10 (1/2 cup) servings. Preparation time: 15 minutes plus chilling. Variation: Substitute 1 teaspoon rum extract for rum.

As Captain Jack Sparrow would say, "Why is all the rum gone?"Now we know why -- thanks for sharing this yummy recipe, Tina!

Fallen Leaves Synopsis:

As autumn comes to the Winston estate in Ohio, Amber Harrison learns further lessons in her new position as keeper for the spirits and ghosts who haunt the estate--and further lessons in love, too. She and her love, Carter Miller, grapple with the fears and passions of new love, while caught up in the storm of ancient family drama.

This is the second book in the unfolding saga of the psychics and talents associated with the Winston estate, a sheltered place where past, present, and future are woven into a single dramatic tapestry of love and desire. The tale spans multiple generations, multiple eras, and offers something special for all ages of reader. A sexy, erotic winner, with an assortment of couples to appeal to most tastes.


Excerpt:
“How long before you install the new cabinets?”

He turned on the ladder. His dark brown eyes captured her, engulfing her in an encompassing warmth. She melted under his heated gaze, which ran from the top of her head to the white socks on her feet. He lifted a brow at her attire, but he didn’t comment on her pink sweat suit.

“With the old cabinets out of the way, I need to knock down this wall and tear up the flooring. The electrical work is next on the agenda.” He climbed off the ladder, yanked off his gloves, and slid a hand through his thick, wavy hair.

“It might be awhile before we install the new cabinets. Right now, we’re simply working to remove the old stuff so we can start fresh.” He smiled, which didn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes or the fatigue in the slump of his shoulders.

“There’s no hurry. If you’re busy with something else, this can wait until your Dad and Mattie come home next week.”

“No, Dad doesn’t want her dealing with this mess.” Carter unbuckled his tool belt and placed it on a workbench. “I promised him I’d have it done.”

“Is Grant helping?” Amber stepped around several pieces of sheetrock and stray bits of wood, to the bottom of the stairs.

He walked to the backdoor. “Friday, his classes are over at noon.”

With his hand resting on the doorknob, he appeared anxious to leave. “I’m headed to lunch, and then I need to drop by the office for a while. Are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?”

Amber toyed with the idea of saying no. She missed the taste of his lips and the strength of his arms, but she nodded instead. “Yes, I’m fine.”

After opening the door, he paused. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

She waved and turned to head to her room, satisfied she’d at least gotten him to talk. Her leaden feet trudged up the steps. Unexcited, she contemplated her latest assignment from the family council. How could she achieve such an impossible task of convincing her great grandmother’s ghost to cross over?

Purchase links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JOTY270
Smashwords  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/428955
allromanceebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallenleaves-1479048-140.html

About Tina Gayle:
Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.

After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.

Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The first three books have been released and the last one is coming out in 2014.
She’s  also started a paranormal romantic mystery series called the Family Tree series. With a family of spirits guiding the lives of their keeper, Amber has a number of tasks to accomplished like solving a two hundred year old mystery.

Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.  She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both.
Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.

Find Tina  everywhere:

Home - www.tinagayle.net
Blog - www.tinagayle.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AuthorTinaGayle
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1641826.Tina_GayleFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/tina.gayle
Google + - https://plus.google.com
Linkin - http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tina-gayle/11/689/759

And don't forget to enter this great giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

#HolidayRecipe for Super Easy Fudge and Deputy's Bride by @anitaphilmar #Giveaway

Today on The Maze I offer two temptations—well, three, counting the giveaways, LOL—Super Easy Fudge, and the sexy Western novel Deputy's Bride by Anita Philmar!
#HolidayRecipe for Super Easy Fudge

1 (8 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate bits
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand milk
1 tsp. of instant coffee
Dash of salt
1/2 to 1 c. nuts
1  tsp. vanilla

Melt bits in milk over low heat, remove from heat and instant coffee, nuts and vanilla. Spread in lightly buttered 9 inch pan; chill until firm, cut.
Remove from pan. Store at room temperature.
Better after 24 hours.

 
Synopsis:
Deputy’s Bride is an erotic, historical western that is a stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA. Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.

Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling. Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head.

Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the altar?

Excerpt: 
“God, when is he going to get here,” Sarah muttered and strolled to the freestanding, oval mirror in the corner.

Critically, she examined her silk dressing gown’s high collar. Unable to breathe with every button running down the front of garment secured, she’d only connected a few at her waist. The dark red robe highlighted her creamy complexion and light blonde hair.

Through the open at the top, she viewed the curve of her breasts and the tight fit of her corset. The cream color almost matched her skin, creating the illusion that she was nude underneath. Tugging aside her wide skirt, she examined the long line of her legs. She’d opted to omit her bloomers. One, because with the fire raging in the fireplace, she was hot. Two, because she thought Mr. Kildare should get a glimpse of what he’d receive if he decided to make her his wife.

Granted from what Madeline had told Sarah, the man wanted more than a dutiful wife. He sounded as if he were more like her deceased husband. Micah enjoyed playing extreme bedroom games.

She frowned, thinking how much she’d missed sex in the last year. Not because she hadn’t had the chance to indulge. More because she hadn’t wanted to fall victim to the same power hungry crowd that Micah had belonged. She’d done enough for those bastards and she had no intentions of doing... 

Knuckles hammered against her door.

Brushing a nervous hand over her hair, she offered up a silent prayer that everything would work out before she rushed back to the doorway. After a quick breathe, she asked, “Who is it?”

“Bo Kildare, I was sent by Madeline Cowden.”

A masculine tone rang from the other side.

His voice alone sent shivers racing over her skin. She flipped back the lock and inched open the door. “Yes, she said you might be stopping by.”

Anita Philmar likes to create stories that push the limit. A writer by day and a dreamer by night, she wants her readers to see the world in a new way. Influenced by sci-fi programs, she likes to develop places where anything can happen and where erotic moments come to life in a great read. Naughty or Nice? Read her books and decide.

Website:  http://www.anitaphilmar.com/
Email: anitaphilmar@yahoo.com
Blog: http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/anita.philmar
GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1329767.Anita_Philmar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitaphilmar
Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/anitaphilmar
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Anita-Philmar/e/B002BMBE8C


And don't forget to enter this giveaway for Liberty!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team,  Kim's All-Stars
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

#HolidayRecipe Chocolate Crack and Her Best Man by Jana Richards #Giveaway

Rest easy, Mazeites, I'm not corrupting anyone's morals today by sharing this recipe for Chocolate Crack, contributed by 
Her Best Man author Jana Richards!
Chocolate Crack
Ingredients
Approximately 200-250 grams whole graham wafer (about ½ of a small box)
250 ml. (1 cup) salted butter
250 ml. (1 cup) brown sugar
500 ml. (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Line a 25 x 38 cm. (10 x 15 inch) jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray or grease well with butter or margarine. Line the pan completely with a single layer of graham wafers, breaking wafers up, if necessary, to make them fit. Set aside.

Combine the butter and brown in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for exactly 5 minutes, stirring constantly. You might need to adjust the heat; if the mixture sputters too much, reduce the heat. If it stops boiling increase the heat; a bull boil will have breaking bubbles all over the surface.

Pour the mixture over the graham wafers as evenly as you can. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let the chips melt for a minute or two and then spread them as evenly as you can with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon. Let cool to room temperature and then place pan in the fridge to chill. When the pan is chilled, peel the foil from the wafers and break the slab into random pieces.

Baker’s note: The name of this cookie comes from the fact that you “crack” the final slab into irregular chunks, but the taste is almost as addictive as the other stuff! The boiling time and stirring is important for the success of this cookie, so pay attention. For variation you can sprinkle the warm chocolate with nuts, marshmallows or crushed candy canes.


Her Best Man
by Jana Richards

Synopsis:
Sarah Stevens experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes on the Caribbean cruise meant to be her honeymoon in order to lick her wounds, she discovers her ex-fiancé has sent his brother, Will Marshall, the former best man, on the cruise as well. Everyone on board thinks they're newlyweds, and Sarah is too embarrassed to set them straight. How is she supposed to share a tiny cabin with a man she barely knows? How is she supposed to pretend that she and Will are on their honeymoon? Even worse, how can she keep from falling in love with him? Sarah discovers the best man for her really is the best man.

Excerpt:
“You have a beautiful engagement ring,” Josie commented.

Sarah felt her positive resolve slip a little.  She stared at the ring, uncertain why she still wore it.  Did she miss Brad that much, or was it the idea of being married she missed?

“Thank you,” she said simply, hoping Josie would drop the subject.  Apparently, that was too much to hope for.

“Why is it you and Will don’t wear wedding bands?”

“Josie, that’s really none of our business,” Ted rebuked gently.  He took his bride’s hand and planted a tender kiss on each of her fingers.  “We talked about this, sweetie.  Boundaries, remember?”

Ted’s love for Josie shone in his eyes, despite her lack of tact.  He knew all her foibles, weaknesses and plain old stupidities and he still loved her.  Sarah wondered why someone couldn’t love her like that.  She stared at her engagement ring and thought of the day Brad had given it to her.  She’d been so happy and so hopeful of a wonderful future.  But now all her plans and dreams were gone, her hopes of having a family of her own dashed.  How could he have done that to her?

The sob seemed to come from the pit of her stomach, working its way up her body until it just burst uncontrollably out of her mouth.  She covered her mouth with her hand, shocked by the emotion as well as by the tears flooding out of her eyes.  To her surprise she found herself being drawn into Will’s embrace.  She sniffled against his shirt, embarrassing herself further by getting his shoulder wet.

“It’s okay, Sarah,” he whispered.  In a louder voice she heard him speak to the rest of the group who had stopped in mid-chew to stare at her.

“Sarah’s had a very difficult couple of weeks,” he began.  This was it, she thought.  This was where she got outed as a fake bride.  She sucked in a breath.  If he told the truth would he go to jail?  Would she?

“We don’t have any rings because a few days before the wedding the jewelry store where we purchased our rings burned to the ground.  Our rings were lost and Sarah was devastated.  As you can see, she’s still emotional about it.”

Sarah sniffed against Will’s shoulder.  What?

“Oh Sarah, how awful for you!” Josie said.

“But that’s not everything,” Will continued, his voice taking on a serious note.  Sarah stopped sniveling to listen to what he’d say next.  “The wedding dress she’d ordered was lost in transit.  She had to wear a dress off the rack.”

Josie took in a sharp breath.  “No!”

“But the last straw came when a pipe broke at the hall where our reception was going to be held and the place was flooded.  We had to cancel.”

Again, more ohhs and ahhs sounded around the table.  Where did he come up with these crazy stories?

Beatrice chuckled. “I’ve heard some wedding disaster stories, but yours take the cake. Don’t worry, Sarah. Someday you’ll look back and laugh, I promise.”

Gladys raised her glass. “Here’s to Sarah and Will. May their marriage be luckier than their wedding.”

“Hear, Hear.”

Everyone raised his or her glass in a toast. As Sarah wiped her eyes, Will made a toast of his own. “To Sarah. Nothing but blue skies from now on.” He took a drink from his glass, his blue eyes full of compassion, with a hint of humor twinkling under the surface.

Sarah picked up her wineglass. How had he done that? She knew Will’s stories were more about saving his butt than protecting her from humiliation, but still, she’d rather be thought of as the girl whose wedding blew up then the girl who got dumped at the altar. For that she was grateful.

And how had he made her feel so safe and comforted in his arms? She shivered a little, remembering the gentle touch of his hand sliding up and down her back. For that she was less grateful. She was confused enough already about her feelings.

Sarah reluctantly tipped her glass to Will. “To blue skies.”

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In celebration of this month's release of Liberty, I'm giving away:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my street team, Kim's All-Stars
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

Announcing... #KASIWC paranormal time travel romance #MFRWOrg

Greetings, Mazeites! Are you ready for December to be over yet? Of course you are; don't be ridiculous! (JK—I love this time of year in spite of all the craziness. It's so full of promise and hope and kindness and joy. :)
Speaking of joy, please take a moment to join me in congratulating the winners (already notified) of last month's contests for e-book copies of my paranormal time travel romance, King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court (#KASIWC):

Dorothy W., Lynn C., Raeline P., Lisa M., Becca, Sarah M., Tammy R., Pat W., Mary P., Victoria Z., and Katherine R.
The above (watermarked) image, created by Jennifer "The Royal Portraitist" Doneske, is but a sample of the gorgeous illustrations included in KASIWC that augment this futuristic time travel romp, featuring Queen Morgan le Fay as the fish out of very strange and wonderful (in the original sense of the word!) waters in the late 21st century.

I have another blog tour with giveaway scheduled for KASIWC January 12-23, and I would be ever grateful if you are a blogger and wish to sign up!   The link is here.
 And I have an active Rafflecopter running until December 22nd for my latest release!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Join my Street Team, Kim's All-Stars 
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

Shoutout to Children Authors! #giveaways sci-fi fantasy KidLit

Today on The Maze I am pleased to feature Children Authors!


Do you remember as a child, hoping and praying, wishing with all your might, that on Christmas morning that one present was under the tree? The one present you bugged your parents constantly for months about? The one present you obsessed over? Then, you found yourself standing in front of the tree, the one that loomed over you like a mountain, looking in vain for that one box, wrapped in pretty paper, with your name on it?
I do.
For me, it wasn't a Barbie, a board game or even an easy-bake oven. A few months before my tenth Christmas, my mother had taken me to an old second-hand store. Tucked into a corner was a book shelf. It was on that shelf that I saw it for the first time; The Black Stallion. I begged, pleaded and made promises with my mother if she would buy me that one book. Unfortunately, my mother, who survived on a welfare check, didn't even have the 35 cents to buy it for me. I was so angry that I didn't speak to her for a solid day. Of course, being a child I got over it fast, but I continued to obsess about the words that I knew were written on those pages.
Christmas morning, still believing in Santa Claus, I raced to the tree, searching for a small gift from him. There it was, a small present with green wrapping and a red bow taped to it. My thrill was quickly squashed when I tore the paper off the book and found a copy of Little Women. My disappointment quickly turned to joy as I sat down and began reading about the March sisters.
My mother, as I learned years later, wanted me to be challenged, to push myself against convention, and she believed that Little Women was the book to do it. I have since read The Black Stallion, but its love has been lost to me now. My mother had given me a present I never knew I wanted, and could never be replaced.
This Christmas, I ask you, a reader and lover of books, to give your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren or even your friends' children, a gift they don't even realize they want. The love for the written word can be a powerful tool to shaping who these children will be.
I ask you to support these selfless authors whose love for children comes before fame or fortune. They write because of the joy they can bring to a child's world. So whether a child in your life owns a tablet, a laptop, an e-reader or any other device or is receiving one for Christmas, load it full of the endless world of possibilities.
Happy Holidays,
Tami, MoB Promos
18 authors are represented below
BRENDA PERLIN (1 BOOK)

TY THE BULL (Age 11 & up)
Everything seemed to fall apart for Ty when his parents got a divorce. At his wits end after being bullied endlessly, he started to ditch school. It wasn't until he met up with a skater named Peacock that things somehow turned around and he put the pieces of his life back together.

Amazon

CRYSTAL WEST (1 BOOK)
JAMES AND THE CLOUDS (Age 4 -8)
Enjoy an adventure to outer space with James and his dog Max. James uses his imagination and the shapes he sees in the clouds to go on an outer space adventure.
Amazon
DARREN LEWIS (3 BOOKS)

THE SEREN TROLOGY (Age 11 & up)
Do you believe in magic?
Our world was born into chaos four billion years ago. It has survived to nurture and protect a species that is duty-bound to help it live. And it's not human. Now, those protectors are dying and the Earth will perish. Their leader Rox has a plan, but she will not be alone. 
From a chance meeting, Rox will travel with the bravest creature she has ever met. A young human girl, Ellie. Travel with them both, through the dark woods to the far reaches of the past, as they seek a way to save our world.
Can you fly?
Ellie returns home to forge a unique friendship that will change her life. Her new companion, Cole, will fly her to amazing heights and plummet to the lowest depths beneath the earth, as they embark together on a perilous and personal quest to discover something precious lost so long ago.
Could you save the world?
The fate of mankind hangs in the balance and on the shoulders of Ellie and her dragon, Cole. Old and new friendships will come together to overcome the dreadful future the young friends have unleashed upon the world. Everything must be risked and sacrificed if Ellie is to save everyone she knows and loves. 
A choice must be made. A price must be paid.
And only one girl can make it.
Amazon
VENGEANCE OF SHADOWS (11 & UP)

In Seren Trilogy, Ellie and her dragon Cole journeyed to the far reaches of our past to prevent the war between man and dragonkind, and could not return home.
In the present day, an Ellie exists that never encountered the dragons, but she somehow harbors the memories of them. Ellie's life has become as normal as it can, for a girl who visits the home of talking rabbits.
But a darkness has been woken in the village. Bitter memories of the past and a thirst for vengeance upon the guilty thrusts Ellie onto the path of danger, and the road to the past where answers lie in wait. Ellie alone must stand against the darkness that would consume all, and overcome it. To accept her fate may lose her everything. To stand against it may cost her everything. The shadows will not be satisfied until she is punished for what she did.

Amazon
THE ONCOMING STORM (Age 11 & up)

In Vengeance of Shadows, Ellie escaped Isabelle but received a dire warning about the Institute. Now returning home with more questions than answers, Ellie will discover her value not only to this new threat but to a magical device created by the dragons and hidden by Isabelle.

With the net closing in, Ellie is not the only one the Institute have their sights on. Rox and her entire family have been discovered, and their secret revealed. Rox must not only confront this new enemy, but attempt to find her only human friend Ellie in the turmoil, and fight back.

But the Institute have resources and power beyond reckoning. They will sweep aside all who oppose and try to stop them. Their ferocity will bring about a storm like no other. Ellie will try and run from the storm and encounter mysteries, foes and allies but in the end, Ellie will have nowhere to hide from The Oncoming Storm.

Amazon
DIANNE LYNN GARDNER (3 BOOKS)

ALTERED (Age 12 & up)
In a dystopian future, the Privatol invades American soil, and crops propel the engine. Uncontrollable tyranny has succeeded in dictating where people live, what they do, and what they eat. When Abree, a spunky twelve-year-old is taken away to learn the process of modifying seed to Newly Constructed Food she discovers an evil plan that could alter the fate of the human race, and a way out if only she can escape to tell the others.
Amazon






DECEPTION PEAK (Age 12 & up)
The first book of the Saga, Deception Peak is a young adult adventure fantasy about a teenager, Ian Wilson, who follows his father through a portal that magically appears on their computer screen. They travel into a deceptively beautiful Realm, where horses run free, the wind sings prophetic melodies, and their computer avatars come to life. But when the two are separated, Ian is abducted by a tribe of dragon worshipers and is forced to find his courage. As he struggles for his freedom and embarks on a perilous search to find his father, Ian meets the true peacekeepers of the Realm. It’s then that he learns there is a greater purpose for being in there.
Amazon




DRAGON SHIELD (Age 12 & up)
"Integrity isn't something you do, it's who you are," Aren tells the confused Ian in The Dragon Shield. 
Now a young man, Ian returns to the magical Realm to fight against the tyranny that has befallen his friends. But the Realm: is a different place, the forest is dying, the Kaemperns have lost the shield that protected them from the dragon, and Ian has a hard time proving his allegiance when trouble follows him through the portal. 
His struggle to do right buries him in confusion, and he must fight his own will to prove his integrity. 
The Ian's Realm Saga is filled with sorcery, wizards, magic, and fantasy adventure, great for young readers and the entire family. 
If you enjoy dragons, sorcery, wizards, magic, legend, and fantasy adventure, then this series is for you!
Amazon
FIONA BURDETT (1 BOOK)
THE GADOOMFS: ACROSS THE WAAIGEZI (Ages 10 - 13)

Goose, Boo, Daddoo and Bear set off on a wild adventure. Their mission is to find a mysterious map in a bottle. If they fail, the wicked Foosnags will invade Goodlybuttonswell and they will all be doomed!

As they traverse across the mystical and wild continent of Figmentica, they find themselves on a voyage of discovery. They meet all sorts of fascinating and unusual creatures along the way and learn much about their continent, which they have never dared to explore before.

Amazon
GARRETT CARKOS (2 BOOKS)
TOMORROWLAND (Ages 3 -12)
Do you believe in miracles or a life after this one? Meet little Pearl, an orphan and gentle Ben her rescuer. Both homeless and with no family, they quickly bond and decide it was their destiny to ride out the snow storm inside a little diner. There they meet waitress Alice, who instantly sees their situation as desperate and treats them to breakfast. With their tummies full and their minds full of questions, up pops Joey. Joey is smartly dressed and seems to be much wiser than his years. He claims to be from Tomorrowland. A place he describes as 'someplace nice' where there are no orphans or homeless. No one ever gets sick or grows old. It sounded too good to be true, but Ben and Pearl had nothing to lose...except each other. Would they stay together and live on the streets or take a chance on a better life in Tomorrowland.
Amazon

THE LOCKET (Ages 3 -12)
Young Princess Annabelle was traveling in her white carriage pulled by four proud white horses. She glanced out and spotted a lone figure under a tree down by a stream. A curious child by nature, she commanded the driver to stop so she could run down and investigate. Once there, she discovers a young boy. His name was Nicholas. He was very different than other young boys the Princess had met, but different in a good way. He was calm and quiet and had an easy way about him as he whittled on a tree branch. Being a Princess, strangers frightened her, but there was something about Nicholas that made her feel at ease. After chatting for a few minutes, she discovers Nicholas was very gifted and had some incredible powers. Powers he tried to convince her- she had as well. She doubted and giggled at first, but soon realized anything's possible..if you believe...
Amazon


GRETA BURROUGHS (5 BOOKS)


PATCHWORK DOG AND CALICO CAT (Ages 5 - 10)
Patchwork Dog has a knack for getting into trouble and his best friend, Calico Cat usually winds up right in the middle of the mess with him. Calico would rather spend her days sleeping in her nice comfortable bed, staying safe and worry free. She knows better than to follow Patchy when he is out looking for a new adventure, but she tags along anyway just in case… On the other hand, Patchy is very curious and is always investigating new sights, sounds and smells. He follows his nose wherever it goes. Sometimes that leads to trouble but other times it gives Calico a chance to play a trick on her not so sm
art friend. Join the two lovable creatures as Patchy tries to fly like a bird and finds out that soaring through the air is fun but the landing hurts too much. In another adventure, the little dog gets caught sneaking around an airplane. In the other three stories, Patchy and Calico eat too many apples, confront a not too friendly skunk, and take a magical ride into town. Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons on sharing and working together.
Amazon

PATCHY AND CALICO'S SUMMER VACATION (Ages 5 - 10)
Patchwork Dog has a knack for getting into trouble and his best friend, Calico Cat usually winds up right in the middle of the mess with him. Calico would rather spend her days sleeping in her nice comfortable bed, staying safe and worry free. She knows better than to follow Patchy when he is out looking for a new adventure, but she tags along anyway just in case… On the other hand, Patchy is very curious and is always investigating new sights, sounds and smells. He follows his nose wherever it goes. Sometimes that leads to trouble but other times it gives Calico a chance to play a trick on her not so smart friend. Children will laugh out loud when the two lovable creatures go to the beach where Patchy comes nose to claw with a fiddler crab, or when they take a walk through the woods and meet a not too friendly bear who can not decide whether to help the two lost campers or eat them. In the other stories, children will enjoy reading about how Patchy and Calico accidentally join the circus, take an unplanned boat ride and get caught sneaking into a school classroom. Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation has illustrations at the beginning of each chapter that hint at what the new adventure will be about. Other pictures are included at the end of each story along with some questions for the child to answer. Older children can read the stories themselves or it would make a wonderful bedtime story book for younger kids. The five tales will entertain children of all ages with the antics of the title characters and hopefully teach youngsters some valuable lessons working together and staying out of trouble.
Amazon

CHRISTMAS WITH PATCHY AND CALICO (Ages 5 - 10)
Christmas is a special time for kids of all ages and in “Christmas with Patchy and Calico”, the lovable dog and cat discover the true spirit of the holiday season. Through their many adventures, the two friends learn that giving and sharing are just as much fun as receiving presents. In one story, making a snowman should be a fairly simple job, but not for these two. Patchy decides to show off and accidentally becomes the world’s first walking snowdog. Then when all the Christmas presents mysteriously disappear, Patchy and Calico become detectives. They track down the gift snatcher and come face to face with the bully who stole all the gifts from underneath their Christmas tree. In other adventures, the two friends find a wealth of chestnuts and are given lots of treats. What Patchy and Calico do with all the chestnuts and treats will teach children how simple gifts can make both the giver and receiver very happy. Preschoolers up to elementary-aged children (and adults too) love the adventures and misadventures of the two title characters. The humorous stories, illustrations, and simple questions at the end of each story will entertain kids while teaching them valuable lessons on sharing, caring and giving while spreading Christmas cheer. Other books in this series include “Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat” and “Patchy and Calico's Summer Vacation.”
Amazon

GERALD AND THE WEE PEOPLE (Ages 10 & up)
Gerald and the Wee People is a novel intended for young adults but readers of all ages will get carried away in the world of the Wee People. Gerald and his best friend, Vernon literally fall into a new world when responding to a plea for help. A few years prior to that, the boys had discovered an unusual clearing in the woods where only Gerald had the ability to watch the daily activities that took place in a miniature village. When creatures started attacking the village, Gerald became more and more concerned about the little inhabitants that he had become attached to. Vernon humored his friend but became concerned when Gerald mentioned one of the villagers coming to him and asking for help. To prove him wrong, Vernon agreed to venture out to the clearing late one night and show Gerald it was all in his imagination. Instead, Vernon was drawn into the enchanted vision and both boys charged off to the rescue. While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon try to fulfill a prophecy overcoming many dangers and obstacles. The boys help the villagers in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to defeat a powerful being intent on destroying all life. The characters in the book come to life and will make you laugh, cry and root for the underdog. Gerald and the Wee People is an action packed fantasy adventure that will keep you spellbound until the last page.
Amazon

HOUSE ON BO-KAY LANE (Ages 10 & up)
"House on Bo-Kay Lane" continues the adventure begun in book one in this series, "Gerald and the Wee People". Gerald and Vernon believe their time with the wee people came to an end after they returned to their home world but begin to wonder when strange things started to happen at an abandoned house in their neighborhood. Ghostly images of familiar faces from the wee people village are seen in the windows, echoes of voices from the past haunt the boys’ dreams and an undeniable curiosity draws Gerald and Vernon to investigate the mysterious haunted house. What they find takes them back to the world of the wee people and a new adventure begins. In House on Bo-Kay Lane, a mirror is found in a forgotten room in the far-seers’ training center. Sheela, a far-seer master and Alyson, an apprentice firestarter are unwillingly drawn into the depths of the mirror and wind up in the abandoned house on Bo-Kay Lane. Sheela uses her telepathic skills to enlist the aid of Gerald, Vernon and Gerald’s father, Andrew to help find the way back to the world of the wee people. That problem resolved, they try to unravel the secrets of the mirror and find that it is a portal between their two worlds, as well as to a time in the future and possibly even to a parallel universe. They also discover that someone is trapped inside the mirror and the decision has to be made as to whether or not to help the trapped soul escape the confines of the portal. Meanwhile, the wee people discover the origins of their world. That knowledge is not well accepted and leads to discord between them and the outworlders, Gerald, Andrew and Vernon. An uneasy truce paves the way to an understanding and acceptance of the unwelcome facts and eventually to a solution of how to deal with the man in the mirror.
Amazon







JENNA ELIZABETH JOHNSON  (3 BOOKS)

THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE - THE FINDING (BOOK ONE) (Ages 11 & up)
When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found . . . 
Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home.
But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine. 
Amazon
THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE - THE BEGINNING (BOOK TWO) (Age 11 & up)
Twelve years have passed since Jahrra arrived in Oescienne and became the responsibility of the old Korli dragon Hroombra; yet much can happen in twelve years. So far, Jahrra’s life has been filled with adventure, danger, friendship and even loss. Despite what she has learned in school and what she has learned from life, she has no idea that she is in fact human, a child of the race that has been absent from the world of Ethöes for five long centuries . . .
But the girl’s identity must be kept secret, even from Jahrra herself, for if the Tyrant King of the East knew of her existence all would be lost. And as time goes by those responsible for the young human girl grow anxious and cautious, for there is evidence of an unknown danger in their midst; a danger they cannot see or hear, but one they can sense like a bad omen.
As Jahrra continues to grow and learn about the world around her, facing personal dangers, challenges and enemies of her own, she will become aware of the prophecy that she is meant to fulfill and what she must sacrifice in order to survive what lies ahead.
Amazon
THE LEGEND OF OESCIENNE - THE AWAKENING (BOOK THREE) (Age 11 & up)
Growing up is never easy, but for Jahrra, seventeen years has brought its own unique share of hardships. She’s made both friends and enemies; has felt both joy and sorrow. Yet she has persevered through it all and has finally learned to know and accept who she is. Unfortunately, her trials and tribulations are only just beginning . . . 
An inconceivable tragedy and the revelation of a secret kept from her since birth has turned her perfect world on its end. Jahrra isn’t the poor Nesnan she thought she was, but human, one promised by Ethöes in a prophecy from long ago. Now, without her guardian, she must accept the help of the one she mistrusts the most as they flee Oescienne before the Tyrant’s minions have a chance to close in. 
With her enemies at her heels and the terrifying truth looming before her, Jahrra will seek shelter with the dragon Raejaaxorix in the faraway city of Lidien, a place of hope and enlightenment. But when the City of Light proves to entertain its own dangers, Jahrra and Jaax find their safety threatened once again. But this time the threat may be coming from those they trust the most . . .
Amazon

J.M. NORTHUP (1 BOOK)

FELINE FASCINATION (THE ADVENTURES OF BORIS AND OLGA (Age 5 - 13)
Boris is a stray kitten rescued from the city streets. He finds his forever home on the farm of his dreams where he meets his sassy older sister, Olga. Together, Boris and Olga explore the farmstead and all it has to offer! 
Through the antics and adventures of these two adorable cats, you’ll meet and learn about an array of animals and farm activities. You will get the chance to discover everything from how hay is made, the process of milking cows, and even why birds migrate; learning alongside Boris as he is taught about his new life! 
You will have the chance to meet some very interesting characters that include Charlie the Dog, Gus the Squirrel, Charlotte the Horse, Zeke the Mallard Duck, and the Holstein Heifers, Betsy and Ellie Mae. You will be able to hunt for frogs, climb a Christmas tree, and even go to the vet. Come discover the things that fascinate a feline and experience it through the eyes of the cat himself!
Amazon
K.L. WARD (1 BOOK)
LILLY THE ALMOST FAIRY (Age 2 - 8)
Have you ever wished upon a star that was shining bright in the night sky? Do you believe in the power of magic? Have you ever felt the presence of pixies and fairies, goblins and Elves as they Flutter about? Do you believe fairy tales and stories of love? Have you ever watched snowflakes fall from above? Close your eyes, count to three And come on this magical journey with me.
Amazon
KARINA GIOERTZ (1 BOOK)

LITTLE RACHEL DARK (Age 3 - 9)
This is the story of Little Rachel Dark and the time she decided she was ready to find her light.
Amazon
KATHRYN & GABRIELLE JOHNS (1 BOOK)

THE PRINCESS IN THE PYRAMID (Age 11 & up)
Best friends Brianna Miller and Eddie Williams are a couple of typical Midwestern pre-teens who share an unusual passion for Ancient Egypt. But this interest does not prepare them for a magic papyrus or an encounter with mysterious girl from another time.
Suddenly, the friends find themselves in the land of the pyramids, where, with the help of their new friend Ibis, they must perform an impossible task or they will never be able to return home.
Amazon
KRIS SHIELDS (1 BOOK)

THE TANGLE MONSTER (Age 5 - 10)
Come join the Tangle Monster on his adventures to a new home. Learning about taking care of your hair has never been more fun.
Amazon
LARA HENLEY (1 BOOK)

JESSE DISCOVERS CHRISTMAS (Age 5 - 10)
Follow Jessie on her inquisitive journey as she travels the world on an imaginative adventure. Jessie discovers that there are many ways to celebrate her favorite holiday. Join Jessie and open your imagination to the many possibilities.
Amazon
MARY THERIOT (2 BOOKS)

CHILLY THE SNOWMAN (Age 5 - 10)
Before the first snow in Louisiana could melt, Theresa and her friends rushed outside to build their very own snowman.
After they built their rather funny looking snowman, Andrew realized that his Papa’s lucky fishing hat was just what Chilly the Snowman needed. The children were all surprised when Andrew placed the hat on Chilly’s head and he came to life!
Come follow Theresa and her friends as they celebrate their first snow with Chilly the Snowman!
Amazon



RAYNE EMILY DEER (Age 5 - 10)
Rayne Emily Deer has always dreamed of helping guide Santa’s sleigh for Christmas.
Even though the other reindeer constantly pick on her, she refuses to stop believing that one day her dream may come true.
She makes sure to eat lots of carrots so that her eyes are better than all the other reindeer, and is always practicing her jumps so that she can jump higher than anyone else.
When a heavy snowstorm sweeps across the North Pole, everyone starts to worry. Will Christmas be canceled, or will Rayne Emily Deer’s dream finally come true?
Amazon
MICHELLE MURRAY (1 BOOK)

THE DREAM WALKER (Age 10 & up)
Once upon Mystica there were six wizards, three light and three dark. One day, one of the dark wizards Midnight says a spell to trap his fellow wizards. The spell goes astray and all the wizards are trapped in stones, including Midnight. Now, one curios boy finds one of these stones and releases Midnight upon Mystica. Midnight gathers an army and prepares for war. Miranda has dreams of Mystica. She travels there to find the one wizard that can stop Midnight, Lightning. Follow Miranda through the Plains, Ice Caves, Forest of the Lost, and the Dragon's Lair. Can Miranda find and release Lightning and save Mystica?
Amazon
PRUDENCE HAYES (1 BOOK)

HAZEL SPELLINWITCH AND THE DAY SHE SAVED WICKEDVILLE (Age 2 - 8)
It was a normal sunny day in Wickedville when suddenly the sun disappeared, the animals began to cry and things started to turn black. It was Sara Unsmiley taking all the happiness away. Will Hazel and her friends be able to stop her before they are completely surrounded by darkness?
Amazon
RANDELL BARNES (1 BOOK)

THE DIARY OF AALIYAH ANDERSON (Age 13 & up)
Meet Aaliyah Anderson, a beautiful, intelligent, ambitious thirteen-year-old young woman ready to take over the world. With her mom being a superstar broadcast journalist and her older brother Damon being an acclaimed writer and star sports player. Aaliyah lives a fantastic life. Aaliyah quickly learns that her good life, doesn't separate her from life's problems. She has to deal with tons of hardships and avoid many obstacles along her path to achieving her short term goal of finally making it to high school and what she feels will bring her closer to her dreams of being a CEO of a company. 
Aaliyah has to deal with overwhelming family issues such as the divorce of her parents and the result of her "father's" unfaithfulness, infidelity, and a family secret that turns her world upside down. As if her family wasn't messed up enough, her eleven-year old brother turns to the streets and joins the Eastside Rydahz, one of the most notorious gangs in the city. Her eldest brother Jeffery, or high-ranked Rydah 808, hates everything about Aaliyah and she doesn't understand it. All Aaliyah wants is to have the ideal loving, united family and it hurts her that their situation is seemingly fractured beyond repair. 
To make things even more pressing, she lives in the ruthless city of Willowsfield, statistically the #1 most dangerous city in America, where senseless community violence is the norm and life expectancy is low. With the pressure to succeed and make it out of the ditch that Aaliyah calls her hometown, she still has to deal with more problems that test her patience. 
With its realistic characters, life-like setting and dynamic message, The Diary of Aaliyah Anderson is entertaining and a sure fire conversation starter on what we need to do as a generation.
Amazon
On behalf of the authors, MoB Promos and the bloggers of the world,Happy Holidays.
RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAYGIFTCARD DONATED BY MoB PROMOS
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MoB Promos
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And don't forget to enter this great giveaway
celebrating the release of Liberty by Kim Headlee!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!

This candle burns, and my heart breaks.

LIBERTY Pre-Release/Launch Blog Tour #giveaway ancient Rome historical romance #MFRWAuthor

Welcome to the Pre-release/Launch Blog Tour & Giveaway for LIBERTY by your friendly Mazemaster (a.k.a. Kim Headlee)! :D

This is the revised edition of the 2006 HQN Books work of the same title, written under the pseudonym "Kimberly Iverson." It tells the heart-wrenching story of a young woman who is sold into slavery to pay a Roman tax debt, whose master puts her into the arena to make her fight for her life, for the entertainment of the masses. There she attracts the attention of a wealthy Roman nobleman... and the sparks begin to fly!

SynopsisThey hailed her "Liberty," but she was free only to obey—or die.

Betrayed by her father and sold as payment of a Roman tax debt to fight in Londinium's arena, gladiatrix-slave Rhyddes feels like a wild beast in a gilded cage. Celtic warrior blood flows in her veins, but Roman masters own her body. She clings to her vow that no man shall claim her soul, though Marcus Calpurnius Aquila, son of the Roman governor, makes her yearn for a love she believes impossible.

Groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and trapped in a politically advantageous betrothal, Aquila prefers the purity of combat on the amphitheater sands to the sinister intrigues of imperial politics, and the raw power and athletic grace of the flame-haired Libertas to the adoring deference of Rome's noblewomen.

When a plot to overthrow Caesar ensnares them as pawns in the dark design, Aquila must choose between the Celtic slave who has won his heart and the empire to which they both owe allegiance. Knowing the opposite of obedience is death, the only liberty offered to any slave, Rhyddes must embrace her arena name—and the love of a man willing to sacrifice everything to forge a future with her.

ReviewThis book completely took me by surprise. I had read the synopsis, and was intrigued to check it out. I am very glad that I went ahead and read this book. It is epic. That is the only word for the journey that the main character goes on. The scope of her struggle is nothing short of amazing. I was so engrossed in the book, I read it in one sitting. It is an incredible story of one woman’s struggle under Roman rule. She is an incredible character. 

Rhyddes ferch Rudd is a young woman about 18 years old. She is Celtic, part of the Votadini tribe. They had been conquered by the Romans. She has always felt like a slave, her father beats her, never showing an ounce of love for her. Her name means freedom, and this reason becomes clear in the story. When the Picts attack her village, she fights with her brothers—and finds herself fighting a female warrior. This became the beginning to her life as a warrior.
Marcus Calpurnius Aquila is the son of the Governor of Britannia province, Sextus Calpurnius Agricola. Marcus’ relationship with his father is strained at best. He likes to fight as a gladiator, whereas his father wants him to work toward politics, not associating with the lower class. He has his life decided for him when his father decides he is to marry Senator Falco’s daughter, Lady Messiena.
 
The story is set about 160 A.D. The Romans' rule is far reaching, having conquered most everywhere in what is now Europe and Great Britain. Rhyddes has no love for the Romans. They take and tax everyone to support Rome. Her father decides to sell her into slavery to get rid of her and pay his tax debt. Although her virginity had to be maintained, that did not keep the Roman guards from brutally assaulting her. This was the pattern her life would seem to be taking, everyone hurting her. She was sold to a lanista, Jamil of Tanis, who outbid Marcus. Marcus fell in love at the sight of her, but let Jamil buy her. They were friends, so he was not completely out of luck. Rhyddes's struggle with becoming a gladiatrix and her feelings for Marcus are the focus of the story. There is also a very sinister plot brewing against the Emperors, and she will become a huge part of it. This book has so many things happening, and I do not want to spoil it. She must come to terms with her growing feelings for a Roman when all the empire has done for her is cause her pain. And Marcus has his own journey while figuring out what is important to him and what he will do to achieve his goals. At every turn, their lives go in unexpected directions, pulling them apart because of chance or duty.

The way the author uses facts and fiction, woven together so seamlessly, makes you feel as though this story is truth, and it makes for an incredible experience. The pain and suffering of the heroine is so tangible, you can almost feel the heat and dust of the streets. I cannot say enough good things about this book. The peril and the intrigue will keep you turning the pages, hoping against hope that things will get better for Rhyddes. One can hope that the fates might smile upon the feisty Celt who has done nothing to deserve her station in life. And from his own gilded cage, I was rooting for Marcus for the same reason. It is a fabulous read, and if you liked Spartacus, you may find this is a perfect next Roman tale to sink your teeth into.


Heidi of Drue's Random Chatter gives Liberty


Pre-order/Buy Links AMAZON KINDLE: US – UK – CA – AU
NOOK – INKTERA – ITUNES – KOBO – SCRIBD – SMASHWORDS
Please join me and 20+ bloggers as we celebrate the rebirth of this poignant, inspiring story whose "dynamic characters portray a selfless love by which legends are made." (4* review of the HQN Books edition by Romance Junkies, 5/19/2007)

Tour Schedule December 8: Trina's Tantilising TidbitsDecember 8: Fictional Rendezvous Book BlogDecember 8: MC Simon WritesDecember 9: Mousiey Books: "A Must Read; get your copy today!!!!!"December 9: Mythical BooksDecember 9: Shining the Light for All: Author interview and exclusive Liberty excerpt (not part of the tour, but a fellow blogger-author; thank you, NN!)December 9: Tina Gayle's Unique Flavors of Life: Spotlight on Liberty and one of my favorite holiday recipes (again, not part of the tour, but thanks for another spotlight, Tina!)December 11: The Pleasure of Reading TodayDecember 11: SBM Book ObsessionDecember 11: Author Sandra LoveDecember 11: A Creative MindDecember 15: Book GroupiesDecember 16: My Life Loves and Passion: ReviewDecember 16: Heidi Ryan: ReviewDecember 17: Steamy book momma: ReviewDecember 17: K&S Book BlogDecember 17: BookSkaterDecember 18: Padme's LibraryDecember 18: Love Bites and Silk: ReviewDecember 19: Amanda's Blog!December 19: Cover to Cover Book BlogDecember 19: Arthurian Romances: ReviewDecember 19: Deal Sharing Aunt
In celebration of this month's e-book release of Liberty , I am giving away:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For more chances to win all month, you are invited to...
— Add me as a Favorite Author on Amazon.com
— Follow me on Twitter
— Add me to Google+
— Subscribe to my YouTube channel
— Leave a comment on any page of The Maze, especially if you have done the Amazon, Twitter, and/or YouTube follow
...and each action this month is good for one chance to win an e-book copy of Liberty . Please enter often, and good luck!