May Group Read

[Emily V, Head Mod]

There was an overwhelming amount of submissions in the April group read thread but it would be unfair for me to just freeze that for those who haven't got to submitting yet therefore you can post here for the next month HOWEVER only post here if you HAVE NOT posted in the other thread to make it fair.
Thanks :)

[Alice]

I would like to put forward this first novel of mine for the May group read vote.

This novel has a gripping storyline, which revolves around two female protagonists with diametrically different life experiences, whose paths cross each other in fiery episodes. They finally come to a face-off in a corporate takeover attempt, the outcome of which leads to a life-changing epiphany for both characters.

Apart from that, the novel gives a lot of details that describe the unique culture of Hong Kong, which encompasses East and West influences. It gives an insight into the recent paradigm shift in Hong Kong’s general social consciousness and into the background of the current ideological rift between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong Chinese.

PDF or Kindle (mobi file) versions could be provided to readers. Thank you for your consideration.

Alice Poon

[Pasquale]

Throwing my hat in the ring with my humorous novel.

Another Vanishing Act is a humorous look at how one man's trouble plays out in a senior living community amid a mature cast of oddballs. And it shows that even grandparents can be both funny and surprising.

The fun happens at the Excelsior Senior Apartments, where the quirky residents keep Dan too busy to do his job. And with a large gambling debt past due, he's forced to focus on coming up with the cash. Getting involved in a risky scam seems the only solution – even though he knows that it betrays the residents he wants to help.

If his secret gets out, more than his thumbs will be broken. The best girlfriend he’s ever had will leave him. And if he fails, he’ll either be

Can provide Kindle, .epub, and PDF editions.

More at https://anothervanishingact.wordpress... and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Pasquale Russo

[Christine]

Will the Real Carolyn Keene Please Stand Up

I would like to add my historical fiction for submission for the May read.

"Will the Real Carolyn Keene Please Stand Up" is about the three primary creators of Nancy Drew. It reads like fiction, taking you through these people's lives, how each of them was a unique part of Nancy's creation, illustrating the parts each one played in the controversy that still surrounds Nancy.

I spend a lot of time researching this novel, talking with Edward Stratemeyer's granddaughter (Edward is the man who came up with Nancy Drew, as well as the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins, Tom Swift and many more), and Geoffrey S. Lapin, the man who was the first person to reveal to the nation that Mildred Benson Wirt was the first Nancy ghostwriter. I was also able to access the Stratemeyer Syndicate documents in the New York Public Library and numerous books about Edward Stratemeyer.

I can send you an epub or mobi file to review. It has been getting good reviews so far: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thanks for your consideration.
(What a great forum to help each other get the word out about our books!)

Christine Keleny

[Harold]

Harold Titus

I would like to offer my historical novel "Crossing the River" for consideration. I would be happy to provide kindle, epub, and PDF editions.

Below are excerpts of readers' reviews posted on amazon.com.

Crossing the River is a remarkable historical novel. A fictionalized retelling of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the skirmish with the minutemen at Lexington, the push of the British force to Concord and the British retreat to Charlestown while being severely punished by the town militias, the story is woven as a vast tapestry of the accounts of dozens of individuals on both sides. The result is an immediacy that brings history vividly to life for the reader.

* * *

I read little fiction, but found myself looking forward to day's end where I could resume meeting many diverse characters set within an intricate and well-researched 'historical fiction' built around General Gage's risky decision to march British troop into the Massachusetts countryside to destroy militia supplies.

Character depictions from both sides are detailed, emotionally complex, and revealing. The author arranges the 1775 historical setting in a thoughtful fashion that educates and entertains. It's not a book of historical 'lists' or discussion of military order of battle. It is a book of smells, quickening thoughts, animated conversation, and sun-light poking through wet leaves or running atop stone walls.

* * *

We witness the action, we hear the voices, we watch the fears not only of men but of mothers and wives. A mother whose seven year old son seeing redcoated soldiers says "I want to be one of them" must tell him: "They bring death!" An old woman called Mother Bathwick is approached by frightened young British soldiers who insist on surrendering to her. Catherine Smith, the wife of a militia captain, with help from her daughters takes a wounded British soldier into her home and nurses him. Titus does a remarkable job of humanizing both colonists and Brits, both men and women.

[Tonia]

I would like to nominate my debut novel, Fashionably Deceptive, as a submission for May. Fashionably Deceptive was ranked #26 on UBAWA's list of the top 100 urban fiction books of 2013 and ranked 5 stars by the OOSA book club. A synopsis is below:

From the outside looking in, Kayla has everything a girl could desire. She's a semester away from graduating top of her class, dresses to kill, and is dating Dareon Anderson: All-American, wide-receiver, destined to go pro. However, the facade quickly fades when Dareon commits an act of unforgivable callousness. Dareon's deception pushes Kayla into unfamiliar territory and into the arms of a man that will set off a series of unfortunate events. All is fair in love and war, and Kayla just hopes she walks away with her sanity in a world that is just so Fashionably Deceptive.

Thank you for your consideration, and please feel free to check out my website to learn more about the author behind the book: www.toniatheauthor.com.

-Tonia

[Shelby]

I would love to have my YA Fantasy novel considered. Fans of YA as well as adult Fantasy will find something they love. It is book one of a new Fantasy series, Legend of the Liberator. This book will be published May 3rd so you'll be some of the first to get your hands on it! I can provide Mobi, Epub and PDF. If you love a fast-paced fantasy with a few twists and mystery, From the Ashes is right up your alley! Blurb follows:

For eighteen years Aia Wynnald has lived a lie. Raised as a highborn in the Kingdom of Tharien, she’s filled her days with tutors and archery lessons. But simmering beneath her polite surface is a dangerous gift, one which she must keep a secret. Aia is a Bender. And in Tharien, Benders are feared and hunted.
When her unruly power breaks free with dire repercussions, Aia’s lifelong goal of independence shatter. As she scrambles to piece her life back together while evading capture, she disturbs a vengeful force intent on destroying the kingdom.
Now, with the help of an unlikely ally, Aia will decide the fate of Tharien. To rescue those she cares about will require accepting what she is. But can she risk becoming the monster she’s dreaded to save the very citizens baying for her blood?

Thanks for your consideration!

[Harmony]

I would like to add in my book for a possible group read.The Paynes Prairie Murders

There is a serial killer on the loose. Women have been disappearing for years in Orange County, New York and Marion County, Florida, hundreds of cases have gone unsolved. How many murders has he committed? Ocala Police Officers, Peter Michaels and Dave Weston, will need to figure that out. Enlisting the help of Newburgh Detective, Jacob Mason, their suspect's deadly past comes to light, haunting their dreams. Can they stop him before he kidnaps another woman? Will he confess to his crimes?

Are you ready to meet David Checkowich?

Let the nightmares begin.

Thank you for the chance.

[Belva]

I would like to submit the first book in my YA fantasy series The Kriterion Saga. It is entitled The World Between and is a 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award Nominee in Current Religious Fiction. If you decide the book is right for you, I can send it in PDF form.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Below is a little blurb about the book.

Georgie O'Dell has spent enough time with his old neighbor. Just when he is ready to give up and hang out with friends his own age, Miss MacAlpin begins telling a story that will change Georgie's life forever. The story of Alex Edgecomb, an evil little boy with a hatred of his sister and all other living things, intrigues Georgie into hearing the rest, and he spends every possible minute at Miss MacAlpin's house from then on. Upon learning about the boy with blackness in his heart and soul, Georgie is shocked at how different—and better—his life is compared to Alex's. Georgie travels to the magical realm of Kriterion through Miss MacAlpin's story to hear the tales of Alex's entry into Kriterion and attempt to overthrow the kingdom. When Alex's plan is found out, he is destined for judgment and must learn his punishment for the wicked life he's lived and the cruel things he's done. Georgie makes another startling discovery about Miss MacAlpin, and the story changes his life even further. Join in on Georgie's exciting adventure to The World Between and find out if he'll change his ways or end up just like Alex.

Thanks for your kind consideration.

[F.A.]

May I submit my book The Search For Cern for May. I am not sure what that entails but as it is my first book I am willing to give it a shot.

The book is set in a future where electricity is banned. It's use is forbidden by mysterious overlords that enforce the prohibition through the use of flying Sentinels, which destroy anything that generates electricity.

As you can imagine, given the lack of modern technology resulting from this ban, society has had to undergo radical changes, both scientific and social. The result is a second age of steam, with a society reliant on clockwork and steam power, but having twentieth century knowledge. It is into this world that the lead character Professor Coombs arises from his cloistered world of academia to embark on a life changing mission to find the lost centre of learning known as Cern.

The book is a stand alone novel but it is intended to be the first in a series under the banner of The Second Age of Steam.

[Emily V, Head Mod]

Of course you can Faye. For more info on what it involves check the message I sent everyone regarding it.

[Tracy]

Thank you, Emily, for providing this opportunity for us lesser-known authors! This is much appreciated. I'm submitting my award-winning, debut novel, "The Grace of Crows" about what happens when an anxiety-ridden woman reconnects with her childhood friend, Billy, who is now a homeless man living under a pier in Malibu. Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/author/tracyshawn (where you can see a more detailed synopsis and reviews).

[Melissa]

Hi! I would like to submit my suspense/thriller for the May Group Read! Thanks!

Lights Out

[Jennifer]

Hi all. I would like to submit my paranormal romance, Revelations, for the May Group Read.

For millennia, the lalassu have existed at the fringes of society, hiding in the shadows. But someone is determined to drag them into the light.

Dani has spent years fighting against her family’s urges to take on the mantle of High Priestess for the lalassu. Stronger and faster than any ordinary human, she has no interest in being a guide for her people. She likes being independent and enjoys her night-job as a burlesque dancer. But a darker secret lurks inside of her, one which threatens everyone around her.

Isolated and idealistic, Michael works as a developmental therapist for children, using his psychometric gifts to discover the secrets they can’t share with anyone else. When one of his clients is kidnapped, he will do almost anything to rescue her. The investigation leads him to a seedy little performance club where he is shocked and thrilled to discover a genuine live superhero.

Michael and Dani must join forces to save those they care about from becoming the latest victims of a decades-long hunt. But the fiery chemistry between them threatens to unlock a millennia-old secret which could devour them both.

The clock is ticking and they will be faced with the ultimate hero’s choice: save the world or save each other?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Thanks for the consideration. There's a lot of great book suggestions here and in the April group.

[Robert]

Jasper and the Shelter of Angels

Hello fellow readers, I wish to nominate my e-book called "Jasper and the shelter of angels" for the May read.

Take a step into the light of God’s glory. When a construction worker, Jasper, is involved in a workplace accident that renders him blind, he begins a journey, seeing more than he could ever dream possible. After a near death experience, Jasper is granted a second chance at life. Awakening in a hospital, he crosses paths with a company of Seven divine Angels. Diagnosed to have brain damage, Jasper becomes ensnared in spiritual warfare between Angels and Demons.
A specific band of Demons, The Insufferable Six, try to thwart the good efforts of the Seven Angels at every turn, but can Jasper be the element to tip the balance for good or evil? Find out how Seven Celestial friends help to lead a blind man to prove his worth to God and ultimately save the planet earth from its utter demise.
May this story stir the heart of every reader and inspire him or her to lift their attention skyward in this non-stop action adventure. Open your wings and soar into the pages of this haloed epic narrative.

[John]

Dear Readers,

The Book of Ash is a dystopian comedy, settling in somewhere between Fight Club and 1984. It is set in a place called the "Circle," which is actually square. The society follows a set of encouragements administered by a ruling party of mentors. It is political correctness gone amok. I am grateful to nominate it for the May read.



The Book of Ash

Best!

John McCaffrey

[Duncan]

Hi all,
I would like to suggest Foehammer for the May read.Foehammer

Twenty years from now a virus breaks out in a couple of Arctic naval bases, and then, even more strangely, inside the White House.
The guards become animated corpses, and rescue teams are rendered helpless by a mysterious trance effect.
Underpaid academic Dr. Weaver has documents that refer to something similar happening in the time of Christ, and a group of billionaires seek him out and immediately set him to work.
With the help of a super-hacker he tracks down a veteran who’s not susceptible to mind control. But Sean “Jester” Solberg is a wild card—an aggressive loner who lives with the immigrants outside the cities. The next recruit is even more unusual. Curtis Ferguson is the son of a couple of anthropologists and reportedly the world’s most powerful witch doctor.
Into this bizarre, dysfunctional group is thrust Jodie Goodwin, a down-to-earth Texan girl with exceptional shooting skills.
The newly formed team creep into the bunkers deep under the capital and encounter mankind’s ancient enemies. They end up fighting for survival and soon discover that their lives depend on the powers of the young, but untested, shaman.




'A well-paced, punky power-chord driven romp of a read!' ***** five stars. Amazon.co.uk

‘…the prose is taut, mature and hard-boiled, reminiscent of William Gibson at his best, with snappy dialogue that fires off the page.’
-Amazon.com

‘Foehammer has all the elements of a successful supernatural thriller: high stakes, global settings and almost invincible enemies.’
-The Literary Consultancy

[Alex]

I would be honoured to showcase my brand new novel. 'Darkest Light'

A fantasy/romance novel. An adventure that will keep you reading.



Micheal embarks on a journey of a lifetime. The characters he meets and the creatures will captivate you. He wanders around in this world, discovering new things and new creatures, never before seen on earth. He finds the woman of his dreams. I really cannot say much more, it will be a spoiler if I do.

The writing is in 1st person and everything is described in detail. Current reviewers tell me that it`s a book they really enjoyed. They also say that it got them hooked. Why not judge for yourself.

I am supporting the brain tumour support charity and a message that I try to give to everything is simply 'never give up on your dreams, no matter how far they might seem'

Thanks for reading.

Hugs and kisses

Al xx

[Scott]

I would humbly like to submit my urban fantasy novel God School.

18-year-old Ev Bannen was just hoping to get admitted to college. He never expected to be recruited to a school for gods, where he'll be spending his days building up his strength, learning to answer prayers and getting an education in religion alongside aspiring god of money Jaysin Marx, the lovely but troubled Maya Brunhart and anger-prone ginger Daryn Anders. But the organization of evil gods, Zero Grade, has plans to unleash hell on earth, and they require the blood of potential gods to do it. What's more, someone close to Ev is not who they claim to be, and their betrayal may doom mankind forever. Ev steps up to save the day, but does he even stand a chance in hell of defeating a legendary deity?

[John]

I would like to offer Pattaya Beach, a contemporary fiction set in pre-coup Thailand.

Fah, a twenty-two year-old farm girl from Thailand's rural northeast has moved to Pattaya City to do the one thing that has any hope of bringing her decent money – work in the sex trade. Her goal: land a well to do foreigner who can deliver her and her family from a subsistence life. Ed, a recent arrival from America, looks like he might just be the one. What Fah doesn’t know, however, is that Ed is a deeply disturbed man who has traveled to Thailand to kill his nemesis, Bill (Fah's employer), in retaliation for an imagined betrayal. What Ed doesn't know is that he's about to fall in love – and that's when all the trouble begins.

Goodread's Donna Sheldon rated it 5 of 5 stars:
"... Elray's story telling is a tutorial in excellent writing, as he weaves a tale of greed and corruption in a land known for its pleasures. His characters aren't unique, but Elray draws you so deeply into their lives that you have to know how they turn out. Even if you haven't been to Thailand, he paints a vivid picture of the country, without a hint of travelogue or ponderous narrative. The ending is all too honest, but strangely satisfying."

Thanks for your consideration,

John Elray

https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1381743...

Pattaya Beach

[Saiber]

Hi Emily,

I would like to put forward Stardust and Sheets
for the May Read.

It's a book of love poems. (It would have been a great April Read since it's National Poetry Month.

I am new to groups and hence do not know all the rules. But thanks for the oppurtunity.

Kind Regards,

Saiber

[Brie]

I would like to nominate Plagues of Eden by Sharon Linnea and B.K. Sherer. This non-stop thriller is the fourth in the Eden series but is truly a stand alone title.

THE WHEEL SPINS. CHAOS IS UNLEASHED. 72 HOURS AND COUNTING UNTIL THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN… The race is on to stop a madman bent on unleashing the ancient plagues of Egypt against the modern world. The countdown has begun. Only Army Chaplain Jaime Richards, along with rock star Mark Shepard, can stop the catastrophe and save the mysterious Sword 23 from the clutches of a psychopath... if they can find the true mastermind in time.

Available as e-book, print and audiobook!

[Maggie]

I would like to nominate my debut novel, Whistlin' Dixie, for the May group read.
It is a romantic comedy, the first in my series, Tempered Steel, about seven brothers and their sexy, sassy soul mates.

Mackenzie Coalson was determined to rebuild his hometown after a devastating flood left it in ruins. He has no time for a relationship and all the romantic junk that goes with it. He has a vandal to catch and no sweet smelling bundle of femininity is going to sway him.

Dixie Harris charged into the county sheriff's office with a sassy sway and a smart mouth, eager to give the sheriff, and anyone else, a piece of her mind. When she locks horns with the devil himself, in the form of Mac Coalson, she quickly learns he has a temper to rival hers, even if he's the living epitome of her sexual fantasies.
When the two unite to catch a potential murderer, it's in everyone's best interest to keep it, "business only". But that's hard to do when their combined attraction is volatile enough to burn down the town.
Thank you for your consideration.Whistlin' Dixie

[Catherine]

I would like to nominate my latest novel, The Road to Nowhere: Third in the Raumsey Series
On the long journey from their home in the northern isles of Scotland, Isa and Davie meet up with Sarah, a young girl from the Irish community in Liverpool, who has been sent to Canada to marry a man twice her age whom she has never met. Through the years, both Sarah and Isa grow into strong independent women. The struggle to build a better life in this new, often harsh land is intercepted and exacerbated by the great war, which brings tragedy to some, yet gives Sarah the means of escape from what she sees as the nothingness of her existence.
Left alone during the war years, Isa is faced with extra trials that she could have never foreseen. Tragedy of the past and challenges of the present threaten to overwhelm her, yet she confronts every setback with her normal strength of spirit and unending optimism. Then she receives a letter which has the potential to change her life...

Although this is third in a series, each book is stand alone.

[M.A.]

The Cheating Vines I'm excited. I'd love to submit my debut novel THE CHEATING VINES for the May group read.
More than a romp through luscious vineyards laden with sun-ripened grapes, The Cheating Vines poses the age old question, to cheat or not to cheat? To tell or not to tell?
The reader will be transported on a roller coaster ride of love and betrayal at Sleepy Cloud Winery culminating in the heart of Paris, and the fading light of Provence.
The Cheating Vines centers on the lives of three characters. Carla, a bored wife but devoted mother, her husband Nick, and winemaker Matt.
Carla’s husband Nick is a good man. But the pop of their marriage had long since lost its fizz between the sheets of suburban humdrum. One phone call, and the realization she needed her kids more than they needed her changed everything.
Forever.
Leaving behind his cushy life in the city for the stunning beauty of wine country, Matt sniffs, sips, swirls and spits all in the hope of one day unleashing the gifted winemaker he dreams to become.
When confronted with the choice of his marriage or a coveted job at Sleepy Cloud Winery the decision was as easy as drinking a glass of good Syrah.
It has been said, a winemaker can make good wine from good fruit. And a winemaker can turn good fruit into bad wine.
The Cheating Vines is most comfortable flitting across the contemporary romance, chick-lit genre.
Thank you again for the opportunity to submit THE CHEATING VINES.
If you'd like to find out more about me, pop over to my website www.maprins.com
Thank you xxx

[B.J.]

Dragon's Pride
I'd love to submit my debut novel DRAGON'S PRIDE for the May group read. The book is a two part and the second, DRAGON'S PRIZE will be out the end of March or first of April. The sci-fi/fantasy received 5 stars from Chrissy's Reviews with Goodreads, and I hope you will consider putting it on the list. If you would like to see more, please visit my website at www.bjbrandon.com.
Thank you so much and Blessed Be
BJ

[Victorine]

Hot Dogs & Croissants: The Culinary Misadventures of Two French Women Who Moved to America, Got Fat, Got Skinny (Again), and Mastered Eating Well in the USA�With Recipes


Thank you Emily for the opportunity!
We would like to add our food memoir “Hot Dogs & Croissants” for submission for the May read.

When the Saulnier sisters suffer one disappointment too many in their native France, they decide to pack up and try their luck in America. As journalists they have the run of the country, following stories that take them to places where most Americans have never been—from the back roads of Appalachia to an underground village of homeless people in the New York City subway system.

And along the way they dine on:

• Nathan’s Famous hot dogs at the annual hot dog–eating contest in Coney Island
• Snapping turtle soup as prepared by the Native American elders of the Alabama-Coushatta tribe
• Cheesy grits from the Armadillo Diner in Texas
• And burgers, burgers, burgers everywhere!

As the Saulnier sisters adopt the American way of eating, their relationship to food shortly changes. They gain weight—and lose their self-esteem. This new diet is especially hard on Victorine, who temporarily abandons her vegetarianism. It’s not until they meet a couple running an organic farm in upstate New York that they realize how far they’ve strayed from their native food values—and learn that you can eat well in America, too.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

We can provide a PDF file if you like...

Thank you for your consideration.
Great forum!

Victorine and Natasha Saulnier

[James]

Britain at War 1939 to 1945: What Was Life Like During the War?James Lingard
BRITAIN AT WAR 1939 to 1945 what was life like during the war? is offered for the May Group read as an eBook. It is a short 33,000 word insight into the horrors of the Home Front with an overview of the major campaigns in World War 2, enlivened by personal experiences and quotations from Churchill. It makes the history available in a readable and interesting form for the benefit of the reading public as well as established historians. How did a family with a small child caught up in such a war survive? The facts and figures are historically accurate rather than the propaganda then fed to the public.

In a recent 5star review, Bev Walkling writes:
‘I confess that I am fascinated by the Second World War, in part because my father and various uncles served as members of the Canadian forces and their experiences impacted me as I was growing up. As such, this book was of great fascination to me.
This book was a relatively quick read that would be of interest to those who might not have much background in the events of the war or those who know the broad details but want the day to day understanding of how lives were affected by things like bombing raids. James Lingard has meticulously researched and presented the timeline of events for the war, but where this book really shines as far as I am concerned is in the sharing of his own family’s experiences as they were personally impacted. Though only a young boy when the war began, his life was affected in multiple ways and his family was at one point thought killed as their air raid shelter was destroyed. In actual fact they had gone out to the woods for an outing, which ultimately saved their lives!
Another enjoyable part of the book was the quotes Lingard used at the beginning of each chapter. Many of these quotes were taken from speeches by Churchill or other prominent men of the time and they add to the general picture and emotions of the period.
I would recommend this book to individuals ranging from young adults through to seniors.

[Emily V, Head Mod]

Vote on the May group read NOW:
https://www.goodreads.com/poll/invite...

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