Purple Jelly Bean Reviews

Review for Paradox - Equilibrium book 4 by Patti Roberts

2014-02-18T21:27:00.004-08:00

Paradox - Equilibrium book 4 By Patti Roberts

For years, the truth has been concealed from Grace, masked cleverly by coercion, denial and fanciful stories. She'd always felt that there was a part of her that didn't resonate with this world, as if she were a square block in a round hole. When her father died, it was her mother's unconditional love, Wade's fatherly presence, and Angela, Grace's quirky neighbor that gave her strength. United, they were her beacon, the lighthouse that guided her in from the storm. That was until she learned the truth … And the truth, Grace discovered, regardless of what she'd been told, does not always set you free.

Make no mistake, the Grigori is the Original Vampire, and regardless of what you believe, they are here, walking among us, and they intent to stay.

My Thoughts:

Well first off I have to say it's good to be back, I know I haven't written here for quite some time and I am very glad to be getting back to what I love the most, reading and telling all of you of the wonderful books I have read and I'm so excited to get started with book 4 of this amazing series I have been telling you about since I first started my blog. As most of you know when I started my blog Patti Roberts was one of the very first authors that gave me her first book Paradox - The Angels Are Here as an ARC for a review. It was at that moment I fell in love with it and have been beating down Patti's virtual door for the past 3 years now for each new installment of the series, I'm sure she's just about had enough of me bugging her lol, but, if she didn't write some of the most awesome books I wouldn't keep bugging her asking her "are ya done yet'? "are ya done yet:? "Seriously, no pressure but when are you going to be done with the next book"? And as punishment she sends me a chapter lol, and cliffhangers, oh how she leaves me with jaw on the floor cliffhangers.

Each new book brings this story together just a bit more than the last book did and answers questions you have at the end of each previous book, I really like how Patti does that. Some authors have a great start to a series and end on a great cliffhanger but when the second book comes out it does not pick up where it left off and leaves you confused until half way through and by that time it's just lost me and I give up reading it. Patti has you hanging on the edge of your seat when you leave and still has you hanging on when you start the next book, it's like a great T.V. series and the season ending has just closed with a jaw dropper and you can't wait until the new season begins.

We start off action packed and raring to go, Grace is now older and getting smarter to her legacy and abilities. All characters return which I was so happy to see, but even more happy to see Patti is now having them share their stories as to who they really are and how and why they are important to Grace and where and how they fit into her life. Wade *drooling* (my hubby) is hotter and stronger than ever. Kate (Katherine) just plain cracked me up, you will see why when you read the book, I can't say much more or I'll give out spoilers. Patti's growth astounds me with each book I read from her, the shear talent she has for building such a unique world, from the Grigori to the Bakhna Rakhna people to the Atnangkers. The detail is incredible, so much detail Patti gives us, but not so much that you get overwhelmed and want to put the book away. It lets your imagination see and feel what she is describing to you.

I don't usually rate but I have to give this one 5 purple stars as it is in my opinion the best one so far of this awesome series. It a ride from page one all the way to the very end with a cliffhanger that I absolutely did not see coming, Patti's book are very unpredictable and I love that in a great book. The story flows seamlessly, the characters you will fall in love with, the good ones and the bad ones, twists and turns that keep you turning the page and impossible to put the book down until your done, heart pounding moments that will having you gasping, moments that will tear you up, make you laugh out loud, and just sit and read while smiling. I hope you all will go get your copy and start reading this amazing book, enjoy everyone I know I sure did!!!

Patti can be found at the following sites:

http://www.pattirobertsauthor.com/paradox-series

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/980856.Patti_Roberts

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990

A Murder of Crows Review: David Rotenberg

2013-03-10T19:16:00.002-07:00

Since Decker Roberts’ last run in with the NSA, he’s been trying to remain off the radar, searching for his estranged son. His synaesthetic abilities, once a lucrative gift, are increasingly becoming a liability.

When a vicious attack wipes out the best and brightest of America’s young minds, devastating the country’s future, Decker is forced to step out of the shadows and help track down the killer. And as the hunt brings him in contact with other people of “his kind,” Decker begins to realize that there may be depths to his gifts that he had never even imagined.

Meanwhile, several parties are secretly tracking the progress of Decker’s son, Seth, trying to determine if he has the same unique gift as his father. Decker is determined to go to any lengths to find his son, but along the way he will have to face down enemies, both old and new, as well as struggle with whether his son even wants to be found.

David Rotenberg’s thrilling sequel to The Placebo Effect is full of suspense, and will challenge what you think you know about people who have special “gifts.” From rural Africa to downtown Toronto, the paths of Rotenberg’s colorful characters intertwine as they move towards a conclusion that none of them can see coming.
My Thoughts:
I will first remind everyone A Murder of Crows is the sequel to The Placebo Effect and I have added my first review to keep everyone up to speed.

The Placebo Effect Review:
I get stuck from time to time when I'm reading. Sometimes I can't seem to get enough romance, then I start reading paranormal and can't seem to get enough of that genre, right now I seem to be stuck with mystery, with each mystery/suspense/thriller novel they seem to keep getting better and better. David Rotenberg has a written a great novel, it captured my interest right away, from the very first chapter and I couldn't seem to put it down until I had closed the back cover.

I was provided by Simon & Schuster an ARC copy of this book and after I read it I was so impressed with it I emailed Simon & Schuster and asked could I do an interview with David Rotenberg which you can read after my review. I really thought it was fantastic as David is a Canadian author and I myself am Canadian living in Nova Scotia, it's so cool when reading a Canadian author and being able to say, "hey I've been there", or I know where that is" and you can picture that particular place in your mind, it puts a whole new perspective on reading that book.
Decker is a Synaesthesia, who is a person who has the ability to see if someone is telling him the truth, imagine if we could actually do that, see who is lying to you or not that would be awesome, but poor Decker has tons of people after him because of him having this ability, they all want to know how, why, who else got it. This is a fantastic novel that takes you on a roller coaster ride with twists and turns you will not see coming and just when you think you have it figured out, oh no you don't lol, it's very fast paced, well written, unique thriller with a cast of characters that fit very well together, and the Canadian jokes and humor was great for me. I liked David's style of writing, I really am looking forward to reading the second book in this new series.

A Murder of Crows Review:
I had to go back before I read A Murder of Crows to refresh my memory of the first book The Placebo Effect as it had been a long time since I had read it, it didn't take me long to pick up and remember such a well written book, so on to the second I went. Like the first book it didn't take me long to get myself engrosed into this book either, Mr. Rotenburg has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there along for the ride right from the very first page.

Decker Roberts has Synaesthete's abilities, synaesthete's is a person who has the ability to see if someone is telling the truth, what a gift to have I'm not sure if I would want that gift or not, would it be a burden? Well Decker has it and now a new deadly game is afoote. America has some of the best young minds and they are being murdered, now if that was the only problem Decker has it gets worse, he needs to find his estranged son before the others find him.

As with his first book Mr. Rotenburg has again captured my attention with this incredible well written book, the story line, the plot, the characters are all woven like a perfect web you get caught in while reading. I have really enjoyed his style of writing, very smooth and the story flows nicely as you switch from scene to scene, some books that do this I sometimes have to go back feeling I missed something, but that is not the case here it flows, with great twists and turns and an ending I DID NOT see coming I am waiting for the third book in this series, and as a fellow Canadian it is a bit more special to read places I have seen. This is not my usual genre of reading but I always love going outside of my comfort zone and finding a gem when I do. A must read series and bravo Mr. Rotenburg I can't wait for the next book.

I must apologize for my late review, I was supposed to have this out March 7th for Mr. Rotenburg's tour with Simon & Schuster but I was very sick with pnemonia and I am very sorry this is so late. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did, please check out the trailer for A Murder of Crows. You can also find Mr. Rotenburg at these links.

S&S.ca bookpage: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Murder-of-Crows/David-Rotenberg/9781439170137

Author website: http://www.davidrotenberg.com/

Paradox - Bound By Blood Paradox Series book 3 by Patti Roberts

2012-12-11T15:12:00.004-08:00

Love is not counted in years - Love is counted in heartbeats
Love is not bound by distance - Love is bound by blood
In the Ancient World - In the New World - Love will prevail
Some will kill for love — Some will die for love
Some will love until it hurts

Ella Medler: "Paradox is not a story in a place - it is the
legend of a whole world."

Excerpt from Book 3
The hands on a clock never falter, not for a second. One day ends, and a new one begins. If there is one thing on this earth that could be counted on, it is that. Time never pauses to mourn the dead. That particular privilege is allotted to the living. It is for the survivor to mourn, bury the dead, and leave the rest to the earth. That is the way of it – the way of death - and the misery it leaves behind.

My Thoughts:

After reading the third installment of this series I am left speechless, truly, but for all of you I will try very hard to put into words what I want to say about this novel. I guess I'm speechless (which never happens lol) because this was such an incredible book, I have loved this series right from the very first book where I fell in love with everything about it, and with each book Patti puts out my love for this series grows. The only problem is, with each book I get I read it too fast and end up having to wait 8-9 months for the next installment.

What do I do in between them you ask, well usually I email Patti harrassing her to write faster so I can get my hands on the next one :) and to drive me crazy she will now and again email me an excerpt, I guess thats payback for bugging her to write faster lol, but I do tell Patti that if she didn't write such amazing books I wouldn't be in withdrawls for the next one!!

In book #2 Patti leaves us with a cliffhanger that left my mouth hanging open and after much anticipation book #3 opens with a bang, right where we left off at Grace's Masquarade Ball at her school. She and Riley had gone as Guinevere and King Arthur, when Grace slips away to find Dameon and all hell breaks loose and the last thing she remembers is jumping off of a cliff and thinking she is about to die. Only to wake up in bed the next morning, it must have been a nightmare....wasn't it?

Like I said book #3 opened with a bang!! I was very happy to see some of my favorite characters back, Angela, Zach, Clair, Sonndra, Riley, and Josh. If someone asked me which is my favorite character, I don't think I could pick just one, Patti has made it impossible to choose just one, each one of them has something special that I like, but, all of them together make one hellva team, Patti's characters good and evil blend and work together in a way you would think not possible but they do. It's seamless they way she's blended both worlds, and those that haven't read this one or the whole series yet are in for a special treat.

Book 1 at the end offered its own set of hanging question and were answered when book 2 came out and we got a bit of a closer look at The Grigori, the Fallen Dark Angels, and again the ending offered more of its own hanging questions, but that is what a great series is all about leaving you hanging with tons of questions you just can't wait until the next book comes out to have the long awaited answers. With book 3 our questions were answered and with it we dive deep into the family Grigori and the other families that make up the other realm, we get much more of their story told and with that story many pieces of this wonderful puzzle Patti has designed fall into place.

I'am absolutely amazed at how this series has unfolded, sometimes when Authors flip back and forth from world to world and time period to time period it can become confusing and I have found myself flipping back and forth trying to remember what I had read from a few chapters back, but with this series Patti has been able to tell so many different stories, world to world, time period to time period with out missing a beat and without confusing me at all, and found my self turning the pages as fast as I could to get to the next part and had to slow down so I didn't miss anything it's so detailed. Oh the details, beautifully told so magical everything described made me feel like I was right in the story. It reminds me of a V.C. Andrews series where she gives you the story in the first 2-3 books and then in the 4th or last installment gives us the whole story from way back, how things come to be even before the original story happened a "full circle" so to speak, but with the ending of this book I have no doubt Patti is finished yet......I hope not!!!

I love books, all books for the most part there are some I just won't read because it's not my thing, but, then their are some books where I fall in love with them, the characters, the story, the plot and how it's played out, how the story is told the writing and when it's done I have bonded so much with the story and it's characters I feel well lost without them, the story is over now what? But the good thing is I know another installment is coming so for now I can rest easy it's not over quite yet. I have said with each review how talented I think Patti is, but with each book I see her talent growing as a writer, as an Author but more importantly as a phemonial story teller with great vision and an amazing imagination. You have to have an imagination to be able to produce such a top notch story like this one, it's just mind blowing.

Not only has Patti created these amazing two worlds she has taken that extra step and designed everything to visually build and support which in my opinion only genious, not only do we get to imagine these incredible worlds but we get to see how Patti see's what she has created. With most books we don't get to see that until much later, when the series is done and years later its made into a movie. Patti has created all of this and keeping in time with each book as it comes out. Here are some pictures of what some of the cast looks like.

If you haven't read book 3 yet it's a real must read and if you haven't started reading this series yet......welllll you are missing out on a spetacular series of books. Im not going to say too much more so I don't spoil anything for you all. Visit Patti's website here to see more of the worlds that have been masterfully created. I can't wait to see what Patti has in store for us next!!!!!http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com Patti has gracouslly offered to do a giveaway with us, she is offering 3 print versions and 3 ebook versions, so here are the rules:

1. Be a follower here on my blog.
2. Follow Patti on her blog and facebook.
That's it not too hard oh and leave us a comment with your email address so when we announce the winner I can email them back, I will announce the winner just after christmas. Good Luck to everyone!!!!

Blood Magic: The Draven Witch Series Book 1 by Zoey Sweete

2012-09-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

A witch/vampire hybrid, Renee Draven was sent to fulfill her destiny. Hell-bent on destroying the Evil One that has tormented and defiled her lineage for centuries, she must take back the power that was stolen long ago. Racing against time to destroy the darkness that threatens her life and those she loves. She must confront her demons. Losing faith in herself, and her power, she stumbles across William Angelo, the one she was said to bring home and save. While on her dark journey she must find Dante Angelo, his blood is the key to awakening her vampire side and defeating Damaskeos. Struggling to stay alive, she is torn between wanting a normal life and her duties, Renee must learn to believe in herself and the magic that flows through her blood, if she is to save the lives of those she loves. Will she find the strength to defeat Damaskeos and end his reign once and for all? Or will she fall as all the other Draven Witches before her? Blood Magic will take you on a mystical ride into alternate dimensions, the magical world of the Draven witches, and the supernatural creatures that would give their life to protect them.

My Thoughts:
When I received this book in return for a review from the author, Zoey Sweete it came to me in a PDF format and I was so excited to read it I dove right into it and we all know I love anything to do with vampires and witches. I was excited to read it because it didn't seem like it was going to be just another vampire book, it really peeked my interest when the main character was half vampire half witch. I asked my self "how can this be, I was always under the belief that vamps and witches hated each other", and so I began my journey into The Draven Witch Series.

Rene has been sheltered for the past 20-years, living with the Mystic's, but with good reason, she is considered "the special one", the one the prophecies say she will be the one to defeat Damaskeos and finally restore her family's honor. Being half witch and half vampire, when she turns 21 she will be bitten and her vampire side will be awakened and give her powers beyond any of the Draven Witches, even her mother. So to keep her safe she has lived with on the Mystic Realm but now that she is close to her 21st birthday it is time for her to return to Earth and try to do what she wants the most.....live a normal life, impossible as when everytime she turns around she is being attacked even in her sleep she can't stop being attacked.

Things turn interesting when Rene meets her trainer, Devin, *drooling* things get too hot between them and Dad puts a stop to their training, Devin's replacement comes and the hotter then hell Tristian *drooling more*, and it gets even more interesting when William and Dante show up on the scene, *drooling even more*. I can't say anymore I don't dare spoil it for you.

Starting the book, it didn't take long for it to suck me in and keep me there until I finished the very last page, all my instincts about this going to be a good book were right, but it just wasn't good it was FANTASTIC. Zoey really set this series up with a huge bang. Rene was a very strong character for me which I love, it really gets on my nerves when a main character is flighty, can't make up their mind or make a decision, or worse whiny to the point I want to put the book away for a bit, yes Rene does whine in some spots but wouldn't you if someone is trying to kill you in your sleep, your burdened with the responsibility of being the one to kill this so called unstoppable beast and you have 4 men who you have feelings for and just can't seem to decide which one to choose because you have feelings for them all and don't want to hurt any of them, and all you really want is just a normal average life, yup I'd certainly whine sometimes too, but Rene is also a no nonsense put her cards on the table, let's get the job done gal, and I loved that about her, but she was also soft, caring and very protective of her family and friends. Just an all around great main character.

If you like being on a roller coaster ride then start reading this book, it will take you on a massive emotional ride you won't soon forget. A cast of incredible characters, plot and story executed beautifully. When I read the pdf file I loved it, when Zoey sent me the revised autographed hard copy I read it again and loved it even more with the new changes that were made, you see the growth within the writing it was wonderful. The emotions I went through while reading were exactally what I like when reading a really great book.

If you are looking for an absolutely fantastic series this is the book you need to pick up and start reading, I can tell you it is one you will not be able to put down until your done. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!! Enjoy everyone.

About the Author:

Zoey Sweete is a full time mother first and foremost to a beautiful four year old daughter, who is the inspiration in her life. When she’s not writing, she works as the Senior Executive Officer of Mystic Press and the Co-Owner of Spotlight Marketing and Public Relations. She is also a full time college student, working to obtain her bachelor degree in psychology and will specialize in addiction counseling. She lives in Killeen Texas, with her fiancé, and surrounds herself with a wonderful family.

http://www.facebook.com/ZoeySweete

http://www.facebook.com/BloodMagic1

The Broken Destiny Review and Giveaway!!

2012-09-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

An amazing new sci-fi series begins with The Broken Destiny: Book One of The Broken Series.
Ava's People have been exiled to Planet Poseidon, where through a series of horrific events, Ava discovers that their existence has been fabricated by The Council, And She has a Destiny that could save them. Her Soul is a secret weapon that has been lost to an ancient race. To fulfill her destiny Ava needs to go through a series of "changes" that will reveal her true purpose. Throughout her journey she will become what she hates in order to save the ones she loves. And through it all she will find herself - for that is her Destiny, to rise above the fall.

My Thoughts:
I have said often that Fantasy is not my normal genre of reading, but everytime I read a new Fantasy novel I am pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it, which is not a bad thing as it has kept me reading them. Carlyle has built a world, plot, story and characters like I haven't seen since I read Patti Roberts Paradox series.
It was well written, well executed, the characters fit extremely well together. The anount of effort Carlyle put into the details made me feel like I was transported right into the story, I could see, feel, hear and almost reach out and touch a tree or a rock or or the water. I really love details like that in a book it draws you into the story, but she doesn't give you too many details that you can't picture the scene's and wonder what it would be like to really be there.
I find sometimes too much detail can ruin the novel, but this was just the right amount. I loved the characters, Go Team Troy!! They all worked so well together, it was hard for me to pick a favorite one I really liked them all.
Now I'm really not going to get into to much details of the book if I do it will ruin it for you and with such a detailed book like this one it's really hard to sum it up in a paragraph with out giving the story away, I will say if you don't read this book you will be missing out on a great series. This is the first book in The Broken Destiny series and I can't wait to read the second book, I hope Carlyle is almost done writing it because I really don't know how long I can wait for it LOL.
It wasn't your everyday vamprie book, or should I say paranormal, after all it is Fantasy, even for Fantasy characters and what they are Carlyle made very original, I haven't read anything like it before.
So I will close by saying this is a MUST READ book in this amazing series, well thought out, executed well, plot, story and characters all mixed and blended beautifully. I hope you will grab your copy and enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy everyone!!

Carlyle is giving you all a chance to win a copy and some very beautiful prizes, follow this link to enter for your chance to win. Good Luck everyone!! http://www.carlylelabuschagne.com/revealed-tour-giveaway.html

Haunting Obsession by R.J. Sullivan Review

2012-09-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Haunting Obsession Synopsis

“She wants to be loved by you…alone!”

Daryl Beasley collects all things Maxine Marie, whose famous curves and fast lifestyle made her a Hollywood icon for decades after her tragic death. Daryl’s girlfriend, Loretta Stevens, knew about his geeky lifestyle when they started dating, but she loves him, quirks and all.

Then one day Daryl chooses to buy a particularly tacky piece of memorabilia instead of Loretta’s birthday present. Daryl ends up in the doghouse, not only with Loretta, but with Maxine Marie herself. The legendary blonde returns from the dead to give Daryl a piece of her mind—and a haunting obsession he’ll never forget.

My Thoughts:

The title peaked my interest first, the synopsis grabbed my attention even more, but when I saw the cover it was the deal maker for me I wanted to read this book. I won't lie, I was kind of on the fence not knowing what to expect, but, I do try hard not to judge a book by it's cover haha (get it) yes I know my small attempt at book humor :)

So I sat down in my comfy purple comfy chair and started reading this 100+ page book and right away was sucked into the story. R.J. Sullivan's style of writing quite impressed me, the story flowed well and the characters were believable, and I could relate to them very well, it was a funny story sometimes, and made you absolutely cheer for Loretta while she was trying to save the one she loved from.....well not what you would expect really. Daryl has an obsession with his favorite movie star Maxine Marie, only problem is she is dead and some how returns from the dead and seems to be very pissed at him.

With Halloween coming this is a book you will not want to miss. An adult book for sure as some scene's are quite steamy, dam awesome steamy! A good love story, with some Paranormal thrown in, it was funny and I could relate to Daryl and Loretta as the book/movie loving geeks which is totally me. Loretta's dedication and love for Daryl and willness to stand and fight for her man was very nice to see, I know most women would have high tailed it outta there if they saw a ghost trying to choke the life out of them to take their man away for themsleves lol. I very much enjoyed this book and I know you will as well it was an easy fun read, thank you R.J. Sullivan for having me a part of your book tour. Enjoy everyone!!

RJ Sullivan Bio and Links

R. J. Sullivan resides with his family in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. His first novel, Haunting Blue, is an edgy paranormal thriller about punk girl loner Fiona "Blue" Shaefer and her boyfriend Chip Farren. R.J. is hard at work on the next chapter in Fiona's story, Virtual Blue, coming soon from Seventh Star Press. R.J. is a member of the Indiana Horror Writers.

Website: http://www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/R.J.SullivanAuthor

Twitter: @RJSullivanAuthr

Win A Kindle for Christmas!! Supporting Indi Authors Contest!!

2012-09-06T18:17:00.002-07:00

Here is a contest you will not want to miss out on all you have to do is click on the link below the picture and follow the rules for your chance to win this Kindle. Good Luck everyone!! Also don't forget if you haven't already check out Patti's fantastic Paradox-The Angles Are Here Series, they are books you will be missing out on if you don't get your copies soon.

Click on this link Kindle Christmas Giveaway to enter this amazing contest. Good Luck to everyone!!!!!

2012-08-31T19:48:00.001-07:00

Her Dear & Loving Husband

Book One of The Loving Husband Trilogy
By Meredith Allard

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties with anyone. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Part historical fiction, part romance, part paranormal fantasy, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.

Her Loving Husband’s Curse

Book Two of The Loving Husband Trilogy

By Meredith Allard

How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth’s life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?

My Thoughts:

I must say I was absolutely blown away with the first two books in this amazing trilogy. It has everything I love to read about, vampires, witches, Salem, mystery, a great love story, magic, werewolves, and twists & turns like you would never see coming cause I didn't.

Moving to Salem had been something Sarah had been thinking about for some time, after divorcing her ex-husband she had packed up and left Los Angles to start her new life. Hoping her change of location would put a stop to the dreams she has been having, dreams of a faceless man.....it didn't stop them.

I had a chance a while back to speak with Meredith Allard, I was supposed to read/review but my computer had crashed and I had lost all of my books so when I was asked to review again through Bewitching Book Tours I jumped at the chance having wanted to read for some time. When I had spoke to Meredith and had a chance to ask a few questions one was on the research she did for this novel. I was very impressed that she travelled to Salem to do her research and I loved seeing her pictures on her website she took while there. It always impresses me when an author puts so much time and effort into their research and writes with accurate times, dates and the stories being told are accurate as well.

The first book for me was a job well done, creating the characters, the story line, and the detail Meredith put into describing and setting the stage for the first of three novels was outstanding, it pulled me into the story and held me it captivated me. Leading into book two it wasn't just another story about vampires, werewolves and witches. It was much more than that, yes it's a Paranormal novel but it also tells of a story that can be very much related to today's times, of what other cultures have to go through when their culture is not understood and people are scared of what they have heard through gossip or word of mouth, not by getting to know a person and understanding for themselves, seeing a person for who they really are not what they are.

When I was almost to the end of the second book, I had to slow down my reading as I really did not want the story to end, I was bonding with the characters, with their situation, cheering on their love story and for the fairy tale ending, but of course it being the second book I was left with a cliffhanger that left my jaw hanging open. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the last chapter. I can't wait for the third book to come out and hope it's soon. This really is a must read and I know you will all enjoy it as much as I did!!!

About the Author:

Meredith Allard is the Executive Editor of The Copperfield Review, an award-winning literary journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. She received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from California State University, Northridge. She has taught writing to students aged 10 to 60, and she has taught creative writing and writing historical fiction workshops at Learning Tree University, UNLV, and the Las Vegas Writers Conference. Her writing has appeared in journals such as The Paumanok Review, Moondance, Wild Mind,Muse Apprentice Guild, The Maxwell Digest, CarbLite, Writer’s Weekly, and ViewsHound. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Amazon—Her Dear & Loving Husband

Amazon—Her Loving Husband’s Curse

Smashwords

BN—Her Dear & Loving Husband

BN—Her Loving Husband’s Curse

The Copperfield Review

Review: Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy

2012-07-22T18:56:00.002-07:00

Supernaturally Kissed: Book 1, Frostbite Series

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice.

Kipp, a former cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five-year-old cold case of Hannah Reid’s disappearance, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself.

Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever, or find the killer.

Demonically Tempted: Book 2, Frostbite Series

Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.

But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.

Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?

My Thoughts:

As of late my head has been tightly wrapped with reading the Historical Fiction/Romance which I love so much, but when an email for this tour came to me I had to stop so I could read this series. The covers drew me in and when I read the blurb I had a feeling it was going to be a good series. Now I am a total Paranormal junkie, but to be honest I haven't really read a lot with Ghost's, it is a particularly interesting subject to me being able to talk with the spirits, mediums and so on. My father passed away 5-years ago and I'll tell you there hasn't been a day gone by I wish to hell I could see him, talk to him just one more time. So when I read the blurb for this series I had a feeling it was going to be good. What I didn't realize was that is was going to be awesome.

Tess and Kipp have to be two of the most favorite characters I have loved reading. Tess is just a normal down to earth, girl next door kinda gal, living her life, going to work, being with her friend Carley, who by the way is so funny, I liked her right away, but Tess has this ability that really only Carley knows about. She has the ability to see, hear and talk with ghosts who haven't crossed over yet, she was in a fatal car accident and after being brought back to life woke up with this ability.

Kipp McGowen, a young cop, hot, sexy, funny, kind, did I say hot.....omg this man sizzles, but there's one problem....he's a ghost who is trying desperatly to get Tess to help him. The heat the bounces between Tess and Kipp makes you need to have a cold shower after reading this book, or go make your partner/spouse a very happy person :) So Kipp the hunk needs Tess to help him find out not only who killed him but Hannah as well which is contected to Kipp's death as the story begins. This book is packed full of everything you look for in a great book, funny, shocking, mystery, a love story, sizzling sexy scenes, a fantastic plot and story line that will take you on an incredible rollercoaster ride of emotions with an ending that I DID NOT see coming. I could NOT put this book down, I read it in a day and went on to book #2 and read it in a day.

Book two picks up right where the first one ends, now you really must read them in order to understand and grasp the whole concept to fully enjoy them. The cast of characters is one you will bond with, Eddie, Max, Zach, I'd have to say Zach and Carley are so funny, they are like your best friends, you will laugh out loud at Tess with her bold attitude, she has no problem telling you like it is, she is a call em how she see's em gal, but kind, vulnerable, soft hearted. I really liked Tess she reminded me of myself lol.

This series is one you really don't want to pass by, if your looking for something new, action packed, great love story, sexy, hot as hell scenes, fantastic cast and an outstanding story, this is the series you will want to sit out on your deck in the wonderful sun or take to the beach with you. This is a huge summertime hit and I can't wait until the Fall for book #3, I will probably have withdrawls until I get the third book in my hands. Bravo Stacey Kennedy Bravo!!!! Enjoy everyone!!

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart-squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and they even give you a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll also find fast-paced action, life-threatening moments and a big bad villain who needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance eBooks bestseller lists.

Stacey welcomes comments from readers. You can find her at: www.staceykennedy.com

BUY LINK

BOOK TRAILER

*SERIES DOES NOT CONTAIN STANDALONE STORIES. MUST BE READ IN ORDER. FIRST BOOK IN FROSTBITE SERIES IS SUPERNATURALLY KISSED*

Re-Released of Pulled by A. L. Jackson

2012-07-18T13:25:00.001-07:00

Melanie Winters and Daniel Montgomery shared a love most only dream of, a love they believed bonded them together for life. When their world is shattered by the tragic loss of their daughter, overwhelming grief and misguided guilt distorts the truth, and their relationship ends in uncertainty and unanswered questions.

For nine years, they drift through life, each unable to forget the one who holds the strings to their heart. In an attempt to escape the pain of her past, Melanie finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, while Daniel loses himself in a career that means nothing without Melanie by his side.
Now, when their lives again intersect, neither can deny the connection they felt so long ago.

But will the power that drew them together be enough to heal the wounds from their past, and will they have the courage to overcome the insecurities and fears that threaten to keep them apart?

Pulled is a story of attraction and separation, of destiny and duty, of a love so strong it refuses to give up even when all others have.

I am very proud and honored to announce the Re-Release of Pulled by A.L.Jackson, below is my original review of this beautiful love story that touch my heart, a story that has stayed with me since finishing the book. I have also been given permission to do a ebook giveaway, so for those who follow my blog and A.L. Jackson's blog or facebook also leave your email in a comment on this post and on July 30th I will announce the winner!!! Good Luck everyone!!

My Original Review:

I was offered by the Author Amy Lichtenhan a copy of her book in exchange for a review, and just by looking at the beautiful cover I wasn't really sure what to expect. To me I just thought it was going to be another romance novel like so many others I have read and enjoy to read, there is nothing better than a juicy romance. Well I am here to tell you now, this is absolutely NOT your average romance book. I haven't been on an emotional roller coaster like that in such a long time.
Melanie and Daniel met as teenagers and fell in love at first site, the kind of deep love where you can sense when the other is hurting even if your not in the room with them, they were inseparable as most soulmate's are. After a tragic car accident one night, Melanie and Daniel's lives took a turn neither one of them had ever thought would happen. When trying to put their lives back together after this horrible accident, and many whisper's in Melanie's ear, she thought it would be best for all if she moved back with her mother.

After many misunderstandings Melanie left and moved to Chicago to start over and try to forget the past events that led up to her leaving and put her life back together the best she could. The fate of Daniel and Melanie was destined not to be over and the book takes us through the journey as they find their way back together being "Pulled" by Destiny.

This is one amazing book, as soon as I started to read it, I was sucked in so fast I didn't even realize it until I was half way through it. I could not put it down at all. The emotional ride Amy takes us on is to say the least incredible. It can be a hard book to read at times especially if you have gone through some if not all of the things as the main character Melanie has gone through. I have not gone through all of it, but, I could relate with some of it. Melanie had gone through a lot of mental and verbal abuse and then later on physical abuse at the hands of her husband. The book was beautifully written, it made me cry, laugh, cheer on Melanie and Daniel when things were heating up, oh yes and the steamy love scenes *sigh* Now if I go on and tell you much more, I will have given you spoilers, I can't do that to you so I won't say anymore. :)

This is a MUST READ novel for anyone wanting to read a true love story of two people trying to overcome and beat all odds. I believe in the power of love and how if your love is true and strong enough you can make it through even the toughest of times. I also believe every thing happens for a reason, even though you don't know why at the time, all will be revealed in the end. I loved this book, it will make you cry tears of sadness and tears of happiness, it will make you go "no way, she did not just do that" it is as the title of the book says you will be "Pulled" in and will not be able to put this book down until the end. I hope you will all enjoy this book as much as I did, and I cannot wait to read what Amy has in store for us next!!!!

About the Author:

A.L. Jackson first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.
www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/aljackson

For anyone wanting to purchase Pulled here is the link to Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Pulled-A-L-Jackson/dp/1938404009/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

An Unexpected Baby by Shandonna Richards Review

2012-07-09T11:58:00.002-07:00

AN UNEXPECTED BABY

(The Bride Series)
By Shadonna Richards

Getting a man is one thing…keeping him is a whole different story!

Recently wed to her hot boss, CEO Evan Fletcher, Emma Wiggins-Fletcher thinks her sizzling hubby is avoiding spending quality time with her…that is until Emma discovers that her pregnancy test is positive.

A baby changes everything. Jetsetter Evan discovers his new wife is pregnant and cancels an important business trip and prepares to rearrange his workaholic life to pamper his newlywed princess. Emma is over the moon about the new special affection from her spouse and her ill grandfather. Gramps has been given six more months to live, and he is so delighted about the baby news, he plans a surprise for the couple.

Too bad her world is turned upside down when she discovers the pregnancy test was false. Emma has been enjoying Evan’s renewed attention and he’s already shifted his life around to be daddy to their unborn. How could she possibly break the news to her husband and to her ailing grandfather without breaking their hearts? Still, pretending to be pregnant is a whole different story and can only last so long before they find out the truth.

My Thoughts:

Well I must say I enjoyed this little book so much, it was 40-pages but for 40-pages this little book was jam packed with twists and turns and a very wonderful story I wish had of gone on longer. Emma and Evan are newlyweds now from what Im gathering as I have not read the first book in The Bride Series yet, was a quick marriage for the purpose of making a wish come true for Emma's dying Grandfather.

Emma has taken a pregnancy test and to her first glance it's positive and tells Evan and makes him the happiest man ever, but what Emma didn't realize was she in fact was NOT pregnant she read the test wrong, and this starts a rollercoaster ride right to the very end of the book. As I was reading I was praying the whole time that things would turn out better for Emma and just when you think it's not going to the book takes a huge twist I never saw coming. I cannot say anymore else I ruin the ending you just have to trust me when I say read this little book it will make you smile, laugh, gasp out loud and almost cry. Such a huge story for 40-pages. Enjoy everyone I know I did!!!!

**Here’s the set up for the prequel for AN UNEXPECTED BRIDE (Book 1 in The Bride Series) for those who haven’t read the first book.

Emma Wiggins is about to marry her heart-stopping, gorgeous boss, CEO Evan Fletcher, in seven days--too bad he doesn't know it yet!

Desperate to fulfill her ailing grandfather's last wish to see her settle down and get married, Emma Wiggins, a 30-year-old, career-focused executive tells him a little white lie on his deathbed that she is in fact engaged--to her boss, deliciously handsome and emotionally unavailable, Evan Fletcher.

The situation takes an unexpected turn when her grandfather's condition improves slightly and to her shock, he goes ahead and arranges a wedding ceremony at his hospital bedside before he passes on. Now, all Emma has to do is convince unsuspecting, commitment-phobic Evan to tie the knot with her in seven days. Can love blossom in the most unlikely situation?

“A feel good romantic comedy you won’t want to miss”

“The much anticipated sequel to the Kindle #1 Bestseller in Humor 'An Unexpected Bride' (The Bride Series) which has sold 45,000 copies in its first eight months of release on Amazon.com”

What some reviewers have said about An Unexpected Bride (The Bride Series)

"Author Shadonna Richards has an "unexpected" bestseller on her hands with this unheralded romantic comedy....An Unexpected Bride has sold 10,000 copies in its first three months..."
-KINDLE NATION DAILY

"Shadonna Richards is a wonderful author!...It's a sweet and romantic story that will sweep you off your feet."
-REVIEWS BY MOLLY

"This sweet and humorous romance is sure to keep you entertained as well as have you giggling" - TWEEZLEREADS

"I would recommend this book to fans of chick-lit and light romance or anyone looking for a book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon." -HANDS AND HOME

About the Author:

Bestselling author Shadonna Richards has a B.A. Degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Nursing. She enjoys reading and writing about the magic of romance and the power of love. She is the author of the non-fiction books, A Gift of Hope and Think & Be Happy: 365 Empowering Thoughts to Lift Your Spirit (an Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller in Meditation). Winner of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write 2010 Day Two Challenge, she is a member of the Romance Writers of America. An Unexpected Bride became a #1 Kindle bestseller in Humor and is her first novel. It has sold over 45,000 copies in its first eight months on Kindle. She’s a proud mommy and wife and lives in Canada with her husband and son.

You can visit her at www.shadonnarichards.blogspot.com and join her mailing list for updates, giveaways and news on upcoming releases.

www.shadonnarichards.blogspot.com

TWITTER

www.twitter.com/shadonna

2012-07-05T17:44:00.002-07:00

First Visions

By Heather Topham Wood

Second Sight Book One

Blurb:

Two years ago, 21-year-old Kate Edwards became deathly ill and slipped into a coma. While unconscious, she crept into the mind of a missing boy and awoke with the knowledge of his location. Friends and family were skeptical and wary of her new ability to see into the minds of others. Their fears prompted Kate to keep her psychic powers a secret. Feeling alienated, she dropped out of college and spent most of her days holed up at her mother's home.
Now another child has been abducted. Police detective Jared Corbett seeks out Kate for her help in solving the case. Reluctantly, Kate agrees and they must work together to bring 8-year-old Cori Preston home to her family. Although attracted to one another, Jared has a girlfriend with ties to the abduction case and Kate is sarcastic and guarded since her coma. With visions she can't control and an uncontrollable attraction to the detective, she wonders if she can leave the past behind and finally stop hiding from the world. Otherwise, Cori may be lost forever.

Jared and Kate have lunch together to discuss one of Kate’s visions about Cori’s abduction (Excerpt 1):

I get you? What the hell was that supposed to mean? His comments were making her feel unsure and suddenly exposed. Quickly, she decided to change the subject. “Your aunt doesn’t have any abilities?”

“No, she just always felt there was more to the world than we could see. Most of her major life decisions are based on answers she receives during tarot card readings. Some of her ideas are pretty out there. But I learned from a young age how to take things with a grain of salt,” he explained.

“Is she local?”

“Not anymore. Kind of lives off the grid now. She met this guy from Maine and moved up there about five years ago. He makes these amazing homemade brooms and Aunt Lizzie helps him run his business.” He gave a fond smile as he thought about his aunt. “You should meet her one day, you’d love her.”

“She sounds cool. Although introductions might be a little awkward. How would you present me? As your psychic sidekick?”

Before he could reply, the waitress returned for their order. He ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and potato salad. Against her better judgment, she went for the cheese fries with a side of gravy.

Jared gave her an undisguised look of distaste once the waitress had left. “How can you eat that crap? Sounds disgusting.” As he let his gaze run over her body, she felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Why are you so thin? You should be a hundred pounds overweight if you eat that kind of stuff.”

Kate snorted. Jeez, she really needed to stop snorting in his presence, talk about one of the least attractive qualities. “I’m hardly thin, I saw your girlfriend. I look like Cartman from South Park next to her.”

“Ugh, girls with their weight issues,” he said and waved her off. “Want to show me that sketch now?”

She pulled the picture out of her purse and he examined it thoroughly. After a moment of thoughtful consideration, he remarked, “You did a good job, I have a few ideas of what type of car it may be. Looks like an older model Ford or Toyota sedan. You said about ten years old and dark green?”

She nodded and he continued, “I’ll work on getting printouts of models from around that time period. See if we can get an exact match.”

“I wish I could’ve seen the license plate, but it wasn’t visible from the angle he brought Cori out in. The garage was well-lit, but the rest of the house was dark. The layout of the house looked like a Cape Cod style, but honestly he dragged her through so quickly I couldn’t say for sure.” She sighed and then took a sip of her diet soda. She figured ordering the diet soda helped to cancel out the massive amounts of calories in the cheese fries.

“Do you have any idea of a timeframe? How long she was in the car for?”

“She was unconscious for part of the ride. She didn’t have a good sense of time, but I would say he was driving for no more than twenty minutes while she was awake. It was very dark in the house which makes me guess it could have been a lot later after he left the Prestons. Not sure if he went anywhere first before heading to his house. Maybe someone near Cori’s house will remember seeing that type of car. I can’t imagine too many of the Prestons’ neighbors drive a hoopdie like that.”

He leaned back and chewed on his thumb. “With the damage to the front, it would definitely stand out. Of course, I wish we knew more, but this has been extremely helpful, Kate. Thank you.”

Closely, she watched his movements as he patted her hand. It only lasted a second, but Kate felt the touch long after he pulled away. Suffering a loss for words, Kate was grateful for the interruption when his phone rang.

After answering, he put his hand over the receiver and addressed her. “I’m going to step outside and take this. It’s a call from another one of the detectives working on the case.” After her nod, he disappeared out of the diner. While she waited, she fidgeted and tried not to think about how right his hand felt on hers.

A couple of minutes later, he returned with an apologetic look on his face. “Sorry about that. He wanted to let me know that they’re organizing a search party for tonight. The plan is to comb a few wooded areas in town to look for Cori. We have other detectives going door to door with Cori’s picture to see if anyone has any information,” he explained solemnly. It was hard to not get drawn in by his intensity as he spoke about Cori.

As the food arrived at the table, she became convinced greasy food would help get rid of these butterflies she was feeling. She saturated the fries with the gravy. After shoving a forkful in her mouth, she closed her eyes and sighed. “These are heavenly.”

Jared gave her a dubious look while taking a bite of his sandwich. “I can see your arteries clogging right before my eyes.”

She held out her fork to him. “Go ahead and try them. You know you want to.”

He looked on the verge of denial, but eventually caved. “Fine, but I have a feeling I’ll be regretting it.”

She grinned as he took a large bite. He showed no reaction, but she giggled as he reached over and took another large forkful. “I can’t tell if I like it. I better taste some more in order to make a sound judgment.”

“Sounds like a plan,” she said. She grabbed a side dish plate and piled some on it. “Here, stop denying yourself. One serving of disco fries will not kill you.” Her grin could not seem to fade as she pushed the plate to his side of the table.

“So, that’s what these are called? Now that you have me addicted to them, I can blame you when I get too fat to chase anyone down,” he commented between bites. He cut his sandwich in half and held out a piece to her. “Wanna share?”

She took the sandwich from him and felt a jolt as their hands brushed. She was in big trouble and she knew it. More of this and she was going to ask him to procreate on the table right then and there. He returned her smile and seemed to also revel in the intimacy of the moment. She wished she could’ve thrown his phone against the wall when it rang again a second later. Kate felt embarrassed that she was weirding him out when she noticed how uncomfortable he suddenly looked.

My Thoughts:
This was a fantastic book, it was 110 pages that I could not put down and can't wait for the second in this series. For such a small book it has made a huge impact on me, I am not really sure where I stand on the whole second sight if I believe or not believe but this story certainly captures you right from the very start.
I liked very much all the characters the Author has created, Kate I would have to say is my favorite and Jarred, the story flows well and I really like the author's style of writing. The details are done very well, not so many that nothing is left to the imagination but enough so you have a good understanding of Kate's situation and why she has this second site. It was funny, now not many books can make me laugh out loud but this one did and I like when that happens, I like it when a book can draw out that much emotion in a person.
I recommend this book to everyone, it was a page turner with a great ending leaving you not wanting the story to end but also wanting more. Enjoy everyone!!!

Tour wide giveaway

five paperback copies of First Visions and five ebooks are being given away tour wide

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YmExMTJmZmM0NTczY2U4Y2JhMWU1MGJkZGZiMWE4OjYy/

Author bio:

Heather Topham Wood graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Working full-time as a freelance writer for publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine, she writes fiction novels in her spare time. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.

First Visions is the first book in the Second Sight series.

http://authorheather.wordpress.com

Http://twitter.com/woodtop255

The Color of Tea, review and interview

2012-06-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

An exciting debut novel set in the exotic, bustling streets of coastal China—a woman whose life is restored when she opens a small cafÉ and gains the courage to trust what’s in her heart.Lost among the mayhem that defines Macau, Grace’s life is slowly unraveling. Her marriage to Pete is fraying and her dreams of having a family seem hopeless. With the heralding of a new year she resolves to do something bold. Something her impetuous Mama might do. In this pocket of China, filled with casinos and yum cha restaurants, she opens her own small cafe called Lillian’s. This sanctuary of macarons and tea becomes a place where the women of Macau come together, bridging cultural divides, to share in each other’s triumphs and pain. But Grace’s immersion in the cafe takes its toll on her marriage, and when things start to crumble, her beloved Lillian’s suddenly feels like a burden rather than an escape. The recipe for disaster is complete when Pete does the unthinkable. Infused with the heady aromas of Macau and peppered with delectable characters, The Color of Tea is a mouth-watering journey of the senses as Grace rediscovers what it is to love, to live with hope, and embrace real happiness.

My Thoughts:

When I start reading a new book there are a couple of things that have to happen in order for me to one: start reading the book, and two: continue reading the book. The cover of the book is not always important for me but I do love a cover that captures my eye and I sit back and say "oh now that's a beautiful cover" but sometimes I find a cover of a book so beautiful or interesting it can be the only reason I get it and happy I did because it turns out it was an amazing book, but, sometimes that also back fires on me as well. Also if I can't get past the first 2 - 3 chapters most of the time I will put the book aside for a bit but I will always pick it up at a later time, I NEVER not finish a book, it's kind of like a "B" movie, ya just gotta find out what happens at the end of it lol.

Hannah Tunnicliffe has done both, created a beautiful cover very fitting for this book and I had absolutely no problem getting past the first 2 - 3 chapters, in fact the very first chapter had me captured and happily reading and not wanting to put it down at all. Now I'm not sure if you all know this about me, but some of my love's are food lol (who's isnt), a great book, and travelling (which I never get to do). I have always been very interested in Asian culture, it's beauty, serinity, work ethic, respectfulness, lanuage, their love of family, it is a place I have always wanted to travel to. Hannah's detailed descriptions of not only the character's she has created but the cafe Grace has built right down to Macau, China made me feel like I was right there in the story. I could see, feel, hear, and smell everything she was describing, some books go overboard with the details so much that it leaves nothing to the imagination, that was not the case here.

I have to say for a debut novel Hannah has come out with a huge bang! I really loved this book, it is an easy read as the story flows with all the right elements in all the right places. The characters, oh how I loved them all, I made a connection with all of them from Grace to Rilla, Gigi and Marjory and Gigi's grandmother Yok Lan. Grace started out as a weak character but given her current circumstances you understand why, and I really don't think it was that she was weak as much as it was she just didn't understand how to break away from her sadness the was overtaking her. Once Grace decided to open the cafe and the others entered her life that's when the cloud started to lift from Grace's life and eye's.

This was a fabulous story, a great plot and ending, it made me smile, laugh out loud, even tear up at times, it was emotional and I think throughout the book we could at some point relate in someway to what Grace was either going through for feeling. It made me not want the story to end, it would be great to have a second book years later to see how things turned out for all of them. Bravo Hannah, Bravo, a wonderful debut novel and I can't wait to read more from you. I highly recommend this book and hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy!!! Now on to my interview with Hannah.

Please help me welcome Hannah Tunnicliffe to The Purple Jelly Bean Chair, thank you for being here with us today Hannah and please have a seat in the Purple Jelly Bean Chair, Welcome Hannah!

1. How did you get the idea for this novel? What kind of research did you have to do to bring this story to life on the page?

The idea for the novel came to me while on a ferry ride between Hong Kong and Macau. I imagined a woman writing to her mother, a complicated relationship strained by distance and time apart. At the same time I had been thinking about the effect of having children or not being able to have children impacts a woman’s life. Although the plot didn’t come to me all at once these two themes were prevalent from the beginning. Over time the characters developed and they helped to explore these themes in their own ways.

I did a lot of research into various aspects of the book from learning to make macarons with a professional pastry chef through to understanding specific medical conditions. I am lucky enough to have friends that are experts in language or experiences the characters went through whom I regularly plied with questions and bribes.

 2. Your characters seem so alive and real, what’s your secret?

Thank you! I’m not sure I have a secret but perhaps it is that I really love them. They feel real to me. Marjory makes me laugh, Gigi is spirited and clever, Yok Lan is adorable, Rilla is sweet and strong, and Grace, the protagonist, well, she is like the rest of us – kind, complicated, fearful and hopeful all at once. She is imperfect but tries her best and I love her for that. Hopefully readers can recognize themselves (flaws and all) and the women they love in the characters in The Color of Tea.

3. How did it make you feel when you were published for the very first time?

Stunned….thrilled…stunned! I was very shocked when I received the email making an offer to publish The Color of Tea. I didn’t expect it and I couldn’t believe it for many weeks. In fact, it still seems a bit unreal. I know it sounds like a cliche but is a dream come true for me.

 4. What is next for you?

More books! For now my days are full to the brim caring for my two young daughters but I will be writing again soon and producing more books for you to read and enjoy. In the meantime you can find news, updates and blog posts on my website:www.hannahtunnicliffe.com

(Here's a fun question I like to end with)

5. Desert Island time, you can bring one person & one thing, what & who would you bring?

That is such a hard question, Natalie! It reminds me of my favourite radio show – BBC’s desert island discs – where guests have to select a few songs, one book and a ‘luxury’ to take with them to a deserted island. I’m not sure I could choose only one person to take with me as I have a husband and two daughters and I couldn’t possibly select only one from the three of them. Perhaps, if it were only a very short stay before inevitable rescue, I would choose to take along Barbara Kingsolver, my favourite author, so I could ask her lots of questions and have a chat about her writing, life and ideas. In which case my ‘thing’ might have to be a tea set - a teapot, tea and cups – so I have something to offer her to drink. I mean, it wouldn’t be right to have a lovely long chat with Barbara Kingsolver without sharing a cup of tea, would it? ;-)

Note to Natalie – Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. I hope you enjoy the book! Love your desert island question, even though it was tricky to answer ;-)

Best wishes, Hannah.

You are most welcome and anytime you'd like to come back you are always welcome here with us, and thank you for taking the time to sit and answer some questions for me today that was so much fun, I wish you tons of success on your debut novel and novels to come!!

Guest Post by Jackie Gamber author of Redheart and Sela: The Leland Dragon Series

2012-04-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Enter the lands of Leland Province, where dragon and human societies have long dwelled side by side. Superstitions rise sharply, as a severe rought strips the land of its bounty, providing fertile ground for the arker ambitions of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon Council Leader, who seeks to subdue humans or wipe them off the face of the land.

As the shadow of danger creeps across Leland Province, a young dragon named Kallon Redheart, who has turned his back on dragons and humans alike, comes into an unexpected friendship. Riza Diantus is a young woman whose dreams can no longer be contained by the narrow confines of her village, and when she finds herself in peril, Kallon is the only one with the power to save her. Yet to do so means he must confront his past, and embrace a future he stopped believing in.
A tale of friendship, courage, and ultimate destiny, Redheart invites readers to a wondrous journey through the Leland Dragon Series.

Peace was fleeting. Vorham Riddess, Venur of Esra Province, covets the crystal ore buried deep in Leland's mountains. His latest device to obtain it: land by marriage to a Leland maiden. But that's not all.

Among Dragonkind, old threats haunt Mount Gore, and shadows loom in the thoughts of the Red who restored life to land and love. A dragon hunter, scarred from countless battles, discovers he can yet suffer more wounds.

In the midst of it all, Sela Redheart is lost, driven from her home with only her old uncle to watch over her. As the dragon-born child of Kallon, the leader of Leland's Dragon Council, she is trapped in human form with no understanding of how she transformed, or how to turn back.

Wanderers seek a home, schemes begin to unfurl, and all is at risk as magic and murder, marriage and mystery strangle the heart of Esra. A struggle for power far older and deeper than anyone realizes will leave no human or dragon unaffected.

In a world where magic is born of feeling, where the love between a girl and a dragon was once transformative, what power dwells in the heart of young Sela?

“Sela” Blog Tour – “Where did my characters come from?”

By Jackie Gamber, author of “Redheart” and “Sela”, books 1 and 2 of the Leland Dragon Series

In an earlier blog post for the “Sela” Blog Tour, I talked about characters, and how bits of life, and people, get collected into The Kaleidoscope to be examined and borrowed from.

That’s how most writers, I think, find characters for stories.

But what about the Leland Dragon Series, and the characters, in particular, from my latest book, “Sela”? Where did they come from?

The quick and easy answer is that they came from the world I created for them.

In reality, it’s a little more complicated than that.

Oftentimes, I’m not clear as to whether my mind creates a world, or if characters come first, and the world fills in around them. Most of my thinking and imagining is done in the shadows, at the peripherals of my attention. Dots are connecting. Characters are chatting; either with me, or with each other.

For “Sela”, many characters from “Redheart” came along for the next generation, such as Kallon, Riza, Jastin, and Orman. Some characters offer a deeper look into motivation and story, such as Layce Phelcher. And some are brand new to readers; that’s Sela herself, and a handful of supporting cast members, who have yet to fully reveal their importance to the Leland story.

Which is how things work in real life, right? We have friends from way back. Friends we’ve known for a while but are just getting to know. And acquaintances with a promise for friendship we just haven’t yet discovered.

Which is the complicated answer to where my characters from “Sela” came from. Real life.

Well, with a twist.

Fictional characters often have to stand up to harsher scrutiny than real people. After all, when a real person does something stupid, or illegal, or amazingly kind, if we don’t understand it, we can shake our heads. Blink a lot. Stand silently in awe. If we don’t have an explanation, we might grasp for one, but in the end, we know real people are very hard to explain. At some point, we let it go.

Fictional folks, on the other hand, need reasons. We, as readers, need characters to have motives. We want to know them as intimately as we know ourselves. We don’t have to agree with them. We don’t have to like them.

But, they need to make sense.

Which is why developing characters becomes such an intricate dance with creating their world. It’s “nature vs. nurture” played out on a page. If I have an angry character, I need circumstances that turn her that way. If I have an idealistic character, he needs to have a world that allows him that point of view.

For Sela Redheart, I had to get to know her. Find out her dreams, and fears. Find out what she really wants. And I had to put her into a world that challenges her. Holds her back. Withholds her rewards, until she has no other choice but to fight for them.

Just like real life.

Real life, with dragons.

I did mention the twist, right?

Jackie Gamber is the award-winning author of “Redheart” and “Sela”, Books One and Two of the Leland Dragon Series, now available! For more information about Jackie and her mosaic mind, visit http://www.jackiegamber.com

And meet Jackie elsewhere on the world wide web at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/JackieGamber

http://www.twitter.com/JackieGamber
http://www.facebook.com/jackiegamber

Review: Exceeding Expectations by Lisa April Smith

2012-03-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

It’s 1961 and Palm Beach socialite, irresistible rascal and devoted father Jack Morgan encounters genuine danger while staging his suicide to shield his beloved daughters from disgrace. Next, meet his daughter Charlotte (Charlie), an over-indulged 23 year-old struggling to cope with the traumatizing loss of her beloved father, her sister’s resulting mental breakdown and the discovery that she’s suddenly penniless. Fortunately Raul, an admiring young attorney, appears to offer assistance. As terrified as she is about daily survival, Charlie soon realizes that she has to learn what drove her father to kill himself. With Raul’s much needed ego-bolstering, the drive of necessity and unforeseen determination, Charlie finds a practical use for her annoyingly lean 5’ 11” frame. In time, this career finances her hard-wrought independence, her sister’s costly treatment and an emotional eye-opening journey to Paris.

Jumping back in time to romantic pre-WWII Paris readers meet young Alan Fitzpatrick – aka Jack Morgan – lack-luster artist, expert lover, irresistible rascal, and the bewitching girl who will become the mother of his children. Not even Charlie’s relentless detective work will uncover all Jack’s secrets, but in a fireworks of surprise endings, she discovers all that she needs to know and more: disturbing truths about her father, hew own unique talent, crimes great and small and a diabolical villain.

My Thoughts:
First off I have to say I love the new cover for Exceeding Expectations far better than the first cover, this one is much more suited for such a beautiful book, the old saying is never judge a book by its cover and that's is very true but the old cover just didn't do this lovely book justice, so 5 stars for the new cover. This is the first novel of Lisa's that I have had the pleasure of reading and more to come as I now have her on my favorite author list, Lisa has also written Dangerous Lies which I have on my wish list. I was taken in right away with Exceeding Expectations, and you know that is exactally what this book does when you read it, it exceeds your expectations I was absolutely trapped by this book. It captured me in a way I didn't think it would and held me right to the very last page.

Most books that flip back and forth from one place and time sometimes you can get lost and have to go back feeling we have missed something, I am happy to say, not once did I have to back track to make sure I was still on the same wave as the book, and held your deep interest in the book at the same time. Now with all the fantastic characters Lisa has created, how am I supposed to pick my favorite, well I can't it was a collective group and they all work so well together to create a story that is well told, well plotted out and executed perfectly, Alan aka-Jack Morgan, Amelia and Charlotte(Charlie), Petal, Raul oh goodness what a cast. I'm trying really hard to do this review without revealing anything important so forgive me if I'm being vague today, but I just can't spoil such an amazing book you'd kill me lol. Lisa's writing is so classy it flows with just the right amount of romance, mystery, suspense, and the twists and turns with a surprise at the end that will have you sitting with your mouth hanging open when your done! It's quite the surprise, squeeel, I can't wait for you all to read this book, you must get a copy and read so worth it!!! Lisa thank you so much for allowing me to read/review for you, it has been a huge pleasure for me. Enjoy everyone!!!

I was able to steal a few minutes with Lisa from her very busy schedule, please help me welcome Lisa to the Purple Jelly Bean Chair Review, please have a seat Lisa the Purple Jelly Bean Chair is all yours!!

A: Nice to be here. Thank you for inviting me, Natalie.

Q. My first question is one you probably got a lot. Did you always want to be a writer?

A. I wasn’t born holding a pen like some authors claim, but reading has always been an integral part of my life. My family all read voraciously. For most of my life prior to getting married, we didn’t own a television. We were the last American family to own one and when it broke my father refused to fix or replace it. He insisted that television was turning our brains to mush because no one was reading. I always knew that I could write because I never received less than “A’s” on essays and term papers. And I do remember, when I was in elementary school, daydreaming about characters and inventing elaborate plots, but at twelve grownup responsibilities forced me to focus on the practical. Fortunately, I found time to read – non-fiction to feed my hungry curiosity and fiction for escape and solace. But it wasn’t until my children were grown that the need to write fiction resurfaced, abruptly, with the impact of a tsunami.

Q. Do your books require much research?

A. Absolutely! Some books more than others. I’m a stickler for accuracy. When I find the 2nd or 3rd critical error in a book or movie, that’s it for me. I’m done. Fortunately, I love history and find research fascinating. I estimate that for every researched detail I use, thirty are waiting to be plucked from my Word files or taking up needed space in my brain. Is it any wonder I have problems remembering names?

Q. When you’re away from your desk, what you enjoy doing to relax?

A. I love travelling outside the US – which we do from time to time, when I can convince He-Who-Wishes-To-Remain-Anonymous to cooperate. However, if you’re talking about everyday activities, I read, watch reruns of “30 Rock,” play golf, tend to my cactus and orchids, visit museums, talk on the phone with my kids, volunteer tutor at an afterschool program and do laundry. While most people consider laundry a tedious chore, I find filling and emptying the washer/drier an excellent mindless break. Ironing? Not so much.

Q. You mentioned traveling. Tell us about some of the places you’ve visited, where would you like to see that you haven’t and name the place you’d most like to return to?

A. A three part question: 1) We’ve been to Aruba, Guadalupe, St. Martin, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Italy, France, England, China – loved them all. 2) I’d like to go everywhere but if I had to choose a few favorites it would Spain, Argentina, Holland, Peru, Russia and Israel. 3) If I had to pick only one, I would go back to China – in a heartbeat. We spent three weeks touring and there’s still so much we haven’t seen. It’s a huge, very diversified country with deserts and snow-capped mountains, sophisticated business-centric cities and rural farmland. And because many parts of China haven’t been affected by industrialization you can still find examples of things being done the same way they were done hundreds of years ago. That’s fascinating!

Q. Have you ever fantasized about living in a foreign country and where would that be?

A. When we were in Stesa, a town in northern Italy on the shore of Lake Maggiore it was hard not to fantasize about living there. The view of the snow-capped Alps across the broad water is breathtaking. The weather is so mild throughout the year that palm trees flourish there. Summers are cooled by its proximity to the largest lake in Italy. The people I met were warm and gracious. And when I got the urge to travel, getting around Europe doesn’t require seven hours in a plane. The only negative is the distance to my family, which is the reason my daydream will always remain a daydream.

Q. We know that getting attention in a highly competitive market is difficult. Do you often wish you could focus your time solely on writing?

A. Much of the time, that’s exactly how I feel. Promoting your book requires a great deal of time for authors, but it’s something that has to be done. I was told by a manager at the Barnes and Noble store in West Palm Beach, James Patterson comes in daily to make certain that his latest book is prominently displayed. Apparently, after selling millions of his books, James Patterson still believes promotion is vital.

Q. What can you tell us about Exceeding Expectations, your new book?

A. I intended the book to be a page-turner suspense, primarily written for women, so naturally I included romance. The factual events that inspired it took place in Palm Beach, playground of the mega-rich, which triggered my imagination to incorporate additional lush settings, like an expansive estate in Virginia, an entire 5 story Manhattan townhouse, and of course Paris. But frankly, I adore the characters. There’s the irresistible rascal Jack Morgan – lackluster artist, gifted lover who prefers women older than himself, and utterly devoted father. His daughter Charlotte (Charlie), a self-deprecating 23 year old who is aware that she’s pampered, over-protected and unprepared to do anything besides marrying a member of her elite social class. Raul Francesco, the flirtatious young lawyer, Cuban expatriate, who enjoys teasing Charlie, when he’s not helping her deal with the fallout of her father’s devastating suicide. But I also provide the supporting characters unique and memorable personalities. I don’t want to ruin the surprises that I’ve worked to hard to include by identifying and describing them. Readers will discover them for themselves.

Q. Just what do you enjoy reading. Where do you get your inspiration?

A. My books are generally inspired by media coverage of events and people that I find intriguing. In 1998, Florida television and newspapers were reporting a story of a local Palm Beach socialite (ironically named Fagan) arrested for kidnapping his daughters eighteen years earlier, when they were 2 and 5 years old. The primary reason that it had taken eighteen years to find Fagan was that he had successfully reinvented himself. As William S. Martin, a handsome widower with two young daughters and no apparent means of support, Fagan had met and married a wealthy Palm Beach widow. After their divorce, another affluent woman agreed to wed and maintain his family’s plush lifestyle.
Neighbors, friends and the teachers at the girls’ tony private school all described him as “likeable,” “charming” and “devoted father.” Throughout his arrest and subsequent proceedings, his loyal third wife steadfastly stood by him, as did both daughters. Perhaps what most surprised people who followed the case was that the girls’ mother, a research scientist teaching at the University of Virginia, through the media and her attorney, repeatedly begged her daughters to meet with her and they refused. To my knowledge, that continues to this day.
As I was following the case I found myself thinking that there was an even juicier story behind this headline-grabber and set out to create one. I began with a few core facts. A man with an invented name and history, twice married to wealthy widows, living in Palm Beach, playground of the mega-rich and famous, and involved in a crime. Two adoring daughters unaware of their true identities. Over time my imagination happily supplied the rest. A townhouse off Fifth Avenue. A sprawling estate in Virginia. Romantic Paris in the years prior to WWII. A riveting past for Jack Morgan: skilled lover, lack-luster artist and irresistible rascal. A full-blown range of challenges and hard-wrought triumphs for his traumatized daughter Charlotte (Charlie).

About Lisa April Smith

Author Lisa April Smith lives with her husband, He-Who-Wishes-to-Remain-Anonymous, in

Eternal Playland, Florida, a delightful spot just off I-95. Ms. Smith describes Eternal Playland as
"a little piece of level heaven with occasional dampness, where the bugs are plentiful but respectful, and even the smallest strip mall contains at least one pizza place and a nail salon."
Before discovering a passion for writing, Ms. Smith sold plumbing and heating, antiques, taught ballroom dancing, tutored, modeled, designed software and managed projects for IBM. She
returned to college multiple times to study anthropology, sociology and computer science, in which she holds degrees, as well as psychology, archeology, literature, history and art. Combine those widely diverse interests with a love of travel and a gift for writing page-turners and it’s easy to understand one reviewer’s unbridled praise for Exceeding Expectations, “She (Ms. Smith) has a brilliance for conveying characters, and the intellectual capacity to place them in historical settings that sparkle with glamorous detail . . . that make it fun to read . . . ” But it takes much more than lush settings, an eye for detail and a love of history to write a page-turner. Read what another reviewer said about Exceeding Expectations: “Lisa April Smith . . . has woven an intriguingly rich tapestry of delightful well-developed characters into a perfectly balanced plot bursting with riveting mystery, crimes of the petty and the horrible sort, suspenseful twists, and romantic tension complete with love scenes that sizzle and pop. . . Clearly, this author has, and wishes to share with her readers, what the French call joie de vivre – not simply the joy of life – but an all-encompassing appreciation for every facet of life.”

For more about Lisa, her books, and upcoming projects visit her website: http://www.LisaAprilSmith.com.

Lisa April Smith can be contacted at WriteLisa(at)LisaAprilSmith(dot)com

Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LisaAprilSmith

Friend her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaApril.Smith

Ok so here's a little teaser for you, Lisa has allowed me to post the first chapter of Exceeding Expectations and where you can go grab your copy, Enjoy!!!! Again Lisa thank you so much for being here with us today, I hope you were comfortable in my purple jelly bean chair :)

Chapter One of

Exceeding Expectations

January 2, 1962
       Glancing down at the Porsche’s speedometer Jack eased up on the gas. The nearest car was a mile back, but a cop could be hiding around the next bend. Being stopped by the police did not fit into Jack’s plan. He blamed the excitement. And guilt. Composing the single page to his daughters had been agony. There was no nice way to say he intended to kill himself. There were no comforting euphemisms for suicide. No words to excuse a mortal sin. And worst of all, no way to ease the pain his beloved girls would experience. But they, and everyone else, had to believe his intention was absolute and irreversible or the plan would fail. After several miserable gut-wrenching attempts, Jack wrote how much he loved them and said that this was something he had to do to protect them.
       Knowing he could rely on Petal’s steely strength, Jack’s letter to his wife was more direct. He had explained that he was doing this to save her and his girls from scandal and disgrace. And as he was making this noble sacrifice, he knew she could be relied on to be good to his daughters. Petal might not be the maternal sort, but no one could accuse her of being tight-fisted. After reading the letter, his dying declaration, and waiting for two Chivas Regal’s straight to take effect, she would call a few select members of her powerful family, and her attorney. The results of those calls would be a discreet obituary in The New York Times, another in the local paper, hinting at a long-term debilitating disease, and no further investigation. A quiet memorial service would be held in Manhattan, Petal’s preferred place of residence, and she would be stunning in black for the next six to ten weeks, depending on her social calendar.
       The best thing about his plan was its simplicity. He would wait until two or three in the morning when the roads would be deserted, park the car on the middle of a bridge and disappear into the night. The bridge and town had been carefully selected – less than a five-mile walk to the railroad to prevent someone later recalling giving a lift to a stranger. And the town had to be small – an insignificant speck on the map. The smaller the town, Jack had reasoned, the less sophisticated the police force. Fielding, Florida, a town that lacked a drug store, supermarket, bank, and beauty parlor was ideal. Serious crime in Fielding probably consisted of intimidating the kids who tipped over outhouses on Halloween and jailing the same town drunk every Friday night. A costly abandoned car, coupled with the later discovered suicide notes, guaranteed Jack would be the topic of intense gossip for years, and the object of a bumbling investigation for no more than a week. The Porsche would get more attention than the lack of a corpse in an area where alligators outnumbered house pets, and a Ford with all four fenders intact was considered a damned fine automobile.
      Once he boarded a train he’d be fine. Men who rode the rails kept secrets. They were members of a tribe of vagabonds who preferred the town around the next curve – adventurous men ready to share a pot of tramp stew with another kindred spirit. And he was eager to join them. For the last two and half decades, his life had revolved around his girls. Jack had chosen that life and never once regretted it. A man couldn’t have finer daughters than Amelia and Charlotte. But they were grown now and maybe he had earned himself a change. He thought he might head for Texas, a leviathan-sized state where a man’s past was not apt to be questioned. And Texas was known for its horses. He loved horses — riding them, watching them trot, canter, toss their heads, nurse their foals. Gorgeous, glorious creatures they were.
        After several hours of driving through towns too small to boast a stop sign, Jack reached his destination. A weather-beaten building with a concave roof housed the grocery that doubled as Fielding’s post office. He gave his letters to a leathery man behind the counter and gazed at a jar of pickles with interest. He had been so focused on reaching his destination he had forgotten to eat lunch. “Is there a place around here to get something to eat?” “Just Wiley’s. Kind of a bar/restaurant down the street. Lost its sign in the last hurricane, but you’ll find it.”
      An orange neon light in the window erratically flickered Budweiser. Jack glanced inside. It was more bar than restaurant, and grimy. Lacking an alternative, he entered. A wall of vacant knotty-pine booths faced a long bar backed by a mirror so streaked with fly droppings and smoke, that reflected images appeared cloudy. Five or six patrons turned to note his presence and then quickly resumed what they had been doing. Jack proceeded to the bar’s last booth and took a seat where he could oversee the comings and goings. The gym bag containing twenty-seven thousand dollars he stowed under the table.
      A blowsy overweight waitress with an elaborate hairdo and a too-tight skirt approached. “Need a menu?” she asked as she wiped the table with a dingy towel.
      “What time do you stop serving food?”
      “The kitchen closes at eight.”
      Jack removed his buck suede jacket and placed it on the seat beside him. Assuming this place closed at midnight, he had five long hours to kill. “Bring me a draft beer and a hamburger. And if you could spare a newspaper, I’d appreciate it.”
      She soon returned with his beer and a ten-page weekly tabloid filled with notices of church events, and feed and grain ads. It was a typical weekday night in a small town bar: plenty of griping and boasting, lengthy recitations of what could have been and should have been, a few stale jokes, more men than women, a lot of talk, little action.
      “Would you turn up the radio?” a customer called from the far end of the bar. “That’s me and Wanda’s favorite song.”
      The bartender adjusted the dial. A twangy melancholy western tune drowned out the dull background noise.
      “Turn it down! Turn that blasted thing down!” several customers shouted in unison.
      The bartender found an agreeable level of volume and conversation resumed. It started to rain about nine — a light drizzle at first and then a steady hard-driving downpour. On her return trip from the ladies room, a woman in her late thirties, attractive in a tired way, paused to inquire if Jack would be in town for a while. He politely explained that he was just passing through and she rejoined her companions at the bar.
      “That would be eighty cents, including the beer. Would you mind settling up now?” the waitress asked at nine-thirty. “I’m leaving in a few minutes. Buddy, that’s the bartender, he’ll take care of you. I’m going home to my kids.” Jack handed her a dollar and told her to keep the change. At ten o’clock Jack went to the men’s room and ducked into a stall. Removing the bills from the gym bag Jack distributed them around the money belt. Twenty-seven thousand dollars. Money painstakingly gleaned from his checking account in amounts that wouldn’t later arouse suspicion. It wouldn’t finance the way of life he had been enjoying very long, but it could buy ten new Chevrolets. More than enough for a fresh start.
      Customers, who had been checking their watches and shaking their heads for the last hour or more, decided the rain was not going to let up. One by one, they finished their beers, turned up their collars, cursed the weather and dashed into the street.
      “Last call,” the owner announced to Jack and two stragglers. “Closing at eleven cause of this miserable weather.”
      “No more for me. I gotta go to work tomorrow,” the older of the two remaining men announced. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and paid his tab. Jack closed his eyes and listened to rain pounding the wood roof. The last customer drank his beer and stared out the front window at the unrelenting downpour. He was about Jack’s size and weight, somewhere in his twenties – a kid. His light brown hair was home-cut and in need of a trim. His pants were deeply creased and stained with what Jack guessed to be grease. A handyman, or maybe a mechanic who worked nearby.
      Jack grabbed the empty gym bag, handed a dollar bill to the bartender, and headed for the door. The kid blocked the exit.
      “My truck’s about a mile or so down the road. It weren’t raining when I started out. I’d be grateful, mister, if you could give me a ride,” the kid said.
      Jack appraised the kid grinning back at him. Crooked teeth vied with one another for space, and his tired green eyes spoke of a resilience born of hardship. The faded denim shirt he wore over a grimy T-shirt would provide no protection from the cold and rain. Jack looked at the bartender owner hoping for some indication that this kid was a local, but the bartender was busy counting the day’s receipts. “You having any trouble with that truck?” Jack tapped his chest. “This old ticker of mine doesn’t work as good as it used to,” he lied. “If you need a hand with that truck, I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to help.”
       “I got no trouble with the truck. Runs dandy,” he assured Jack. “I left it at a farmhouse to be unloaded. Sold them folks a cord of firewood. But they had to unload and stack it theirselves. That was the deal. They unload it and stack it theirselves whilst I go into town.”
      Jack weighed the risk. He had twenty-seven thousand dollars in the money belt, but this kid didn’t know that. All he knew was that it was pouring, it was cold and he needed a ride. Eleven o’clock was far too early for Jack to carry out his plan. All that awaited him was two or three hours of boredom in a parked car. “What’s your name, kid?”
      “Folks mostly call me Iowa.”
      “My name’s Jack and the Porsche across the street is mine. Wait here. No sense both of us getting soaked.” By the time Jack reached the car and jumped in, his hair and clothes were drenched. Mostly Iowa had fared little better. “Which direction?” Jack asked his passenger.
      “You’re headin’ the right way. Just follow the road a piece. I’ll tell you where to turn.”
      “Is it on the left or the right?”
      “Left.”
      “I expect you live around here.”
      “Just passin’ through.”
      They soon left the residential part of town. The driving rain and incessant flip-flop flip-flop of the windshield wipers blurred his vision. Jack tried the high beams and quickly switched back. Pointing to a dim light on what appeared to be a house he asked, “It that it?”
      “Nope. That ain’t it. It’s up yonder a bit.”
      “When I first saw you, Iowa, I said to myself, now there’s a fellow who knows his way around cars. You a mechanic?”
      “I fiddled with cars some. Nothing as swanky as this.”
      For the next two or three miles there wasn’t a break in the road — not a path, planted field, farmhouse or shed, only endless sawgrass and pine trees. “That had to be some hike into town. Are you sure we didn’t pass it? You did say it was on the left?”
      “Yep. On the left.”
      While Jack had been struggling to locate the elusive house and truck, Mostly Iowa had been facing right. Damn! What an idiot he had been! A solitary man wearing expensive clothes and a flashy gold watch. A new Porsche – obviously his. A mysterious gym bag that had never left his side. A transient loner who needed a ride. “We must have passed it. I’m going to turn around.”
      “Just pull over here!” Mostly Iowa’s eyes were cold. His right hand expertly cradled a knife.
      Targeted like a deer by a hungry kid. Stalked! Jack’s foot remained on the accelerator. “You don’t want to do this, Iowa. How about I slow down to ten, fifteen miles an hour and you jump out? We part friends and forget this ever happened.”
      “You stop this here car or I’ll stick you like a pig. It wouldn’t bother me none to kill you.”
      Now Jack was a man who liked a good laugh as much as the next guy, but irony had its place. Dying the very night he scheduled his fake suicide was not his idea of a joke. Iowa grabbed Jack’s right arm. “Stop this car or I’ll cut out your gizzard and leave it for the birds.”
      “I’m not stopping the car as long as you got that knife,” Jack said in a calm friendly voice. He could feel the frightening tip of the steel blade through his suede jacket. “Toss it out the window and I’ll stop the car.”
      Iowa grabbed the steering wheel. The Porsche hydroplaned and fish-tailed, barely avoiding trees on both sides of the road.
      By intuitively releasing his grip, the finely engineered racing car realigned itself. Jack glanced at his passenger looking for some hint of humanity, still hoping to change the kid’s mind, yet very much aware of the danger. “You’re going to get us both killed. We’re doing twenty miles an hour. The ground is soft from the rain. Open the door and roll out.”
      “Not a chance in hell, you miserable fuck. You’re going to die.”
      The knife slashed the jacket and dug into the money belt. If it weren’t for the thick wad of bills, the blade would be boring into his rib cage. Jack deliberately swerved the car right and then left. Iowa grabbed the wheel. Using the butt of his right fist Jack smashed his attacker’s hand. Iowa howled with pain and dropped the knife. He alternated curses with punches aimed at Jack’s head.
      Jack fought to simultaneously keep the car on the road with his left hand and ward off his attacker with his right. A pothole caught Iowa off balance. He slid away. Jack used the opportunity to use the bent right arm that had been guarding his chest and lash out, landing an explosive blow with his clenched fist. He could feel the bridge of Iowa’s nose collapse, hear the bones crack.
      “Goddamn you! You jackass. You busted my nose!” Iowa fumbled beneath the seat.
      Seeing the dreaded knife reappear, Jack made the only decision left. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He braced himself and floored the Porsche, aiming the passenger side at a massive oak tree. Iowa reached for the wheel again, too late. The car hit the tree with a violent jolt, throwing both men forward. A branch smashed the windshield a microsecond before Jack’s head reached it. The glass shattered harmlessly, but his chest had struck the steering wheel with an impact that left him gasping for air. The motor groaned and sputtered as Jack waited with his eyes closed. His chest ached with every breath. Tentatively touching his forehead he discovered a swelling throbbing bump. Jack opened his eyes. Mostly Iowa had not fared as well. He lay slumped against the door. Blood from the broken nose bathed his face, neck, and shirt. Jack didn’t know if he was dead or unconscious, but he wouldn’t be a threat for a while.
      “Why didn’t you jump when you had the chance?” Jack asked the limp figure. “Soon as I find out what kind of shape I’m in, I’ll figure out what I’m going to do with you. If I can walk back to town, I’ll send someone out to help. And that’s better than you deserve, you dumb bastard, considering you were trying to kill me.”
      Limb by limb, joint by joint, Jack tested his extremities. His arms, hands, and fingers moved, painfully, but they didn’t appear to be broken. He flexed one leg and then the other. “My legs seem okay,” he informed his silent companion. His chest and shoulders ached. “Probably cracked a few ribs and there’s a buzzing in my ears. Going to be sore for a while, as well as black and blue, but I’m alive. What about it, Iowa? You going to make it?”
      Jack leaned across the inert body expecting to hear a heartbeat. Nothing. Silence. The kid was dead! Jesus Christ! He hadn’t intended to kill the kid. His goal had been to prevent his own imminent demise.
      “Now look what you did, Iowa. You tried to kill me and you ended up killing yourself. God damn dumb kid!” he said to keep his teeth from chattering. “God damn dumb kid!” His entire right side throbbed and he was trembling. “Got to get out of here.”
      He tried the door handle. It turned, but the bowed door would not budge. He threw all his weight against it and grimaced. It groaned in sympathy and swung open causing him to crash onto the muddy ground. The rain had subsided to a trickle. Jack wiped his hands on soggy moss and sat down to think beside the demolished car.
      There was nothing more that could be done for Iowa. His problems were over. Jack’s problems had tripled. In a day or two, Petal and the girls would read the letters he had mailed. A first-class plan wiped out because he wanted to help out a dumb kid. Okay, he told himself, if faking his suicide by leaving the Porsche on a bridge was no longer possible, he simply needed a new plan. A new plan. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The Porsche would be traced to him. They would find a dead kid in his car. If he disappeared now he would be accused of murder. Unless . . . Unless . . . Iowa was about his size. The police would assume the body belonged to Jack Morgan if – if it was unrecognizable. But how? The car and its contents would have to be burnt beyond recognition. He could do that. Provided he kept calm, and no one came along in the interim, it was a good alternative plan.
      Jack removed the ruined suede jacket. It could go on the corpse. A scrap of burnt suede would add to the illusion, as would his wedding band. He had intended to sell it before he reached Texas, but it would be better used now. As he removed the ring he noticed his prized gold watch. They might look for it. It was too bad about the watch, but it too had to go.
      The tight quarters inside the crumpled Porsche, coupled with Jack’s reluctance to touch the bloody corpse made the exchange time consuming, exhausting, and grisly. As a final touch, Jack traded shoes with the dead man before shoving him into position behind the wheel.
      An hour had passed since the crash and no one had driven by. His luck was holding. Now he needed matches. Matches or a cigarette lighter. His pockets yielded neither. His plan would fail because he lacked a pack of matches that every bar and restaurant supplied free. Think, he told himself. There had to be a solution. The Porsche’s cigarette lighter. Would it still work? Leaning over Iowa’s body, Jack located it and pressed it. Thirty seconds later it popped out glowing red. God bless the Germans! Every twenty or thirty years, it took a war to remind them who was boss, but they sure knew how to build a car. Jack looked for something to start the fire. Downed branches were too wet. A dry rag. He kept a towel in the trunk.
      Jack walked to the rear of the car to unlock the trunk but it wouldn’t release. He kicked it with his heel. Another sharp kick. The trunk creaked open. A white, still-folded hand towel lay tucked in a corner. A few more minutes and it would be over.
      He stuffed as much of the towel as would fit into the gas tank, then replaced the ignition key. As he was about to press the cigarette lighter he remembered the knife. What if it were found with the remains? Palm beach socialite Jack Morgan didn’t carry a switchblade. He would have to find it. Ten minutes passed as he searched the car and the corpse. He was about to give up when he felt it lodged under the passenger seat. He folded it, tucked it into his belt, and inserted the dependable lighter.
      Half a football field away Jack leaned against a tree and waited. Several times the flame appeared to die, only to flare up again. And then the rag ignited with an enormous pop – followed by ear-splitting thunder. Roaring flames, the height of a church steeple leapt from the car’s rear. Jack could no longer make out Iowa’s silhouette in the flames. Just a few more minutes, he told himself. The smoke and heat from the blaze reddened his face and seared his lungs. When it was time to leave Jack strode away in Iowa’s ill-fitting shoes, away from the wrecked Porsche, the town of Fielding, and his past. Then he heard it. A train whistle. The magical hollow sound of a train whistle. And it wasn’t far off. Damn, if he wasn’t a lucky so-and-so. One of God’s favorite children. Jesus tolerated the pious, sober, and abstinent. Yes, He tolerated the tiresome righteous and their smug unforgiving Christian smiles. And He had little pity for the tyrant, the merciless, and the cruel. But Jesus loved the ordinary sinner. Isn’t that what the bible taught? The Almighty loved sinners. Without sinners there would have been no reason for Jesus to come to earth and experience the joy and pain of mortals.
      Intoxicating freedom mingled with the chilling air. Jack could forget the chafing money belt, cheap ill-fitting shoes, sore feet, and aching muscles. He had a new name and a thousand new possibilities. The next time he found himself with a drink in his hand he would remember Iowa and raise his glass to the tragic dumb kid.
      “This one’s for you, Iowa, you miserable misguided creature,” he would say. “May the good Lord take mercy on your soul and your time in Purgatory be brief.”

Buy Exceeding Expectations on Amazon.com

Buy Exceeding Expectations on BarnesandNoble.com

New Release, review and giveaway!!

2012-03-15T16:15:00.002-07:00

Arazi Crossing Book One: Quinn’s Evolution
By
Carolyn Hockley

The Royals are dying and Evil is poised to conquer the Earth. The time has come; evolutions are in order. Five teens from five continents receive the same gift at the same time. Each gift giver is a special person in their lives, who will later reveal they are actually their Luminares…their guardians, sent by the Royals of Arazi Crossing to watch over them.

Traveling magically across time, the teens are brought together and their destiny unfolds. As their journey begins, each one has a quest to fulfill in order to become a full-blood Ace. If they succeed, they will take the place of the existing Royals who are dying quickly. As the teens travel back in time to complete each quest, they must also come to terms with the sacrifices they have to make in order to become a Royal, an Ace, a sorcerer for Good; watching over and protecting all of humankind.

Can they make the ultimate sacrifice and leave their families forever to join the fight in Good vs Evil? Can each go back in time and complete their life-altering quest before the Royals expire? Quinn, April, Maya, Juina and Janus will have to work together to complete their quests to evolve into the next Royals of Arazi Crossing.

My Thoughts:

I have had the privilege to be able to read a very good friend of mine Carolyn Hockley's new book. I was already excited before she asked to me to read it as she was describing it to me, now fantasy YA is not a usual genre for me to read but from her description I already had a deep desire to read it. So I agreed with the condition it might take me a bit as I had a couple other books to review first, with that said I laid the book down and started reading one of the others I had to get done. Now I have the nasty little habit of smoking and the only place I'm allowed to smoke is in the back room lol, so when I went out to have a break I would read a page or two of Carolyn's book and come back in, I'd sit down go back to what I was doing and my mind started to stray thinking of her book, so I'd go again and read another page or two. Finally when I figured I just couldn't smoke anymore I decided to bring the book in and read the whole thing because really the book grabbed me right from the first chapter and wouldn't let go, I was thinking about it when I wasn't reading it, almost like it was calling me to pick it up again.

So once I brought the book into the house I was able to get comfortable and submerge myself into this wonderful book. The story draws you right in from the first chapter and holds you there and doesn't let go until the very last page, and the cliffhanger at the end will surely leave you saying WTH really that's it, and the feeling you just can't wait for the second in the series. I absolutely love the cast of characters Carolyn has created, each of the teens I fell totally in love with, please don't ask me to pick a favorite because I just can't I love them all, they each have a quality you just can't help liking each of them, The Royals from Arazi Crossing are so sweet but I was sad knowing they are dying off one by one, another cast of characters you will fall in love with, but then there are the teens luminaries, their trainers, the ones who have been watching over them all their lives until it was time to reveal to them their true calling and purpose. Each teens luminaries fit perfectly with them.

I enjoyed how Carolyn gives us a background story on each teen and we get to travel the world to where they live and their families and what is special about each of them. Carolyn's description of their surroundings, families, friends, and what part of the world they are from makes you feel like your right there with them, her details of them traveling to Arazi Crossing and once there in that world, it's like I was there I could see what she was describing, and once Quinn started his quest I felt I was on that quest with all of them.

This was one incredible book from beginning to end, the plot was well planned out, the story was well executed, the characters all of them fit perfectly. I have another author and good friend of mine Patti Roberts you probably remember her books Paradox-The Angels are Here, and when I started reading Carolyn's book it reminded me of Patti's books and the way she brought us into a world I never thought possible before. I am honored to be the first to do a review for Carolyn's debut book, I know when everyone else finds out about this book you will all go nuts for it and I can see it being a huge hit. I know you will all love it as much as I did, Enjoy!!!!

Now on to the giveaway, Yay!!! I love giveaways!!! Thank you Carolyn for offering 2 ebook copies of your debut novel Arazi Crossing. So here are the rules for this contest:

1. You must be a follower of mine, just click the follow button on the right hand side.

2. You must be a follower of: Carolyn Hockley Facebook Page

3. You must be a follower of http://gingertwistsandfairytales.blogspot.com/ Carolyn's blog.

Thats it folks, no big rules to follow I will keep this open until March 23 and will draw the 24/25th. Good luck to everyone!

Review for: The Last Beginning by Rachel Firasek

2012-03-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Though she’s always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She’s seen and done more in the last 150 years than she’d ever dreamed of, but she can’t get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes. Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.

Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that’s exactly where she’s going to end up.

Permanently. Terrified he’s going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her—even if it means she’ll hate him forever

My Thoughts:
The Last Beginning is the last book in this wonderful series, and as happy as I am after reading it I have to say I am sad at the same time. I am sad to see this amazing world and cast of characters Rachel has created has come to an end. I love finding a world and set of characters that you can tell right from get go the author has poured so much love and passion into creating, it wasn't just a series of books, it was her baby, born, nurtured, loved, guided, and lovingly cared for, but like all of our children they grow up and we at some point have to let them go.
I have reviewed and posted of each in this series and I hope you all have had the chance to read them all and enjoyed as much as I have. To re-cap, the first in the series was:

After paying two millennia’s penance to Osiris, world-weary Phoenix Ice has had enough. Saving souls without any hope for her own redemption isn’t how she imagined spending eternity. Fed up, she decides her next death will be her last. But when she sacrifices her own life for a sexy Texan in a catastrophic plane crash, she has no idea the consequences will be so great…or that she’ll end up back in his life for her next assignment.

Now that Turner Alcott has survived the worst, finding a wife and mother for his son matters more than ever before. When the mysterious Ice comes into his life, Turner knows she’s the one—but love is the last thing Ice wants. If he wants to win her heart, Turner must teach Ice how to forgive herself, and prove that love is the ultimate sacrifice.

For three hundred years, Arabella’s life has been one meaningless death after another. In a cruel twist of fate, Osiris–god of the Underworld–gifts the phoenix her mortality and returns her voodoo magic. If she fails to harness her wayward magic and save a man worthy of a second chance, she’ll forfeit her power and her soul–forever.

Ex-soldier Greyson Meadows desperately wants to be freed from the nightmares and guilt that haunt him after the tragedy that brought him and Ari together. Confronted by the waif of a woman who forces him to face his worst fears, he resists, fighting the need to keep his personal demons hidden instead of setting them free.

When Ari becomes the target of her own magical blunder, it’s not just her life in danger, but now the one of the man she loves.

I really am having a hard time choosing a favorite character, Rachel has done such a phenomenal job at creating them you just love them all, Osiris you hate but end up loving and understanding better by the end of the last book, I would have to say Sadie is my favorite but really loved them all. It truly couldn't have ended a better way, I was quite surprised at the curve ball Rachel throws in there, didn't see that one coming at all. This last book takes you for a roller coaster ride like no other that you don't want to miss, it has everything you are looking for in a great book, romance, suspense, mystery, humor, a fantastic plot, and characters you will fall in love with and not want the stories to end. Rachel has masterfully created three books that will be on my shelves forever, Thank you Rachel, well done! Well done! I can't wait to see what Rachel comes up with next I know it will be smashing!!!!

Emergency Funds and Couponing can help you save.

2012-02-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

It's always at this time of the year that we have a hard time, things are slow and getting back on our feet from the holidays is slow going, so I thought I'd take a break from reviews with a guest post from Elsie Brown, she is an author who writes guest posts on the topics of business, marketing, credit cards, and personal finance, I thought this just might be of help to all of us. Welcome Elsie to the Purple Jelly Bean Chair and thank you for being with us today!

Do You Have an Emergency Fund? How Couponing Can Help You Save for Your Future

So many people don’t think about or plan for their financial future until it is too late. The growing popularity of payday loans and using credit cards to get by week to week only proves that people aren’t taking the time to educate themselves about their personal finances. Having an emergency fund is a great way to avoid these financial mistakes.

It has been advised by many financial experts that every household should have at least six months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency fund. This amount of money would definitely come in handy should you become ill, have an accident, or lose your job. You never know what your future holds, and a decent emergency fund could help you with those unexpected expenses.

There are many ways you can save this significant amount of money, though it may take a while. Maybe you have the luxury of making more than you need to spend now, and you can put away that extra income to save for an emergency fund, retirement, or that long awaited vacation. However, many people don’t have this luxury, and they need to find a way to save for this important financial pillow. If at all possible, you should start saving a specific amount of money each month and budget with the money you have left to cover your other expenses. When this is not possible, you will have to find ways to save money on the things you buy each month.

Couponing

Couponing is a great way to save money, no matter what financial situation you are in. Saving a dollar or two at the grocery store may seem like a little now, but when you add all of your savings up at the end of the year, the total may surprise you. In order to make this savings work for you, you should keep track of your total savings on each shopping trip, and then you can put the amount you saved into your emergency fund.

With couponing, you will find that you get out of it what you put in. If you only have an hour or two to find the coupons you need, that’s fine. However, you will find that you save much more if you spend more time working on your couponing strategy. It isn’t necessary to quit your job or become one of those extreme couponers you see on TV, but more effort on your part will result in more savings for you and your family.

Lowering Household Expenses

Another way you can save money to put into an emergency fund is by lowering your household expenses. There are truly countless ways to do this, but the most effective will be saving on your electric bill. When you make the effort to turn off the lights, wash your cloths in cold water, and switch to low energy light bulbs, you will see the difference in your bill. Some other ways you can save energy are unplugging appliances that aren’t being used (especially your television), filling up your refrigerator and freezer, and setting the thermostat a little lower in the winter and a little higher in the summer.

Eliminating Unnecessary Costs

There are also some expenses that you may not necessarily need. If you are looking at financial trouble in your near future, it may be time to eliminate those unnecessary costs and start saving for a potential emergency. Some of these costs may include your cable bill, Netflix, or expensive extra phone services. You may need to take a hard look at your monthly expenses and see what you can live without for a while until you are back on your feet.

Elise Brown is an author who writes guest posts on the topics of business, marketing, credit cards, and personal finance. Additionally, she works for a website that focuses on educating readers about payday loans.

Changeling Dawn Winner !!!!!!!!

2012-02-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

I just want to say thank you to Dani for taking the time to sit with me and allowing me to review her fabulous book and interview her. Also for providing this amazing giveaway. Now on to see who the winner is.......drum roll please.... Congratulations to Rhiannon Tala, Rhiannon I will be sending you and Dani an email and you will have 72 hours to claim your prize, if you do not email me within the 72 hours I will choose another winner. Thank you again everyone for participating in the giveaway it was so much fun. :)

Nattie

Review and Interview: The Placebo Effect by David Rotenberg

2012-02-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

Decker Roberts has the dangerous gift of detecting the truth (synaesthesia). But when his carefully compartmentalized life starts to fall apart he has to go on the run and figure out why he’s being targeted.

There’s also a government agency hunting him down who seems to know everything about him and other people of “his kind.” How will Decker find out which truth was endangering his life? Who betrayed him and revealed all his secrets?

Decker needs to find answers quickly, before knowing the truth turns from a gift into a deadly curse.

My Thoughts:
I get stuck from time to time when I'm reading. Sometimes I can't seem to get enough romance, then I start reading paranormal and can't seem to get enough of that genre, right now I seem to be stuck with mystery, with each mystery/suspense/thriller novel they seem to keep getting better and better. David Rotenberg has a written a great novel, it captured my interest right away, from the very first chapter and I couldn't seem to put it down until I had closed the back cover.

I was provided by Simon & Schuster an ARC copy of this book and after I read it I was so impressed with it I emailed Simon & Schuster and asked could I do an interview with David Rotenberg which you can read after my review. I really thought it was fantastic as David is a Canadian author and I myself am Canadian living in Nova Scotia, it's so cool when reading a Canadian author and being able to say, "hey I've been there", or I know where that is" and you can picture that particular place in your mind, it puts a whole new perspective on reading that book.

Decker is a Synaesthesia, who is a person who has the ability to see if someone is telling him the truth, imagine if we could actually do that, see who is lying to you or not that would be awesome, but poor Decker has tons of people after him because of him having this ability, they all want to know how, why, who else got it. This is a fantastic novel that takes you on a roller coaster ride with twists and turns you will not see coming and just when you think you have it figured out, oh no you don't lol, it's very fast paced, well written, unique thriller with a cast of characters that fit very well together, and the Canadian jokes and humor was great for me. I liked David's style of writing, I really am looking forward to reading the second book in this new series. Enjoy everyone!!! Now on to my interview, Yay!!

Thank you David for joining me here at the Purple Jelly Bean Chair Reviews and sitting and chatting with me today, please have a seat in the purple jelly bean chair!

How did you get the idea for this novel and what kind of research did you have to do to bring this story to life on the page?

I’ve always written about people with special abilities, the five Zhong Fong novels are about a man with exceptional talent in a world where special talents are not honored. When I directed the first Canadian play in the People’s Republic of China the first thing the Artistic Director of that theatre said to me was, “You must remember that you can always be replace”-a fine hello, how was your flight!

Synesthesia simply gives and access to the ‘other.’ There is a lot of material on synesthesia; some of the most interesting is actually the documentary on Mr. Tammet and his extraordinary abilities. There is also a gentleman called the human camera, you can find YouTube stuff on both, and BBC documentaries. As well Mr. Tammet has an interesting book.

Rainman was based loosely on the man who Mr. Tamnent thought of as his spiritual father-he passed away a few years back.

The cities I write about I have either lived in or worked in. As a professional theatre director I’ve spent time in lots of towns. I lived in New York City for many years and I presently live in the Junction.

What books or authors would you say have influenced you most?

John Le Carre-especially the early ones-references to such in the book. I’m fond of Mr. Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer series. James Crumely’s early books especially Dancing Bear. The early Denis Lehane books, especially Prayer for Rain. Annie Proulx’s Close Range. Jack Miles’ God The Biography and Don Delillo’s Underground.

What is next for you?

Book two in The Junction Chronicles is now with Simon & Schuster, and I’m interested in a sub series called Seth’s Dream-probably three novels long-much more in the realm of speculative fiction following Seth’s ability to lucid dream.

If you could have dinner with one of your characters who would it be?

Yslan, I know Decker, I’d like to meet Yslan.

Desert Island time, you can bring one person & one thing, what & who would you bring?

James Joyce and Ulysses. It would take up years for him to explain to me what exactly he was getting at-and what so much of it means-I’m guessing he’s an interesting guy. Wrong guess and I could be in for the most boring eternity imaginable.

Thank you again David for stopping by today and taking the time to chat with me, I enjoyed that and I wish you all the success with your new series and look forward to chatting with you again, please stop by and visit anytime!!

If you would like to know more about David Rotenberg you can find him at any of these links.

The book page on our website: http://books.simonandschuster.ca/Placebo-Effect/David-Rotenberg/9781439170069

An excerpt: http://www.scribd.com/doc/73385054/The-Placebo-Effect-by-David-Rotenberg-Excerpt

The Placebo Effect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Placebo-Effect-Book-One-of-The-Junction-Chronicles/260452804000778

Author website: www.davidrotenberg.com

The Last Beginning Trailor Launch and Book Release, it's here Yay!!!!!!!

2012-02-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

Well it's been worth the wait, the last book in this fabulous series is finally here, The Last Beginning is third in the Curse of The Phoenix series and I have been waiting forever for it lol, it's finally here and also the launch of Rachel's new trailer for the book, check out this awesome video and grab your copies of this great series. Enjoy everyone!!!

The Last Beginning

CURSE OF THE PHOENIX - Book Three - by Rachel Firasek

Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.

Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but he unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that’s exactly where she’s going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he’s going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her—even if it means she’ll hate him forever.

Coming soon!

Title: The Last Beginning (Curse of the Phoenix, #3)

Author: Rachel Firasek
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Launch Date: February 2012
ISBN: 978-1-937044-56-5

Other Books in this fabulous series:

2012-02-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hot Reads Sweepstakes by Simon & Schuster Canada!

Hey Everyone you should check this out!

Here is an awesome Sweepstakes hosted by Simon & Schuster Canada.

DETAILS FROM THE SIMON & SCHUSTER PAGE

Enter to win 1 of 5 prize packs of books and scented goodies from .

Click on the titles below to find out more about the books and authors: Lothaireby Kresley Cole, Sleepwalker by Karen Robards, Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard, A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries, Hunter of Shadows by Nancy Gideon, The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros.

For more book and author news, find us on the web, Facebook and Twitter.

The Books:

CONTEST PERIOD:

This contest began on February 1, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time and ends on February 29, 2012 at 11:59 p.m..

ELIGIBILITY:

This contest is open to all legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of entry.

Good Luck to all who enter!

In Leah's Wake

2012-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

An Ode to Bloggers

Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie, I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.

The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.

Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on. On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me.

Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.

Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.

Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution. Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.

Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world - voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.

Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!

AUTHOR BIO

Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com

Blog: www.tglong.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tglong

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites

This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.

For more information, please visit her website: www.tglong.com/blog or any of these retailer sales. (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/In-Leahs-Wake-ebook/dp/B0044XV7PG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1306533515&sr=8-3

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Leahs-Wake-Terri-Giuliano-Long/dp/1456310542/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318690782&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/In-Leahs-Wake/Terri-Giuliano-Long/e/2940011264566?itm=1&USRI=In%2BLeah27s%2BWake

Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780975453391

BOOK INFORMATION

IN LEAH’S WAKE

Terri Giuliano Long

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback, Kindle

ISBN: 1456310542

Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press

Website: www.tglong.com

***Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press***

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah's Wake "a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

When happens when love just isn't enough?

Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence

2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick

Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."

Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona

“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”

Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”

Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

TRAILER LINK AND VIDEO EMBED CODE

2012-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome challenge on another fantastic blog, I'm joining who else would like to join with me, I have already read most of these wonderful book and I know you will love them too, so come on sign up and lets all have some fun together :) Just go to the Moonlight Gleam blog and add your linky and put the button on your site!!

Calling out all Kelley Armstrong Fans!!!

Seeing as my most favorite series is coming to an end, I thought it would be a great opportunity to gather all Women of the Otherworld lovers to say goodbye and show our appreciation to such a wonderful series!

If you have not yet read Women of the Otherworld and have some of the books on your TBR shelves, this would be a great opportunity to enter Kelley Armstrong's magical world of all things paranormal and join in on this amazing adventure!

The Challenge:

Each month beginning March 1st, 2012, challenge members will read or re-read the title for that month. In addition, challenge members will either post a review, their reading experience, character castings or anything else related to that title. You have freedom to have fun with your monthly post so be creative! Seeing as this series is 13 novels long, this challenge will last 13 months.

PLEASE NOTE: **You do not have to have a blog to enter this challenge. You must, however, have a Goodreads account if you don't, so that you can link to your posts there.**

**You do not have to participate each month if you don't want to. I want this to be a fun experience for everyone so, if there only a few books you want to read, please feel free to join!**

**If you did not find time to read the title of the month, feel free to write a post about it and indicate why. This will allow you to link up to qualify for monthly challenge giveaways as well!**

The Challenge Schedule:

Bitten
(March 1st - 31st, 2012)

Stolen
(April 1st - 30th, 2012)

Dime Store Magic
(May1st - 31st, 2012)

Industrial Magic
(June 1st - 30th, 2012)

Haunted
(July 1st - 31st, 2012)

Broken

(August 1st - 31st, 2012)

No Humans Involved

(September 1st - 30th, 2012)

Personal Demon

(October 1st - 31st, 2012)

Living With The Dead

(November 1st - 30th, 2012)

Frostbitten

(December 1st - 31st, 2012 )

Waking The Witch

(January 1st - 31st, 2013)

Spell Bound

(February 1st - 28th, 2013)

Thirteen

(March 1st - 31st, 2013)

GIVEAWAYS!

What would a challenge be without some prizes to reward challenge members?

On the 1st of each month, beginning March 1st, 2012, there will be a post here on the blog, indicating the title challenge and giveaway prize for that month. This is where you will be able to link up your reviews/reading experience. Challenge members who successfully complete each monthly challenge will automatically entered to win that monthly giveaway!

At the very end of the challenge there will be a MEGA Prize Giveaway. Each time you enter a link throughout the challenge, this will automatically give you an additional entry. Only those who participate in the challenge and have linked to their posts will qualify to enter this giveaway.

A Personal Note:

I would like to thank all of you who enter, whether it be just for one month or for the entire challenge. Women of the Otherworld is, as I have mentioned a countless number of times, my absolute favorite series, and I really just want everyone to have fun and hopefully take away something from this!

So, what do you say.. Will you take the challenge?

Red Means Run by: Brad Smith

2012-01-31T13:01:00.000-08:00

Mickey Dupree is one of the most successful criminal attorneys in upstate New York, having never lost a capital murder case. That is the upside of being Mickey. The downside—Mickey has a lot of enemies and one of them drives the shaft of a golf club through his heart, leaving him dead in a sand trap at his exclusive country club.

The cops, led by a dimwitted detective named Joe Brady, focus their attentions on Virgil Cain. Just two weeks earlier Virgil told a crowded bar that "somebody ought to blow Mickey's head off," after the slippery lawyer earned an acquittal for Alan Comstock, the man accused of murdering Virgil's wife. Comstock, a legendary record producer, gun nut, and certifiable lunatic, has returned to his estate, where he lives with his wife, the long-suffering Jane.

It appears to Virgil that the fix is in when Brady immediately throws him into jail with no questions asked. In order to set things right, Virgil escapes from jail, determined to find Mickey's killer himself. Aside from a smart and sexy detective named Claire Marchand, everybody is convinced that Virgil is the culprit. When Alan Comstock is discovered with six slugs in his body the day after Virgil's escape, his guilt is almost assured. Now it is up to Virgil to convince everyone of his innocence—by finding the killer before he winds up being the next victim.

My Thoughts:

I love it when I find a great new mystery novel, but I love it even more when I also find a great new author. When I agreed to read/review for this book, I thought ok it looks good, the blurb sounds good, ok lets have a read. Well I have to say it didn't take long for me to finish the book it was that good. I think I read it in a day and a half. Brad Smith has written a show stopper that would make a huge blockbuster movie....I think anyway.

Virgil is a quiet guy who has been through hell, his father -in-law died of cancer and then his wife was killed and the Lawyer that defended the killer and got him off for that crime is found dead on the golf course, and because Virgil happened to be in a bar at the same time as the Lawyer Mickey, and voiced is opinion that "Someone should blow that guys head off", the police focus their investigation on Virgil, a case of wrong place, wrong time and said words out of anger.

After being arrested, and nobody willing to believe or help him prove his innocence, he has to take matters into his own hands and prove to everyone that he did not kill Mickey and the other bodies that keep piling up and evidence that is stacking up against him. There seems to be only two people that believe him but that's not enough, so Virgil escapes jail and sets out to prove himself right.

It's a fast pace novel, that will take you on a roller coaster ride you will not want to miss. While rooting for Virgil and praying through the whole book that the only two people that believe him are willing to help him any way they can, without getting themselves into trouble of course. I loved Brad's style of writing, it's smooth, the plot is flawless and the characters fit extremely well together good and bad. Virgil's determination, but sense of humor through out all the crap he has to go through, I'd have to say one of my favorite characters was a sexy detective Claire Marchand, and against her better judgement as a detective she tries to help Virgil the best she can.

I love how this novel waste's no time getting to the story, the twists and turns it takes you on and the big twits at the end of the novel was awesome. Brad has written a huge hit and I can't wait for you all to read it. I hope you all enjoy as much as I did and don't forget to watch the trailer below, if you don't already want to read this fantastic book you will after watching the trailer!! Enjoy everyone!

Here are some links to find Brad Smith:
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/207450.Brad_Smith
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brad-Smith/256466447720722?ref=ts
Website:
http://www.bradsmithbooks.com/index.php