House Wife Blues and Chihuahua Stories

Reading Challenges From 2011.

2012-02-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

In 2011 my challenges were set up in anticipation of finishing both of them with ease. I have to admit that the Labor Day wildfire put a kink in that plan for my challenge of reading books already on my shelves as half of the books burned so that challenge is a failure. However my goodreads challenge was met and well exceeded as a lot of my books were e-copies on my Kindle, both review books and books that I had gotten either free or bought to read as the authors were ones that I have followed from regular books to their e-reads.

there were 82 books on this challenge and I got to read only 45 of them or 54% prior to September 4th wildfire that burned up the rest of the books.

2011 goodreads challenge was completed as read my 200 total plus 94 more, even though they say it was only 284 total my read in 2011 shelf says 294 total. Equaled out to 142%. Not sure why the difference in opinion on the same site!

2012 my challenge is for 300 books, so far by the time this posts will have read about 5% or 15 or more books. Wish me luck!

What about you, how did your reading challenges for last year work out? Fail or complete? How about this year, what are you going for in total numbers to read?

The Betrothal, Or How I Saved Alan Edwards {My Thoughts}

2012-01-31T00:00:00.006-06:00

The Betrothal: Or How I Saved Alan Edwards from 40 Years of Hell by Richard RaleyKindle Edition Published April 23rd By Richard RaleyASIN B004XT6NK0
Source: Kindle copy from author to read in exchange for an honest review
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINK

Book Synopsis:

Phineas Farraday is a college drop-out turned struggling genre writer. One night, he’s huddled over his keyboard when he receives a phone call from his best friend Alan Edwards. Alan has spent the last two years doing missionary work in Chile and only just got back to the States. He’s got some great news for Phin. Alan’s getting married…in a week…to a girl he’s never met. You’ll be the Best Man, won’t you, buddy?

Phin agrees, but is unsure how this whole betrothal happened. Something smells fishy and he plans to get to the bottom of it, even if it means breaking up the wedding, breaking the heart of the only girl he's liked in years, or the bride breaking one of his bones.
My Thoughts:

Phineas Patrick Farraday is a character that had me smiling as soon as I started reading. Add quite a few ins and outs of manly bonding with he and his friends Alan and Tad, the discovery of exactly why Alan is getting married to a girl he has never met in person, a week of complete and utter disasters and the reader is going to do the same thing I did laugh out loud and keep turning pages because you just have to see how the whole thing turns out.

Will Alan marry Emily or won't he? Grab a copy today and find out for yourself, you will not be sorry if you do!
Only real downside to this enjoyable three ring circus is that it had to end, however meeting the characters and seeing how Phin's mission to "save" his friend turned out was well worth my time as it gave me a lot of laughs and even a few chances to hiss at the witchy bride-to-be when she managed to one-up poor Phin! {One of the best scenes where the tables are turned involves a trip to the zoo and an episode with Emily and a Hippo, and that is all I am going to say about that as you have to read it yourself to understand the grossly humorous aspect of it.}

For those who like the raunchy humor of such movies as Animal House, American Pie and Road Trip to name a few that this story has the spirit of you really need to sit down with this book and read it, it will entertain you from beginning to end!
RICHARD'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGERICHARD'S BLOG SITE

[Kindle copy of this book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.]

A Feeling In My Bones {My Thoughts}

2012-01-30T00:00:00.002-06:00

A Feeling in My Bones by Gervase Shorter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
EBook approx 252 pagesPublished April 26th 2011 By Gervase Shorter via SmashwordsISBN 0011298464 (ISBN 13: 2940011298462)

Source: Review copy provided by author

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR KINDLE

READER STORE BOOK BUY LINK

SMASHWORDS ALL FORMATS BOOK BUY LINK

Extended Description of Story via Smashwords.com

Jake Forrester is recruited by Harvey Baum, a Miami based business associate, to carry out an assignment for Cyrus Kroger, a reclusive billionaire, at his heavily guarded property in the Catskills. In a series of emails to his wife Sally, Jake describes his increasingly close friendship with the septuagenarian Kroger but Jake suddenly disappears and Baum says he is out of contact, visiting Kroger´s operations in Central Africa. Shortly after Jake´s disappearance Baum phones Sally to say Kroger has fallen ill and died and then, a month later, he phones again, this time to say Jake is back in Miami but in a clinic suffering from a nervous breakdown.

Sally flies to Miami and brings Jake home. She notices there are no visas or stamps in his passport indicating a visit to Central Africa. Jake gradually returns to normal but his relationship with Sally does not regain its old warmth. Whatever happened in the month Jake disappeared brings him vast wealth but Sally is worried because she finds he is growing increasingly nervous and suspicious.

Sally and Jake start getting used to being extremely rich. She finds she is leaving her old life and friends behind. They move into a Park Lane penthouse and there Sally makes a discovery that brings her whole world crashing down. She starts investigating and what she discovers makes her afraid for her life.

My Thoughts

This book was a minefield from the beginning, it was full of pitfalls and twists and turns that totally were too good to put down. The drama and suspense are offset by characters you will find easy to understand and in the case of Jake's friend Harvey easy to dislike as well! The main character Sally Forrester is a no-nonsense forthright woman with a charming bounder of a husband who manages to finally sail his ship into port so to speak making the couples dreams of wealth a reality. The only problem is how did her husband Jake come by his money, was it by fowl means or fair? What happened to Jake for a month? Why is he no longer the warm, fun-loving, charming man she married?

The answer to these questions and more are found out over the course of her story, a story that takes the reader on a rather rambling madcap journey of almost a year where Sally tries to stay alive and culminating in a shocking ending that will change your mind about money being the end to all life's trials and troubles!

I highly recommend this read to those of us like me who like to travel in our armchairs, Sally and Jake will take you on a few journeys to places that are beautiful and also places most of us will never visit in our life time.

[ECopy of this book was provided by author in exchange for an honest review.]

All the places to connect with the author:Gervase Shorter's Web SiteAuthor page/Book Buy Links on AmazonAuthor's Smashwords Page

From Sketch to Chapter Art, an Illustrator at Work/Q&A with Author Richard Due.

2012-01-29T00:00:00.009-06:00

Have you ever wondered what was behind the artists illustrations in a book, what the thought process and the actual delivery were like? After the book synopsis to "The Moon Coin" you will get a small glimpse into the how, the what and the why! Read on and enjoy.

Book Synopsis

Gibbering Gnome Press Presents a Tale of Epic Fantasy

For Lily and Jasper Winter, the Moon Realm began with a single secret bedtime tale. As the children grew older, Uncle Ebb enthralled them with thrilling tales of the Dragondain riding horse-sized, catlike Rinn; mysterious tales of peerin-wielding lunamancers manipulating the magic that lies just beneath the surface of reality; exciting tales of flying dragons, swimming merfolk, stomping giants, and troublesome faeries. But as the magic of their childhood faded, so too did the tales. Eventually, they were just . . . good stories.
Or were they?
Now, nine years after it all began, Uncle Ebb is missing.
Lily and Jasper search for clues, but their uncle's mansion is full of distractions. A Tesla generator thrums in the basement. Prismatic electrimals flit around walls resembling underwater reefs. Then a most unexpected friend comes to their aid, leading them to a hidden room where they find a mysterious coin—the moon coin. Before the night is out, Lily is transported to the real Moon Realm. But the moons are in trouble. The Rinn of Barreth are under siege, and the lunamancers of Dain are beset by the very dragons they once loved. Most horrifying of all, the moon Darwyth has fallen to a villain named Wrengfoul, whose creeping evil now threatens to overshadow all the Realm.

Are Lily and Jasper too late to save the Moon Realm, or will they have enough time to write an ending of their own?

Featuring twenty-two stunning full-color illustrations by Carolyn Arcabascio. Volume One of the young adult fantasy adventure series The Moon Realm.
From Sketch to Chapter Art, an Illustrator at Work
{An interview with the author and the illustrator on the making of The Moon Coin.}
For me, getting to work with Carolyn Arcabascio was a dream come true. On The Moon Coin, we worked from a master list of scene options, with Carolyn picking out scenes she liked and making sketches. For the prologue, Carolyn drafted three options. All three were great, but two in particular were spectacular. I first went with option 3 (one of my scene suggestions). I think we spent more time on this sketch and subsequent color drawing than on any other piece. But it never seemed right. At the eleventh hour, I asked Carolyn how hard she’d hit me if I suggested scrapping the thing and instead going with the pinky promise scene you see below (one of her scene suggestions). Carolyn responded: "There would be no hitting involved!" and told me it wouldn't be a problem. You sure can't ask for better than that.From the Prologue: Bedtime Tales.

Richard: Did you make all these sketches in the same location, Carolyn?
Carolyn: Yes, I do all of my work at a drafting table that's situated in a little nook of my apartment in Acton, Massachusetts. There's a bookshelf to my right and a wall of "inspiration" to my left, where I hang prints of other artists' and illustrators' work. On either side of my drafting table are drawers of supplies, and stacks of sketchbooks and old paintings. The drafting table faces a window overlooking a quiet street and the woods beyond it.
From Chapter Two: A Coin of the Realm.

Richard: Do you use models when you're sketching?

Carolyn: I use a combination of models and photo references. If I need to work out the nuances of a character's posture and really understand the perspective of it, I'll ask whatever friend or family member is handy to pose for a sketch. Often, I'll get into the position myself or mimic the facial expression I want to portray in order to get the feel of it. And sometimes, if there's a character being portrayed multiple times across scenes, I'll make a rough model of their head out of clay so I'll have it to refer to.

From Chapter Four: To Barreth.

Richard: When drawing fantastical creatures, do you use bits and pieces of real animals for inspiration, or have you actually seen a wirtle and you're just not telling us? ;)

Carolyn: No wirtles native to Massachusetts, fortunately! When figuring out the look of fantastical creatures, I use photo references of different animals to understand the way the anatomy might work, and then combine features as I see fit and as the story calls for. To understand the wirtle's legs and paws, for example, I referred to a series of photographs of show dogs leaping over hurdles. The severely arched, scruffy back was influenced by photos of hyenas on the prowl. The bone-structure of the face ended up being something of a cross between a cow and a warthog, and I wanted the snout to be bare—kind of gross and raw-looking. Add it all up and, voila! We have a wirtle.

To get your own copy of this wonderful fantasy for middle grade reading on up hit the buy links below so you two can fall in love with Lily and Jasper!

The Moon Coin, by Richard Due, is available at the following buy sites:AMAZON BARNES and NOBLE I BOOK STOREThe ebooks will be on sale for 99 cents till 1/31/2012I have to say this sounds like a delightful story, my YA shelf has not had a fantasy quite like this one on it yet! My thoughts on the book are not scheduled until March 15th as when the author approached me my blog schedule was set until then. However am reading the story soon so my write up on goodreads and other sites will be up probably before the end of February.

Link Sharing and other info today.

2012-01-28T00:00:00.014-06:00

photo links to buy links for Authors books available on Amazon

In a little town called Poetry there lives an author on her piece of property where she not only writes but she lives in a manner that few people today choose as a lifestyle. MARIA ZANNINI has the pioneer spirit of our forefathers, the savvy of experience of living in the 21st century, the trial and error she has gone through herself that she now wishes to share so she has released the first in a series of books that range from shopping with coupons, budgeting, tasty meals and everything in between. You can find her new series info on her FACEBOOK FAN PAGE that details all you need to know about living frugally.The first book is "Smart Budgets for Busy People" and you get a copy for only 99 cents here:AMAZON BUY LINKSMASHWORDS BUY LINKSome more interesting links have come to light that are to do with meeting and greeting authors and learning about their works. The first one to share is for authors only {upcoming or published either one I believe} coming up February 4th, NINO Con and I have Author Mina Burrows to thank for bringing it to my attention and yours.

photo links to Mina's post about the Con

Also coming up in February is ConDFW XI on the 17th-19th at Crowne Plaza Suites in Dallas TX.

This is a literary science fiction and fantasy convention featuring writing-and publishing-focused programming, science programming, excellent guests, art show, charity book swap, short story contest and a slew of non traditional activities that is open to all. Author Cherie Priest is the 2012 Guest Of Honor as is Artist William Stout and I have to thank the newsletter that was in my email from the writing duo of Cat Adams that called this con to my attention. {Maybe CT and Cathy will get to go.!}

photo links to con website

The next takes place June 22nd to 24th 2012 and it is for readers, writers, editors and supporters of quality fantasy literature and it is located in Minneapolis MN at the Marriot hotel. This will be a panel of discussions and more info can be found at this link for the 4th Street Fantasy Conversation.

photo links back to website

FENCON IX will be September 21-23, 2012, at the Crowne Plaza North Dallas/Galleria and it is a Fan-Operated Science Fiction and Fantasy Literary Convention in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area. There will be books, music, food, art and all kinds of fun from the web page info I found! There is a Facebook Event Page which you can utilize to remind yourself by signing up to the event. For full info The FenCon Web Site has very detailed information about the event.

Now that the Con links are up have a couple of blog hops that will be participating in that you might find of interest as well.

The first one is in February and it is co-hosted by Author Felicity Heaton and Bitten By Paranormal Romance and runs from 10-16th, 2012. Entry deadline is February 5th.

Vampires For Valentines Giveaway Hop includes books, swag, ebooks and etc but is all vampire romance book related and what better way to spread our love for these supernatural creatures than giving someone their very own vampire for Valentines! My own giveaway will be international with 3 winners.

photo links to Vampires for Valentines hop post

photo links to initial post with rules and linkups.

Next is March Hop to help ring in Saint Patrick's Day in Style, the hop is hosted by I Smell Sheep and Fictional Candy. Deadline for entry to participate is March 1st and the main theme is something related to being Irish or St Paddy's Day and of course book related as well! My giveaway will be International and have 3 winners.

That's it for today, could keep going but think those are enough links to keep you busy for a bit. Anything interesting you think I might like? A Con somewhere in Texas this year, a giveaway for paranormal romance books, a new to me author whose series releases soon that I might want to try?

Sacrifice {My Thoughts}

2012-01-27T00:00:00.001-06:00

Sacrifice by Alexandrea Weis
all info from goodreads.comPaperback Published October 1st 2011 By World Castle PublishingISBN 13 9781937593155Source: Copy from author in exchange for an honest review.AMAZON BUY LINK BOTH KINDLE AND PAPERBACKBARNES AND NOBLE NOOK BOOK BUY LINK
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Synopsis

Nicci Beauvoir fell in love with the artist, David Alexander, in To My Senses, and then uncovered his killer in Recovery. Nicci is back to finally confront David’s dark past in Sacrifice.

Stunned after seeing a man she believes to be her beloved David Alexander in a crowd outside of the St. Louis Cathedral, Nicci goes on a desperate hunt for the truth about David’s demise. But to get the information she desires, Nicci must team up with David’s former boss, the ruthless Simon La Roy. Nicci decides not to tell her fiancé, Dallas August, about her involvement with Simon. As Nicci becomes hopelessly entangled in Simon’s sinister plans, Dallas discovers her secret, and tries to protect her. But one night on a deserted French Quarter street, Nicci unexpectedly learns what really happened to David Alexander. Now she must engage in a deadly game of intrigue to keep what she has unearthed from Simon La Roy. In a final confrontation, a revengeful Simon forces Nicci to choose between her life and revealing all that she has discovered. But what mystery is Nicci protecting and is it worth her future happiness? For Nicci there can be no happy ending unless she keeps what she knows about David Alexander hidden from the world. It’s a decision that will cost her everything. Is Nicci willing to pay the price? In the end, there can never be a happily ever after without a little…sacrifice.

My Thoughts

I started the journey with Nicci backwards in April in book 1 To My Senses after reading book 2 Recovery earlier in March of 2011. Now at last have come full circle with book 3 Sacrifice and what a journey it has been!

Between the intrigue, the mystery, the passionate love affairs that Nicci engages in and the narrow escapes from death that she encounters along the way this series is not lacking in excitement nor is it lacking in emotional depth.

Once again the visceral reaction that the reader experiences as Nicci uncovers secret after secret while keeping her innermost secrets to herself from everyone else who cares for her is dead on dramatic and the suspense will keep you turning those pages until the last sentence is read.

I can only say that this is a series that will be enjoyable for those who love romantic suspense and mysteries interwoven within different plot lines for each major character. It is hard to define what measures one will take to achieve their dreams but when you meet Nicci and follow her path from book 1 to this last you will hope that all her dreams come true in the end but to find out if they did you will need to read for yourself!

The books take place for the most part in my favorite town, New Orleans. This is a New Orleans though that has been ravaged by the savagery of Hurricane Katrina and even though her dress is tattered and torn NO is still the undisputed "belle of the ball"!

I would suggest you read in order but even if you do not read the first and second book in the series the author incorporates the major plot points of the books into the third in a way that brings the reader up to speed for those who have not read anything else and does a good unobtrusive recap for those who have.
[Copy of book from author was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.]
ALEXANDREA'S WEB SITEALEXANDREA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGEALEXANDREA'S AMAZON AUTHOR'S PAGE

Come Back To Me Author Melissa Foster Blog Tour Guest Stop.

2012-01-26T00:00:00.018-06:00

Both Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda took me to places and emotions that shook me to my core and also solidified my solid respect for the power of contemporary "chick lit". Melissa Foster is a wonderfully talented author whose efforts both for women and her fellow writers are an ongoing daily love affair on her part. Come join this stop on her book tour for the latest release

Come Back To Me and read her take on working at home!

photo courtesy of author

Tour Stop Listings

It's all yours Melissa!Inside The Work-At-Home World
By Melissa Foster
If you work at home and go to school, then you know that you are pulling double duty, and more than likely, feeling a little stretched for time for yourself, time for your friends, and time for just relaxing.
A “working mom” is an enormous understatement for most women. Being a mother takes almost all, if not every bit, of your emotional, physical, and mental energy. No matter what the age of your child/children, there are schedules to be dealt with, meals to cook, lunches to make/pack, homework to be looked after, and drama to be dealt with. When you add a paying job to the mix, a working mother can stretch herself to the outer limits.
College students who work from home are trying to keep up with homework, and have some modicum of a social life. LIfe is full of distractions when you work at home--homework is always nagging to be done, there are more social networks then you can count on one hand, and then, there are computer and video games, causing a constant pull in their direction.
While I don't have any magic answers, I have come up with a few ways to keep your sanity while caring for your job, your family, and yourself.
Keep work outside of the main area of your home.
If you have a home office, it is often difficult to differentiate between “work space” and “family space”. Designate an area of your home for your work – an office space if you have one, and if not, perhaps a corner of a particular room. Declare this space your “work space” and confine yourself to that area – hence, creating a “no work zone” outside of that space. The moment you step outside of that area, you are in your family zone or your me zone. This works both ways. When you are in your family or me zone, you should not bring your work or laptop, either. Fair is fair.
Define work time vs family/me time.
It is often said by work at home mothers that their work is never done. That is certainly true! It is much easier to allow your work time to encroach on your family time when you work from home. This can lead to frustrated children (“Just one more second and I’ll be off the phone!”), irritated clients (“I apologize for my child in the background, but…”), and stressed relationships (“Honey, it’s dinner time!”).
Work at home students feel the same pressures, just from different sources. As a writer, I have to block out hours in my day to write, and during that time, I don't even accept phone calls. You can do the same.
Define your work hours. Just because you work out of your home does not mean that your clients need full access to your every second. If your child/children nap, then define that as your work time. Perhaps bring in a mommy’s helper for three hours during the day when you will have your “work time”. If you need two hours for homework and three to work, define them on your calendar so you know which is which, and then stick to it.
Defining your work hours will enable you to better focus on the tasks at hand – whether those tasks are building blocks with a two year old or handling a client deal – make the most of each moment.
Throw away the guilt!
Whether you are in a situation where you want to work or have to work makes no difference. The act of working itself is your prerogative – no matter how you come to terms with it. Some will say that a mother who works on issues other than her family is better functioning as a mother. Some say a working student is a more focused and well-rounded student. Are these generalities true? The answer is different for everyone and the answer lies within your own heart. Be kind to yourself. Working, in either situation is okay to do. Throw that mommy guilt away! If you manage your time effectively, then the time you spend with your family, or the time you spend doing "me" oriented activities, will be just as rewarding as the time you spend working, and vice versa.
Delegate your duties
Husband are not women. To put it bluntly, if you are hoping that your husband will acknowledge that you are pulling double duty by working outside the home as well as inside the home, then you may be waiting a long time. Men are not women. Therefore, they do not often see our efforts in the same light. Many men assume housework will get done, meals will be made, homework will be dealt with – It is as if the magical wife fairy swoops into your home and takes care of these things.
We all know the magical wife fairy doesn’t exist (trust me, I've looked for her!). Or perhaps she does, and we are one in the same person. A quick fix for feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and under appreciated is to delegate, as you would in an office.
Do you have school aged children? If so, they are capable of emptying trash, making their own beds, cleaning up their playrooms/bedrooms, clearing dishes from the table, unloading the dishwasher, etc. Don’t overload them, but a chore each day is a healthy thing for both them and you!
Share responsibilities with your husband – For example, if you cook dinner, he can do the dishes while you settle the kids w/their homework. One can be responsible for throwing laundry in while the other is responsible for folding it. Pack lunches together the night before with your husband – Every relationship can benefit from a few minutes of togetherness.
If you are a student, without a family, you may not have anyone to delegate to, but there are always friends. Have a let's clean house party! Sound lame? Maybe not if you then go to dinner and a movie. There are all sorts of ways to make delegation fun.

I remember years ago the most fun I ever had with friends was when 3 of us got together to "clean house" , so much laughter that day and you should have seen the house "shine" when we were done! Melissa every little bit helps, do not know how anyone multi-tasks the way women have to do so today. I had to finally admit "defeat" in 2001 and stay at home full time because my outside job was too much along with home and pets and husband. Now my time is 100% my own and still not enough in the day to get it all done! I do not have children so that is one thing that has never factored into how my time is delegated, luckily.

photo courtesy of goodreads.com

AMAZON BUY LINK FOR PAPERBACK AND KINDLE COPIESPlaces to connect with Melissa:MELISSA'S WEBSITEMELISSA'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGEMELISSA ON TWITTERCHAT WITH MELISSA AT THE WOMEN'S NESTCONNECT WITH OTHER READERS AND AUTHORS AT WLCMELISSA'S BOOKS

Winnah of Taken by LM Pruitt!

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

List Randomizer has spoken and of the three entries the lucky winner of an (X1) ecopy of Taken is:

List Randomizer

There were 3 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

3. Joanne
1. Aurian
2. IreneRJ
Timestamp: 2012-01-23 17:39:37 UTC

Asenath {My Thoughts}

2012-01-24T00:00:00.002-06:00

Asenath by Anna Patricio
Kindle Edition Published August 28th 2011 By Imajin BooksASIN B005JSMUV0
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: ECopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.AMAZON BUY LINKS FOR KINDLE AND PB EDITIONBARNES AND NOBLE NOOK AND PB EDITION BUY LINKS

Book Synopsis:

Two Destinies...One Journey of Love

In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.

When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.

Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown into prison.

Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

My Thoughts:

As a fan of stories from the Bible I was intrigued and curious when the author approached me to read and share my thoughts on her debut book. It was an interesting idea to take a little known character, married to a well known Bible character and create a story from her point of view that the author pretty much created whole cloth while using bits and pieces of other Biblical characters lives to enrich and flesh out the story.

Asenath is a story that is a little over 200 pages, it flows well, is a treat for those who enjoy ancient Egypt and tales of Pharaoh and his family, a glimpse into what the lives of people who lived in the time frame of the story were like and shows the difference between those whose very existence depends on the whims of the politically powerful and those who hold the power.

This is a tale of the fisherman's daughter Kiya who was first ripped from all she has ever known, taken as a slave and then rescued to become the adopted daughter of a High Priest and his wife. On her adoption day she is given the name of "Asenath" and she is elevated to the status of upper class but at heart she remains the same young girl whose humble beginnings allow her to show others sympathy and empathy in a world that is at times cruel as well as elegantly beautiful.

The book details the life of Asenath and follows the romance between she and Joseph which soon turns into an all consuming love. Even though there are many obstacles to the two of them their love prevails in the end.

For those of us who enjoy watching people in the mall and other public places while making up stories about what they do, who they are, how they live and so forth this is a book that is very similar to that concept. It is a tale that is part fact and part imagination that showcases the fact that with hope, determination and love one can overcome odds that seem to be insurmountable!
[An e-copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.]

ANNA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

ANNA'S BLOG

ANNA'S FACEBOOK

ANNA'S TWITTER LINK

ANNA ON LINKED IN

The Secret of Lies {My Thoughts}

2012-01-23T00:00:00.002-06:00

The Secret of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate
EBook Edition 304 pagesPublished December 17th 2010By Dog Ear PublishingISBN 1457500523 (ISBN 13: 9781457500527)
Source: ECopy of book provided by author in exchange for honest review.
AMAZON KINDLE AND PAPERBOOK BUY LINKSBARNES AND NOBLE BOOK BUY LINKS
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book Synopsis:

Propelled by an insurmountable sense of desperation, Stevie Burke is recklessly abandoning home, husband, and outwardly contented life under cover of night; at last resigned to defeat in her long battle against the tortured memories of her past.

Days later, lost and floundering in a dreary motel room without plan or destination, it is a long ago song playing on the radio that gently tugs Stevie back through the dust of remembrance. 1957 - The last summer spent at the ancient house overlooking the North Atlantic. A season which had unfolded with abundant promise, but then spiraled horribly out of control - torn apart by a shattering tragedy that remains splintered in fragments upon her soul. And it is only now, when Stevie at last lifts her eyes to stare deep into the heart of her long sequestered memories, that the long held secrets of past and future are at last unveiled.
My Thoughts:

We all have childhood memories that when triggered can cause us pain and sometimes even despair. Stevie Burke however carries the weight of the world on her shoulders due to a horrible ending to the summer of 1957 when she lost her sister, when her innocence was forever shattered and when her world was turned upside down!

Author Barbara Forte Abate may have only written one novel but the story that she chose to share is one of family, betrayal, lies, heartache, lost innocence and most of all coming to terms with things that are out of one person's ability to have ever controlled or prevented happening.

The character of Stevie Burke starts out as a teenager of 14 when she is on the brink of young womanhood and her story ends in her twenties when she is a grownup, tormented for all the years in between by what happened the summer her sister died.

Facing things head-on has never been easy for Stevie, as a child she always had her parents to buffer her from the harsher side of life. With both her Father and Mother gone as a grown woman she learns to depend on Ash Waterman, a young man who she met years before he came to work on her parents farm and developed a strong distaste for until one day she opened her eyes and her feelings changed to acceptance, then friendship and seemingly overnight into a deep and abiding love.

However, even with the steady embracing love of Ash she never laid to rest the tragedy of her childhood. Running away from her husband and her despised childhood home seem like the only solution to ending her misery.

Stevie's headlong flight from all that is familiar and good in her life leads her back to where she once was happiest, the place where her sister lost her life and the place Stevie thought she would never revisit again.

This is a tale of a character who loses her way, a character who is driven by inner demons that lead her to push those in her life who care about her the most as far away as possible. The journey to reconciling her past with her future is a hard one for Stevie, it almost costs her more than she can ever bear to lose.

In the end there are still unanswered questions whether things will work out between Stevie and Ash, however other issues for Stevie are resolved completely so it works out in my mind that the reader knows all they need to.

[ECopy of book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.]

BARBARA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGEBARBARA'S BLOGBARBARA ON TWITTER

One more LOL cats today, last one this month I promise!

2012-01-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Okay apparently even doing something this simple makes my browser hate me. It took 3 tries to get the photo to actually select and then load. I hate my AT&T Hot Spot!

Author Of "Kill 4 Me" Joel M Andre-Ghosts In Fiction Blog Tour-Stop

2012-01-21T00:00:00.096-06:00

Being one who is aware of many different and new to me authors is always something I try to be on top of. This author is one whom I have not read before but his dark suspenseful horror thrillers appeal to me and it was my pleasure to accept the chance to be a part of his tour. In reading the following guest post you will be allowed a small glimpse into the workings of the authors mind as he expounds on the topic:
Ghosts in Fiction:
by Joel Andre

The traditional belief is that a ghost is the spirit or the soul of a deceased animal or person. These spirits reportedly have the power to become visible to the living. The apparitions are described in many forms from translucent to wispy to invisible. Beliefs in these manifestations date back to ancestor worship or animism in the pre-literate cultures. Funerals, exorcisms and spiritualism are all practices designed to appease these souls. Ghosts are usually described as being in a certain place or haunting a specific person. Ghosts in fiction do not fail to emphasize these facts.

Although these solitary creatures are the most popular in fiction, other essences such as ghost trains, phantom armies and ships have also brought pleasure to many readers.

One cannot mention ghosts in fiction without mentioning the masterpiece by Charles Dickens. The Christmas Carol put Ebenezer Scrooge through great trials as he faced his past, present and future. It certainly made a believer out of Mr. Scrooge.

Ghosts in fiction cover a broad spectrum of personalities. Bringing the Christmas Carol back, the three spirits had different personalities. Casper the Friendly Ghost is the spirit of a small child and would harm no one. Interpretation is the key in all of the ghosts in fiction you may encounter.

Stephen King is a contemporary author of note that incorporates ghosts into his novels in one form or another. Recipient of Bram Stoker Awards and several other fantasy awards, he continues to shock us with his fantasies. Novels such as Carrie, and The Shining are just two of the many that he has written.

Horror fiction has been popular around the world for generations. They are especially popular in short story form during the Halloween season. Families and friends sit in a darkened room and tell “scary stories” that usually incorporate ghosts into the story. Campfires are another place that horror fiction and ghosts are popular.

Who can forget the hit movie Ghost Busters? Memories of the comedic slant on horror remain fondly in the minds of many. “Who ya gonna call”?

Although most people think of ghosts being prominent in horror fiction, their popularity has crossed the boundaries of many genres. Many horror fiction books are available online, either as downloads or ordering in paper form. Several are offered at no cost. With the influx of electronic devices, it seems that reading has taken on new meaning. Horror movies have always been popular and continue to be so today.

Beyond horror fiction are the people who belong to paranormal societies and seek ghosts regularly. Their exploits are frequently recounted on television. Their ventures have traveled the country and have pinpointed some type of spirit in some unusual places.

Whether you believe in ghosts, spiritual beings or don’t believe in any of these things, the reading of horror fiction is something that is enjoyable and very popular among people of all ages. From cartoons to ghastly figures attacking the innocent in the middle of a winter night, there is an attraction that is obvious to most people. If you are looking for the perfect talk about ghosts to read this weekend, consider picking up Kill 4 Me . It is the perfect modern ghost story.

photos courtesy of author via tour promoter

Amazon Buy Link for Kindle and PB editions

Author Bio:

About the Author:

Joel M. Andre was born January 13, 1981. At a young age he was fascinated with the written word. It was at fourteen that Poe blew his mind, and Andre began to dabble with darker poetry.
Between the years of 1999 and 2007 Joel was featured in various poetry anthologies and publications. In 2008 he released his first collection,Pray the Rain Never Ends.
Knowing there was something deeper and darker inside of his soul, Joel decided to take a stab at commercialism. Releasing the dark tongue in cheek, A Death at the North Pole, created a dark world among the death of Kris Kringle. Ultimately providing a tale of redemption.
October of 2008 saw Joel release his second book, Kill 4 Me. A tale in which a woman is haunted by a vengeful spirit through text messages and instant messaging.
Taking some time off and doing a lot of soul searching, Joel took things in a new direction and dabbled in the Fantasy Genre with, The Pentacle of Light. The tale dealing with five major races battling for control of Earth, and the acceptance of their God.
Finally, after missing his detective Lauren Bruni, he released the book The Return in October 2009, this time moving the action from the North Pole and placing it in the small Arizona community he was raised in.
Andre’s latest book is The Black Chronicles:Cry Of The Fallen about a dead man who seeks revenge on the woman that tormented him in peaceful Northern Arizona.
Currently, he resides in Chandler, AZ.
You can visit him at Joel M Andre's Website

Follow the author on:

Joel's FB Fan Page, Joel's Twitter, Joel's Goodreads Author Page

I will admit that while I no longer read Horror very often the sound of these two suspenseful horror thrillers does intrigue me enough that probably a copy of "The Black Chronicles:Cry Of The Fallen" is going to make it onto my Kindle soon to be read who knows when.

Thanks Mr. Andre and hope you feel much better soon!

Come Back To Me {My Thoughts}

2012-01-20T00:00:00.048-06:00

Come Back to Me by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars Ebook Published November 1st 2011By Greenforge BooksISBN 9780984716Source: Copy of book from author in exchange for an honest review during her January blog tour.
AMAZON BUY LINKS KINDLE AND PAPERBACK

Book Synopsis:

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.
My Thoughts:

Have you ever struggled in your life to make sense of why things work out the way they do? Have you ever wished to go back in time and have a do over?

Tess Johnson is a young woman very much in love with her husband Beau, when he is with her the sun shines more brightly and the world just seems like it is their oyster. However when Beau is counted dead when his helicopter is shot down and the only things found are the personal effects and burned bodies of his companions her world crashes down around her ears from one breath to the next.

In taking this journey with Tess and Beau you will find out if she survives the loss of her husband, you will find out if Beau makes his way home to his wife and whether they in turn find their way back to each other in the manner that we have come to expect from a contemporary romance.

I have come to expect an emotionally charged read since getting a chance to read the author's prior works Chasing Amanda and Megan's Way. Melissa Foster is one of those writers whose work can only be described as gut wrenchingly realistic, her characters are people that we could have as neighbors as they are ordinary everyday folks that have good and bad days just like the rest of us, the plots that she comes up with in her stories are drawn from a well of research a bit of real life and most of all the compassion and empathy that she feels for others that allows this author to spin a tale that is realistic in nature without being overly sentimental in any way whatsoever.

Come Back to Me is a gritty read at times, it is full of humor, it is also full of sorrow, it will make you laugh out loud in one instance and make you cry in horror and utter shock in the next. Not only is this a really interesting look into the lives of Tess, Beau, Alice, Kevin, Louie, Suha, Samira and her children it is also a glimpse into human nature that shows us the depth of loyalty and sacrifice one can make in the name of love. It also shows how easily it is to misunderstand and make the mistake of thinking circumstances are different than they are and how hard it is to face the truth when it is easier to believe the lie.

This book will make you appreciate the lifestyle we in America take for granted, the privileges American women have that we take as our due and most of all make you think long and hard about what you would do in the name of love and friendship for those you care about. Not only will the story stay with you for a long while after you put it down but it will make you want to read more by the author as well.

[An ecopy of this book was provided as part of the author's January blog tour to be read in exchange for an honest review.]
MELISSA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGEWOMEN'S LITERARY CAFE-ASK MELISSAMELISSA'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEMELISSA ON FACEBOOKMELISSA ON TWITTERMELISSA'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGEMELISSA'S WEB SITE

The Future Perfect {My Thoughts}

2012-01-19T00:00:00.012-06:00

Vonnegut and Douglas Adams rewrite Brave New World and find The Future Perfect by Kirk Mustard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Kindle Edition published January 7th 2010By Kirk Mustard
ASIN B0033AGUPSSource: Kindle copy provided by author to me in exchange for honest reviewAMAZON KINDLE BUY LINKBARNES AND NOBLE BUY LINKSynopsis of The Future Perfect

Zenith Cobra always wanted to change the world. He never dreamed he’d
do it with a theoretical animal.
With war, disease and wrinkles now things of the past, Zenith thinks
life has never been more exciting. He can watch a computer-generated
version of himself star in any movie every made, he can eat like a pig
and never gain weight by swallowing capsules that contain genetically
altered tape worms, and he can feel like he’s living in any exotic
place imaginable -- including under the sea or out in space -- by
flipping a switch on his room’s video walls.
Best of all, he can talk to computer-generated images of deceased
relatives and friends on the videophone, relating to them the same way
as when they were alive. If only he could convince himself, as most
people claim they have, that the souls of the dear departed are
residing in these simulated personalities, he’s sure he could finally
shake his fear of death and become happy.

In the meantime, Earth is losing its ability to support life. When the
world’s last wildlife preserve is destroyed by an insect plague,
society gets serious about saving the planet.

Zenith’s merchandising team reacts to the situation by introducing
“designer nature,” a science that promises to soon enable anyone to
design brand new animals by computer and electronically implant their
man-made genetic codes into chicken eggs. They introduce the idea by
way of a recently designed Dr. Seuss-like creature called the Smelix.

Overnight, merchandise adorned with the animal’s image becomes the
rage, though the Smelix is yet to exist in the flesh.

Soon Zenith find himself at the center of a global debate over using
designer nature to finally free mankind from the cold, cruel hand of
Mother Nature by replacing her with a completely man-designed,
people-friendly, insect-free ecosystem.

But is this plan just a scientifically unsound merchandising scheme
that will keep people in denial until the bitter end? The answer sends
Zenith and humanity in a direction that will completely surprise
readers, making them laugh while opening up to the deeper
possibilities of human existence.

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoy books that have a small cast of characters that are easy to keep track of, books that keep on track with plot lines, books that from start to finish are easy reads, books that do not make me scratch my head in confusion because I am unsure of what is happening.

I can honestly say this book has none of the characteristics above, it does have a very long story line that at times confuses if not downright loses the reader. However while that is true, while there are errors in word spelling, word use and sentence structure throughout the writing there is also a strange fascinating science fiction fantasy taking place that entertains, at times disgusts, at others makes you laugh out loud, and ultimately surprises no one with the way things turn out in the end. Maybe the reason is that we are too cynical in modern times but the idea of a Utopian paradise that is the goal of the society described in this story is too far fetched even in the context it is constructed for me. Not only that but the idea of an imaginary creature that could do household chores, be the ultimate in friendly family pets and all around be harmless to humans was something that just made me shake my head. After all when has man ever created something totally harmless?

This book is for those of us who can totally get into a character named Zenith Cobra or Apex Caliente and take them as they are presented, for those like myself who tend to be a bit more on the pedantic side the flamboyance of Zenith is going to be lost in translation.

I would recommend this read to anyone who seeks a sci-fi fantasy read that has a large cast of characters, who enjoys exploring a world that is all about the technology and exploiting peoples every whim, a reader who can immerse themselves easily with no regards to structured story lines and has no problem keeping track of what is going on no matter how off the wall it may be.

I did not hate nor did I love this book, it showed me just how humanity has managed to continue on a path to self destruction that I heartily hope never comes true. Not only that but I hope that people who read this one understand that while it may be all in fun it also holds real truths behind the zany presentation of the story.

{A Kindle copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.}

KIRK MUSTARD'S GOODREADS PAGEAUTHORS BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK BUY LISTINGS

When in doubt post a cute LOL photo!

2012-01-18T00:00:00.002-06:00

I have no other excuse other than once again am experiencing technical difficulties so on and off in next few days time will have filler posts with pretty or silly kitty photos from LOL cats due to my idiotic computer freezing up thanks to very slow internet connection which has led to a mental stress level breakdown on my part and headaches that lead to shutting the computer down without any type of real blog post set up. I had almost the whole month set up except for a few reviews and thanks to my computer antics they have had to be postponed till later in month as cannot set up the posts.

Anyway enjoy the photo posts!

haven't we all had a day like this one?

Grace {My Thoughts}

2012-01-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

Grace by Susan Bennett
Kindle Edition Published October 19th 2011By Clever Pumpkin Pty. Ltd.ASIN B005XHQQ2G
My rating: 5 of 5 starsAMAZON KINDLE BUY LINKBUY LINK BARNES AND NOBLES NOOK BOOK
Book Synopsis

Four women are about to start a mob war – and nails WILL be broken.

Some epiphanies look like diamonds. Isabella Albrici's diamond shaped epiphany begins when her womanising husband, Domenic, frames her and her best friend Teresa for his diamond smuggling operation to save himself from jail. Prime targets for the prison’s resident psychopath, they’ll be lucky to survive jail, even luckier to survive if they get out – thanks to Domenic, ‘the family’ thinks Isabella is an FBI informant. The big house ain't no fun house, but for Isabella and Teresa, it’s the safest house there is – until the evidence keeping them there suddenly goes missing.

Ladies, you are free to go.

Ah, if it’s all the same to you – maybe we’ll just stay where we are.

No chance. Close the door on your way out.

Ah shit. Thanks very much.

Some epiphanies are shaped like diamonds – others, like bullets. Sometimes grace is received; sometimes grace has to be earned. For years, these mob wives have lived off the wages of sin, now the path to redemption is clear: they gotta whack their old men.
Welcome to the inaugural general meeting of the first chapter of the New Jersey Mob Suffragette’s Whack Club.

Salut.

MY THOUGHTS

I am going to admit my sum total of knowledge of mafia wives comes from watching movies like "Good Fellas", "Married To The Mob" and "Casino". My only books featuring larger than life Italian women characters as the focus are those penned by Jackie Collins in her "Lucky Santangelo" series.

The stereotype of the big hair, the jewelry, the designer clothes and the attitude held true in the beginning when we are introduced to Isabella and Teresa. All that changes when they are put in prison, the minute the women understand they are no longer under the protection of "the family" and are on their own they become more "real". The two have always had a close bond, in prison that bond intensifies and grows to include a young African American inmate named Eve. Eve is young enough to be the women's daughter, and yet has seen more hardship and horrors in her short life than Isabella and Teresa can even begin to imagine.

After being put through many trials and tribulations from fellow inmates as well as the prison officials finally Isabella, Teresa and Eve are released. Isabella because the evidence disappears linking her to any crime, Eve on parole from her sentence and Teresa is taken to hospital after trying to commit suicide.

The story takes off after the three are taken one by one under the wing of a young Australian woman named Irish. A chance meeting between Isabella and Irish outside a bakery shop turns into a fantastic journey watching each of the characters as they transform over time. Following along each step of the way teaches the reader that second chances do happen if you are willing to grab it with both hands and never look back.

The journey is bumpy, the ride is long but the ending is very satisfying while at the same time leaving an opening for more adventures if the author is so inclined to continue to follow what happens to the women in the future.

If you ever had a yen to get involved with a "made man" read "Grace", it will change your mind! If you ever thought blood counted as the only way to identify "family", read "Grace" it will teach you the true meaning of "sisters under the skin"! If you are looking for a good book that will make you want to wring a dirty cheating spouses neck, cheer as women who lost everything find out they gained more than they ever lost, laugh out loud along with these same women as they learn how to laugh again and most of all cry when needed as there are scenes that just about kill you with the intensity of the emotions, if you want all that then read "Grace"!
[This was an ecopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.]SUSAN'S AMAZON AUTHOR'S PAGESUSAN'S GOODREADS AUTHORS PAGESUSAN'S BLOG SITESUSAN'S CLEVER PUMPKIN COOKING SITE

Taken-A Frankie Post Novel {My Thoughts}

2012-01-16T00:00:00.005-06:00

Taken: A Frankie Post Novel by L.M. Pruitt
Kindle EditionPublished November 1st 2011 By Red Hot PublishingISBN 13 9781927116173AMAZON KINDLE BUY LINKBARNES AND NOBLE BUY LINKSMASHWORDS BUY LINK
Source: Ecopy provided by TBSP tours in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

Cheating spouse? Stolen jewelry? Missing person?

Call Frances--Frankie--Post. A private detective with a trick of two up her sleeve and a few skeletons of her own.

What starts out as a simple missing person's case dumps Frankie and her lover Jack right in the crosshairs of a dangerous human trafficking organization. With lives on the line, bad blood and old wounds finally see the light of day. And Frankie and Jack are forced to realize: The past always catches up with you.

My Thoughts

L.M. Pruitt has taken a simple premise and created an extraordinary story and one of the coolest female characters I have had the pleasure to read in a very long time. Taken: A Frankie Post Novel is the first in what I hope is a long running series with P.I. Frankie Post and her detective partner/lover/best friend Jack Waters. If the next book is half as fun as this one count me in with no reservations. The two main characters are crafty, clever, somewhat shady but oh so mouth watering steamy together that you forget that this is a suspenseful mystery as the scenes with Frankie and Jack always seem to somehow end up with sexy byplay! Not only was this a book that totally kept me riveted to my seat it also was fast and easy to follow from the first page to the last. The story line was in no way lighthearted but it had lighter moments that cropped up to break up the tension for the reader. I am now a firm fan of the author as have previously enjoying reading her first book in another series that I am looking forward to getting to further pursue if time ever permits. If you enjoy fast paced banter, quick plot changes and quite a few hot and heavy scenes that explore the sexual exploits of Frankie and Jack very explicitly than this one will keep you reading until it ends!

[Ecopy of book provided in exchange for an honest review by TBSP tours.]

Places to find author:
L M PRUITT'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE
L M PRUITT'S BLOG SITE
L M PRUITT'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Ongoing unplanned blog Hiatus for Book Lover's Hideaway.

2012-01-15T00:00:00.002-06:00

Donna has let her fellow bloggers know by email that thanks to a move to a home that is out of range of broadband Internet access she is going to be forced to take a temporary hiatus until she can change or upgrade her Internet provider. This may be only a few weeks but it may be longer so bear with her until it gets sorted out sometime in the future. Right now as far as she knows the hiatus may be over before or by February 10th.

The posts that are scheduled will of course run as planned but there may be a lag time at some point where there is nothing new posted.

This is an FYI to all followers who like me enjoy reading her reviews, trying your luck in the book giveaways and the featured posts that are always interesting to take part in.

Donna hope you get back up soon, we will miss you until things are worked out!

Book Lover's Hideaway

Today is all about the "Carte Blanche" Erotic Historical Romance of Natasha Blackthorne.

2012-01-14T00:00:00.012-06:00

all photos provided by the author

Please join me today and take a journey into a series that I have not had the pleasure to read but in reading others reviews can heartily recommend for those who like "swoonworthy" heroes and "naughty" leading ladies! Without further ado the blog is turned over to author Natasha Blackthorne.

"I Do", may not be a guarantee to "Happily Ever After":

Does “I do” always guarantee a happily ever after? Not if the people in that marriage refuse to change their ways of looking at life and their patterns of behavior. When patterns of behavior are ingrained due to issues of self-image and childhood programming then the prospect of changing is even more daunting.

This is the underlying conflict in my new release, White Lace & Promises. New York Merchant Prince Grey Sexton may have decided to commit himself in marriage and offer Beth McConnell the protection and position of his name but has he really changed his mode of operation in relationships?

In addition, Beth's secret life comes into collision with her ordinary life.

Grey knew Beth as the bold beautiful temptress who seduced him in a Philadelphia booksellers shop. He grew to know her as the fiery spirited girl who broke through all his cold self-protection. However, there's another side to Beth, a softer, more vulnerable side. She has relationships with other people. She's a dutiful sister and aunt.

But Grey wants Beth's attention and loyalty all for himself. This is just the start of their new troubles as Beth and Grey strive to come together as man and wife.

After an idyllic courtship where Grey had been generous with his time and attention, Beth is shocked at the compartmentalized life he expects to live as a married man. With Beth won and his at last, Grey put his business as first priority and everything else, including his bride, second.

Having grown up without a father of her own, she knows all too painfully how important it is that he play a vital role in their home life. She comes to realize that she must stand up to him and demand that he change his outlook before she can start a family with him.

However, Beth is overwhelmed by her struggle to find a way to bring the two sides of herself, the spirited girl and the mature lady, together. She also must cope with her half-siblings' increasing pleas that she share her newfound wealth with them. Because he sees himself primarily in the role of provider and protector, Grey is determined to separate Beth from the family he can only view as opportunistic leaches that play on her affections. This only increases the tension for Beth as she tries to find the right balance between being a proper lady and being herself.

In addition, there’s something very near and dear to Grey that his behavior also affects. He can’t see it as clearly as Beth can and he dismisses it until it is almost too late.

Under the weight of all these issues, their marriage comes to an impossible impasse. Grey has what he thinks is the best of all possible solutions. Can Beth accept it or will she be forced to walk away from everything she never realized she wanted?

I will always love to read a good historical romance, that being said reading an Erotic Historical Romance is a very different kettle of fish. I hope you enjoy learning about author Natasha Blackthornes "Carte Blanche" series and remember if you are under 18 it is best you not follow the links provided as these books are meant to be read by adults that are of the legal age of consent as they are very explicit.

AMAZON BUY LINK ALL ROMANCE BUY LINK

TOTAL EBOUND BUY LINK

Grey’s Lady by Natasha Blackthorne

[Length Novella and best read in order of series.]

Seeking sexual excitement and conquest, poor but beautiful Beth seduces wealthy merchant prince Grey Sexton, only to find herself the pursued as he seeks to own her body and soul.   Flouting the moral standards of Jeffersonian America, temptress Beth McConnell lets no man touch her heart. Her motto is love them once and leave them burning.   But when she boldly seduces Grey Sexton, a self-controlled merchant prince from New York, she finds herself too fascinated by his ice-over-fire nature to stay away. His possessive determination to own her, body and soul, threatens to expose her secret erotic life to public shame.   But Beth will only surrender her love to a man she can trust. And Grey's materialistic approach to relationships leaves her little reason to believe he can ever give her what she truly needs.   For these two cynical yet lonely people, can deep sexual intimacy work a miracle and lead to the opening of their hearts?

FIRST CHAPTER OF GREY'S LADY

TOTAL EBOUND BUY LINK FOR ALL EREADERS

White Lace and Promises, Book Two in the Carte Blanche Series.
Beth and Grey’s passionate battle of wills continues...

New York Merchant Prince Grey Sexton loves the audacious, spirited young temptress who seduced him in a Philadelphia bookseller’s and made passionate love to him in his carriage. Her fiery nature broke through his cold self-protection. But in a time of war and trade disruption, he cannot allow himself to be distracted. He vows to put business above all else in his life, including his bride.

Shocked and hurt by Grey's distance, Beth wonders whether he truly returns the burning love she feels for him. Beth demands that Grey prove he can truly change once and for all or else she will not start a family with him. But will the dark, sensual secrets she yet keeps repel this arrogant, self-controlled gentleman she has married?
White Lace and Promises is the sequel to Grey's Lady, best read as part of a series. Length: Super Novel, 257 pages

An Excerpt:

He lifted her hand away, not gently as just a moment earlier but with determination. At the terse gesture, her heart leapt into her throat. She glanced up at him. “Why?”

He kept his hand wrapped around her wrist, holding her hand to her thigh. “You’re not listening to me.”

Her spine stiffened. “Well, this is a chilly reception after a week’s separation. A whole week without—”

A muscle twitched in his jaw. “I sent you a message, explaining why.”

Her stomach began aching like the first indication that something she’d eaten had begun to sour. “Yes, and I am certain you put more warmth into your bank drafts.”

He tapped his fingers on her hand. “Beth, I was preoccupied. I shall often be engaged with business matters. You shall have to accustom yourself.”

A hot retort rushed to her tongue. She gritted her teeth to stop it. Yes, he was a man of business. He had important things to do, places to go and people to see. But surely he could have spared her an hour or two somewhere in those seven days to pen a decent lover’s letter. She had ached for his company—she hated to admit how much. She ached right now for his hard body, pressing hers down on the plush velvet seat cushions. She ached even more for the reassurance of his lips on hers, his soft words in her ear.

Why must he deny them? What had changed? He’d said he was over the issue with the money. He’d said it that night before he’d left the shop. And now again this evening.
All right, he was no longer angry over their quarrel. He was over it. Then so was she.
Only, he didn’t truly seem to be over it.

With her free hand, she cracked open her fan and drew it in front of her face. Then she threw him a deadly gaze over the painted yellow silk. “I don’t see why you must enforce this hypocritical chastity upon us.”

He laughed, low and sensual, the first real warmth he’d shown since he’d come for her at her brother’s Southwark cobbler shop that evening. “You will not arrive at the house of your former benefactress—at the ball where we shall announce our engagement to society—smelling like a brothel.”

The mention of the ball cooled her blood—considerably. She was dreading tonight, when they would announce their engagement. Yes, others certainly suspected, but she feared the grudging tolerance with which society had accepted her into its midst would suddenly evaporate when those suspicions were confirmed. She sighed and fanned her face. “I don’t see why we must make such a huge fuss over our engagement.”

“You wanted a proper courtship and marriage.”

She couldn’t deny that. At first he’d wanted her for a mistress, but she’d refused his carte blanche. Vexed he couldn’t gain her commitment, he’d cast their attachment aside. Thrown her over. But he’d returned within a matter of weeks and asked her brother’s permission to court her.

In the weeks of their courtship he’d been unbelievably generous with his time and money—and his body. Oh, definitely generous with his body. But maybe now the formality of becoming engaged had chilled their affaire. Changed it from something rooted in the most heated passion to something proper.

Proper.

The word echoed in her mind, a mocking refrain. She feared she could no more transform herself into a proper lady than she could reinstate her virginity.

If he wanted a proper wife, then she had nothing to offer him. The thought made her blood freeze.

He took her left hand and lifted it. On her ring finger, a sizable sapphire on a gold band, along with its attendant circle of smaller diamonds, glittered in a shaft of light entering through a crack between the curtains. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it lingeringly. A flare of fire melted the ice in her veins. Then he met her eyes and the severity in his piercing, silver gaze froze her anew. “You didn’t want to be my mistress. You wanted to be my wife. You must accept the responsibility that comes with your new status.”

His harsh tone cut into her. Why was he behaving like this? To hide her dismay, she curled her lip. “I am surprised you haven’t insisted on a chaperone for us.”

“There’s no need to ape a European’s ostentatious manners. It is just that I have an important place in the world. A reputation to protect. A certain level of conduct is expected of me. You shall have to adapt and adhere to it.” He dropped her hand back into her lap and the ache in her stomach increased.

Adapt. Adhere. Behave. Hurry.

He’d done nothing this evening but lecture her. She’d feared all along that letting him slip that expensive ring on her finger would bring out the tyrant in him.

Coming February 28th 2012 Book #3

[Full length novel]

NATASHA ON TWITTER

NATASHA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

NATASHA ON SHELFARI

NATASHA'S AMAZON AUTHORS PAGE

NATASHA'S BLOG

NATASHA'S WEB SITE

NATASHA'S NEWSLETTER SIGN UP LINKNATASHA'S FACEBOOKJOIN NATASHA AND OTHERS AT THE NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP Starting 12 am on the 15th of January, it should be a very intriguing giveaway hop with over 50 participants.

Thanks for introducing myself and my followers to this series today Natasha, sounds like maybe I need to get acquainted with these characters myself sooner than later!

Winnahs of Grace...

2012-01-13T00:00:00.001-06:00

Since there were only two entries into the giveaway both Linda Kish and Denise Z got copy of Grace.

Happy Reading!

HAPPY READING!

Winnahs of Secret of Lucianne Dove.

2012-01-08T00:00:00.002-06:00

Names in a hat Randomizer has spoken and the lucky winners are:
Marybelle for the Print copy of book.
Denise Z. for the Kindle copy of book.

Happy Reading!

Author LM Pruitt Taken Blog Tour Stop-Book Excerpt& ECopy of book for one lucky reader!

2012-01-07T00:00:00.009-06:00

Welcome to the blog stop for author LM Pruitts tour of her mesmerizing first book in the "Frankie Post" series. Enjoy the below book excerpt, comment and leave your contact email for a chance to win a copy and if you cannot wait that long head over to one of the buy links and get a copy today and start reading "Taken" today!

One of the steadfast traditions of the detective novel is the dogged, world-weary cop partner. How to update the role, give it a twenty-first century twist, and still keep it true to origin might have been a challange--if it wasn't for Jack. Read on, and you'll see what I mean.

“Ms. Post.” The desk sergeant’s eyes scanned up and down, lingered on my oversized purse. “Detective Waters didn’t mention you’d be stopping by this afternoon.”
“Probably because he didn’t know.” Familiar with the routine, I turned my bag upside down and dumped the contents on the counter. “Got a lead I need his help with. He’s not in the field, is he?”
Picking up a pen, the sergeant poked through the debris on the desk, harrumphed at the three tubes of lipstick. “Nah. Doing his fives. Likes to let them get knee deep before he gets around to them.” Satisfied there were no bombs, weapons or hidden baked goods, he grunted and handed me a visitor’s pass. “You know the way.”
I swept an arm over the desk, shoving everything back in the bag. After clipping the badge to my dress, I headed up the stairs toward the bullpen. Two patrolmen passed me, one of them whistling. His partner, thirty years older and twice as jaded, slapped him on the back of his head. “Idiot. Waters will beat your brains in he catches you doing that.”
I’d stopped by my office, scrubbed off the makeup and gotten rid of the contacts. The tan would take a day or two to fade. In the rush to get out the door after letting Jack “help” me, I’d forgotten a change of clothes. The white linen dress would get plenty of mileage today.
Weaving my way through the bullpen, I acknowledged the waves, rolling my eyes at Doyle’s over the top wolf whistle. I made a point to know the other detectives, at least their names and faces. Jack filled me in on gossip from time to time. Never knew what string I’d need to pluck for information.
Jack sat at his desk, his back to me. He’d tossed his jacket over the back of the chair where it now hung crooked, one sleeve dragging the floor. The back of his collar was flipped up, the bright blue tie visible from across the room. As I watched, he balled a piece of paper up and launched it toward the waste bin. He missed by a mile, cursed a blue streak.
“Guess you won’t be playing one on one with your buddy from the Knicks.” I dropped my bag on the floor next to his chair and straightened his collar. He stiffened under my hands, his pen dropping from his fingers. “Although you could probably take him, since he’s got the bum knee.”
“Frankie.” Jack leaned his head back until our eyes met. “This is unexpected.”
“Had an urge.” I gave his shoulders a squeeze, sliding around him to lean against the desk. “You eat lunch yet?”
“If you call a cup of bad coffee and vending machine crackers lunch, then yeah, I did.” He gathered papers together, shoving them into folders. “Everything go okay this morning?”
“It went. I told Casey Lynn to head back there tonight and to wear her wire.” Scooping up a handful of pens, I dumped them in a broken coffee cup. “I also told her she could put the wire on herself.”
“Bet she took that piece of news real gracious-like.” Jack swiveled the chair to face me, stroking his chin. I sighed and leaned forward to fix his tie until it hung straight. “You stop by the bank?”
“On my way here. You?”
“Did it when I left the apartment this morning.” His hand lifted to tuck my hair behind my ear. His fingers played lightly over my earring. “What’d you really come here for, Frankie?”
“I told you. Came to see if you’d had lunch.” I tugged on his tie and smirked. “And see if you want to go hang out in a strip club later.”
“You always want to go to the most interesting places.” He sighed and shot a look at his desk. “Where do you want to eat?”
“Trailer Park.” I stood, tugging my dress back into place. “I’m feeling nostalgic.”
“You go ahead. Give me five minutes.” He opened a folder, snarling at the contents. “Damn paperwork.”
“Nope. I know you and paperwork.” Grabbing his hand, I yanked, which did nothing but cause me to wobble on my heels. “You’re coming with me.”
“Jesus, Frankie.” Jack shook his head and pushed to his feet. Nipping the edge of his jacket, he slid his arms in, rolling his shoulders to settle it in place. “Any more quirks of character you want to indulge in while we’re here?”
Scooping my bag up, I shrugged. “Well, since you asked.” I spun on my heels, clutched his lapels, both for dramatic effect and for balance. His eyes widened in shock a half second before I pulled his mouth down to mine. His hands fisted against my side briefly before flexing, grasping my hips and pulling me close.
I stumbled, clung tighter, even as all the blood rushed out of my head, leaving it spinning. My pulse pounded wildly, echoing in my ears. His teeth nipped at my lower lip and I whimpered, forgetting for the briefest of moments where we were.
The wolf whistles and applause reminded me.
Jack pulled back enough to draw a ragged breath, resting his forehead against mine. “What happened to discretion? To plausible deniability?”
“Fuck it.” I stepped back, running shaking hands over his jacket. “Let’s take a chance.”
Laughing, he nudged me with his hand against the small of my back. “We’re already doing that by going to the Trailer Park.”

The Tenth Precinct occupies a block stuffed with restaurants, bars, health clubs and everything else native New Yorkers need to live. The Trailer Park Lounge and Grill is a block up and half block in the precinct and a hundred worlds away. Neither of us had been so close to home in fifteen years.
“So why did you really come to the station, Frankie?” Jack waited until our server, rude and surly in a way you can only get away with in New York, dropped our plates in front of us. He picked up a tater tot, studied it before crunching into the crisp potato. “And don’t give me any lines about impulses and urges.”
“I told you. I came to see if you wanted lunch and if you wanted to hang out in a strip club tonight.” I wiped burger juice from my chin, chewing slowly. “The strip club where Samantha Abernathy works.”
“Samantha Abernathy. One of Audrey Clark’s roommates.” Jack dusted his burger with salt and pepper and cut it in half. “I did a prelim with her and ran her. Didn’t come up with anything employment related.”
“She’s getting paid off the books.” I swallowed and reached for my drink. “I ran her vehicle info through the system. She’s gotten six parking tickets in the past three months, all from the same area. The only things down around there are strip clubs and crack houses. Considering the fact she’s also been making weekly deposits in excess of a grand, sometimes close to two, I don’t think she’s down there for the crack houses.”
“I won’t ask how you got into her bank account.”
“Johnny needs the money. Maria’s holding out this time.” I pushed the tots around on my plate before dousing them with ketchup. “He actually had to stay in a flop motel last night.”
“Kid’s gonna kill himself before he’s thirty. Any idea which place she’s stripping at?” Jack gazed longingly at the Pabst can on the server’s tray. He still had another three hours before he was off duty. “Because I’m not spending the entire evening wandering around the red light district.”
“I’ve got Casey Lynn tailing her. Based on the time stamps on the parking tickets, Samantha’s working the early evening shift. Casey Lynn will have plenty of time to follow her and report in before getting all dolled up to go out.”
“What’d you tell her about last night?”
“Food poisoning.” Licking ketchup off my fingers, I glanced at the table next to us. “Not from here. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.” I waited until they turned back to their food. “She apologized for being bitchy.”
“What are you going to tell her when we leave?” Jack pushed his plate away, balled his napkin up and tossed it toward the table. He missed, the paper landing on the floor. “Or are we not saying anything?”
“If they know enough to come looking for us, they’ll know enough to question her.” Appetite gone, I shoved my own plate toward the center of the table. “We can’t tell her the truth.”
“She’s too smart to believe a lie.” Jack’s eyes bored into me. “Unless we start telling it now.”
“What did you have in mind?”
Jack started to reach into his pocket and hesitated. He cursed, then yanked a small box out. “Here. You’ll say no, so I don’t know why the hell I’m asking.”
“You’re not asking anything. You’re throwing shit at me.” Still, I picked the box up, turning it over in my hands. “You haven’t given me jewelry since…”
“Since the summer we turned sixteen. When I gave you the necklace.” He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at his earlobe. “Yeah, I know. First, I couldn’t, because we didn’t have the money. Then, when we did---”
“I wouldn’t take it. Because we never knew when we’d wind up running again.” The hand in my lap shook, even while the one holding the box stayed steady. “And what’s the point in having something I’d have to leave behind with the old name?”
“Open the box, Frankie.”
“I’m scared.” Shocked, not because of how I felt, but because I’d admitted to it. I flicked my tongue over dry lips. “I got a feeling of what’s inside. And I don’t mind sayin’ I’m scared shitless.”
“Open the box, Frankie.” Jack scrubbed his palms over his face. “Whatever you say, we’ll figure this out. Just maybe I want one thing real in all the lies we tell.”
“We already have one real thing. We have us.”
“Fine. I want something that tells everybody else this is real.” Yanking the box from my slack fingers, he flipped the lid open himself and shoved it back at me. The diamond inside sparkled, maybe more so than it should have in the low light and tacky surroundings. “Frankie, look at me.”
I tore my eyes away from the ring, trying to blink away the sparkles clinging stubbornly to my vision. Jack reached across the table, taking my hand. His trembled and he cleared his throat.
“We’re not our parents. You’re not your mama, weak and foolish, and you’re not mine, cold and rigid. I’m not your daddy, who left you, or Bill, who did his best to use you, or my daddy, who had more pride and stubbornness than brains.”
“You could argue about the stubborn bit.” The joke fell flat between us.
“I made you a promise I’d never leave you. This ring—it doesn’t change that, doesn’t change us.”
“I’m scared.” The words were easier to say this time, even though my mouth was still dry as cotton. “I’ve never been as good as you. Some’d say I’ve never been good for you. I’m scared one day you’ll wake up and realize it.”
“Maybe I was wrong. Maybe you are foolish. You’re sure as shit talking stupid right now.” Jack pulled the ring from the cushion and grabbed my hand. Before I had the brains to jerk away, he’d jammed the circle onto my finger. “You can be scared. I’m so scared myself it’s a wonder I haven’t fainted clear away. But I’d say us being scared together is a helluva lot better than being scared apart.”
I stared at the ring, twisting my hand, watching the diamond catch the light. The weight was heavy, foreign. Despite the knot in my stomach, it felt right. “You must have been saving all that up for a while.”
“A bit.” He laced his fingers through mine, running his thumb over my knuckles. “I don’t hear you saying no.”
Sighing, I squeezed his fingers. “You wanna meet me at the office when you get off?”

AUTHOR LM PRUITT BIO

L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She is the author of the Jude Magdalyn Series as well as New Moon Rising, featuring Cari Gravier, and Taken, featuring Frankie Post. She is currently at work on the next book in the Moon Rising series, Harvest Moon Rising, due out April 2012. Ms. Pruitt makes her home in Florida with two cats--one smart, the other not so much.

Amazon buy link B&N buy link

Smashwords buy link

Seeing Night Book Reviews is the January 8th stop on tour.

GIVEAWAY RULES:*Do not have to follow blog**MUST provide valid contact email in comment for entry**Giveaway is for an ecopy provided by author to winner**Giveaway is International**Starts 1/7/12 and goes to 1/21/12 at 12 Noon CST*Winner will be picked using Randomizer, contacted, confirmed and posted on the blog no later than 1st of February.

Taking off for 2 weeks in January/Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.021-06:00

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW!

photos courtesy of google.com

2011 is over! Yay for 2012.After having too much turkey for Thanksgiving and having too much fun Christmas shopping, eating over the Christmas and New Years weekend and not getting a lot of anything done am taking off for a 2 week period. During this time will be working on reading, writing reviews and setting up some new blog parameters to get off to a new start this year. My posting has been 7 days a week for past two years and since now going on year three am going to change that and try for 4 to 5 days a week at most so have more time to take care of real life as have been doing more of that lately than blogging. I have a nice big blogoversary planned for April among other things so there will be plenty of changes for the better, not moving to WP but sticking with Blogger and hoping Google will stop changing things for us every time we get things set up a certain way. There will be a couple things post during this time including blog tour and giveaway but nothing full time until after January 15th. Here is to a better year for us all in 2012!

Winnahs of Love Potions.

2011-12-31T00:00:00.006-06:00

Since there are 3 copies of the book to be sent out in eformat to winners and only 3 entrants to the giveaway each of them have been awarded the book.
LisagkendallDenise ZAurian

While I'm Still Myself {My Thoughts}

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-06:00

While I'm Still Myself by Jeremy Mark Lane
Paperback 125 PagesExpected Publication January 10 2012Published by Tate Publishing(all info from goodreads.com)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
You can also read the ebook version online or buy for 99 cents at this link on goodreads.com
I have no Amazon or Barnes and Nobles buy links at present as the book comes out on January 10th, 2012 and there are none posted at present.

Book Synopsis

A passionate December love affair.

The meeting of an unexpected traveler.

The consequences of protecting a young new acquaintance.

A journey into an unknown past.

In the stories of While I’m Still Myself, Jeremy Lane eloquently describes the life changing impact of the brief encounter, showing that life and love are not shaped by an entire lifetime, but by the fleeting moments with unexpected people in unexpected places.

My Thoughts

Short stories have always appealed to me as they are snippets of time intricately woven into tales that sometimes touch you deeper than those that encompass a full length novel. The emotions are sharper, the feelings are stronger and the characters more finely drawn as their time to impress the reader is so short as to be almost over before it has begun. In "While I'm Still Myself" we take many small journeys that in the end have common denominators, they all deal with love, loss, fear, hate, shame, and lives changed in one way or another for all time in some way or another.

This is not a light read, rather it will open you up to feelings that range from ecstasy to despair and at times make you feel so overwhelmed that it is hard to go on to the next tale. The entire novel does not take more than one sitting to go through and it empties you out while at the same time it fills you up with the knowledge that we all have to keep hoping even in the darkest of moments.

[This was an ecopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. The book releases in January 2012.]

JEREMY'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGEJEREMY'S WEB SITEEBOOKS BY JEREMY JEREMY ON TWITTER

A Gift from Me To You-Vampire and Shapeshifters Anthology Winner.

2011-12-23T00:00:00.019-06:00

Randomizer has spoken and the results are:

US WINNER (x1) OF A GIFT FROM ME TO YOU

List Randomizer

There were 3 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1 Lisa Richards/alterlisa

3 Denise Z

2 debbie

Timestamp: 2011-12-13 22:30:16 UTC

First In Series Book Winners.

2011-12-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

INTERNATIONAL WINNER (X1) OF FIRST IN SERIES GIVEAWAY

List Randomizer

There were 7 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

7 Aurian (confirmed winner)
6 Anna
5 Mel
2 marybelle
1 buddyt
4 elaing8
3 Jewel
Timestamp: 2011-12-08 17:44:44 UTC

US WINNERS (X3) OF FIRST IN SERIES GIVEAWAY

List Randomizer

There were 7 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

5 JoAnna(confirmed)
3 throuthehaze(confirmed)
7 Denise Z(confirmed)
1 Cate Masters
6 lisagkendall
4 donnas
2 Lisa Richards/alterlisa
Timestamp: 2011-12-08 17:49:47 UTC

Joanna won Heart of Darkness

Denise Z won Crimson City

Through The Haze won The Sweet Scent of Blood

International Winner __7 Aurian Chose "The Sweet Scent of Blood" bySuzanne McLeod

Happy Reading to everyone!

TAKING OFF FOR HOLIDAYS....

2011-12-21T00:00:00.017-06:00

One can dream and this looks so tranquil, wish was on vacation here!

Thanks to google.com for my wishful destination.

google.com provided this photo

Down time before New Years means no blogging!

Another place provided by photos from google.com

Dream vacation home with views of green and gorgeous splash of what looks like Bougainvillea flowers to me.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Guardian of Time {My Thoughts}

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

Guardian of Time by Linda Hawley
EBook Published October 26th 2011 By Nouveau PublishingISBN 13 2940013211360also available in PaperbackSource: E-Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest reviewBUY LINK AMAZON KINDLEBUY LINK AMAZON PAPERBACKBUY LINK BARNES AND NOBLE NOOK

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Synopsis

It’s the near future, and society is government controlled. Technology tracks everyone, personal privacy does not exist, and even food supplies are being monitored. The hope for freedom lies in the operations of an underground organization, GOG, which fights against worldwide oppression. Their most powerful weapon is Ann Torgeson, a paranormally-gifted operative, who unseals The Prophecies with her powers. With the government doggedly pursuing her, she goes underground, fleeing the Pacific Northwest, but not before leaving three murders, one suicide, and an explosion behind her. Will she and her companions survive to change the world after everything twists and turns upside down?

My Thoughts

Not only did Guardian of Time surpass book 1 Dreams Unleashed in terms of action and suspense but it also proved once again that good research, a very thrilling story and excellent characters are well worth waiting for. Ann has quite a few shocks to face in book 2, a betrayal that shocks her to her core and some revelations about past happenings that help explain what is going on in her present day life. Not only did I read as fast as possible but screamed in agony when the cliff hanger ending snuck up on me when I turned that last page. Linda Hawley has created a series that is going to turn certain peoples perspectives upside down when they read the first two books, a story that resonates with our current world and scares me to think just how much of it is really going on without us fully realizing it every day and most of all a series that allows readers to enjoy stepping out of their comfortable box of normal reading preferences for something that will challenge the imagination and at the same time entertain with every page you turn.

{I must disclose that this book was an ecopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.}

Places to Follow Author:Linda's Goodreads Author PageLinda on TwitterLinda's WebsiteLinda's FB Fan Page

Author Anna Patricio Posting her Inspirations From Antiquity.

2011-12-19T00:00:00.005-06:00

Please welcome my guest author today, she has a little bit to tell us of her love of ancient history and how she came about writing her debut novel so take a seat and like I did enjoy:

INSPIRATIONS FROM ANTIQUITY

by Anna Patricio

My debut novel 'Asenath' is about the little-known wife of Joseph of

the multi-colored coat. It may seem curious as to why I chose this

obscured, nearly forgotten woman of the Bible to write about - as a

matter of fact, when I tell people I have written about her, the most

common reaction I get is, "I didn't know Joseph had a wife!" (And let

me tell you, if I got a dollar everytime I heard that remark...)

However, that is exactly why she would make such a great topic for a

fiction. Because hardly anything is known about her, I am thus at

liberty to stretch my imagination as far as possible.

Of course, that is not the only reason why I chose to write about

Asenath. I have loved the Biblical account of Joseph for a long time.

Though I have been familiar with it since childhood, it was only later

in life that I came to see what a touching and powerful tale it truly

was. I really admire Joseph's strength of character, how he remained

sweet and kind despite the numerous travails that befell him, even

forgiving his brothers in the end. The more I delved deeper into

Joseph's story, the more I realized why he continues to serve as an

inspiration for many.

Then somehow, somewhere along the way, I grew curious about the

Egyptian woman he married. Like many people (probably majority of the

world's population, or so it would seem), I too did not know Asenath

existed until I began reading up extensively on Joseph.

"Wow, really, Joseph got married?" were my thoughts when I first heard

about Asenath.

All Genesis tells us about Asenath is that she was a priest's daughter

who was given in marriage to Joseph as his reward for interpreting

Pharaoh's dreams. I wanted to know more about her, and began to look

her up. Alas, my research was in vain. There was hardly anything on

her. There was a few ancient accounts on her, probably the most famous

one the Greek apocryphal text 'Joseph and Asenath.' But they were all

fictional.

I then thought I could possibly imagine what she *might* have been

like.... and write about it. I didn't really think to take it to the

next level though - revisions, research, seeking publication etc. But

soon I grew attached... embedded, even, in the writing of 'Asenath.'

It was hard to let go of it. It had become a part of my life.

I was indeed afforded much liberty, due to Asenath's obscure status.

But a degree of research was required. I derived some inspiration from

other accounts of Joseph, such as the abovementioned apocryphal text

and even some episodes from the Quran. And of course, I also

researched on the lifestyle in Ancient Egypt.

Where there were grey areas (for instance, what certain temple

ceremonies might have been like), I simply incorporated artistic

licence, while trying to make it as believable as possible. I love

what famed historical novelist, Eloise Jarvis McGraw (author of 'Mara,

Daughter of the Nile) said, "I am not saying this is how it happened.

I am not even saying this is how it might have happened... I am only

saying, 'What if it happened this way?'"

photos and all info provided by author

GOODREADS BOOK LINK FOR INFO

BOOK BLURB:

Two Destinies...One Journey of Love
In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a
fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her
perfect world is shattered.
When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her,
separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And
she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome
and kind steward named Joseph.
Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that
Asenath comes to find solace…and love. But just as they are beginning
to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master’s wife and thrown
into prison.
Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

author photo and bio provided by author

AUTHOR BIO:

Anna Patricio is a lover of ancient history, with a particular

interest in Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. She is also intrigued by

the Ancient Near East, though she has not delved too much into it but

hopes to one day.

She undertook formal studies in Ancient History at Macquarie

University. She focused mostly on Egyptology and Jewish-Christian

Studies, alongside a couple of Greco-Roman units, and one on

Archaeology. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for

ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway as it was

something she had always been passionate about.

Then, about a year after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical

fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on

her laptop. ASENATH is her first novel.

Recently, she traveled to Lower Egypt (specifically Cairo and the

Sinai), Israel, and Jordan. She plans to return to Egypt soon, and see

more of it. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome.

Anna is currently working on a second novel, which still takes place

in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after ASENATH.

ANNA'S GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

ANNA'S BLOG

ANNA'S FACEBOOK

ANNA'S TWITTER LINK

ANNA ON LINKED IN

Books Devoured: 25 Days of Jubilation

2011-12-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

Books Devoured: 25 Days of Jubilation: Welcome to Day 5 of 25 Days of Jubilation! 25 Days of Jubilation is hosted by Cyndi at DOG EARED AND BOOKMARKED , Jacinda at
THE READING HOUSEWIVES and Yani at THE SECRET LIFE OF AN AVID READER .

photo from Books Devoured giveaway post

Shannon is giving away either a $20 book of choice from Amazon to US winner or $20 book of choice from TBD for International winner. Go to her blog to get full details and enter using link at beginning of post above!

Book Excerpt/Guest-Author Susan Bennett/International Giveaway for Grace

2011-12-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

blurb, bio and photo provided by author

Goodreads Book Info Link

Book Blurb

Four women are about to start a mob war – and nails WILL be broken.

Some epiphanies look like diamonds. Isabella Albrici's diamond shaped epiphany begins when her womanising husband, Domenic, frames her and her best friend Teresa for his diamond smuggling operation to save himself from jail. Prime targets for the prison’s resident psychopath, they’ll be lucky to survive jail, even luckier to survive if they get out – thanks to Domenic, ‘the family’ thinks Isabella is an FBI informant. The big house ain't no fun house, but for Isabella and Teresa, it’s the safest house there is – until the evidence keeping them there suddenly goes missing.

Ladies, you are free to go.

Ah, if it’s all the same to you, maybe we’ll just stay where we are.

No chance. Close the door on your way out.

Ah shit. Thanks very much.

Some epiphanies are shaped like diamonds – others, like bullets. Sometimes grace is received; sometimes grace has to be earned. For years, these mob wives have lived off the wages of sin, now the path to redemption is clear: they gotta whack their old men.

Welcome to the inaugural general meeting of the first chapter of the New Jersey Mob Suffragette’s Whack Club.

Salut.

Book Excerpt and author's bio is followed by giveaway rules.

An excerpt from Grace: It seemed the worse things got, the darker the mob women's humour became. The evening before, as they were packing, Irish had asked them in all earnest what they thought would be happening in the Albrici camp – what would the Don make of his disappearing men – particularly in light of her one-sided sparring match with Cino Malatesta. Surely that would cast an illuminating glow over the other two disappeared? Or at the very least, a little niggling question mark?Isabella had been supremely unperturbed."Why would they put the two together? Cino – he was sent after you – they knew about him. But the others… they just went out to get the cannoli."Teresa appeared at Isabella's side and folded her hands in front of her in that familiar funereal stance. "Godfather," she addressed Isabella, "we need your wisdom, Godfather. Something is happening to our associates. Every time they go out to buy cannoli, they come back in a body bag."Isabella didn't miss a beat. "Consiglierie, the answer is obvious: these cannoli – they're killers." Teresa and Isabella exploded with mirth, while Irish, whose love of cannoli had landed her in this whole sorry mess, looked on stony-faced, feeling an unwelcome sympathy with the men."Si, si, Godfather, the cannoli – they got Jimmy Hoffa – is little known fact.""They've been known to eat whole horses, leaving only the heads." About the Author: Susan Bennett's first job entailed selling very large knives (think the bowie knife – that’s not a knife, this is a knife – from Crocodile Dundee) to complete strangers, along with camping goods and other assorted goodies such as replica pistols. Twenty years on, it finally occurred to her to wonder what some of those people wanted those replica pistols for, and she strongly suspects that many of the people she sold handcuffs to weren’t actually buying them as a joke gift, as they said. As such thoughts never entered her young head, she was able to look her customers happily in the eye and smile broadly as she helped them with their purchases, never suspecting that in an hour’s time they would be handcuffed to a bed somewhere. She cites Lisa Simpson as her greatest influence. Her recent short fiction appears in Etchings (10 ) and Overland (203). Daylight, (Twilight's Edward & Bella twenty years on) can also be read online. Places to follow Susan:Blog WebSite Susan's Goodreads Author PageGiveaway Rules:* Do not need to follow blog to enter* Must answer the question (What was author's first job?) in comment as part of entry and leave a valid contact email as will not track winner down*X3 winners of 3 e-copies of "Grace"Contest runs from 12/17-12/31/11 at 12 Noon CSTWinners will be chosen using random.org and contacted, confirmed, sent a Smashwords coupon to download format of choice to read ebook and posted on the blog no later than January 15th, 2012.

Making A Character Come Alive-Author Roberta Smith Guest Post/International Giveaway.

2011-12-16T00:00:00.008-06:00

My Thoughts on Book

photo courtesy of goodreads.com

BOOK INFO LINK FROM GOODREADS

From the author, who gave us a very unique paranormal mystery, here is Roberta Smith's take on her characters making a positive impact and in her tale they surely do on the reader!:

Making a Character Come Alive

One of the essential needs of human beings (after the basics like food, water, sex, shelter, love) is to have an answer to the question: What is the meaning of life? And when it becomes pretty clear that the answer is possibly not to be known or is a matter of opinion, many of us become satisfied with having a positive purpose for our own life. In fact, if we don’t have one, some of us may even sink to the level of despair.

In my book The Secret of Lucianne Dove I’ve created two characters driven by the need to give positive meaning to their lives. One is Lucianne, a prostitute from the Old West. I created her after traveling to ghost towns and old mining towns of California, Arizona and Nevada. The “soiled doves” of this era fascinated me. Take away the romantic images Hollywood has given us for some of these women and you’ll find a desperate way of life. It got me thinking, what if there was a woman in this situation who wanted to get out? What if society wouldn’t let her? What if she had to come back from the grave to change the legacy of her life? And what if there was a tormented soul from the present who could help her do it?

Enter my protagonist, Mickey. He’s suffering because he can’t get past something he did wrong decades earlier. This deed so stained him that it has become the meaning of his existence. His life’s purpose narrowed to finding something that will make up for what he did. So what if the soiled dove from the past could help Mickey at the same time he’s helping her?

In creating memorable characters, it’s important to go beyond what they look like, what they do, and what their back story is to what drives them. For me, knowing a character’s essential life-need is what breathes life into the fictional person and makes him or her authentic.

Mickey is real to me and very dear to my heart. So much so that after I finished Lucianne, I needed to spend more time with him. This resulted in two follow-up novels. Chapel Playhouse finds Mickey in a frightening situation, unraveling a mystery, saving a life, and battling a malicious, misguided ghost. The Accordo, to be released next year, puts Mickey through the wringer to such a degree that he may not be up for any more paranormal adventures. That’s why my fourth novel is a change-of-pace romance.

About the author:

photo from Goodreads.com
Roberta's Goodreads Author page
Roberta's Web Site
Roberta is a native of Southern California and a graduate of the University of Redlands. She lives with her husband and writes full time. She is the happy member of two clubs: The High Desert Branch of the California Writers Club and Victor Valley Vettes Corvette Club. She loves to explore the paranormal, go on outings with her hubby, and ponder the meaning of life (sometimes).

GIVEAWAY RULES:
*Do not have to follow blog.*
*Must leave a comment for author with valid contact email for entry.*
*Giveaway is for 1 PB copy of book and 1 Kindle edition copy of book provided to winners by author.*
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Ends 12/30/11 at 12 noon CST
Winners will be picked using Random.org, contacted, confirmed, info sent to author and posted on the blog no later than 1/8/2012 dues to holidays.