Library Girl Reads & Reviews

Slaying the Debt Dragon by Cherie Lowe #slaydebt #bookreview

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 19:21:00 +0000

Money is one of those things that we all must deal with yet we rarely are comfortable discussing. Being in debt and struggling gets hidden away and isolates friends and family from one another. Cherie Lowe, also known as the Queen of Free, has been changing all that by discussing her family's journey of paying off over $127,000 in debt. Through her blog and her speaking engagements Cherie lets people know that they are not alone in this journey and that getting out of debt is possible.

Now you can read this story in Cherie's new book Slaying the Debt Dragon. She writes with such openness and honesty that one cannot help but be inspired by her family's story of paying off their debt. Cherie is down to earth and real about sharing their struggles along with their successes and her encouragement is genuine.

I've heard Cherie speak and reading this book is exactly like listening to her talk or sitting down and having a conversation with her. She doesn't sugar coat the reality of the challenges involved with changing a lifestyle to pay off debt but she makes you feel like you CAN do this.

Cherie offers many practical tips that her family used when they were on their debt slaying journey and illustrates them with examples of how they put them into practice. There are also other familie s highlighted throughout the book who also paid off large amounts of debt.

This is not a dry personal finance book but instead one of inspiration and reality. Cherie and her husband, Brian, have a strong marriage and a strong foundation in faith but both of these were tested throughout their debt slaying journey. There were bumps in the road, major setbacks, and times of doubt and darkness but the Lowe family stuck with their debt slaying plan and came out the other side victorious.

As Cherie says, "Paying off debt isn’t complex, it’s just not easy."

While the start of the new year seems to be the perfect time to tackle budgets and debt, there really is no perfect time to start. Read, gather your financial information, create a plan, and then start chipping away at your debt a dollar at a time. Find great (free!) resources to help guide your journey on the website for Slaying the Debt Dragon.

About Cherie Lowe:

Since 2008, Cherie Lowe has been confidently wearing a plastic crown and encouraging others to dream big dreams. Together with her husband, Brian, Cherie paid off $127,482.30 in a little under four years. She scribed the ups and downs of their "debt slaying journey" on her popular website, www.QueenOfFree.net. A graduate of Asbury University, Cherie strongly believes that something can come from nothing and that there is always a way for her readers to simplify their lives and their budgets. More than anything, through speaking and written word, Cherie longs for others to know that there is hope for getting their finances under control. Her family's story has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Redbook magazine, AOL Daily Finance, and more. Cherie and Brian reside in Greenwood, Indiana, along with their daughters, Anna and Zoe.

Join the court of the Queen of Free on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest to find practical money-saving tips and daily inspiration to slay the debt dragon. Share your debt slaying journey by using the hashtag #slaydebt.

Cajun Nights and the Characters Within: The Many Lives of a TV Series that Never Was

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 03:09:00 +0000

D.J. Donaldson, author of Cajun Nights

LIFE #1

Cajun Nights was my first novel featuring New Orleans medical examiner, Andy Broussard, and his suicide/death investigator, Kit Franklyn. A few weeks after the book was published, I got a call from my agent with the surprising news that, “There’s been a flurry of movie and TV interest in your book.” I'd never considered that such a thing was possible. So that was one of the best phone calls I ever had.

Subsequently, a production company headed by the former director of programming at CBS took an option on the series, planning to shape it into a TV show. As perhaps some of you know, this phase of things is known as “development hell”, because it takes a very long time to make anything happen. So a year went by with no news. I figure, okay, the thing is dead. But, the producers renewed their option for another year, which meant I got paid again. It wasn't a lot of money, but with that check, I’d made more money from the two option years than the advance I was given on the book by the publisher.

So more time goes by with no news. Now, I’m not even thinking about it anymore. Then, while I was attending a scientific meeting in Dallas, I got a call from the agent in Hollywood who was handling the dramatic rights. CBS had agreed to pay for a pilot screenplay. I wasn't sure what that meant, but if this guy had tracked me down in Dallas just to tell me that, it must be a big deal. And guess what… I got another check as an advance on the screenplay even though I wasn't gonna write it. I was beginning to love the agent who created that contract.

They chose as a writer someone who'd had several movies produced. That may seem like something not worth mentioning, but I'd read an article once that said it was possible to have a career as a screenwriter and never have anything produced. (Yeah, I don't quite get that either, but it sure seemed like the writer we had, was the better kind.) With her experience and success, I was sure we'd get a great screenplay.

A few months later, a package arrives in the mail. IT’S THE SCREENPLAY. I'm so excited, I quickly skim the enclosed letter from the producers: “Read this over and tell us three things you don't like about it.” That’s ridiculous, I’m gonna love it. After all, it was written by a pro.

Well, I hated all of it. The writer didn't seem to “get” the relationship between Andy and Kit. I couldn't believe it. The books show that non-romantic love is possible between an unrelated man and woman of greatly differing ages. Though he can't admit it, Broussard loves Kit like the daughter he never had. Kit loves Broussard like a father, even though she has a father. How do I boil all the things I hate down to just three items? Somehow I manage and send my reply back.

As it turned out, the producers didn't really care about any of my thoughts. Was I upset? Not really, because I figured they know TV, I don’t. And… surprise, when they gave the script to CBS, I got another check. Now I definitely love my agent.

The producers are sure the script will be approved and we’ll soon be shooting a pilot. They invite me to watch them film in New Orleans. They say they’ll even find a bit part for me. They predict that the series will run for ten years. And they should know. Their show, Cagney and Lacey, ran for seven seasons. Now I’m excited.

But… later, I get another call. CBS didn't like the script. And they didn't want to see a rewrite with the same story. The producers asked me if I had any ideas. The screenplay was based on the second book in the series. When I got this call I was sitting at my desk looking at the rough draft of book number three. I pitched them the story and they said, “Send us a copy by overnight mail.” This was back before manuscripts could be sent by e-mail. (I know, I can hardly remember those days myself.)

So another screenplay was written, which didn't fare any better than the first. Thus life #1 of my hoped-for TV series went to a quiet demise.

LIFE #2

A few years later, while I was at the Kentucky book fair promoting book number five in the series, a young blonde fellow bought a book. We spoke for a few minutes and he moved on. Later, back in Memphis, I get a call from this guy. He wants to option the series for TV. I tell him about my earlier experience with the other producers, who failed, but he’s unfazed. We strike a deal. There’s talk about John Goodman playing Broussard. John Goodman… he lives in New Orleans and he’d be a great fit. I love it.

Within a few weeks the producer calls to say he’s on his way to Memphis and could I meet him and John Goodman’s “best friend,” at the Peabody Hotel. (The Peabody lobby is where William Faulkner and his mistress used to have drinks.) The meeting takes place and I give the best friend a copy of the latest book, which he assures us, will be in John Goodman’s hands within twenty-four hours. That was the last time I ever heard from him or the producer. So I guess the deal is off.

LIFE #3

In my primary occupation, I taught medical and dental students microscopic anatomy. One day I get a call from a former dental student. He’s now a part-time actor who’s been in a couple of notable films. He says that he and a long-time Hollywood promoter have formed a production company and are looking for material. He remembers that I wrote a few novels and wonders what I’ve been doing since he last saw me. I talk about my work and send him some books.

Very soon thereafter he calls me again and says he and his partner “are on fire over these forensic books.” They believe the series would make a great TV SERIES. He asks me who I’d like to play Broussard. I tell him I've always believed Wilford Brimley would be perfect. Incredibly, my former student says that his partner had lunch with Wilford just last week. He’s sure they can get him to sign on. With an actor of Wilford’s stature attached to the project, we’ll surely get a deal.

Was all this talk about Brimley just smoke? No. Because they actually got him on board. And what’s even better, my former student and his partner were working with another producer who had a development deal with the Sci-Fi network. They planned to present my series to the network three weeks hence, focusing on the real and apparent paranormal aspects of the first two books.

On presentation day at the Sci-Fi Network my student calls me just before they go in. I wait anxiously the rest of the day to hear how it went. Years later, I’m still waiting. The only contact I’ve had since presentation day is a big envelope from the producer who had the development deal. In the envelope is a bunch of stuff I wrote for the presentation along with a note from the producer that says, “Sorry we couldn't have worked longer on this together.”

LESSON LEARNED

Early in the machinations of the first development deal, I used to caution myself not to spend any time thinking about how great it would be if every week I could watch my characters living and breathing on a TV show. My thinking was that if I kept a tight rein on my expectations, it’d be much easier on my psyche if things didn't work out.

But then I realized I was missing out on the excitement of the possibility. Why not let my mind run with it? Then, even if none of the deals came to fruition I would still have the pleasure of being part of a great endeavor. So that’s what I did. And now, even though I never played that bit part in a pilot and I've never seen John Goodman or Wilford Brimley bring Broussard to life, I sure had a lot of fun along the way.

(By the way, if you're a TV/film producer, the rights are available.)

Young and vibrant New Orleans criminal psychologist Kit Franklyn has just been assigned her most challenging case yet—a collection of victims with type O blood who drove an antiquated car, humming a nursery rhyme right before committing murder and then suicide. Welcoming the help of her jovial boss, chief medical examiner Andy Broussard, the two set out to solve the case devising strictly scientific possibilities. Not once do they consider the involvement of black magic until an ancient Cajun sorcerer’s curse surfaces—“Beware the songs you loved in youth.”

Written in his unique style, Donaldson’s Cajun Nights combines hard-hitting, action-packed prose with brilliant first-hand knowledge of forensics and the sultry flavor of New Orleans. The result is a gripping mystery involving murder and some occult flare in the creole heartland.

Buy Cajun Nights on

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

About D.J. Donaldson

D.J. Donaldson is a retired professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology. His entire academic career was spent at the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, where he published dozens of papers on wound-healing and where he taught microscopic anatomy to thousands of medical and dental students.

He is also the author of seven published forensic mysteries and five medical thrillers. He lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife and two West Highland terriers. In the spring of most years he simply cannot stop buying new flowers and other plants for the couple’s prized backyard garden.

Spotlight: Strike of the Cobra by Stephen Heubach

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 16:11:00 +0000

Strike of the Cobra by Stephen Heubach * Connect on Twitter

Published by Mereo (5 Nov 2013)

“Started in the morning of Boxing Day and couldn't put it down until I had finished it that night.”

Strike of the Cobra is based on true events. A few of the names and locations have been altered due to the story culminating in a trial at The Old Bailey. It is a thrilling tale of crime, subterfuge and drug smuggling in Britain, Turkey and Singapore.

It all began in early January at an evening of the International Boat Show at Earls Court in London. Stephen was approached by a well-dressed Mediterranean looking gentleman. He was alone on the booth, quietly closing up, the crowds had long since dispersed and his colleagues had headed to the bar. This was just the moment he had been waiting for.

He was polite and took a false interest in the five small sailing craft on show that my business partner and I had spent years perfecting. He asked if we would be interested in manufacturing our boats for a more reasonable price in his own factory in Turkey. I was sceptical but mentioned that we were actively looking for small sports/recreation boats. He said that they made just the thing and would come back to see me the following day with details.

Arranging to visit the factory was difficult; they could not accommodate Stepen for at least a month. The Turkish gentleman showed Stephen to his car at the airport, supposedly his own, but the carpets had recently been wet vaxed, there was condensation on the inside of the windows, only one key on the fob, no personal effects at all. Stephen was sure the Mercedes 200 was a rental, the Turkish gentleman was lying; alarm bells were already ringing. Stephen thought about getting the next plane home.

They travelled towards the factory the following morning but he would not give any detail of its location. Stephen was becoming increasingly troubled by the lack of forthcoming information, there was not even a map in the car for reference, nobody on the planet, not even Stephen knew where he was and he’d broken his mobile phone by dropping it at the airport. After 2 hours they were off onto unmade, unmarked roads. The Turkish gentlemen sensed his apprehension, and objected to his questioning, eventually telling Stephen with pride that he had kidnapped him. This did not seem ridiculous at that moment as none of the pieces seemed to fit together, Stephen’s anxiety grew.

Merry Wishes by Karen Pokras

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 14:21:00 +0000

An ugly divorce behind her, Carly Cater is looking forward to a truly Merry Christmas. With interest for her art from a high-powered fashion designer and a new romance with her handsome contractor, Jason Hardy, her life is finally heading in the right direction. That is, until her ex-husband suddenly returns to interfere, and mysterious texts draw Jason away. Is this another holiday disaster in the making, or will an offer to create a mural for the brain-injury patients at Greenbriar Manor bring her the Christmas joy she’d been seeking?

Buy Merry Wishes from Amazon

About the Author:

Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her newly released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.

Connect with Karen Pokras:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

A Forensic/Medical Author’s Take on Ebola and the CDC

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 21:14:00 +0000

Outbreak… Breakdown A Forensic/Medical Author’s Take on Ebola and the CDC

D.J. Donaldson is a retired professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center—where he taught and published dozens of papers on wound-healing and other health issues. He is the author of Louisiana Fever, one of the seven in the Andy Broussard/Kit Franklyn series of forensic mystery thrillers.
My book, Louisiana Fever, involves the spread of a bleeding disease known as Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever. This is a real disease that, like its close relative, Ebola, is caused by an infectious virus. And having researched this thoroughly (and having come from a forensic/health background) I feel compelled to weigh in on the Ebola outbreak.

When I was plotting Louisiana Fever, I figured I ought to have a character in the book that was once an infectious disease specialist at the CDC. It seemed like a logical idea because the CDC is this country’s unquestioned champion against virulent organisms, an organization staffed with experts that know every nuance of tropical viruses and how they can be controlled.

To make sure my writing about the CDC would have an authentic ring to it, I asked the public relations office of the CDC if I might be given a tour of the place. “Sorry,” I was told. “We don’t give tours.” Considering how many dangerous viruses are stored in the various labs there, that seemed like a good policy, even to me. So there would be no tour. But then I heard from someone in my department at the U. of Tennessee Medical Center that one of our former graduate students now worked at the CDC. I began to wonder if this connection might work to my advantage.

And it certainly did. The former student was now a virology section chief. A SECTION CHIEF…. Holy cow! This could be my way in. But would the man be generous by nature and sympathetic to writers? He proved to be both of those.

On the day of my visit, I reported to the security office as instructed. There, I had to wait until my host came to escort me into the bowels of the place… no wandering around on my own with a visitor’s badge. That day I saw the hot zone in action and spoke with experts in many fields of virology, even spent some time with the world expert on porcine retroviruses. At the end of my visit—including all the cumbersome clinical protocols I had to engage in both before and during said visit—I not only left feeling more educated, but actually more safe and secure that no tropical virus would ever be a threat to this country… not with the meticulous, detail-oriented, security conscious, microbe fighters at the CDC watching out for us.

So, it’s with much regret and… yes, even a little fear, that I witnessed the head of the CDC recently assuring us that the Ebola virus is very difficult to transmit and that we know exactly how to control it. Instead of (what looked like) his clumsy attempts to soothe an ignorant and paranoid public, the CDC head should have given a blunt assessment, educated everyone like adults, and encouraged them to exercise precaution. Then, seemingly in answer, two nurses who cared for the index patient from Liberia become Ebola positive. And the CDC clears one of those nurses to take a commercial airline flight, even though she was in the early stages of Ebola infection…depressing. From a medical professional standpoint, this was practically criminal negligence. At present, the disease is not transmitted by air ("airborne"), but any scientist worth his/her salt cannot account for mutations the virus may undergo. This is why the job of the CDC is to contain harmful microbes, issue protocols to protect the public against them and ultimately eradicate them... period. It is not to be PR professionals for television cameras and fostering carelessness.

I’m still convinced that the combined knowledge and brainpower of the CDC staff will be a major impediment to any virus taking over this country. But Ebola probably has some tricks we haven’t seen yet. That means we may lose a few more battles before we can declare that this particular threat is behind us.

Meanwhile, how is development of that Ebola vaccine coming?

About Louisiana Fever:

Andy Broussard, the plump and proud New Orleans medical examiner, obviously loves food. Less apparent to the casual observer is his hatred of murderers. Together with his gorgeous sidekick, psychologist Kit Franklyn, the two make a powerful, although improbable, mystery solving duo. When the beautiful Kit goes to meet an anonymous stranger—who’s been sending her roses—the man drops dead at her feet before she even could even get his name. Game on.

Andy Broussard soon learns that the man carried a lethal pathogen similar to the deadly Ebola virus. Soon, another body turns up with the same bug. Panic is imminent as the threat of pandemic is more real than ever before. The danger is even more acute, because the carrier is mobile, his identity is an absolute shocker, he knows he’s a walking weapon and… he’s on a quest to find Broussard. And Kit isn’t safe either. When she investigates her mystery suitor further, she runs afoul of a cold blooded killer, every bit as deadly as the man searching for Broussard. Louisiana Fever is written in Donaldson’s unique style: A hard-hitting, punchy, action-packed prose that’s dripping with a folksy, decidedly southern, sense of irony. Add in Donaldson’s brilliant first hand knowledge of forensics and the sultry flavor of New Orleans, and the result is first class forensic procedural within an irresistibly delectable mystery.

Buy Louisiana Fever on

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo

October Reading Wrap Up 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 19:21:00 +0000

Yes, I am late in writing up my reading for October. I'm going to blame hosting a birthday party, Halloween, and the end of Daylight Savings Time for the delay. I got four books read last month, including the second huge Outlander book.

Leading With Intention: Every Moment is a Choice by Mindy Hall, PhD: I received a copy of this book from the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program in exchange for a review on the site. Being intentional is one of the things that I am trying to focus on this year as a foundation for living a more intentional life. I want to be more aware of myself in each moment and truly understand how my choices and actions are impacting those around me. Although this book is based on being an intentional leader in a business setting, I still found that many of the questions and techniques presented by Mindy Hall, PhD apply just as well to my life as a stay at home mom. I was not able to directly connect to the majority of the examples given because of their corporate nature, however I still came away with information of value and I look forward to exploring some of the additional online resources that are available at leadingwithintentionbook.com

Landline by Rainbow Rowell: Landline is the first book I have read by Rainbow Rowell but from reading reviews of this book and her others I can tell that it will not be the last.
After reading a few heavy books, lengthy and emotional, Landline was a fast, light read even though it addressed a marriage in trouble. Georgie McCool writes comedy with her best friend, Seth, for a television sitcom. Her husband, Neal, is the stay-at-home dad to their two girls and is fundamentally unhappy. When Neal and the girls go visit his family without her at Christmas time, Georgie wonders if he has left for good this time. While taking refuge at her mother's house, Georgie drags out an old, yellow phone to call Neal and ends up connecting with the Neal that left her fifteen years before. She wonders if this is her chance to set things right or change something fundamental in their history.
The entire book felt like it was written in short scenes, as if it were a television show. Often the dialog and the characters felt like we were only getting to know them on the surface. At the end of the book I was left wondering what happened next? How did things actually work out with Georgie's job and her marriage? Could she really hold on to both? Landline was enjoyable while it lasted but it never felt like much insight was gained or that the main issues the characters were facing were actually resolved.

Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon: I enjoyed Dragonfly in Amber, possibly even more than Outlander, but the book was too bloody long. Although I loved learning more about the characters and getting to know new ones, I felt like it took me forever to get through this book. By the time I reached the end I had already forgotten parts from the beginning. I love the way Gabaldon is moving from one timeline to another to give the reader an entire picture of events.
I will continue with the series but I'm going to take a break and read some shorter books for a bit until I feel like I can tackle another one of this length.

Anabel Divided by Amanda Romine Lynch: I already wrote up my full review of Anabel Divided so I'll give the short version here: This is a great sequel to Anabel Unraveled. If you haven't read these books start at the beginning and join me in waiting for the third Anabel book to come out. Lynch writes fantastically flawed characters and emotionally charged situations.

Currently reading Voyager (Outlander #3) by Diana Gabaldon

Amazon Affiliate Links are used within this post. If you purchase something (anything!) after clicking one of these links I will earn a small percentage of the sale. It costs you nothing extra but it helps me maintain the blog.

Anabel Divided by Amanda Romine Lynch | Review

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Disclosure: Amanda Romine Lynch provided a copy of Anabel Divided for review purposes. All love of the book and demands to hear Matt's side of the story are entirely my own.

If you have not read Anabel Unraveled you must do so
before starting Anabel Divided.

To say that Anabel and Jared have a complicated relationship is putting it mildly. Jared is in love with Anabel but is dating someone else because Anabel is dating Matt. Anabel loves Matt but can't deny that she still has feelings for Jared. Matt loves Anabel but wants more commitment than she can give. He is also crazy jealous of the role that Jared will always have in their lives as the father of Anabel's daughter, Emma.

Amanda Romine Lynch writes incredibly flawed characters. Anabel is a hot mess through the entire book and she has incredibly poor decision making skills. As I said in my review of Anabel Unraveled, Anabel is not someone I would be friends with but at the same time I feel protective of her and want to guide her to a better path. Her actions and reactions may not be socially acceptable at times but they fit with her emotional backstory.

The book alternates between Anabel's perspective and Jared's, giving us two sides of the story. To me, Matt's perspective is important as well but we only see his actions through how they affect Anabel, Jared, and Emma. I want to learn more of Matt's history and hear his thoughts. I want to understand how he sees events and why he acts and reacts the way he does. Although Anabel chose Matt at the end of Anabel Unraveled, it feels that the series is skewed toward Jared.

If you enjoy emotional, character driven stories you should definitely check out the Anabel books. I'm eagerly awaiting the third book so I can find out what happens next.

Anabel Divided:

Anabel Martin thought that the resolution of her father's murder would bring a resolution to her problems. After all, she was starting life over in a new place, with new friends, and new adventures, focusing on attending college and raising her daughter free from the distractions of Washington, DC. She was ready to move on.

But a trip back to the District for Meghan's wedding stirs up old feelings and brings new life to old relationships. Matt is cold and distant, while Jared is caring and attentive. A woman from Matt's past, a bold public flirtation, and Anabel's desire to be truly loved lead her to a crossroads...and her final decision leaves her with more questions than answers.

Buy Anabel Divided on Amazon

Buy Anabel Unraveled on Amazon

About the Author:

Amanda Romine Lynch is a writer, editor, and blogger who grew up in Florida knowing she belonged somewhere else. She now lives in the DC Metro Area with her husband and three amazing little boys. She is the Eco-Friendly/Green Living Contributor over at the Prime Parents Club and strives to live earth friendly in a world of disposable diapers. When not writing about Anabel and Jared or chasing around a curly-haired boy, she cheers for the Gators (in all kinds of weather) and occasionally remembers to sleep.

Connect with Amanda Romine Lynch:

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour: Truth is Relative by J. J. Lyon

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Lady Reader's Blog Tours presents another exciting week long tour! Just in time to read in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa or your favorite hot beverage, J. J. Lyon's fun private investigator mystery, with a twist, TRUTH is REALTIVE; the first in the A Truth Inducer Mystery series is here. A giveaway, great posts, reviews and best of all? Fun!

TRUTH IS RELATIVE
By: J.J. Lyon
Pages: 275
Publisher: Gem Cache Publishing
Genre: Who Dunit-Mystery PI - (Fiction/Mystery)

Anthony Blackwell’s “gift” compels people to confess their deepest secrets.

It corrupts his relationships, derails his career and drives him toward eviction—until he becomes Anthony Bishop, private investigator.

His first case drops him into a deadly family drama that will save him financially, if it doesn't kill him first.

Who can resist a great first line: "The Monday before Thanksgiving, my car disappeared...

From the readers:

"I love the premise of this book, it's like PI Morrow meets Liar Liar."

“This book reminded me of the stone movies Tom Selleck was in. It has the rough feeling of the west but is written smoothly so that it's hard to stop reading. I'm hoping there is/will be more.” Stefanie Andersen - Logan, UT

“A very interesting and innovative plot.” Billie H - Lamesa, TX

From the author:

The world didn't have enough mysteries with a sense of humor, so I wrote one.

From other authors:

"What a fun, great read! I loved the characters and the concept was one I'd never heard of. Reading was an absolute pleasure."
--Rebecca Belliston, author of Sadie and Augustina

"Even though Anthony’s "gift" makes him an effective detective, it is almost impossible for him to establish meaningful relationships. Anthony finds himself in situations fraught with danger, but tinged with humor. His charm and good looks draw people to him, but they quickly regret revealing their darkest secrets. I found myself laughing out loud and reading to find out what happens next. It’s easy to get caught up in the fresh and intriguing story. Lyon has so much imagination and skillful writing, I look forward to reading whatever she comes up with next."

--Carole Warburton, author of A Question of Trust and Poaching Daisies

Amazon | Goodreads

Chapter One – Truth is Relativeby J. J. Lyon

The Monday before Thanksgiving, my car disappeared. Or it might have been late Sunday night. The day was half over before I even looked outside. Instead I focused on an ugly painting until I realized I was hungry. I was out of bread and low on groceries in general. I cleaned my brushes, grabbed my keys, opened the front door, and stared at gray asphalt where my Mazda used to be. A few dead cottonwood leaves swirled there before the wind swept them off.

I didn’t bother calling the police. My car hadn’t been stolen, it had been repossessed.

My cell phone buzzed. It was my brother, Bart. “Hey,” I said.

“Hey, Bro. How’s life in the Big City?” Bart wasn’t being ironic. Compared to our hometown of Jersey, Cheyenne was enormous.

“It’s good!” I stepped back into Sam’s Café and tried to think of something else to say. Something that would back up my lie.

“Great. When are you coming for Thanksgiving?” Bart asked.

My brain scrambled, too busy to pay attention. I didn’t need a car. The abandoned café was a great studio, with north-facing windows and indirect natural light. My work happened right at home.

My work was also stacked against the walls, waiting for a gallery to accept it. The art that was already in a gallery had hung there for months. I needed a day job. A car would help.

“Tony? Hello?”

“Huh?”

“What about Thanksgiving?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Whaddaya mean? I thought you were your own boss.”

“Yeah, but I’m pretty …” I glanced out at the empty parking place. “It’s hard to get away right now.”

Bart was quiet, and when he spoke again he sounded unusually hesitant. “So how are you really?”

“Fine. I’m doing great.”

“Yeah, okay. You know what you need? A night out.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do. I can tell you’re depressed.”

“I’m not depressed.”

“C’mon, Tony. Think of everything we could learn about the beautiful women of Cheyenne.” Bart could afford to be fascinated by my new ability. He didn’t have to live with it.

“I’ve got to go get some groceries,” I said.

“Fine.” Bart sounded annoyed, but he didn’t argue. “Fine, I’ll talk to you later.”

I turned away from the café window and walked to my bedroom, which was actually a converted storage area in the back of the café. A walk-in cooler had once taken up most of the space, but it had been ripped out and sold the last time the place went out of business. There was room for a twin bed and a battered dresser from Goodwill Industries. I pulled my wallet from the top drawer and retrieved my old bike from the back of the building.

It was a cold ride to the store. Cheyenne’s legendary wind pushed against my side and cut across my hands. I’d forgotten my gloves. I zipped my jacket all the way up, stuffed my hands in my pockets, and kept pedaling, glad I had at least one useful talent. God gave me excellent balance.

My mind whirled as fast as my bike wheels, tallying my other useful abilities. I was decent at hanging Sheetrock, and I could tape and texture as long as the customer didn’t mind it a little antique and heavy. As for roofs, I’d done it all—patch, replace, steel, asphalt. If I had a truck I could rent myself out as a handyman. I could work in blissful isolation most of the time.

A gust of wind broadsided me. I went down in slow motion, shifted my weight, scuffed on the pavement with my feet. In the end my shoulder hit the road before I could pull my hands out of my pockets. The car behind me screeched to a stop and a woman got out. “Are you all right?” she asked.

“Fine,” I said. The front bike wheel spun uselessly. My arm hurt. I scrambled out from under the bike, trying to place the woman’s voice.

“Anthony?”

Recognition registered in my gut as much as my ears. I knew that voice. The last time I had heard it, its tone had been much angrier. “Hi, Heather,” I said.

“What are you doing out here in the cold on a bike? I heard you drove a hot Mazda.”

“Not today,” I said.

“I heard you got fired, too. Twice.”

Technically I only got fired once. The other time I quit before the ax fell.

Heather wasn’t in my fan club, but she wasn’t being rude, either. She was just under my influence. After thirty seconds in close proximity, people began confessing to me. I didn’t know why this began happening. For the first year or so, I didn’t realize it was happening at all. But as soon as my “gift” began manifesting itself, my life started rolling down a rocky slope.

“I almost drove by when you fell.” She brushed dirt from my sleeve. “I knew it was you and I don’t want to talk to you, but it looked bad.”

“It’s all right.” I stepped away from her brushing hand.

She didn’t leave. “Can I give you a ride? Please say no. I don’t want to be in a car alone with you, pretending I don’t remember how you—”

“No thanks.” I gripped the handlebars and pressed my weight on them a little.

She nodded. “You wouldn’t accept help from me anyway. Bart, maybe, but not me.”

“I don’t need it. I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Okay.”

I rode the rest of the way to Safeway with my hands on the handlebars. My fingers numbed in the wind. The pain in my arm faded to a dull ache, and I shook off the encounter with my ex. In the store parking lot, the lights shone in the murky daylight. It was early afternoon, but the thick clouds fooled the light sensors into thinking it was dusk. I went inside the store and found some sandwich meat on sale and a package of rubbery cheese slices. I picked up some day-old wheat bread and waited in line behind a thin, fortyish man with a few days’ beard. He wore dirty jeans and a sweatshirt stained with what looked like motor oil. After thirty seconds, he turned to me.

“My wife left me this morning,” he said.

I nodded. If I didn’t acknowledge him, he would only repeat himself. Louder.

“She put her ring in my hand and said, ‘I’ve got to go to work.’ I said, ‘Can we talk about this?’ and she said, ‘It’s too late.’”

I nodded again.

“How can it be too late? Twelve years, and she can’t even talk about it? Isn’t twelve years worth a little discussion before you throw your husband in the garbage?”

“Yeah,” I said.

“I know I didn’t pay attention before. I mean, when she was going around all mopey and resentful. I just figured she’d work it out. And sometimes she tried to tell me something and I’d change the subject, ’cause I could only hear that her life sucked so many times—”

“They’re ready to ring you up,” I said, nodding to the sales clerk.

The man stepped forward. I stepped back. So far, ten feet looked like the magic distance. More than that, and most people were out of the range of my gift. Less than that and I was in the confessor’s bubble.

“Are you in line?” a young mother asked behind me.

“Yeah. I’m just, uh …” I glanced at the man, who was now deep into an emotional conversation with the salesclerk. Apparently I wasn’t far enough away yet. I took another step back. “That guy needs a little space.”

The mother peered at him. “Is he crying?”

“I think so.”

She shrugged. “It figures. I get it all day from these two.” She nodded to her cart. A baby in the front clung to the push bar and gummed it with a slobbery mouth. A curly-haired toddler sat in the main basket, his fist buried in a box of cereal. “Maybe they never get over it. ‘I need this,’ ‘I want that.’”

I nodded.

“And then their dad comes home and he needs dinner and he wants sex. Everybody’s gotta have something.”

I took a step forward.

“Can’t anybody see that I’m tired? Look at me. I haven’t had a shower in three days, and I’m supposed to be a sex goddess?”

I glanced at her. She was frumpy. “Looks like it’s my turn.” I stepped up to the counter the crying man had just left.

She followed me, closing the space I had opened between us. “I mean, I’m doing good to be conscious at the end of the day.”

“Maybe you should tell this to your mom.” I hoped to deflect her. I didn’t want to hear any more—not today.

“She’s in Alabama,” the young mother said. “Everybody I know has a mom who acts like a built-in babysitter, but I’m stuck here alone in the cold.”

“Ten fifty-four,” the salesclerk said in front of me. I dug my wallet out of my jacket pocket and handed some bills to her.

“You have the most amazing blue eyes.” The clerk leaned forward. This might have been interesting, if she were not sixtyish, wrinkled, and stinking of cigarettes.

I held out my hand. “Can I have my change?”

J.J. Lyon is a wife, mom, public relations professional and recovering journalist.

Her passion for prose and love of the American West are so intertwined; she doesn’t think she can separate them. When J.J. runs out of words, she reaches for her camera, takes off on a back road and returns home with a bucketful of inspiration.

She lives in a mountain valley with her husband, three children, some cats, two goats, a bird and a basset hound.

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Available Now: Anabel Divided by Amanda Romine Lynch

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the highly anticipated release of Anabel Divided, the sequel to Anabel Unraveled, Amanda Romine Lynch is sharing a scene that was left on the cutting room floor.

I was devastated to hear that Stephen Colbert is moving on, because I've always been a huge fan of The Colbert Report. In case there is any doubt, check out this photo of me with Stephen’s portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. It’s hard to say which one of us looks more fierce, but he probably wins because I have bangs in this picture and he does not.

When I started work on the sequel to Anabel Unraveled, I played around with the opening for a long time before I found one that I felt really worked for me. But in the initial draft, I had Anabel make a guest appearance on The Colbert Report. It seemed perfect for her—offbeat, snarky, and less high-profile than an interview with one of the bigger names. Plus, as she remarks to Jared, she doesn’t want to put herself in a situation where she gets, er, “Sarah Palin-ed.”

So from Jared’s perspective, here is Anabel’s national television debut:

The crowd was laughing, like they always did at Stephen Colbert’s jokes. “Nation, I just don’t think…” he began, but I was distracted.
Meghan sat down next to me, patting my arm reassuringly. “She’ll be fine.” But even her tone was doubtful.
I nodded, and glanced at the sleeping baby in the travel bassinet. She was still oblivious. Good.
“Jared,” Meghan said gently. “She knows what she’s doing.”
“Does she?” I murmured, bemused. She was a force to be reckoned with, sure. But Stephen Colbert?
“My guest tonight,” he was saying, as we watched him onscreen from the couch in the green room, “has been a social recluse for months, but has agreed to come on my show and give her own version of how she single-handedly brought down her brother’s presidency. Ladies and gentlemen, Anabel Martin!”
Colbert did his usual routine of sprinting over to the interview area, where Anabel was waiting for him. She shook his hand and smiled brightly at him, running a hand through the glossy waves that the stylist had created for her. If she was nervous, she didn’t give anything away.
He sat across the table from her. “Anabel Martin,” he began.
“Stephen Colbert,” she returned, cocking her head to one side. There were a few laughs from the crowd.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said with a smile.
“Likewise,” she said. “But Stephen, let’s clear the air here. I didn’t single-handedly bring down my brother’s presidency; I had a great deal of help in that department.”
More laughter.
She held her own well enough as he asked her questions about Sam. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, we were thrilled when the White House switched hands.”
“Yes, I figured that’s why the head of the RNC sent me that fruit basket,” she said drily.
More laughter.
“Now, Anabel, tell me,” he said. “You have shied away from interviews with all the major news outlets, with some very heavy hitters. Why did you take me up on my offer?”
She tossed her hair coquettishly. “Why, because you’re cute, Colbert!” she replied with a saucy grin.
I laughed out loud at the look on his face. Meghan grinned. “She’s perfect,” my sister said softly. “I wish I had that much poise.”
“But seriously, Anabel,” he said, recovering his composure.
Anabel grinned at him. “Not taking me at my word?” She sighed dramatically. “Well, when you have spent the bulk of your time Stateside worrying about every little word you say, you don’t want to do an interview with someone who you know has the power to verbally eviscerate you.”
“Oh, come now,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “I could do that to you.”
Wide-eyed, Anabel leaned forward and rested her head on her hands. “Oh, I know you could, Stephen.” She paused, and tilted her head again. “But you wouldn’t,” she said in a low voice.
“And why’s that?”
She grinned. “Because you think I’m cute.”
More laughter.
“Good girl,” whispered Meghan. “She has them eating right out of her hands, Jared. She did make the right choice.”
“She’s got to be careful,” I replied softly, watching Emma stir. “It’s not over yet.”
“How is your brother?” he was asking her.
Anabel’s smile faded. “All things considered,” she said ruefully, “he’s doing rather well. I mean, when you factor in the psycho ex-wife and the sister who ruined his political career. He’s a good man, my brother. Doesn’t blame me.” She looked down again. “He treats me like I’m his kid rather than his sister, which sometimes causes strife between us, but as far as I’m concerned, there’s no finer man than him.”
There was applause, and then Colbert said slyly, “Except maybe Jared Sorensen.”
My sister gasped, but Anabel met his gaze with a challenging one of her own. “Oh, do you want me to put in a good word for you? I am more than happy to, but I have to be honest, Stephen, I hardly think you’re his type.”
The audience laughed, and Stephen said, “Do you see him often?”
“Oh, yes,” she said blithely. “You can’t possibly think that I’d do solo diaper duty. Those things are disgusting.”
“Now what about your bodyguard?”
“The one sitting in the audience over there?” She gestured at Matt, and the camera panned to him. He definitely lacked Anabel’s ease, and he gave a quick wave. “Yeah, he’s still in the picture,” she said, as she came back on the screen. “He’s a keeper.”
I rolled my eyes, and Meg put her hand on my arm. “Don’t,” I said to her. She let go.
“Now what are you future plans?”
“Oh, I figured I’d pop over to the Middle East and see if there are any regimes over there that need toppling,” she said amiably. “But I’m actually leaving the DC area…”

You can find out where Anabel and Jared wind up outside of DC in Anabel Divided.

About Anabel Divided: Anabel Martin thought that the resolution of her father's murder would bring a resolution to her problems. After all, she was starting life over in a new place, with new friends, and new adventures, focusing on attending college and raising her daughter free from the distractions of Washington, DC. She was ready to move on.

Anabel Divided is now available

but you want to read Anabel Unraveled first.

About the Author: Amanda Romine Lynch is a writer, editor, and blogger who grew up in Florida knowing she belonged somewhere else. She now lives in the DC Metro Area with her husband and three amazing little boys. She is the Eco-Friendly/Green Living Contributor over at the Prime Parents’ Club and strives to live earth friendly in a world of disposable diapers. When not writing about Anabel and Jared or chasing around a curly-haired boy, she cheers for the Gators (in all kinds of weather) and occasionally remembers to sleep.

Connect with Amanda on Facebook and Twitter

Discover more at AmandaRomineLynch.com

September Reading Wrap Up 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I thought I had read more books this month but according to my Goodreads account I only finished three.

The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison: This is the final book in the Hollows series and I am sad to see it end. I have grown to love Rachel Morgan, Ivy Tamwood, Jenks, Trent Kalamack, and even Al over the years I have been reading these books. It is only fitting that the final book has elves, demons, vampires, witches, weres, and humans fighting for control with Rachel being moved around like a chess piece. Many questions from previous books were finally answered and the ending feels fitting for all that Rachel has endured. If you are a fan of the Hollows, The Witch With No Name is a must read. If you haven't discovered the Hollows yet start with Dead Witch Walking and read them in order from there.

Otherworld Nights: An Anthology by Kelley Armstrong: (available for pre-order, expected publication date October 28, 2014, advanced copy received from LibraryThing Early Reviewers) I enjoyed every novel in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series and was sad to see it end. I am thrilled that she is giving us more stories with the characters I have grown to love in anthologies like this one. Armstrong's stories and novellas provide the opportunity to feature some of the minor characters in the books and give readers a chance to see what happens to some of the main characters beyond the novels. While some of these stories have been included in other anthologies, others are entirely new. I love that Armstrong is publishing her stories in this way as it is much easier than trying to track down individual stories in other books or online. This is a must read for every fan of the Otherworld.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky: I wasn't entirely sure that I wanted to read Not My Daughter because of the heavy teen pregnancy subject matter. Although it is a heavy book, it was still enjoyable to me. The focus isn't so much the teen girls who get pregnant as it is how their mothers and the entire town react to the news. The focus is mainly on Susan because she was pregnant at seventeen and is now the principal of the school these girls attend. Friendships and loyalties are tested as she struggles to both contain the publicity of the situation, fight for her job, and emotionally deals with the fact that her own daughter is pregnant.The adults in this book were far more interesting than the teenagers. The girls went into pregnancy with incredibly naive ideas regarding the fallout, physical and emotional, for themselves and their parents. They had no regard for the boys involved and were entirely selfish in their reasons for wanting children.

Next up on the reading list: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #2)

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August Reading Wrap Up 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 17:37:00 +0000

I only read three books in August but two of them were quite long. Combine that with our first month of homeschooling and I think I did pretty well!

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - People have been recommending the Outlander series to me for years now but I just got around to starting it. I had been putting it off in part because the books are so large. Also I just didn't know enough about the series to have any idea if I would enjoy it. When I won a copy of Outlander from the Library Thing Early Reviewers program, I knew it was time to give the series a try. Although I still have no desire to see the new television series based on the novels, I did enjoy the book and will keep reading the series. I was put off somewhat by the numerous sex scenes throughout the book and their graphic nature but the story, characters, and setting compelled me to keep reading.

Fly Away by Kristin Hannah - This is the sequel to Firefly Lane which I read earlier this summer. This is the story of Tully's life after Kate passes away. Can she repair any of the damage she has done in her relationships with Kate's family? While this story captured me, it was in a different way than Firefly Lane had. The majority of the book is spent in Tully's memories allowing her to gain a new perspective on events. Kate's family must also remember and reinterpret events to have any hope of mending their own broken relationships. I felt this book brought Kate and Tully's story to a very satisfying conclusion.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls - This book is described as a "true life novel" because the main character, Lily Casey Smith was the grandmother of the author. Much of the novel is her actual life experiences with the details made up to fill in the gaps. This was the shortest book I read in August and I loved that most chapters were only a few pages long. This made the book easy to put down when I needed to turn my attention to other things. I gained a new respect for life on the ranch and loved Lily's determination to make her own life when all the odds seemed stacked against her. Half Broke Horses was a quick and interesting novel.

Currently Reading: Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong (October 2014) - the first of three books containing short stories and novellas set in the Otherworld.

Visions (A Cainsville Novel) by Kelley Armstrong

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 15:30:00 +0000

If you read my review of Omens, the first Cainsville novel, you will know that I wasn't convinced I would enjoy this series by Kelley Armstrong when I began reading. By the time I finished Omens, I was completely drawn into the world of Olivia Taylor-Jones, Gabriel Walsh, and the mysterious town of Cainsville. I hated that I had to wait an entire year for the next book in the series, Visions.

Was Visions worth the wait? Absolutely!

Although Olivia didn't make headway in discovering the truth about whether her parents committed the murders for which they were convicted, she does discover more about her connection to Cainsville and it's residents. She and Gabriel are pushed together through a number of sinister events even as Olivia begins dating one of Gabriel's clients. Olivia and Gabriel finally start asking questions and getting a few answers, although the answers are often vague or incomplete. There are still many, many questions ahead for Olivia and Gabriel and, once again, I'm left waiting for the next book in the series so I can find out more.

In the Cainsville series, Armstrong writes complex characters, places them in a unique setting, and leaves them to find answers about themselves and the town. I have the feeling each book will reveal just enough of the story and leave just enough questions to keep readers coming back for more.

Order Visions on Amazon

Summer Reading Wrap Up 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 18:14:00 +0000

Summer has rushed by this year. The oldest finished preschool in May and starts kindergarten on Monday. We were able to spend two weeks visiting family and relaxing. We also visited some new places around town. All that travel and having both girls home all day, everyday, meant a bit less time for reading but I still managed to read eight books in June and July.

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness - The final book in the All Souls Trilogy wrapped up the story of Diana, a witch, and Matthew, a vampire, very nicely. I thought the story got a bit off track in the second book but Harkness was able to weave connections from that book into this one to create a meaningful context. This trilogy has wonderful characters, great detail in settings and time periods, and social and political conflict wrapped in the realms of science and magic. If you haven't read the first two books in the trilogy yet start with A Discovery of Witches and just keep reading!

The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero (advance copy received from Amazon Vine) - This was a unique story told in a variety of formats from letters and journal entries to audio and video transcripts. The format makes it easy to read the book in small sections. The mystery is suitably creepy and interesting and the end came with a twist I certainly did not see coming.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - This is a book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for a long time but I never seemed to be in the mood to read it. As is often the case, I'm happy that I finally picked it up because it was a wonderful story of friendship over the years. Tully and Kate weather many different storms together but can they survive Tully's rise to stardom? Once I started Firefly Lane I didn't want to put it down. I didn't realize that there was more to the story but now I've discovered Fly Away and I want to read that too.

Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman - I have no interest in watching the series of the same name on Netflix but I read an article referencing the book and decided to get it from the library. I enjoyed the story in part because Kerman keeps events in chronological order without the time skipping often found in memoirs to relate previous events to present circumstances. Kerman was fairly matter of fact about her whole ordeal, however the book lacked depth for me.

Skin Game by Jim Butcher - The fifteenth book in the Dresden Files finds Harry in over his head as Mab uses him in his role of her Winter Knight. As usual, Harry is only told the bare minimum and has to dig deeply under the surface to understand all the political maneuverings happening around him. In this book Harry also comes face to face with many personal problems that impact his ability to carry out his orders. Harry is one of my favorite fictional characters and I'm always waiting for the next book in the series because Butcher delivers consistently entertaining stories.

Only Begotten Daughter by James Morrow - This interesting book tells the story of Julie Katz who has an unusual conception and is thought to be the Daughter of God by her father. Julie struggles with temptations from the Devil, performs the occasional long-distance miracle, and faces persecution from those awaiting the events of Revelation. The horror of mankind's ability to condemn one another is examined along with other issues of faith.

Tales of the Hidden World by Simon R. Green (advance copy from Amazon Vine, available now) - I actually had my husband read this book first because the only Simon R. Green books I've read are the Secret Histories novels and I was unsure if the short stories in this book would tie into any of his other novels. The good news is that this book can be read completely as a stand alone collection of stories. While the first story does connect to the Secret Histories novels it is not necessary to have read them to understand the story. Many of these stories are actually older works that were published early in Green's career. This does show in that the stories seem underdeveloped compared to his current writings. Some of the characters and settings are intriguing but the stories contained in this book are simply not long enough to capitalize on this potential.

I also read Visions (A Cainsville Novel) by Kelley Armstrong (early finished copy received from publicist) and will be writing another post with that review.

The Dark Horse: Hazards of Being a Writer - Alison DeLuca

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:57:00 +0000

Books are vampires, some of them – they bite into you and don’t let go. Like a vampyr’s victim, the reader is changed forever.

It’s even worse when the urge to write takes hold. It is a fever that produces visions, ones that are so strong that at times they feel like reality. It can be a form of madness.

An author must be strong, must learn to live in two worlds at once. When the characters are talking and the scene plays out in the author’s head, as she listens to those voices and sees what happens to people who are, to her, completely real – when the real world intervenes, she must learn to silence the other, the unseen universe.

Of course the most important thing in the world is one’s family – children, husband, parents. Yet, when the writer is on a roll, riding that dark horse called fantasy as the movie plays out in her head, when the real world calls, she must rein in the steed and dismount.

In order to control those two warring, concurrent universes, the writer must have system – a plan. Writing needs to be in one room, real life in another. (Jane Austen was so conscious of this that she used to hide what she wrote under a piece of paper, kept on hand at all times, should anyone enter the room.)

The escape and the visions are scheduled for certain times – in the morning in my case, for others, at the dead of night. The visions themselves are outlined, or planned in careful notes, with painstaking research, all to create a map for the wild regions known as the Right Side of the Brain.

I don’t know why some people have that key to the stables, to ride the dark horse. In my case, perhaps it came from a childhood without much television, where my sister and I entertained ourselves with our own made up stories. As we sat in absolute silence in endless, formal teas, we formed the ability to see within, to watch an interior movie that no one else could see.

There are many hazards of being a writer – deadlines, editors, publishers, and social media. For me, however, the greatest pleasure in being an author is also my greatest hazard – that of harnessing the dark horse.

About the Author: Alison DeLuca is the author of several steampunk and urban fantasy books. She was born in Arizona and has also lived in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Mexico, Ireland, and Spain.

Currently she wrestles words and laundry in New Jersey.

Connect with Alison DeLuca

Facebook * Twitter * Google+

See all books by Alison DeLuca on Amazon

About The Crown Phoenix Series: An underground factory, a terrifying laboratory, and an Edwardian hospital…

Miriam has only her guardians' son for company, and she and Simon dislike each other from the start. But they must find a way to trust each other, or they will end up on the sinister Night Watchman Express.

Target audience: Twelve and up.

Genres: Steampunk, Edwardian fiction, YA fantasy

RJ Sullivan: "Profound" language and the storyteller's quandary

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Haunting Blue is the story of a 17 year old punk girl who attends a small town high school. Prior to that, "Blue" hung out with college-age students for several years. As a result of her upbringing, she expresses herself with blunt, direct language. Like any other high school rebel, Blue is an angry person. She feels justified in that anger, picked upon, and she responds to the world aggressively--in words and deeds.

Although it has been quite a few years since I've walked the halls of my high school with anyone I could call my peers, I still remember the constant ambiance of four-letter words. Even if you did not use such words yourself, you couldn't avoid hearing a variety of--to use Mr. Spock's vernacular--"colorful metaphors." As everything else in high school--from bullying to music to styles--has slanted toward the extreme, I've no doubt that this trend has gone the same direction.

So when drafting my novel, I let Blue to talk the way she would talk. This was not about shock value, or, as a common accusation goes, to try to be "cool" or trendy in order to sell books. This was about letting Blue behave as Blue, and saying exactly what's on her mind.

Still, there is another side, a certain reader who prefers not to read a book full of four-letter words, and to them, I always say, "this book is not for you." I hate having to say that, because any author who wants to have any hope of success does not turn down a sale on purpose if they can help it. But neither do I want to alienate a new reader by not disclosing this important part of the book.

And I get it. I'm a parent with children. My two oldest are not, in my own estimation..."quite" ... ready to read my books. But they will be, sooner than later. And that's okay. Yes, you are reading this right--my own children have not yet read my major novels. And if I were a potential customer on the other side of the booth, I would not buy the book for my kids. (Maybe for myself, but not my kids.)

Because I am a parent, I made a number of conscious choices in my marketing to make certain that anyone who considers buying Haunting Blue knows what they are getting. The first words on the back cover read "Punk, blue-haired 'Blue' Shaefer is at odds with her workahaulic mother." Immediately, the potential reader knows this isn't Snow White.

My novel, and my series, is filed under adult paranormal thrillers, and the front cover of Haunting Blue with the demonic blue eyes on the pirate is meant to give younger readers and their parents pause. As a product, my series is not filed under YA, even though the category is "hot" and the character is a high school girl.

The book trailer was created specially to drive this point home. I've been asked, frequently, why I have dialog in the trailer, and why do I have "bleeped out words" that censor the language. A book trailer is meant to give a potential buyer an idea about the book. Ideally, it draws the reader to want to find out what they can expect before they buy the book. Anyone who sees my trailer knows how Blue talks in that scene, and can presume (correctly) that the novel offers more of the same.

Still, all three of my novels get the occasional lower rated review by some reader who is put off by the language or the content.

To those readers, I offer three thoughts. First, the vulgarity and delinquent actions that Blue exhibits come from an honest place. Every word, every action, was a choice I made to be as true to the actions and words of the character as I believe she would behave. Rebecca Burton, my paranormal investigator professional, does not exhibit any of these traits. 2. I've come to accept that certain stories I write will not be for everyone. I have to target a specific demographic and seek out the reader of the stories that I want to tell. When the book ends up outside that demographic, that is my failure, not yours. To those put off by the content, I don't apologize for the content, but I do apologize that my marketing did not make the content clear. 3. That's not to say I don't have anything for a more general reader. My Red Lotus space opera ebooks are written with a more general audience in mind. Not because I was aiming for a different demographic, but because the truth of the story happens to make it more palatable to a wider audience.

Could I have rewritten my stories to lessen or eliminate the profanity? I suppose so. And many very good writers are able to do so. But I faced a choice many storytellers face, and I chose to hold a magnifying glass up to imperfect people and show them, warts and all. I think they're still likeable in spite of their flaws.

I understand the dilemma of a sensitive genre reader trying to make wise choices and find fiction that appeals to them. I don/'t hold those choices against them. Just consider that the storyteller faced their own dilemma, and simply made a choice that doesn't appeal to you. And that's okay.

Haunting Blue Book Synopsis: Punk, blue-haired “Blue” Shaefer, is at odds with her workaholic single mother. Raised as a city girl in a suburb of Indianapolis, Blue must abandon the life she knows when her unfeeling mother moves them to a dreadful small town. Blue befriends the only student willing to talk to her: computer nerd “Chip” Farren.

Chip knows the connection between the rickety pirate boat ride at the local amusement park and the missing money from an infamous bank heist the townspeople still talk about. When Blue helps him recover the treasure, they awaken a vengeful ghost who’ll stop at nothing--not even murder--to prevent them from exposing the truth behind his evil deeds.

Haunting Blue is Book One of the Adventures of Blue Shaefer

Purchase Haunting Blue from Amazon for Kindle or Paperback

About RJ Sullivan: Haunting Blue is the first book of the adventures of punk girl Fiona “Blue” Shaefer. This is the 2014 revised edition by Seventh Star Press. Seventh Star also released Haunting Obsession, a Rebecca Burton Novella, and Virtual Blue, the second book in Fiona’s tale. R.J.’s short stories have been featured in such acclaimed collections as Dark Faith: Invocations by Apex Books and Vampires Don’t Sparkle. His newest project is the Red Lotus series of science fiction novelettes.

R.J. resides in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. He drinks coffee from a Little Mermaid mug and is man enough to admit it. www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Connect with RJ: Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Find more books on the Amazon author page for RJ Sullivan

What is happening at Monkey Do Project?

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:16:00 +0000

Monkey Do Project is one of my favorite non-profit organizations. I know the founder and members of the board and see how dedicated they are to helping the people of Appalachia. They give back because they feel strongly drawn to do so and they truly care about the people they are helping. At any given time Monkey Do Project has several different projects going to meet the needs of people in different parts of Appalachia. Here are the current needs:

Holiday Basket Fundraiser - The Christian Service Center food pantry in Clay County, WV had all of their food stolen in early September. This included food that they had started gathering for holiday meal baskets. Monkey Do Project has pledged to provide 200 holiday food baskets but they need donations to fulfill that promise.

Filling the Food Banks - Monkey Do Project has pledged to fill a food bank in Clay, WV, provides food for a weekend backpack program, and aided in starting a food bank in Dunbar, WV.

Daniel's Drawings - Daniel recently turned five but when he was four he was challenged to do something to raise money to help others. Daniel is a self-proclaimed "kid artist" and he is raising money with his "artings" (drawings) and giving it to Monkey Do Project.

Ella's Night-Night Do Project - Ella is an amazing six year old with a huge heart for giving and helping others. When she was four, she had a small blanket that she called her night-night. Ella decided that other kids needed the comfort of night-nights too so she created her own Monkey Do Project to give them away.

Backpacks for Ohio - For two years now I have helped fill 2,000 backpacks at Monkey Do Project headquarters. We gave each child toiletries, nutritious snack, and some school supplies. Monkey Do Project has pledged to continue bringing backpacks to the school health fair.

None of these projects can happen without financial support from individual donors. The needs in Appalachia are high as it is the poorest region in the United States. Please visit Monkey Do Project to find out more about the needs in Appalachia and how you can help.

Donate today to support these projects!

Monkey Do Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which means donations are tax deductible.

Release Day: Greene's Calling by A.D. Starrling + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Greene's Calling (Seventeen #3 )

By A.D. Starrling
Release Date: June 16, 2014
Paperback, 394 pages
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Action / Mystery

Buy Greene's Calling on Amazon (affiliate link)

FROM THE AWARD WINNING AND NOMINATED SERIES SEVENTEEN.

An immortal healer.

An ancient legacy reborn.

A chain of cataclysmic events

that threatens to change the fate of the world.

When a plane crashes in the Amazonian swamp where Conrad Greene is attempting to live out the rest of eternity, the jaded immortal who was once one of the Bastian First Council’s greatest assets stumbles across a conspiracy involving the recently elected president of the United States.

Caught in the middle of the intrigue is US Secret Service agent Laura Hartwell, the one immortal on Earth most likely to put a bullet through Greene’s skull.

Greene is coerced into returning to the life he had left behind by the leader of the Bastians and reluctantly agrees to assist the Americans in their investigation. As disturbing incidents start to unfold around the globe, Greene and a team of elite human and immortal agents must track down an elusive organization hell-bent on shifting the power balance of the world.

Can Greene stop the deadly countdown that threatens to alter the course of human history and regain the trust of the woman he loves?

The riveting and fast-paced third installment in the award-winning, supernatural thriller series Seventeen is finally here.

Anyone interested is welcome to join the blast, just copy this and make sure you put your link in the Rafflecopter when you post! Not only will you get to share this great book and series but also will get 5 additional entries in Lady Reader's Book Tours Blast participation Rafflecopter! There is a participating Giveaway Rafflecopter for this & the Tour!

CHAPTER ONE

Conrad Greene ran across the wet, sloping lead roof of the Banqueting House, his breath misting in the cool night air. Moonlight flashed on metal to his right. He caught a glimpse of a blade falling toward his neck and ducked. The sword skimmed past his head with a faint hum. Feet skidding on the slick surface, he spun around, dropped to one knee, and lifted the short, silver-gilded staff in his hands.

A grunt sounded above him as the burly swordsman brought his weapon down once more. The edge of the blade struck the staff hard, raising sparks in the gloom. The man’s lips pulled back in a vicious grin, exposing two uneven rows of stained teeth. The muscles and veins in his neck and arms bulged with superhuman strength as he drove the sword into the staff.

Conrad’s elbows slowly folded toward his chest. Air left his lips in a low hiss as the tip of the man’s blade inched closer to his left eye. He pushed back with the staff with all his might, dark spots dancing across his vision.

A figure dashed past them on the left. Conrad caught a glimpse of soft, brown curls. His heart stuttered inside his chest. He swore, fell back, and rolled out of the way of the falling blade.

He landed close to the balustrade that ran around the top of the building and climbed swiftly to his feet. Ignoring the swordsman charging toward him, he peered through the rainfall at the dark shapes engaged in a fast-paced and deadly battle on the moonlit rooftop. His eyes sought and found the woman who had run by him.

She was almost at the north end of the terrace, where a young man with brown hair and eyes stood confronted by three armed attackers; blood from the wounds on his left shoulder and flank had already soaked through his long-sleeved, ruffle shirt and stained his leather jerkin.

‘William!’ the woman yelled, her voice edged with fear and desperation. She passed the weather vane on the sloping roof and unsheathed the rapier at her waist.

Relief darted across the younger man’s face at the sound of his name. He glanced at the woman over his attackers’ shoulders and raised his own blade to block another strike.

Conrad clenched his teeth. He turned to face his opponent and twisted one of the metal rings on his short staff. The weapon extended and a spear blade sprang out at either end. A loud battle cry preceded the attack of the burly swordsman a heartbeat later.

Conrad blocked his blade, kicked him in the groin, and hooked the staff behind his neck. He yanked the man’s head down at the same time that he drove his knee up into his face. A guttural groan left his adversary’s lips, and he slid to the ground, unconscious.

A flurry of activity to the right captured Conrad’s attention. Another group of men had rushed onto the rooftop terrace of the Banqueting House. He scanned the other fighters around him, anxiety twisting his stomach; he and his companions were now heavily outnumbered.

His eyes suddenly widened. The newcomers had drawn their swords and were heading resolutely for the running woman and the wounded man still fighting at the north end of the building. Knuckles whitening on his staff weapon, Conrad moved to intercept the men.

The woman reached the figures at the edge of the terrace. She stepped in front of the injured young man and swung her thin blade around in a flurry of strikes and blocks at his three attackers. Rage darkened her face and a roar left her lips. The men fell back under her fierce attack.

The wounded man sagged behind her and gripped his bleeding limb. Even from a distance, Conrad read the fear and confusion on his features. The man turned and flinched when he met Conrad’s eyes.

The expression on his face left no doubt in his mind. William Hartwell was the one who had betrayed them. Bile flooded the back of Conrad’s throat. Hartwell looked away. His lips moved, forming words that were lost in the stormy night as he shouted something at the men trying to kill him.

For an infinitesimal moment, the woman faltered, a flicker of incomprehension flashing across her face. She cast a quick look over her shoulder at the one she was trying to protect. Their closest assailant moved and brought down his sword. The blade arced across her left arm, carving a deep cut from her elbow to her wrist.

A cry escaped her lips. She took a step back and warded off another blow inches from her neck. Hartwell moved forward then, anger blazing across his face. He raised his sword and joined in the fray once more.

Conrad got to within twenty feet of them before he crossed paths with the four men he was trying to head off. He raised the double-bladed spear staff and spun it through the air. The gilded wood deflected the silver swirl of swords that danced toward his body while the jagged tips blurred, slicing and stabbing through flesh. One man fell, his fingers rising to the spurting crimson stream pouring from the wound on his neck. Another followed him to the ground seconds later.

A single scream suddenly shattered the night.

The sound was a knife that cut straight through Conrad’s soul. He blocked a blow to his head and looked to his left.

William Hartwell had backed up against the balustrade. Conrad froze and felt time slow down.

The young man tipped over the edge and fell from the terrace, dragging his three attackers with him. The woman leapt forward through the curtain of glittering rain, crystal drops crashing on her skin, her movements heavy and sluggish in that stolen moment of stillness. She leaned over the balcony, fingers clutching desperately at the figures plummeting toward the ground. Her hands closed on empty space.

The bodies struck the street three stories below with a dull thud.

Time unfroze in a cacophony of sounds and sensations. Thunder rumbled across the heavens, underscoring the battle cries around Conrad. Cold wetness drenched his hair and face, bringing the sharp scent of the storm to his nostrils and a tangy taste to his lips. Lightning tore a brilliant, jagged path across his vision and made him blink.

Heat suddenly erupted across his chest when a blade slashed his skin. Blood bloomed on his shirt. Conrad scowled and focused on his two remaining adversaries. By the time he had disposed of them, the woman had disappeared from the rooftop.

He looked at the other fighters around him and felt a rush of relief at the sight that met his eyes; despite the odds, his men were winning.

‘Go!’ yelled someone to his right. The red-haired figure who had spoken danced nimbly out of the way of a blade and stabbed his opponent savagely in the chest. Pale eyes glanced at him for a second. ‘We’ve got this, Greene!’

Conrad bobbed his head jerkily and twisted the ring that retracted the staff’s spear blades. He raced for the door that led inside the building.

By the time he reached the ground floor, the wound on his chest had stopped bleeding. He knew without looking that the skin beneath his torn shirt was once more unblemished.

He found the woman on her knees by the pile of bodies that lay in an awkward tangle of broken limbs at the north base of the Banqueting House. She was leaning over William Hartwell, sobs shuddering through her as she stroked his pale face with shaking fingers; blood from the wound in her arm mingled with his where it seeped from the irregular depression on his temple. Hartwell’s chest rose and fell shallowly with his breaths. He was unconscious.

The woman looked around at Conrad’s footsteps, her hazel eyes wild with anguish.

‘Do something, please!’ she begged.

Conrad sank to the ground next to her, his voice frozen in his throat. He placed his left hand on the young man’s head and closed his eyes.

A burst of energy flared inside his chest and pulsed down toward his elbow. It darted through the birthmark dancing along his forearm and flashed to the ends of his fingers. He inhaled deeply and guided the flow of his power inside the broken body of William Hartwell.

Bone popped beneath his hand. The young man’s flesh slowly began to knit together.

Sweat broke across Conrad’s brow. The battle had drained him of much of his strength; he could feel Hartwell’s torn tissues resisting his ability to heal them. He ground his teeth together and willed his exhausted body to cooperate.

‘What’s happening?’ said the woman. Panic raised the pitch of her voice. She grabbed Conrad’s shoulders and shook him, her fingers biting into his skin. ‘Why isn’t he waking up?’

Conrad sagged as he felt his own life force start to ebb; he was nearing the limits of his ability. He blinked and swayed. Dark blotches clouded his vision. The woman’s frantic words became a roar in his ears.

A moan suddenly broke through the rush of blood inside his head. He looked down and saw Hartwell’s eyes open. Within the dark pupils of the man he had come to know and love as a brother, Conrad Greene read the words he could no longer utter.

William Hartwell wanted to die. He also yearned for something else.

Conrad gasped and slowly pulled his power back inside his own body, his fingers trembling on the cooling skin of the dying man. Hartwell shivered beneath his touch.

‘Why are you stopping?’ yelled the woman. ‘Save him!’

Conrad knew there were only seconds left; he could feel Death’s shadow approaching through the thunderstorm raging across the city. He leaned down and brought his lips to Hartwell’s ear.

‘I forgive you,’ he whispered, his vision blurring with tears. He pulled back slightly and saw Hartwell blink once. The young man’s last breath left his mouth and caressed Conrad’s cheek.

William Hartwell stared unseeingly at the rain falling from the night sky, his face serene and his body relaxing in death.

‘No,’ mumbled the woman. ‘No, this isn’t happening!’ Her voice rose to a scream. ‘Why did you let him die? Why? Goddamn you—!’ Grief overwhelmed her and she wept brokenly.

Conrad’s heart shattered inside his chest as he looked at the woman he loved and saw hate dawn in the depths of her hazel eyes.

AD Starrling was born on the small island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and came to the UK at the age of twenty to study medicine. After five years of hard graft earning her MD and another five years working all of God's hours as a Pediatrician, she decided it was time for a change and returned to her first love, writing.

Her debut novel Soul Meaning (Seventeen Book #1) has won and been nominated for several awards, as has her second novel King’s Crusade. She currently lives in Warwickshire in the West Midlands, where she is busy writing the next installment in the series. She still practices medicine. AD Starrling is her pen name.

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Reading Round Up May 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:20:00 +0000

Although I didn't read as many books in May as I have in the previous months, the books that I read were fantastic! I need to start reviewing them as I read again but I've been in reading mode much more than writing mode lately. Here is what I read in May:

50 Shades of Frayed: Three Moms Talk About What Happens When "I Do" Becomes "Not Tonight" by Margaret Barney, Crystal Paschal, and Jacqueline Wilson. I'm happy to count Crystal and Jackie among my friends so when I heard they had written a book together with Margaret Barney I knew I had to read it. These three women talk candidly about sex and how married couples with children navigate the inevitable interruptions. The book is full of humorous stories that almost every woman can relate to. Highly recommended!

The Orchard of Hope by Amy Neftzger (advance copy received from LibraryThing, available June 23, 2014) This is the sequel to The Orphanage of Miracles which I read and loved in January. This continues the stories of Kelsey and Nicholas as they undertake separate tasks for the king. Although this is another middle grade novel, it contains much wisdom within the fantasy. I'm unsure if this is going to be a trilogy or a longer series but I know I don't want to miss out on any of the books.

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Guilia Melucci. Memoirs are tricky for me. I often get lost in the wandering narrative that flows through time. This was not the case with this memoir though. Melucci kept things on track as she wrote about her variety of relationships gone wrong. It was an interesting read and I love that recipes are sprinkled throughout the book as she relates food to different events.

A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness, the first two books in the All Souls Trilogy. I've had these books sitting on my shelf for quite a while but I didn't want to start reading until the third book, The Book of Life, was going to be released. I had a feeling that I would want to read the series straight through and I was right. I'm loving the details in this story of witch, Diana, and vampire, Matthew, as they break social conventions in the present and past. The scientific aspect of the supernatural story fascinates me and I am drawn to the story of an alchemy text with missing pages that may hold secrets unforeseen. I can hardly wait to finish the story in mid-July.

I'm currently reading The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero (advance copy received from Amazon Vine, available August 12, 2014) This is the story of a haunted house told in an unusual fashion. There are letters, journal entries, a dream diary, and transcripts of audio and video recordings. I like the format because it allows me to read it in small sections, a nice feature when I could be interrupted by children at any moment. The novel has captured my attention although parts of it are strange enough that I will reserve my overall judgement until I see how all the pieces come together.

What did you read in May? What is on your list going into June?

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Reading Round Up April 2014

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Tue, 06 May 2014 18:58:00 +0000

Once again I did a lot of reading but almost no reviewing for the month. I finished April with a total of eight books read. Now that the husband is travelling less for work the reading will probably slow back down to my regular pace. Here's what I read for April:

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs - Book 8 in the Mercy Thompson series. The pack is threatened when Adam's ex-wife brings an unnatural stalker to their doorstep. This is another great addition to the series, although a bit smaller in scope than some of the other novels.

Men and Dogs by Katie Crouch - I enjoyed the majority of this story about Hannah, whose father disappeared when she was young and whose adult life is a mess, but I was disappointed with the ending.

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts - an Oprah Book Club Selection. I have no idea where I picked up this story of Novalee Nation and I wasn't sure about it when I grabbed it off the bookshelf but I was sucked into the story and the characters. I had a hard time putting the book down to do the things I needed to be doing.

The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison - This is not a Rachel Morgan novel but fits into the series at book 9.5. I love the way Kim Harrison used a story device to present the complete world of The Hollows from character bios to spells to how magic works to interspecies relations. This is a must read for all Rachel Morgan fans.

Emeralds Included by Betsy Woodman (available for pre-order, release date July 8, 2014) - The third book in the Jana Bibi series. I greatly enjoyed the first two Jana Bibi novels and the third did not disappoint. I loved learning more about Jana's family and seeing her push through a more personal difficulty. It was also fun to learn more about the supporting characters in the novels.

Yarn to Go by Betty Hechtman - The first in the Yarn Retreat series. Cozy mysteries are exactly my speed and when they include crafting or cooking even better. The Yarn Retreat series includes both as Casey Feldstein is a dessert chef who takes over her aunt's yarn business after her sudden death. This was a fun novel that left me wanting to bake and learn to knit.

Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster - I wanted to like this book a lot more than I actually did. I never liked the main character, although I don't think I was supposed to. While Reagan did have some realizations about her life by the end of the novel, it somehow felt like too little, too late to undo the damage she had caused within her own relationships.

The Ups and Downs of Being Dead by M. R. Cornelius - I won this book from Girl Who Reads but wasn't entirely convinced I would enjoy it. Boy, was I wrong! I was completely sucked into the story and the characters were all incredibly interesting. Just as Robert Malone is given much to think about while he waits for technology to bring him back from the dead, this book offered a lot for me to contemplate about relationships and personal choices.

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Coming Soon | The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +0000

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack

From the author of There Comes a Prophet and Along the Watchtower comes a new literary journey exploring the clash between reason and faith, and the power of hope and love.

After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.

Summary: A mysterious nine-year-old from the Blessed Lands sails into the lives of a couple in the Republic, claiming to be the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky. Is she a troubled child longing to return home, or a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of the Republic? The answer will change the lives of all she meets... and perhaps their world as well.

Author: David Litwack

Genre: Fantasy/Speculative Literary Fiction

Release Date: May 19th, 2014

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

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Read an Excerpt:

Jason grabbed the girl just as she began to sink. Despite the buffeting sea, he carried her back to the shore without straining and lay her fragile form on a swath of grass beyond the rocks—a slip of a child no more than nine or ten years old.

Plain cotton pants clung to the girl’s legs, and an elaborately embroidered tunic covered her slender frame—the typical garb of the zealots, but other than her clothing, she looked nothing like a zealot. Her skin was light and perfect, unblemished but for a trickle of blood on her arm. Her golden hair hung down to the middle of her back, and her round eyes held the color of the ocean.

Were Helena a believer, she’d have considered this the face of an angel.

Jason offered his bottle, but the girl shied away. Helena cradled the child’s head and tilted her chin while he trickled a few drops into her mouth.

The girl licked her cracked lips and opened for more. After she’d drunk her fill, she turned to Helena. Her eyes grabbed and held. “The dream,” she said. “It’s true. I can see it in your eyes.”

Helena felt a sudden urge to distract the girl, to disrupt that penetrating gaze. “Who are you?”

The girl ignored the question, instead resting her hand on Jason’s forearm.

His muscles twitched as if he were unsure whether to linger or jerk away.

“Your arm is hot,” she said.

“That’s because I’ve been running.”

The girl’s ocean-blue eyes opened wider. “From what?”

He withdrew his arm and flexed his fingers. “Are you from the Blessed Lands?”

The girl nodded.

“Why would you make such a dangerous voyage alone in such a small boat?”

“I was in no danger,” she said.

He waved a hand at the flotsam, still surging in the tide. “But your boat’s destroyed, and it took us to save you.”

“Yes, I suppose.” She looked back out to sea as if expecting to find her boat still afloat. “Then I thank Lord Kanakunai for sparing me and delivering me to kind people who would help.”

“But who are you?” Helena said more insistently.

The girl motioned for more to drink, this time grasping the bottle with both hands and emptying it. When she finished, she sat up and lifted her chin like royalty. “I am Kailani, the daughter of the sea and the sky.”

About the Author:

The urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.

Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.

There Comes a Prophet is his first novel in this new stage of life. His second book, Along the Watchtower, was available June 2013. And The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky is nearing completion.

David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.

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The Whispered Wishes Series by Karen Pokras

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Author Karen Pokras is pleased to announce her debut contemporary romance series

Now Available Book One: Ava’s Wishes

About Ava's Wishes:

Ava Haines had big plans for her life. Her short-term goals included passing statistics (on the third try), graduating college on time, and securing a job in the art gallery on Main Street. Her long-term goal was to one day own an art gallery of her very own. Oh sure, she would someday like to fall in love and get married, but all of that was secondary to making sure her other goals were in line. Fellow student Max Wallis and esteemed photographer Thomas Malloy were just minor distractions she was more than capable of handling. She was entitled to a little fun once in a while, right? But as reality took a tumble, Ava began to wonder if she really was able to manage it all. Could all her wishes come true?

About Karen Pokras:

Karen Pokras writes middle grade and adult contemporary fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her soon to be released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family. For more information, please visit www.karenpokras.com.

Follow Karen:

Blog

Book covers designed by Najla Qamber Designs. Books 1-3 - Models: Models: Courtney Boyett and Willis Totten

Book 4: Models: Courtney Boyett, Sara Beck, and Brittany Weidman Model Photographer: Casey Boyett

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March Reading Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I read a lot in March but for various reasons haven't been writing reviews. I'm not sure I'll ever get around to reviewing these but I wanted to share what I read anyway.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson - the story of a failed climb up K2 which turned into a mission to build schools in Pakistan. I realize that I am quite behind in reading this book as it was popular several years ago. Somehow I managed to miss the controversy surrounding this organization and its founder as well.

Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola - Shiloh Jacobs must navigate a change in circumstances from her dream job in Japan to unemployment in rural Virginia. Can she come to terms with her past and move into a new future with the help of some new friends? I was not aware when I started reading this book that it was Christian fiction. I enjoyed the first several chapters of the story until it started to feel like I was being beaten over the head with a Bible.

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison - The twelfth book in The Hollows series is a must read for Rachel Morgan fans. Although the main threat to the characters is interesting, it is the relationship between Rachel and Trent that held my attention in this one. Harrison finally seems to answer the will they or won't they question and it only remains to see what the fallout will be.

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen - I adore the magical realism in Sarah Addison Allen's books and The Sugar Queen is no exception. The characters are all searching for something and have unique talents and quirks which bring them together. Josey, Della Lee, and Chloe give the reader hope that lives can change and lost dreams can be recovered.

Dear Money by Martha McPhee - India Palmer is a novelist turned bonds trader in this story of rags to riches in New York City before the fall of the real estate market. While the book had moments that captured my attention, I found the majority of it to be boring and I'm not sure why I bothered reading to the end.

Cold Days by Jim Butcher - The fourteenth book of The Dresden Files follows Harry Dresden as he attempts to navigate his new role as Winter Knight. Harry has never been one for politics and he can sometimes be a bit slow on putting the clues together but his daring attitude makes for some fine adventures.

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen - Kate has been sleepwalking through her life for the year after her husband's death. When her daughter finds an old postcard reminding her of happier times, they decide to go on an adventure to Lost Lake to reconnect with Kate's aunt Eby. One after another people show up to Lost Lake to find something even if they don't realize what they are looking for. Again Sarah Addison Allen creates a world with magical realism but I found the characters in this novel a bit less developed than in previous books. The story and characters were engaging but I wish it had gone a bit deeper.

Amazon affiliate links have been used in this post.

Spotlight | Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Crash landing via tornado into a childhood nightmare, Amy Gumm finds the lime-lit, sparkling city of Oz a far cry from its former over-the- rainbow glory. The culprit? That bitch from Kansas: Dorothy Gale. Power-hungry and invincible, Dorothy has turned everything on its head. Now, the Scarecrow conducts inhumane experiments on the winged monkeys, the Tin Woodman is a trained killer, and the Lion is a deranged monster out for blood.

Upon arriving, Amy is immediately inducted into The Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, a group of not-so-wicked witches that are determined to rid their land of Dorothy. Now, Amy will have to show more gumption than was ever necessary in her Kansas trailer park life. When everyone has ulterior motives and no one is whom they seem, it's not easy to know what to do next. But one thing's for sure: Dorothy must die.

Get the story started with the prequel novella No Place Like Oz.

Danielle Paige is a graduate of Columbia University. Before turning to young adult literature, she worked in the television industry where she received a Writers Guild of America award and was nominated for several Daytime Emmys. She currently lives in New York City.

Arriving just in time for the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz and already slated to become a CW show produced by Heroes creator Tim Kring, DOROTHY MUST DIE is available now.

Amazon affiliate links are used in this post.

12x12 Guide to Social Media by Kai Viola + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 11:00:00 +0000

One of the few things that people talk about, when talking about brand and social media is that it's a minefield. People talk about everything from being completely overwhelmed, to not knowing what to do with their profiles. And so, I wrote 12 tutorials (and a couple of bonus exercises to help people. Each tutorial contains an introduction, the 'basics', the exercise, and then a bit about what your 'solution' should be. They're not designed to be the be all and end all of each network, but they are designed to support you if you're struggling, or aren't sure that you've covered everything. I've keep the price low so that you can enjoy the book without feeling like you've had to pay a fortune for just a couple of tips too - though I could have priced it higher, I feel $0.99 is the right price for this. Launching on the 28th February, until it's available, you can pre-order from my blog page at Warpaint Marketing.

12x12 - Your social media Primer Looking for support for Facebook, Twitter, Triberr? How about G+? This book covers everything that you need to know about the very basics of each network. Exercises to give you a chance to try your learning out, hands on. Each of the tutorials is designed to be as easy as possible to access. Originally started a set of articles for a website, the tutorials have evolved into a go to guide to the simple, quick way to build an usable, safe profile online.

Kai is a veteran online marketer. She started in internet marketing, writing content for others, along with copywritten sales pages, then moved on to the indie writer's community when KDP hit. She's been self-publishing since 2004 (mostly poetry), and has spent the last three years or so in the community, helping others with social media, writing tutorials and articles all over. When not writing non-fiction, Kai's planning novels, travelling for work and having a bit of an adventure in her life. She's the mother of two parents, owner and parent of two kittens, an artist and a dreamer .

As the book is about social media, you might want to follow Kai to find out some extra tips. Below are the various places you can follow her - remember too that these count as entries in the giveaway!

Book Blog | Personal Blog |Facebook | Book Facebook |Twitter | G+ | Goodreads | Pinterest | Triberr | Klout

Buy the Book

Win all of the books from the range, take part in beta support and get freebies before anyone else or a $25 gift certificate. Check out the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kai is appearing on multiple blogs in the next few days - head on over to The Finishing Fairies for tour central, information and more!

Promotion of 12x12 Launch Tour is brought to you by:

Join us for other book blasts at The Finishing Fairies mailing list!

Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron

noreply@blogger.com (LibraryGirl) — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 19:37:00 +0000

After exhausting my brain reading Trying Not To Try: The Art and Science of Spontaneity by Edward Slingerland (March 4, 2014), I was ready for a light, easy read. I certainly never would have guessed that such a fun read as Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron would touch on some of the same concepts I had just waded through.

I love reading a book that can be enjoyed on many levels and Man Made Boy certainly fit the bill. When I started reading I just wanted something fun that I could enjoy on the surface. The story of the son of the Monster (Victor Frankenstein's of course) and the Bride leaving his sheltered life and attempting to have a normal life among humans was a great story. The characters were interesting and enjoyable to get to know. Boy's adventures were fast paced and his struggles never felt artificial. The variety of mythological monsters was impressive, especially without a vampire in sight.

What most impressed me about Man Made Boy though was that the reader is able to go deeper into issues of freedom, creator and creation, independence, family, perception, and technology if the reader chooses. While all of these topics are addressed in the book, the reader is given the choice of how much to explore them. The main storyline is never overcome by the issues being touched upon. Rather the heavier topics are used simply to support the lighter surface story.

As I had just finished a heavy non-fiction book, I filtered Man Made Boy through all that I had learned about spontaneity, flow, and ancient Chinese spiritual schools of thought. I noticed when Boy seemed to be in his most efficient state (usually while writing computer code) and when his interactions were most difficult (when dealing with humans, girls, or unfamiliar situations). It turned out that this young adult fiction book about a society of monsters hiding in plain sight was the example I needed understand the dry, academic writings of Trying Not To Try.

I would highly recommend Man Made Boy to anyone looking for a fun, coming of age monster story that will leave you much to think about when you finish.

Amazon affiliate links are used within this post.

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