Author Carol Gambill (Live life to the fullest. It's the only one we get)

Thank you, and the winners are...

2013-04-15T06:42:00.002-07:00

It's been a long couple of months with the awaited "Far From Over" Book Giveaway on Goodreads. So, I’m very excited to announce the winners. Drum roll, please…

Congratulations to Cassie and Barbara, and special thanks to all that have entered!

I’ve made new friends in my journey, and one can honestly say, "we meet for a reason, season, or a lifetime," so keep in touch for however long that may be.

For a limited time, I am offering “Far From Over,” for only $1.99. Click the paypal link below and choose from PDF, EPUUB or Kindle versions.

Also, remember to look in the upcoming months for the second edition of “Serranto’s Redemption,” as well as “The good, the Bad, and Downright Sinful.” I’ll have another great giveaway with each!

Good Luck on your own journey, and thanks again!
Carol Gambill

Conversion Pick: choose either PDF, EBUB or Kindle

"Far From Over," Second Edition: 50% off the listed price at Smashwords

2013-03-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Loyal Readers,

In appreciation to all that have stopped by my website, I'm offering my fourth book (Far From Over, second edition) with a coupon at Smashwords for 50% off the listed price.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248258

Promotional price: $2.00

Coupon Code: (Will be sent on request just email: carol_gambill_author@yahoo.com)

Expires: April 17, 2013

Again, thank you for your interest, and happy reading!

Carol Gambill

Goodreads Giveaway - "Far From Over", The Breaking Out Series (Second Edition)

2013-01-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

For Excerpt: Click Here

Available on:

All Romance Ebook:
Far From Over - All Romance Ebooks

Barnes and Noble:
Far From Over - All Romance Ebooks

Amazon:
Far From Over - Amazon Ebooks

Smashwords:
Far From Over - Smashword Ebooks

Kobo:
Far From Over - Kobo Ebooks

And Soon Sony Ebooks

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Far From Over

by Author Carol Gambill

Giveaway ends April 15, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Far From Over Ebook Now Available on Kindle!

2012-12-25T10:45:00.001-08:00

Ebook now available on Kindle at Amazon:

Also on All Romance Ebook:
Far From Over - All Romance Ebooks

Barnes and Noble:
Far From Over - All Romance Ebooks

Wonderful Wishes for the Holiday Season!

2012-12-14T09:49:00.001-08:00

Far From Over - Now available on All Romance Ebooks

2012-12-11T19:35:00.001-08:00

Now available on All Romance Ebook:

"Far From Over" now available at Far From Over - All Romance Ebooks

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

2012-11-21T06:53:00.001-08:00

"Far From Over" Breaking Out Series, Book Four (Second Edition)

2012-10-24T22:25:00.003-07:00

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248258

"Far From Over" Breaking Out Series, Book Four (Second Edition)

It was all that Matt Lamont could do in keeping his life separated from his past, but now things were far from over. When a stranger, Autumn Reynolds, picks him up walking alone and confused along a country road, Matt is reluctant with the assistance that eventually brings him back to a life of meaning. But there happens to be a little matter of dealing with his failing memory. When flashes of that memory begin to surface, they only tell of a seedy lifestyle filled with torment and heartache. Who is he and what had he done? Autumn helps link the pieces of the troubled past and brings him to the inevitable truth, but in the end, might Autumn be the one to ultimately suffer.

Thank you to my readers!

2012-08-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for the interest in one or more books of the “Breaking Out” Series. I am currently rewriting each one, and I'm very hopeful in having all four ebooks back on sales sites by 2013. So hang tight as I republish each one. You contact me at carol_gambill_author@yahoo.com or authorcarolgambill@gmail.com.

Best Wishes,
Carol

My life slapped into perspective by a little person

2012-04-30T06:43:00.003-07:00

All right. This weekend I had my life slapped into perspective. Not only did I volunteer in my typical handing out information at events regarding 'Homes for our Troops', which builds and remodels homes for the severely wounded veterans but that is another story in itself and will try to stay focused and tell you about an extraordinary lady with whom I met

Lois Search hasn't lost the fervor for life even from problems at a very young age. A "little person" as they are called and now for whatever reason in a wheelchair. Whether she was born ridden in wheelchair was never disclosed and I wasn't about to ask. I look past that fact knowing anyone of us could have been born no different. Lois begins to speak to me with her request as I stand with a flyer in my hand in front of the 'Homes for our Troops' booth. For some reason, I quickly hide the flyer behind my back and bend down to her height of two maybe three feet to listen more intently. I realize then that she has a oxygen tube that goes into her nose for her breathing. I focus on her words and lightly swallow back the discomfort of seeing it all. I look into her kind face and can't stop having the compassion that God would want us to have. To love our brother and sister.

As she hands me cards with the information (more like computer paper cut into the size of cards) and with small hands barely able to work effectively, it makes me wonder just how it would be to cut the paper? My mind drifted in thought in how difficult it would be to just get up every morning. The difficulty of taking care of oneself, showering or bathing, dressing then getting yourself into your wheelchair.

I ask her if I could walk around with her to hand them out. She is no doubt an inspiration as we walk around... her in wheelchair and me, feeling a bit guilty because I could. I talk with Lois and ask her how she got to Wickham Park. She tells me she rode the city transit bus from her house just a couple miles away. Crazy, 'cause if it took that much effort every day I would likely be a bit disillusioned with life and become so depressed I wouldn't go anywhere. Yes, she truly made me realize what a weak person I am.

Lois and I continue handing out the pieces of paper and she never once asks for money or any food but simply asked for a one single vote. A vote on the "Mobility Awareness Month" link on the internet so she may be able to pursue her independence with chances of winning a new van. Amazing, the humbleness, pride that has to be held and bravery, not to just speak on your behalf but to get up every day to face struggle. Lois, you're a special Lady!

Take a look at the youtube video http://youtu.be/GASB6WUKX4A with Lois telling more about herself but says nothing about her spirited independence, honesty, and adversaries--only that she would truly like to win! So please don't forget to vote for Lois Search on this link: http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/florida/melbourne/993/lois-search.

She currently has 1672 votes and deadline is May 13th 2012 so lets get her that van!

Goodreads Review - "Far From Over"

2012-04-19T06:24:00.002-07:00

Mar 15, 2012

Lhenry rated it

A good amnesia story - has all the right elements with a hero who thinks he might be a bad guy and is gradually regaining his memory. Just the right amount of angst as he remembers who he is and his awful childhood. The story is told from several different points of view, which help heighten the suspense of know just why the hero had been captured in the first place. The shifts in viewpoint were confusing but I think that added to the confusion the hero is feeling and it worked well for me as the reader. The heroine, Autumn was not the focus of the book - her role as healing angel sounds silly but was actually quite believable, and her character was well developed through her actions.

This would have been a five star for me except for the large number of errors that could have been corrected with editing - mostly dealing with mixing up words such as using the word dredge instead of trudge. Normally these things bother me a lot but in this book the story was so good, I could still really enjoy it.

Thanks to all the dedicated readers which have given me foresight and redirection to my latest (and painstaking) endeavor of re-editing all past books from the "Breaking Out Series" before pressing on with new releases .

Don't worry, I am still currently working on the conclusion to "The Good, The Bad and Downright Sinful" and the estimated release of July... well, as Axel Holt Ryder puts it, "Hell, it just ain't gonna happen" but like Madie James optimism will let you know, "it'll be out this year to be sure so you don't worry none."

Thanks to Else for "The 8 Bells of Oblivion"

2012-03-26T19:15:00.005-07:00

In appreciation of the use "The 8 Bells of Oblivion" by "Else", I would like to promote their music. Check out their music and let them know what you think!

Else begins its history on May 2006, when a group of friends decide to participate on a school event, from that moment on the band starts to rehearse at school, cause they think it may be something big they're getting into but THERE'S NO BAND NAME, so after thinking for almost a week, the name ELSE is chosen as the bands name. It is until 2007 last trimester when Axel "Shadowxvz" Lemus (Drums) joins the band, that the engine starts running fully. In 2008 the band starts composing they're first serious material, and so the idea of an album is set to the table, by February 2009 they have enough to make a small EP... but... they decide to wait despite this the EP is released as instrumental on October 2009

http://www.reverbnation.com/rockandelse

Amity in Fame - New Website

2012-03-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

In appreciation of the use "Mirror of Humans" by "Amity in Fame", I would like to promote their new website: http://www.amityinfame.com/. Check out their music and let them know what you think!

__________

Amity in Fame – Biography (October 2010)

The band plays powerful acoustic rock. While this may sound like a stereotype, the big strength of the band is its original style. Most of the band members are influenced by metal, still they refuse to use distorted guitars in their songs. Instead, the lead guitarist of the band incorporated a very individual style to play his Variax. The band‘s unique sound already found a broad reception within the internet community.

In July 2008 the band released its first album “Dinner for One“, self-recorded and self-mastered (unfortunately). The album is one of the most popular releases ever on Jamendo, one of the world’s biggest creative commons platforms. It was in the top 10 of most popular albums for over twelve months in 2009/2010 and was downloaded over 17,000 times already.

In January 2009, the band released its first music video (also written and produced by the band) which already passed the 70,000 views mark on youtube – though it’s a fun-video basically. The video has been produced with a budget of less than $ 1,500 but it already received airplay on Austria’s national music television channel (gotv).

Numerous internet-radios constantly feature the band (from the US, UK, France, Poland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Russia and others) and the band was featured on several compilations. Less than a year after the band’s first rehearsal, it achieved rank five in Middle-Europe’s biggest band contest, the International Live Award, out of over 1,000 bands of whole Middle-Europe. Another fine incident - three members of the band were pleasently surprised, when attending a Rammstein concert in Prague: their own song “New Born Son“ was played there right before the concert, in a hall packed with over 20,000 people. Later, Rammstein asked the band whether they could use Amity in Fame’s music regularly which the band couldn’t refuse, of course.

Presently, the band is working on its new album which will go far beyond “Dinner for One“ in means of style and quality.

Update on Purchase Links with Carol Gambill's Breaking Out Series

2012-03-06T09:13:00.002-08:00

My readers may have noticed three of four of my books unavailable to ebook and there's good reason.

I'm very excited to the nearing future when all four books of the Breaking Out Series are reedited. Once completed, excerpts and puchase links will then be updated.

Of course, your comments are always welcomed anytime!

Cheerio all!

Carol Gambill

Sgt Damon's Art: New Painting 2/13/12

2012-02-13T16:15:00.001-08:00

Sgt Damon's Art: New Painting 2/13/12:
"Full Moon Return" 24"x36" oil on canvas Not Yet For Sale
Every year the VA holds a national art compe...

Excerpt: "The Good, Bad and Downright Sinful" Hell to Pay Series - Chapter One

2012-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Springville, Iowa 1871

Through the blinding wind ripping an icy cold through him, Holt “Axel” Ryder could barely make out the sliver of light coming through a single slat of a cabin window. Like a glinting star it gave hope. He turned catching the barrel of Boone’s rifle come over his left shoulder and move a few steps ahead of him until it shoved between Clayton Miles’ shoulder blades. The barrel nudged again in gesture to get moving. Axel drifted a wary look back at Boone mounted sure-footed on his horse while in order to steady Clayton, he grabbed his upper arm. Hands numbed and confined by shackles held him momentarily until better collected. Contrary to his worry for the kid, Axel immediately prodded Clayton to keep moving. It would be in both their interest to do so. He, for one, knew what would happen. He realized there was something more than their current circumstances of hunger and freezing in which they needed to worry. Plus, much like Clayton, he felt incapable of taking another step. As for the unrelenting cold, every intense shiver caused incisive, painful cramping to the fatiguing strength.

The thin, haggard overcoats, issued to prisoners prior to leaving any penitentiary in Iowa, was currently in the possession of Rufus Boone, a good ol’ boy and man of a few choice words, worthy of his character. He made it plain that holding the coats in promise would likely deter any thoughts of fleeing, and rightfully so, since at the moment any irrationality was the farthest from either mind. Axel, again, no differently than Clayton, merely sought shelter from the storm and following that, a blazing hearth to warm by.

The storm’s front had come upon them much like a skittish jackrabbit eluding a half- starved coyote. Clayton Cottrell--his younger and a not-so-bright lad--knew as well as Axel, and had seen the predicting signs. Clayton warned the Boone in no uncertain terms; and any soak, Boone included in his lighter binge of drink that day, should’ve seen it coming. Being footsure and mouthy merely riled Boone all the more during his cantankerous stupors. Thus a kerchief was fixed around Clayton’s mouth’s figuring it would shut him up for a while until Boone could sober up and dissect what was admonished. Now, Boone was a day late and dollar short. Axel had known better than to advice Boone of anything--drunk or sober--since only hours earlier he’d experienced Boone’s soused lack of tolerance on his hide. Too many years experience along with plenty years of anguish and shared bloodshed learned Axel his lessons well and that made him smart enough to shut up when told while Clayton being too naive, and too pudden-headed to understand it all.

Their shivering intensified as they continued toiling their steps through the mounting snow while Boone rode a fine gelding paid from hefty wages of any Federal Marshal. It was a job that many desired even with the probable dangers that came with it. Hands gloved with thick leather gripped the ‘macate’ reins with confidence while the biting cold of metal on his own wrists chafed and burned, hastening numbness all the way to the bone. Clayton slowed in front having a rough go of keeping up with Axels’ more determined steps pressing behind. He couldn’t let Clayton stop in that walk onward. If he did that would be the end to them both. Axel wasn’t intending on dying like this. Not in the cold, not frozen and buried knee-deep in snow because of some sniveling kid who couldn’t handle the uttermost conditions. Axel had no doubt seen and survived worse conditions. He wasn’t going to succumb and have it end like this. If he was going to die, he’d rather swing beneath a magnificent oak tree, ended by a taut noose from a carried-out vengeance which had now settled deep inside him. In his final breath, a warm breeze would blow similar to the gentle, consoling of a woman’s soft fingertips gently brushing his cheek.

Too often, he’d seen it all in a dream as though he was standing there looking on and then by a silent, yet relentless reminder; sprung fully awakened. Moments tick by in utter terror and confusion, induced only by a backlash of his doings—drawn in by his own hatred and an insurrection and division caused by political upheaval and economic conditions. He’d force himself in a moment of supplication—lastly to be forgiven in that final moment since no one would likely shed a tear or pray for his soul in what he’s done. But still, there was a hope when buried that it would be on a cheery, warm hillside with an over-abundance of wildflowers, veiling in beauty to the ugliness of a life preceded. It was a life not worthy of rest alongside a once loving wife. Only then would Axel be able to rest without any kind of damnation from other folk, and worse himself.

His thoughts were broken when the front quarter of the Boone’s horse lurched forward and forced him back several steps. He moved aside while taking a dazed look up at Boone as though his reactions were delayed and thoughts dispersed. From the horse, Boone reached down in a swift yank of Clayton’s shirt collar and jerked him backwards against Axel’s chest. Responsively, Axel caught the near topple that almost knocked them both back into the snow.

Clayton peered up through sagging eyelids.

Axel dismissed the pitiful sight of a kid, nearly too exhausted and beaten to even go on. As though sickened by the weakness, Axel’s hands clutched Clayton’s stiff, about frozen shirt and jerked him on his feet. Clayton winced when Axel proceeded to pull him up against him. He released a growl of disgust and a glower as though fed-up with his weaker spirit to go on while not being sure what to do with him next. He glimpsed up at the Marshal for a reaction or perhaps prompting with it. The pistol drew out of Boone’s holster and the gun sight set in Axel’s direction telling him exactly what to do. Stand down and do what was told.

Axel’s delay from his slower thinking finally had him realizing the threat above and ducked with his arms over his face.

Instantly, Axel thrust Clayton back in a sort of wordless revolt to the unending burden of the younger kid and the deliberating notion of doing him in as being more humane than the future ordeal that only would bring torment. Clayton fell back along the snowy ground while Axel cursed at his thoughtless cruelty that was no different than Boone’s. The horse’s front legs stirred, rearing slightly causing Axel to move away as it neared Clayton still on the ground. Axel braced his hands against the rear quarter of Boone’s horse just in case it acted out in temperament constituted by its thrashing front legs and high-pitched neigh.

“Get up. Clayton!” Boone commanded words that were barely audible through the relentless surging wind. “Keep it moving or I’ll kill you and leave your dead carcass where you lie.” The pistol aimed at Clayton sprawled along the snow before it flagged back to Axel who seemed to be unaffected and benumbed by the grim exchange. However as a few moments ticked by, Axel bent over as if in some expected obligation and heaved Clayton back onto his feet.

With a lingering look at Boone and his high-fluent show in the saddle, Axel then steadied Clayton once more with a stalwart grip of his upper arm. The end of the Winchester shoved Axel’s shoulder blade in a gesture to get Clayton moving again. Keeping both hands clutched together from the elements, Axel poked the edges of cold irons into Clayton’s back to do so.

In laboring step, Clayton’s hands bunched near his escaping breath and the kerchief aimed to shut him up. Axel knew Clayton’s breathing had to be difficult and might easily kill him especially with his throat being slightly exposed. He swallowed feeling a comparable distress, and slight empathy, but appreciative in having the smarts to keep quiet when he did, so he too wasn’t gagged in the same manner. Younger had its faults. Axel’s rebellious and audacious nature was the hardest hurdle to leap over the years, especially after it was all he’d come to know. Now all he wanted to do was go home or be hung for the inevitable payback to the moments leading to this.

The cabin came closer into view. With hands tucked close to their bodies, both prisoners forged ahead with Boone’s wary watch just over their shoulders. Their heads pressed down in an echoing and admonished murmurs of a resolve to just stay alive. Warmth would await them soon.

Subtle smoke from a chimney mingled with the fierce gusts of swirling wind. Around the cabin, they mixed and danced like deviled spirits in some sort of titillating coupling, but it wouldn’t matter what evil was there…since all three of them knew of the only evil heading toward the cabin and inevitably it would destroy that one glimmer of hope.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

Captured: America in Color from 1939-1943 – Nostalgia at its best!

2011-12-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/07/26/captured-america-in-color-from-1939-1943/2363/#.TujK3VbTg08.blogger

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

Alternative_Read's Giveaway for Nov 16th - Winner Announcement!

2011-11-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Sena and Carol!
And 'thanks' for all who entered the:

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY :

Amazon GiftCertificates (2x$6.99)

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-11-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who left a comment for the free "Breaking Out Giveway". It makes me realize how important readers and loyal fans are and how they make a difference. Pleased with turnout! God Bless All who participated!

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-11-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last day with a chance to win!!!

Breaking out! #GIVEAWAY : Amazon Gift Certificates (2x$6.99) Just leave a comment to enter!

2011-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Posted by Alternative-Read.com reviewer: Sassy Brit

۞۞۞۞GIVEAWAY۞۞۞۞

To enter this Amazon GIFT CERTIFICATE giveaway just leave a comment!

2 x $6.99 Amazon Gift Vouchers up for grabs! (2 winners)

Ends midNight Wed 16th November 2011

Find us both on Twitter tweeting about it! @Sassy_Brit and @Carol Gambill

۞۞۞۞GIVEAWAY۞۞۞۞

Excerpt from “Far From Over” Chapter Twenty-Four

2011-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from “Far From Over” chapter twenty-four:

“Turn around?” he repeated dumbfounded. Was she joking?

“I mean, you presently can’t remember much, so why not change the way you believe yourself to be? Kinda like wiping a slate clean.”

He scoffed at her simplistic thinking in yet another attempt to make his life straight and on the narrow. But what did he believe himself to be exactly? Angry, insensitive, or plain fed-up with life? His vision scanned the lavishness of the rustic but ornate cabin filled with expensive décor. What would she even know about pain, suffering or doing without?

“You’re doing it again,” she added, eyeing him with a passionate scorn.

His eyes squinted and a brow rose. “What?” he asked innocently.

“Looking at me like I’m stupid,” she replied frowning.

“Alright. I’m gonna give it to you straight. You believe with your goody-goody mentality that a person ingrained with something all their lives can suddenly change it? Wipe it away?”

She got up with a shrug, leaving him to think about it.

“Well, I don’t think anyone can simply wipe away a past.” He watched her walk across the room and into the kitchen. The light went on and several minutes later, she came back with a cup in her hand.

“It’s just that—a past. Who says that someone has to live it forever?”

“And you know how that’s done, huh?” He stared at the cup that was held out in offer for him to take.

“Drink this, it will relax you. Chamomile tea…”

He gazed up surprised at her thoughtfulness in such a simple gesture. He reached up for it and mumbled, ‘thanks’.

“I don’t have all the answers, Mr. Pessimist. I’m just saying to build that bridge you have to actually step on it and then gradually move across,” she said as she sat down on the couch next to him.

He forced himself not to move from where he was. “Wow, that seems easy enough. Why didn’t I think of that?” he mentioned irritably. “…Mr. Pessimist, huh? If we’re into name calling now, I would prefer ‘sweetheart’…Oh, that’s right I don’t know you well enough...”

“Don’t be so cynical.”

He thought of a thousand other comebacks but for some reason he held them in as he gazed at her softened silhouette from the dim lighting in the room.

“All I’m saying is there is more in front of you than what’s behind you. You start over that bridge and before you know it, you’ve made it to the other side.”

He smirked. “And when I get over there, what then? What will there be exactly?” He knew what would be there—nothing. Already he could sense the manifesting signs of emptiness deep inside the pit of his stomach.

“Maybe something, but then again, there might be nothing at all. Reach out. You’ll never know what you’ll find.”

Restless, his spine squirmed against the back of the couch. His posture straightened along the cushion. He didn’t want to talk of goodness and things that would all of a sudden become bright and cheery, especially when his hope had already seen nothing but pitch-black.

“When someone goes through a great deal of struggles, they become wiser. The strong only become stronger; a better person from it.”

Damn, I must be perfect, he thought as he focused on her face.

“You’re doing it again,” she stated impatiently.

Boy survives drop from 3rd floor of burning building

2011-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Boy survives drop from 3rd floor of burning building

"Thankfully he landed in my arms and that's a good feeling,’ Boston firefighter says"