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message 51: by Robert (new)

Robert Eggleton | 3 comments “…Rarity from the Hollow is detailed, dark and beautifully written by a competent writer who injects plenty of satire, sci-fi and fantasy elements into a work of thought-provoking and meaningful adult/fantasy fiction at its very best….”

http://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-R...

http://walkerputsche.wordpress.com/

Lacy Dawn Adventures on Facebook

Rarity from the Hollow by Robert Eggleton


message 52: by Deborah (new)

Deborah Ann (darkmatterrevealed) | 6 comments Dark Matter: The Secret Revealed/Users/dgordon/Desktop/ButterflyTrilogy_origin/Users/dgordon/Desktop/IMG_3116.JPGal.jpg
In this first book of the Butterfly Prophecy Series, follow Belinda on her journey to her mortal life as Cerridwen, the High Priestess of the Isle of the Mists, where she will discover a secret she has buried for centuries --a secret that once revealed will help her discover her true calling and embrace the greatest love she has ever known.
Immortals walk among us. Their presence kept quiet by a secret society. A powerful force that binds the mortal and immortal worlds manifests, and the secret is revealed. In this first book of the Butterfly Prophecy Series, follow Belinda as she races against time to save her true love, Damien, and faces the ruthless Mordecai, an Old Immortal, who seeks to destroy Belinda and all that she loves.


message 53: by Mystie (new)

Mystie Tempest (goodreadscommystietempest_novels) | 2 comments Hello Everyone!!! Mystie Tempest here providing updates for all the fabulous readers out there. Thanks for your support! Don't miss out on these Amazing deals and stock up on My books in time for the holidays!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch
Check out the trailers for currently available novels! Patrick Bleu is now available for only $0.99 via Amazon Kindle! This price is for a limited time only so hurry and get it today! Don't forget to order Volume 2, featuring Felipe Bleu (Victims and Despair) and Hunter, Slayer of Covens now at a reduced price via paperback.


message 54: by Mystie (new)

Mystie Tempest (goodreadscommystietempest_novels) | 2 comments Hello Everyone!!! Mystie Tempest here providing updates for all the fabulous readers out there. Thanks for your support! Don't miss out on these Amazing deals and stock up on My books in time for the holidays!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XnLS...
Check out the trailers for currently available novels! Patrick Bleu is now available for only $0.99 via Amazon Kindle! This price is for a limited time only so hurry and get it today! Don't forget to order Volume 2, featuring Felipe Bleu (Victims and Despair) and Hunter, Slayer of Covens all now at a reduced price via paperback.


message 55: by Effie (new)

Effie Kammenou (effiekammenou) Evanthia's Gift (The Gift Saga #1) by Effie Kammenou
Hi all!
My book, Evanthia's Gift has been on Amazon since August. The reviews have been good and I've had quite a bit of correspondence from readers. Below is the back cover blurb and the first two chapters.

In the year 1956, Anastacia Fotopoulos finds herself pregnant and betrayed, fleeing from a bad marriage. With the love and support of her dear friends Stavros and Soula Papadakis, Ana is able to face the challenges of single motherhood. Left with emotional wounds, she resists her growing affection for Alexandros Giannakos, an old acquaintance. But his persistence and unconditional love for Ana and her child is eventually rewarded and his love is returned. In a misguided, but well-intentioned effort to protect the ones they love, both Ana and Alex keep secrets - ones that could threaten the delicate balance of their family.

The story continues in the 1970’s as Dean and Demi Papadakis, and Sophia Giannakos attempt to negotiate between two cultures. Now Greek-American teenagers, Sophia and Dean,
who have shared a special connection since childhood, become lovers. Sophia is shattered when Dean rebels against the pressure his father places on him to uphold his Greek heritage and hides his feelings for her. When he pulls away from his family, culture and ultimately his love for her, Sophia is left with no choice but to find a life different from the one she’d hoped for.

EVANTHIA’S GIFT is a multigenerational love story spanning fifty years and crossing two continents, chronicling the lives that unify two families.

Chapter 1

November 1955

The air was unusually chilled for early November in NYC, but despite the dropping temperature, sweat trickled down the back of Anastacia’s neck. Unable to wish away the nausea that was taking hold of her and too ill to sit through her last class, she’d left the NYU campus, hopping on an uptown subway to return home for the day. She’d been lightheaded and queasy the past few days, but nothing as violent as what she was currently feeling. Waiting at the crosswalk, the aroma of garlic and cheese permeating from a nearby café antagonized the volcano that was about to erupt in her belly, and she prayed she would get home without incident.
At last, Anastacia ducked into her apartment building, closing her eyes, and offering a silent thank you to the heavens for the safety and comfort of her home. Once inside her foyer, she removed her coat, hung it in the closet and glimpsed herself in the mirror hanging over the Bombay Chest. Pale skin and sunken eyes replaced her usual olive complexion and healthy glow.
I just need to sleep off whatever this is.
Her husband, Jimmy, was not expected home from work for several hours, and she hoped to be feeling better by then.
Suddenly, the sound of voices startled her. She walked through the living room, following the noise. She almost forgot the motion sickness that forced her home earlier than usual as the guttural sound of rhythmic moans grew louder, interrupted only by a woman’s shrill laughter. Anastacia forced her legs to follow the cacophony and found herself at the doorway of her bedroom. She stood there frozen. Seeing, but not believing. Tears sprang to her eyes and dripped down her cheeks, and she began to shake uncontrollably. Anastacia attempted to speak, but bile rose to her throat, rendering her incapable of uttering a word. Then, a cry that seemed to escape from her very soul, revealed her presence.
In that second, they knew she’d witnessed their betrayal. Anastacia was taken aback by the look of pure satisfaction that flashed across the naked woman’s face. A face that held not even a hint of guilt or remorse.
Her husband’s face told a different story. Shock, fear, maybe regret. For getting caught. It couldn’t have been more than a few seconds, but so many thoughts bombarded her mind that it was as though she were moving in slow motion. But then, the impact of it all slammed into her, and she ran.
Jimmy jumped up, wrapping himself in a bed sheet.
“Ana! Wait!” He pushed the woman off him. “Get off me! Move! Get out of here.”
Barely making it to the bathroom, Anastacia leaned over the toilet, expelling the contents of her stomach.
“Ana,” Jimmy pleaded, coming up beside her.
“Get away from me.” She wiped her mouth with a towel, straightened up and gathered all her strength to push past him.
Jimmy blocked the doorway.
“Ana mou, I’m sorry. Please. Let me explain. Sagapo. I love-”
“Don’t touch me or ever say that to me. You’re disgusting. You both are.” She ducked under his arm, but he grabbed her wrist.
His touch seared her to the bone and she pulled away. She was shamed, shaken—broken, but there was no way she was going to let him see it.
“I said don’t touch me. Never come near me again.”
“It’s not what it looks like. She… it was all her. I never meant to… Ana, please.”
“It looked like it was both of you. Now let me pass,” she spat. He lifted his hands in surrender and stepped aside as she pushed her way past him through the narrow bathroom doorway.
In the hallway, the woman stood, watching, gloating. Although she and Anastacia both had dark brown hair and similar Mediterranean features, she lacked the poise and grace that Anastacia exuded.
“Get out of my home,” Ana ordered her. “I never want to see you again.” Anastacia stormed out her front door, slamming it behind her. Doubling over, she thought she might heave again, but she drew in a deep breath and continued down the hall to Soula’s apartment. She frantically knocked on the door. When she opened it, Soula took one look at her best friend and she hugged her.
“Ana mou, what is it?
Between gasps and cries, Anastacia relayed the entire humiliating scene, as well as Jimmy’s despicable attempt to explain the unforgivable.
“What do I do now?”
“We go upstairs and talk to your uncle,” Soula said. “He will know how to handle this.”
“How can I tell him? What will my parents say? How could I be so stupid? What will Uncle Tasso think?”
“Of you? Nothing different than before. Of them? They will get what they deserve. Come. We will go together. I will tell your uncle if you cannot.”

A LOVE STORY SPANNING DECADES - DEEPENED BY TRADITION, HERITAGE, LOSS, STRUGGLE, PERSEVERANCE AND LOYALTY.
Evanthia's Gift


message 56: by Ica (new)

Ica Iova | 31 comments Resilience by Ica Iova My name is Ica Iova, I'm an award-winning author. My new romantic suspense, Resilience, will be released in January and is now available to pre-order.
hyperurl.co/al9tez

Blurb: Johanna’s custody battles are over or…the least of her problems.

Louis—her ex-husband—is dead, his girlfriend is missing, and Johanna is the prime suspect.

The detective working the case is not even looking for another suspect. Johanna’s only chance is to hire a highly skilled attorney, and the best she knows is a man from her past, who likely despises her.

Will he set aside his contempt to defend her? And if she didn’t kill Louis, who did?

Chapter 1

Any given day that Johanna White did not have to interact with Detective Louis White, her ex-husband, or Melinda Morton, his douchebag lawyer, was a good day in her book. By that rule, the past two weeks had been full of good ones. Today, though, was murky.
The only possible way to define it.
She rubbed her palms together as a nervous laugh bubbled up, almost erupting from her mouth. Not that there was anything funny, but because not knowing had that effect on her. It was almost like expecting a blow, of sorts, but not knowing when it was coming or the force of the impact—which made laughter all the more inappropriate.
She bit her bottom lip to stop it, and glanced at the stack of papers sitting on her desk in a state of half-organized clutter. It contrasted with the orderly room. She wondered why take the work home when she knew she wouldn’t be able to focus on it any better at home than she had at the office.
To calm herself down, she circled her desk and looked out the window. Thunder roared in the distance as a flash of lightning stabbed the ceiling of black clouds.
Nothing unusual about November downpours in Vancouver, she thought, still chewing on her lip.
Only today, Johanna’s mood seemed to mirror the weather outside. Like the thunder, her mind rumbled while waiting for the clock to tick ten o’clock—the time when Family Supreme Court in Vancouver opened.
She turned and glanced into the face reflecting from a six-foot crystal mirror propped against the wall. Staring back through shimmering blue eyes, was a young woman with long blond curls. A strand that refused to stay clipped back coiled around her ear. Her gaze glided from the top of her hair, down to the white silk blouse tucked in her black pencil skirt, ending with a study of her black leather shoes with three inch high heels. Fashion was not something that Johanna focused on, but she’d been told she had a natural flair for it.
On the surface, her smooth complexion and full lips looked calm and collected, but inside, a knot of nerves felt like a bomb ready to explode.
No, this was not her normal self. She hadn’t always been anxious. Fearful. Years ago she had been calm, optimistic, joyful. She had even been happily married, once. But that was a long time ago. Ten years, exactly. Ten years since Louis had charmed his way into her life—flirting with her and making promises he never intended to keep.
They used to be endlessly happy. She recalled how proud she was to be married to a cop. In fact, Louis’ direction in life was the first thing that had attracted her. But slowly, she had watched her loving husband morph into this deranged lunatic who treated her like yesterday’s garbage. “Our problems are your fault,” he’d told her time and again.
Even so, he had managed to string her along until he confessed to having an affair. That was the beginning of their end. He swore that the affair meant nothing to him. He didn’t want to lose her. He
suggested marriage counseling, and for a day or so, she even considered it, wanting to believe they could work out their problems.
But her instincts, trying desperately to block his pleas, pushed her to engage in a gut-wrenching scrutiny of her married life. The word enough kept slamming into her mind, crushing her attempts to find excuses for Louis’ behavior.
In the end, her common sense had won. Certain her marriage was over long before Louis’ affair, she had filed for divorce, and their happily-ever-after had ended too soon. However, memories of the good times still played at the edge of her mind. They were few and far in between, but that didn’t make them any less memorable. Not even the bitter divorce could wipe out those blissful moments. After all, her two beautiful children, Athena and Aidan, were there to remind Johanna she had been in love. Once. For that reason, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
But now, Louis was trying to take her children away from her. Well…he had been trying since they first separated, but this time, he might just succeed. And it was the reason Johanna’s nerves had knotted in the pit of her stomach.
More than four years of fiery court battles had culminated with another hearing where a crooked psychologist had testified that she was an irresponsible parent.
...


message 57: by Deborah (new)

Deborah Ann (darkmatterrevealed) | 6 comments Hello,

Immortals live among us. My new novel, Dark Matter: The Secret Revealed is now available on Amazon.com It is a fantasy/romance that promises a heroine who will surprise and charm you and a villain that will make your blood boil! Enjoy


message 58: by Deborah (new)

Deborah Ann (darkmatterrevealed) | 6 comments Dark Matter: The Secret Revealed is the first book in the Butterfly Prophecy Series. It is a love story, a coming of age story and a story about uniting two worlds, the mortal and the immortal. Belinda, the heroine, must fight against a demented and dark foe who will go to unforgivable lengths to stop her from fulfilling her destiny. The novel was published in December 2015 and has received five excellent reviews so far! Please enjoy two excerpts on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/darkmatterre... or you can read several chapters on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019...


message 59: by Donald (new)

Donald Ha | 1 comments Hello. I'm Donald Ha the author of Korea.
This book started publishing a series of novels through a famous serial novel website in Korea. The creativity of our novels resulted in becoming a best seller author due to more than 680,000 readers subscribing in a short time span.
Title is Der Soldat: The Soldier series 1
There are a total of six . And now there is one piece for sale on Amazon.
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin...
Please evaluate after reading my book.

In Korea, there’s a very famous serial novel website, where the book “The Soldier” was first published. Due to the creativity of the author, it became an instant hit with more than 680,000 readers. “The Soldier” is a fantasy novel with the World War II as its background. The story first generated from the question, ‘What if the world of the Wulin actually existed in real life?’ Through the authors imagination, readers are introduced to characters with supernatural powers that start to reveal their abilities when put under extreme situations and are willing to cast their lives to defend what they ought to protect.

Jackal, the main character, is a former German soldier. He’s a person of misfortune, swept up in war against his will and having to change sides multiple times. Coincidentally, Jackal meets Marie-Louise, a Jewish girl who holds an enormous secret. She holds within her the evil spirit of the Blood Demon, the most powerful martial arts wielder in history. Though the two first meet as enemies, they become allies through their fights together against the enemy. Through the heated battles, Jackal discovers that he possesses a miraculous power he never knew he had, which soon sets him in the crosshairs of the Blood Demon within Marie-Louise.

Will Jackal, who was once called the ‘War Devil’ during the WWII, be able to finally safely flee to Argentina and gain his freedom?


message 60: by Arun (new)

Arun Ellis | 37 comments My book Daydream Believers will be FREE for Kindle download from Amazon 5/6/16 to 9/6/16

Hi -

Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

Just to let you know that my book 'Daydream Believers' will be FREE on Amazon for Kindle/PC download from Sunday 5th June to Thursday 9th June 2016. All I ask is that you tell your friends and leave a review.

It's about a bunch of old people, ex service men and women all, they find they are no longer willing to sit back and allow the politically corrupt to ruin their country. They resolve to make a stand, to arm themselves and to fight, to rid the land of their greedy leaders, to attack the political elites in their haven, the Houses of Parliament.

The workmen argue and bluster and generally mess up, the three fat ladies take advantage of the digital age to seduce their unsuspecting prey.

The superstar footballer and his trophy wife reveal the self destructive nature of their life together and their pointless marriage.

A lucky couple win the lottery and find the pressures of new found wealth and family envy hard to handle.

A young East European finds herself prostituted until she meets her chivalric knight.

A mad eyed preacher tries to lecture the world back from the abyss.

The avenging 'Hand of God' meets out justice against criminal pimps from his community.

A homicidal diarist decides he's had enough and plans to kill members of the selfish 1%.

And then there's the return of Blackmore, the spy master general.
Happy reading and hope you have a good week.

Cheers

Arun

Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...


message 61: by Arun (new)

Arun Ellis | 37 comments My book Corpalism will be FREE for Kindle download from Amazon 15/6/16 to 19/6/16
Corpalism by Arun D. Ellis
Amazon .co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Corpalism-Arun...

Hi

Just to let you know that my book 'Corpalism' will be FREE on Amazon for Kindle/PC download from Wednesday 15th June to Sunday 19th June 2016. All I ask is that you tell your friends and leave a review.

Set in a dystopian future; all wealth is in the hands of the Corporations, the 1% whilst the 99% live in economic debt or poverty on sink estates in the North. Terry works for Relocations, his job is to relocate undesirables to these estates. Unfortunately for Terry he is late for work once too often and is himself relocated to a sink. But Terry is not all he seems. Why is he there and who does he really work for?

Meet Sir Phillip Blackmore, head of British Secret Intelligence, a Machiavellian character with plots more devious and unpleasant than even the Prime Minister is allowed to know about.

Delores Grey is a successful singer and the victim of a kidnapping; she has been missing for forty days and forty nights. Before she disappeared she was a flighty superstar who thought little of the world around her, on her return she is much changed, she now cares about things to the extent that she is willing to lecture her interviewers. Why has this change come upon her? Where has she been? Has she in fact been anywhere, could it be that it is all in the mind of Stephanie White and if so, who is Stephanie White?

It's Fancy Dress Night down the Dog n Duck. A group of young friends share a table for the night; Hiawatha, the Lone Ranger, Charlie Chaplin, Pirate, Mr Spock and a transvestite. They ramble through their usual debates and discussions. During the course of the evening their real identities are revealed as well as where they fit in the story.

The Independents are a new force in politics. Free of any lobby group, party bias, or corporate interest, they are determined to avert the looming catastrophe. They are on a headlong collision course with Sir Phillip Blackmore.

Naz and the other young Muslims are hatching a plot to bring home grown terror to an iconic building, one held dear to the hearts of many British people, including some of the would-be terrorists themselves. Will they be able to bring themselves to do it or will the plot be foiled by Blackmore's intelligence network?

Happy reading and hope you have a good week.

Cheers

Arun

Amazon .co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Corpalism-Arun...


message 62: by Jennifer (new)

Jennifer (jmckeit) Hi all! I'm a clean historical fantasy romance author currently obsessed with Atlantis! My book is Atlantis On the Shores of Forever. Here's an excerpt:

A princess seeking to balance duty and her tempestuous heart...
A wanderer searching for a purpose...
A soldier destined for glory...
A doomed civilization.

The princess of an exiled kingdom, Gwenwhyfar's marriage was decided at birth. Enter Marcus Duilius, a career soldier with an eye for beauty. Although drawn to his fatal charms, she knows this son of a Roman naval hero will never allow a woman to stand in the way of his ambition. With her husband's untimely death, she discovers a freedom she never imagined possible.

Ready to make her own destiny, Gwenwhyfar finds she must put aside her desires once more and reforge ties with the mighty Atlantis. Mysterious ships have arrived from the east, leaving destruction in their wake. The known world is threatened. To complicate matters, her former Norse bodyguard has suddenly returned to claim her for his own.

Can she uphold her duty, save her world, and still find true love?

If you're interested in reading, you get get it for FREE on Smashwords from now until July 31:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...


message 63: by Kaylee (new)

Kaylee Dolat | 10 comments Good Morning Everyone!
My name is Kaylee. I have a book I am self promoting called Codename: Alexander. He is by far my favorite written work right now. He is my third book, but my most notable one. I already have fans requesting a sequel!

A little information:
Alex is a military brat that gets stuck in a town he learns to adapt to. That is, until he starts seeing things from the corner of his eyes. Dark shapes, shadows, whispers of forms lurk in his vision and he feels as if he's going crazy. Luckily for him, there are others that see the same thing. Unluckily? The shapes he's seeing are demons. They plague his school and set out to make his life miserable. Why? He is the new wielder of a mystical weapon that has changed shape throughout history.

I'm going to stop right there because otherwise I'll spoil the ending! Please feel free to ask questions, post comments, or give my new child some much deserved cuddles.

Thank you!

He is available on Amazon Kindle, in paperback, and in hardcopy.


message 64: by E.M. (new)

E.M. Kelly | 1 comments Hi, my name is Edmund Kelly and I just released my first novel Addiction & Pestilence which is the first book in my Slaying Dragons: A Journey Through Hell series.

Slaying Dragons is a term used to describe, in this instance, someone who has overcome their battle with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol as well as defeating evil or the Devil.

Synopsis:
Brian Phillips lies alone in the Lumpton Treatment Center, reflecting on the poor choices that lead him there. When a deadly virus is unleashed, Brian must flee for his life—aided only by a strange, otherworldly figure …
Meanwhile, Drew’s life is turned upside down when his wife walks out following an explosive argument about his drinking. The next morning he receives an untimely phone call, sending him to his ailing mother’s bedside.
As Drew arrives in Florida, a horrifying plague spreads at an alarming rate throughout the Earth. He must now make the long journey home on foot, encountering others along the way—each with their own hidden addictions. As the world is plunged into chaos, can those remaining fight through a disintegrating humanity and overcome their demons … or will they simply succumb?
A compelling look at addiction and the perseverance of the human spirit, Addiction and Pestilence is the exciting first installment in Edmund Kelly’s Slaying Dragons series.

Addiction & Pestilence can be found on Kindle and paperback coming soon! Amazon.com/author/edmundkelly

http://www.edmundkelly.com

Thank you,

-Ed


message 66: by Ellie (new)

Ellie Stevenson | 21 comments The Floozy in the Park by Ellie Stevenson

Hi, I'm Ellie Stevenson, and I’m delighted to say that my third novel The Floozy in the Park is now out as an ebook.

Think murder, mystery, a beautiful but sinister island and the chance to shop in Edwardian England! You can find more about the novel on its book page:

http://bit.ly/2g0lKt1

Available from Amazon at just 99p/99c until 27th. Don’t miss out!

http://amzn.to/2eyjfQ6 (UK) or http://amzn.to/2gyXz8k (US)


message 67: by Jenovva (last edited Mar 01, 2017 12:32AM) (new)

Jenovva Baeli | 1 comments Hi everyone!

I published a fantasy book name 'Three Kings (God of War, #1)'. You can check it out here for an unpredictable and complex story that will capture your attention.

He was a great and brave king who conquered and ruled three adjacent lands. One day, he divided and gave the three lands to his three commanders to go to a faraway land where he built a new kingdom, Esquil. Thirty years had passed, and the three new kings decided to assassinate his son, so he sent his agents to these kingdoms to take revenge on them and reshape the territories. Their mission was to destroy the kingdoms from inside, but their specific plans were hidden from one another.

https://www.amazon.ca/Three-Kings-God...

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


message 68: by Arun (new)

Arun Ellis | 37 comments The book 'Insurrection' will be FREE on Amazon for Kindle download until Wednesday 15th March 2017
Insurrection by Arun D. Ellis
Amazon .co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Insurrection...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Insurrection-A...
Hi

Just to let you know that my book 'Insurrection' will be FREE on Amazon for Kindle/PC download from Saturday 11th to Wednesday 15th March 2017. All I ask is that you tell your friends and leave a review.

A group of well-heeled, geriatric friends, all ex service men and women, are so incensed at the callous and sustained ruination of their country that they resolve to make a stand, to arm themselves and to fight, to rid the land of their greedy leaders, to attack the political elites in their haven, the Houses of Parliament, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice - will they go through with their murderous plans? A mad-eyed Preacher - is he all that he seems to be? What links them? Where will they all end up?

Sample below:

All around him lay his comrades, brave men of the 24th. The crack of rifles mingled with the cries of the wounded. He loaded a cartridge into the breach of his Martini-Henry and levelled the bayonet to meet the oncoming Zulus. He felt the warmth against his face, eyes closed he smelt the dry air, a slight breeze ruffled through his hair as he slowly exhaled. He heard the tune of Hound Dog and Elvis blasting away, then a heavy banging...

"Alb, you alright in there?"

"What the...?" he mumbled, rubbing his forehead, "Bugger."

"Alb?" Gerry sounded concerned; next step would be the warden and the master key.

"Yeah, yeah," he responded, struggling out his chair. His current favourite book, 'The Washing of the Spears ' slid off his lap and onto the floor, "Coming, give us a chance, won't you."

During the years they’d lived in the Eden Hall Retirement Village, as residents died and apartments became vacant, Alb Rayner and Gerry Arbuthnot had contrived re-locations until they now lived next door to one another; best friends as children, best man at each other’s wedding, they’d billeted together in the army and saw no reason why they shouldn’t support each other in their dotage. (Alb’s words)

Now Gerry's hands trembled slightly as he put the two mugs of tea on the low table and slumped gratefully into the armchair. He looked across the room; at the lines of bookshelves that held the non-fiction that had sustained his friend for all the years he'd known him. For once Alb had no book in his hand, although one was lying open nearby, instead his attention was fixed on the TV, a large flat screened, surround-sound, effort bought so recently that the excitement of watching even boring shows on such a large and loud scale had yet to wear off. Alb had justified the purchase with the stridently voiced comment that since 'not a lot else' was going on in his life except counting the days to death and since he'd no-one to leave his money to even when that happened he would spend it while he could.

“You're just in time, some people’s issues programme's about to start," he muttered, remote in hand, "that poncey prick Tommy Boyle.”

“Ah, the lie detector show, that crap, turn it up, will ya.” There was apparently even less going on in Gerry's life.

"Did you see old Pete died?" Alb was a font of local knowledge, mostly from reading the obituaries.

"A real shame, he wasn't that old either," said Gerry, for once he too had heard the gossip.

"76 next birthday," said Alb; to them at 80 and 81 respectively Pete had been a mere stripling. "Not yet 76 and his bloody kids bunged him in a dump like that." He shivered; 'that' had been a state-run nursing home and could've been his fate too if it weren't for his Army pension and some good investments. His greatest terror, something that could wake him at night sweating, was the loss of his freedom and his beloved books.

"You'd have thought they could've looked after him, bloody selfish little shits." Gerry was instantly outraged, like blue touch paper lit on a firecracker, "You remember, when my old mum moved in with me and Gwen after dad died, we knew how to look after our own in those days."

"Yep," said Alb, who'd done the same for his dad, "it wasn't all me, me, me back then, people were a community."

"We looked out for each other," Gerry was warming to the theme; though they'd gone over the ground time and again, "no-one would've put their parents away, even in places like this."

He waved his hand to take in the whole set up; thirty-two separate one bedroom, ground floor apartments, arranged in a figure of eight around two central courtyards. Each had its own kitchen and lounge but there were communal facilities; a kitchenette, a sun room, a casual dining area and a large TV lounge. The Eden Hall Retirement Village was well equipped with all manner of amenities; available to all with the money to pay for it.

They fell silent, both taking a sip of tea and staring at the TV, the music started and they were entranced in an instant, part of the show, ready to be introduced to the mess-ups some people call their lives, ready to be entertained.

The host of the show, Tommy Boyle, tall, debonair and utterly lethal, his frame dominating the scene, turned to the large, amorphous mass on his right, “Felicity, please, tell us why you’re here.”

“Well, Tommy,” Felicity (all 22 stone of her) bounced in the chair, her arms gesticulating this way and that, “I’m pregnant right an’ Randall, my boyfriend won’t believe I ‘aven’t ‘ad sex wiv no-one else, just ‘im.”

"Bugger me, I'd believe her," Gerry was leaning out of his chair, nearly spilling his tea, "I'm surprised she's had sex with anybody, I mean who the hell could fancy that?"

The crux of the story laid bare the audience relaxed, waiting for the maestro to begin his dissection; “So for you, Felicity, it's clear, it's your boyfriend's baby.”

“Yeah,” said Felicity, the coquettish look she produced sat uneasily on her shapeless face.

"Right, let's get him in here," said Tommy. He put out one arm in a welcoming gesture and onto the stage slouched a tall and skinny youth with a spotty complexion. He made a face at the audience, some hissing at him having already made up their minds, and slumped into a chair.

"Okay Randall," started Tommy, "Felicity has told us that she's pregnant and that you don't believe it's yours."

"I know it ain't," spat Randall, adjusting his position, angling his body away from Felicity's.

"Gawd, will you look at that," guffawed Alb.

"What a bloody mess," said Gerry, trying to make up his mind if the youth's hair was wet or simply greasy. "A quick spell in the army wouldn't do him any harm."

"Too bloody right," agreed Alb, "reckon that goes for most of the lay-abouts."

"Yor a liar," barked Felicity, rising monstrously from her chair. The two book-end bouncers waiting in the wings moved closer at a quick signal from Tommy but she subsided into her chair as quickly as she'd risen from it.

The argument raged back and forth on screen, the all too familiar pattern of lies and deceit; baring your lives to the studio audience's ridicule as well as that of the watching millions, all in the name of entertainment.

Gerry sighed heavily; the repetition was depressing, "We got any biscuits?"

"No, you got any in your place?"

"No," said Gerry, "but I bet Ken has."

Ken Grewcock lived in one of the apartments along the way, a mere minute's walk yet neither could summon the energy to move; they continued to stare at the TV.

Tommy was in command again, doing his showman bit, playing to the audience, "Okay, Randall, we get the general idea, you don't trust Felicity." He paused for effect, “So, if you don’t trust her, why is it that you’re still with her?"

Randall fidgeted in his seat and played with his nose, then picked it with his thumb, "'Cause I luv 'er, doan I." The camera homed in on Randall's tears and then cut to Felicity. She put out a chubby arm and looked tenderly at him.

"Well, if you love each other so much, why are we here?" asked Tommy, "Surely you can make it work together, for the sake of the baby."

"It ain't my fuckin' kid," retorted Randall, tears dried.

"What makes you think it isn't?" asked Tommy.

"I just know, ok," sullen now, head on chest, his voice a low mumble.

"It's your baby," Felicity's voice was ragged with tears, "I love you an' I ain't been wiv no-one else, on my muvver's life."

"Well, we can establish the truth of that statement," said Tommy, stretching his hand out for the 'golden envelope of truth' in a theatrical gesture, "Felicity took the lie detector test this morning and we asked her 'have you had sex with anyone else since dating Randall?'"

Both Gerry and Alb had leaned forward, breath bated, in an unconscious mirroring of the studio audience's reaction.

Tommy glanced round at the audience and then looked at Felicity, ".....and she said 'No'."

He paused for effect and the audience, expectant, leant further forwards in their seats, a pin dropping would have caused mayhem, "and the lie detector test said.....she was........LYING."

At that the audience erupted with gasps, groans, laughs and general abuse directed at both individuals on the stage. Gerry added his own tirade to the general cacophony.

"D'you know," Alb's voice sounded strained, "I blame Thatcher, her and her 'no such thing as society'. We used to look after each other, in the old days, but it's different today." Gerry had half an ear on the TV and half on Alb, never a good thing to do as he would keep talking until he got proper acknowledgement of his point. "No-one looks out for anyone anymore, as soon as you're old they bung you somewhere to die, 'cause that's what they want to do... forget us until we die, then they whisk us away and bung us in the ground, just like that."

"Yeah," said Gerry, "know what you mean."

"And everything we were, everything we stood for, our experiences...."
Gerry caught his drift, "Yeah ...it's a real shame, a man like Pete, all his memories and now they're all gone, lost forever."

He was now quite depressed and was about to say more when Alb, in one of his quick mood changes muttered, "Still, no use cryin' over spilt milk," whilst pulling himself up and out of the chair. He fiddled with the remote, turning off the TV, "Come on; let's go see about those biscuits."

Happy reading, hope you have a good week.

Cheers

Arun

Amazon .co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Insurrection...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/Insurrection-A...



message 69: by Deborah (new)

Deborah Ann (darkmatterrevealed) | 6 comments The Butterfly Child

What can a deep and abiding love withstand? When you keep a secret that has the power to bring two worlds together, which are being torn apart by an evil so abominable you cannot call it by name—and you are being hunted—what do you do?

In the second novel of the Butterfly Prophecy Series, Belinda, now a mortal with a secret of her own to protect, sets off in search of her centuries-old protector, Michael, who is in Italy trying to stop Mordecai from destroying the Group of World Servers—the immortal society dedicated to protecting mortals from Mordecai’s evil. Parted from her true love, Damien, who is forced to travel to France with Thomas, Belinda is taken from the Group Estate for her own protection; or is she a prisoner?

The Butterfly Child follows Belinda to her one true destiny where she must finally face a truth that will set her free or it will endanger everything she holds dear—even the greatest love of her life!


message 70: by Diane (new)

Diane Meier (goodreadscomDEMeier) No Kill Station: Murder at Rehoboth Beach
My book is for people who love animals. The animal shelter director known as the Grim Reaper is beaten to death on the first page. That was fun.

I worked in animal rescue for years and the book royalties are going to Home for Life, an amazing no kill sanctuary in Minnesota. Many of my experiences are reflected in the book. It's not a memoir although there is a ghost who blogs about the animal shelter. I wrote the No Kill Delaware blog for 4 years that criticized the state for not enforcing its new law intended to prevent convenience killing. The book's primary purpose is to entertain people with a good mystery, but hopefully, people will also learn a bit about animal shelters and how 98% of the animals could be adopted instead of killed.

Here's the book description:

The Rehoboth Beach animal shelter director known as the Grim Reaper is beaten to death. When Matt investigates, he is thrown into a nightmare that ends the peaceful new life with his son at the beach.

“Dog Killer” is scrawled at the murder scene so Matt searches for people who hated the victim because of the shelter’s treatment of homeless animals. Matt is shocked to learn of the shelter convenience killing, the slaughter of Pit Bulls, and the roundup of feral cats. His landlord Clara has two Pit Bulls and a cat colony that Matt and his son have come to love like family.

Matt wants to find the animal rights blogger who pours gasoline on the flames of community outrage. Because of the shelter director’s cyberbullying and use of animal control to harass people, the blogger writes anonymously. Clara knows the blogger’s identity but won’t tell Matt – for good reason.

Matt discovers a criminal conspiracy but cannot get politicians to do anything. Despite the warnings, he is unable to allow this evil to continue. As he works to solve the murder and stop the animal cruelty, Matt comes to a new understanding of life and death. At the same time, he discovers love, hope, and a new calling.

****************
Find out more about how convenience killing and animal cruelty was stopped in Delaware. www.NoKillStation.net


message 71: by Diane (last edited Aug 08, 2017 02:05PM) (new)

Diane Meier (goodreadscomDEMeier) Lisarenee wrote: "Authors,

This is a place an author can promote their books.
Just start a new topic with your name and list your book(s) inside that post. Only one topic per author. We suggest you give us a teaser..."


Hi, have you considered putting the most recent posts first so people don't have to scroll years since 2010 ? When I first saw this discussion, I thought nobody had posted for 7 years. Just a thought


message 72: by Robin (new)

Robin T. T. Poon (robinpoon10) | 5 comments [FREE BOOK ON DEMAND FOR 48 HOURS]

Quest For Conquest

Hi folks, I am glad to announce that my brand new motivational book entitled "Quest for Conquest" is FREE to be downloaded from Amazon for the next 48 hours starting from NOW (until 9 June 2018 00:00 Pacific Time), so HURRY UP !!!

Here are the links to my book,
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6FCCQZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D6FCCQZ

"Quest for Conquest" deciphers your unique element from ancient Chinese texts based on Chinese astrology. This classic Chinese knowledge is translated into simple English language for all to understand their strengths and weaknesses easily in order to provide guidance in terms of interpersonal skills and appropriate career path.

I firmly believe that it is of civic responsibility by choice to give back to society after taking however much from it. Therefore, do yourself a favour, please download and share my inspiration to as many of your friends and family members out there as possible because when all is said and done, your significant improvement in life is of course, my ultimate joy.

Please do leave me an honest review of "Quest for Conquest" on Amazon after reading it. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.


message 73: by Endri (new)

Endri Shqerra | 1 comments Endri Shqerra

European Identity: The Newly Born European Demos?: The Potential of European Identity

The book examines identity and its nature through analyzing different theories which help to define in which theories European identity can be ascribed to. The chapter also offers scholars' reflection over European identity and makes a definition of European identity. In the second chapter, it explains the role of European identity on the constitutional ratification (2004) as well as demonstrates the contribution of the Constitutional Treaty (2004) on the consolidation of European identity. The relationship between the Constitution, representing a higher stage of EU integration, and European identity is mutual. They both affect the further evolution of each other. The chapter also draws conclusions over the European constitution and its future. The third chapter confronts European identity with national identities of the EU’s member states and draws conclusions about whether European identity will supersede national identities of Europe, as well as demonstrates the erosion of national identities in Europe; conclusions are supported by statistical data published in several Eurobarometers. The data published in the form of a table in this chapter trace the consolidation degree of European identity from 1992 to 2008 and confront it with national identities of the EU's member states. The last chapter argues about the existence of a European civic demos (similar to that of the USA) expressed in the form of European Identity. The book sheds light on the evolution and the role of European identity.

Acquisition of Word Formation Devices in First & Second Languages: Morphological Cross-Linguistic Influence

Early school-age English children acquire over 3000 words a year. The main factors which account for such rapid vocabulary growth are context and word-formation knowledge.
Such vocabulary growth is also of great interest in the L2 acquisition. Using empirical tests, the book puts side by side L1 and L2 acquisition of word-formation devices. The first chapter explores the early acquisition of word-formation devices by English children and presents the principles through which cross-linguistic influence diverts L2 learners from the natural way of acquiring word-formation devices of their target language. It also presents the 'Dual Semantic Transparency' Hypothesis in the L2 acquisition. The second and third chapters utilize empirical evidence in examining the advanced acquisition of word-formation devices by both native speakers and L2 learners, as well as highlight the points in which morphological cross-linguistic transfer is more evident to L2 learners. The fourth chapter offers suggestions over the way L2 learners' knowledge of word-formation devices of their target language can be improved. The book is targeted to anyone interested in language acquisition.


message 74: by Barbara (new)

Barbara Jones Wow this thread is super packed...

Well have another series to put in your to-read shelf!

Andrey Vasilyev is a Russian author looking to make a splash in the US!

Welcome to the land of Fayroll! In the near future, virtual reality gaming exists - better yet, it thrives! People around the world are obsessed with the new full-immersion VR game called Fayroll. Join Harriton, a tabloid columnist in Moscow, as he discovers that decisions he makes in the game start affecting his real life. Fayroll is definitely More Than a Game...


message 75: by Daniel (new)

Daniel Sugar In 1692, a disreputable young man breaks his engagement by accusing his fiancee of witchcraft.

Little does he know, she really is a witch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YKZL9L


message 76: by Aneil (new)

Aneil Komal (aneilkomal) | 2 comments The Guardian Angel

Sixteen-year-old Aries has always dreamed of being someone extraordinary, following in the footsteps of his hero wrestler, "The Masked Angel" Angel Guerrero. But as a timid, hesitant boy with, well… an underwhelming physique, he's never thought he could chase after his dreams. That is, until he finds himself in an alternate universe where fire-breathing dragons soar in the skies, petrifying creatures rise from the ground, and the use of magic is normal. The biggest surprise for Aries, however, comes when he learns he was once a mystical hero known as the Guardian Angel. His mission has always been to protect this magical world and the spirits who inhabit it, but now it is being threatened by a vile, cold-blooded, sadistic demon who seeks to dominate the universe. Now it is on Aries to rediscover his past and regain his powers, but first he'll have to overcome his crippling doubts. Can he learn to believe in himself, his friends, and the magic that surrounds him—in time to save the realm before it is destroyed?

The Guardian Angel by Aneil Komal


message 77: by Fabian (new)

Fabian Gonzales (fabiangonzales) | 4 comments Hello Group My Name Is Fabian Gonzales. I am a new author. I just published my first book January 2020. It is a hopeless romantic love story and it is called "Blow Me One Last Kiss" The father is passing away and helps his children unit and understand the true meaning of loving one another and their chosen partners in life. One long adventure pulls the entire family and The fathers lost love together. Looking for reviews. Thank you and have a great day.

http://bit.ly/fabiangonzales


message 78: by Henry (new)

Henry (henrytaba12) | 11 comments When Death is Calling by Henry Taba

Stay at home, fight Covid19,
But don't forget to get a free copy of "When Death is Calling" when it's free !!


Amazon(US) = https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RDDHJHD
Amazon(UK) = https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RDDHJHD


message 79: by Kenneth (new)

Kenneth | 2 comments Hi - We are Kenneth and Judy Nichols Fecteau, co-authors of a new young adult, fantasy adventure titled, THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS NEVER IN FOREVER. It is available in 3 formats on Amazon. We welcome you to visit our author's page and blog on Goodreads, and also click the link to use the "Look Inside" feature to read more.
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS NEVER IN FOREVER
Kenneth Nichols Fecteau


message 80: by Glen (new)

Glen Young | 1 comments Hi,

This ebook giveaway is available to people living in the US or Canada. *Note that the ebook is free on Kindle Unlimited for people in other parts of the world.

'Last Man Standing', is a collection of non-fiction short stories with an adventure (and sometimes survival) theme. Reading this book may inspire you to plan your very own adventure, so watch out for what you wish for.

I am offering 100 free e-books throughout May.
Please click the link and scroll to the bottom to click the 'enter giveaway' tab for your free e-book. To help the book get noticed, please review and rate it on Goodreads and Amazon after reading it. Thank you and may you enjoy this lovely season, wherever you are.

#truestories #adventure #hikinginjapan #tibet #himalayas #shortstories #China #japan #cycling

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...


message 81: by Tim (new)

Tim Mulligan | 1 comments Hey Friends! Happy Halloween Season! If you are interested in graphic novels with beautiful artwork and interesting/compelling/scary stories, check out my new books, Witchland: The Graphic Novel and Snitchland: The Graphic Novel.

They tell the story, based on my life/hometown, of a gay couple and their teenage daughter who move to "the most toxic place in the Western Hemisphere," - home of a nuclear reactor with years of mystery and tragedy - and find themselves major fishes out of water - and having to deal with toxic waste, a bit of homophobia/racism, and yes, witches and ghosts. Good times.


message 82: by Edward (new)

Edward Garner (mindbridgepressgmailcom) | 2 comments I am Edward Garner, publisher at MindBridge, a small press located in North Alabama since 2008. January 8, 2025, MindBridge Press will publish Ford Nettleton’s first novel, AIDENN: Crossing to Eternity. Ford needs reviews. For a free ebook, contact me at mindbridgepress@gmail.com.

Matt McAvoy recently posted his review of AIDENN: Crossing to Eternity on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).

Genres : This novel overlaps several genres, including Christian, literary fiction, fantasy, spiritual, and historical.

Upon reading the novel, Matt McAvoy writes AIDENN is “as vast and spiritual as fiction can ever get.” … “This book has me more thoughtful than any book I have read previously.” … “A tremendously good book which I highly recommend, whether you are a reader of faith, or just one who loves deep, metaphorical literary fiction.”

In the novel, ELSHADAI the Creator sends angels to bring four souls back to him for judgment. To accomplish their missions, the AIDENNS, angels of death, transform into the favorite dogs of targets Adolf Hitler, Pontius Pilate, Abraham Lincoln, and Tom, an old man in a nursing home.

As each succumbs to mortal death, his spirit is compelled to follow his canine escort to revisit events that show each soul how his actions shaped history. Once transformed from the physical world into spiritual existence, their journeys to judgment prepare the four to stand before their Maker.

If you would like a free ebook of AIDENN: Crossing to Eternity, please contact me at mindbridgepress@gmail.com.


message 83: by Daria (new)

Daria Grey | 2 comments Hi! My name is Daria and I just wrote a new (my first after being a librarian for years) Mafia Romance book and wanted to share, and also ask you all who are some of your favorite authors so I can really educate myself as well.

Nik has always lived by the rules of the Bratva—loyalty, power, and ruthless control. But when fate brings him face-to-face with Sophia, a fierce and irresistible woman caught in a deadly conspiracy, the boundaries between duty and desire begin to blur. As their worlds collide in a storm of secrets, deception, and undeniable passion, Nik and Sophia ignite a flame that neither can resist. Bound by a dark legacy and an overwhelming attraction, they’ll have to decide whether to trust each other or betray the chemistry that consumes them both. In a world where enemies are everywhere, how far will they go to keep their forbidden desire - and each other - alive?

Here is a link to my book webpage, which then also links right to my Amazon page:

https://dariagreyauthor.com/

All thoughts are welcome. Thank you!


message 84: by Andrew (new)

Andrew Goliszek | 1 comments Hi, I'm Andrew Goliszek and my book, Like Embers in the Night, has just won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for fiction. It is a historical novel based on the incredible true story of two gulag and Soviet labor camp survivors following Stalin's invasion of Poland. Given what's happening in Russia and Ukraine today, it's a timely and chilling read. Read the reviews on my website:
www.andrewgoliszek.com/book-reviews
https://a.co/d/f1SHXBG


message 85: by lame (new)

lame mohmmed | 1 comments Ancient legends. Mysterious powers. A destiny that can’t be escaped.

Step into the world of The Curse of Lulyah — a fantasy novel rich with myth, mystery, and a touch of magic.

When long-forgotten legends begin to stir, one girl finds herself caught in a web of fate, ancient forces, and secrets buried deep in time.
This is not horror — it's a journey through enchanted lands, whispered prophecies, and unraveling truths.

Perfect for fans of myth-based fantasy, mysterious adventures, and slow-building revelations.

Available now on Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

https://www.amazon.com/curse-Lolia-So...


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