Eden Baylee - A Snake in Paradise

23. A Snake in Paradise by Eden Baylee (2015)
Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 8
Length: 67 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 25 May 2015
Finished: 30 May 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Eden Baylee for sending me a copy of this book to read from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Eden Baylee is a new author for me.

Madelaine Lee is a forty-something recently divorced woman, who is finally spreading her wings after spending way too many years trapped in a loveless marriage. For her fresh start in life, Madelaine is determined to make some changes about herself that will make her feel like an entirely new person. She changes her name to Lainey, and does something that she is absolutely sure her old self would never even have contemplated: she gets an intriguing, artistic and intricately done tattoo on her back and books a dream vacation to Hawaii.

Yes, Lainey has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. As a matter of fact, she and her new husband Elliot were supposed to go there on their honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in what Lainey sees as a poetic twist of fate, she is finally making the trip by herself - twenty-seven years later - as a gift to herself following a messy divorce.

Once she arrives on the Big Island, Lainey finds herself in absolute heaven - a true paradise of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue skies. She is having a truly amazing time, and even finds time for a little flirting and romance. After spending such a long time in a loveless marriage, Lainey is certainly eager to shed her fears and take a chance with Julian - a dashing and mysterious stranger ten years her junior. After all, it seems to Lainey that they shared an instant connection.

However, Lainey will soon find that romantic strolls along white sand beaches and leisurely swims in vibrant turquoise lagoons is not all Hawaii has to offer. Her budding relationship with Julian might prove to be a tempting distraction; a precious but fleeting chance at true love; or a date with the most charming snake in paradise. Will Lainey's Hawaiian vacation ultimately turn out to be a dream come true, or a waking nightmare?

I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fast-paced and subtly dramatic, I enjoyed Ms. Baylee's writing style and her development of such strong yet sympathetic characters. I give this book an A+! and I am eagerly waiting to read more from this author in the future.

This is actually the first book by Eden Baylee that I've read; although at 67 pages long, it really should be classified as more of a novella. In fact, this is the fourth of eight recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle set on my TBR pile and ready to read.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Introducing the Cover For Madison's Song by Christine Amsden!

Meet Christine Amsden

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Madison's Song by Christine Amsden (2015)

Length: 275 pages

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Madison's Song Blurb:

Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer - then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.

Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are so literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

Madison's Song Cover Reveal:

May you read well and often

Introducing Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash!

So, back in June of 2014, I had the pleasure of reading Schism: The Battle For Darracia by Michael Phillip Cash and here is my review. Schism: The Battle For Darracia is actually the first book in The Battle For Darracia Series and is the first book of an award-winning science fiction series. I have just recently received a copy of Mr. Cash's newest release: Witches Protection Program. My mother had received it from Mr. Cash's publicist, Red Feather Publishing, and she passed the book on to me to read.

Meet Michael Phillip Cash

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

Connect and Socialize with Michael!

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

Witches Protection Program by Michael Phillip Cash (2015)

Length: 238 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Witches Protection Program Blurb: 

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law enforcement agent, is given one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he's reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization - The Witches Protection Program. His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar Cosmetics company’s diabolical plan of using witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in both witches and himself. Filled with adventure, suspense and a rousing good time, Michael Phillip Cash creates a tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern day New York City.

Witches Protection Program Book Trailer:

May you read well and often

Calling All Book Reviewers!

Kathryn Meyer Griffith, the author of the thrilling Dinosaur Lake Series would like to ask one teeny, tiny, little favor of you all. If you'd be kind enough to write a brief but honest review of the books in the series for her on Amazon, she would be absolutely delighted. Just email Ms. Griffith at rdgriff@htc.net, and she'll be happy to send you a complimentary copy of any of the books to read.

Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith is the first book in her Dinosaur Lake Series, and I had the pleasure of reading Book 1 way back in March of 2014! Here is my review. You can also download the other two books in the series - Check 'em out! ;)

Meet Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Since childhood I’ve been an artist and worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over forty-two years ago now, and have had twenty (ten romantic horror, two horror novels, two romantic SF horror, one romantic suspense, one romantic time travel, one historical romance and three murder mysteries) previous novels, two novellas and twelve short stories published from Zebra Books, Leisure Books, Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Damnation Books/Eternal Press; and I’ve self-published my last five novels with Amazon Kindle Direct and my dinosaur novels are my best-sellers.

I’ve been married to Russell for thirty-six years; have a son, James, and two grandchildren, Joshua and Caitlyn, and I live in a small quaint town in Illinois, which is right across the JB Bridge from St. Louis, Mo. We have three quirky cats, ghost cat Sasha and Cleo, and live cat Sasha (Too), and the five of us live happily in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk singer in my youth with my brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.

2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my horror novel The Last Vampire - Revised Author’s Edition ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

Connect and Socialize with Kathryn!

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2012)

Length: 451 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Dinosaur Lake Blurb:

Ex-cop Henry Shore has been Chief Park Ranger at Crater Lake National Park for eight years and he likes his park and his life the way it's been. Safe. Tranquil. Predictable. But he's about to be tested in so many ways. First the earthquakes begin, people begin to go missing, then there's some mysterious water creature that's taken up residence in the caves below Crater Lake and it's not only growing in size, it's aggressive and cunning and very hungry.

And it's decided it likes human beings. To eat.

And it can come up onto land.

So Henry, with the help of his wife, Ann; a young paleontologist named Justin; and a band of brave men, must not only protect his park and his people from the monster but somehow find where it lives and destroy it before it can kill again.

Now Dinosaur Lake by Kathryn Meyer Griffith is a 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* in their Suspense/Thriller category.

Dinosaur Lake II: Dinosaurs Arising by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2014)

Length: 248 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Dinosaur Lake II: Dinosaurs Arising Blurb:

Prehistoric creatures have again invaded Crater Lake National Park…and this time there’s more than one.

Henry Shore has been Chief Park Ranger at Crater Lake National Park for thirteen years now and thought the days when he’d had to fight a rogue dinosaur that lived in the caves below the lake were long over.

Until one of his park rangers, to save a visitor’s life, is in a deadly struggle out in the woods with a new breed of dinosaur worse than the last one. It’s as big as a man, but this one is a young one. And growing.

Then more of the creatures begin to show up everywhere, threatening people and destroying the tranquility and safety of his beloved park.

A tourist trolley filled with fifteen people is snatched up off the crater’s rim by another version of the younger one…but this one has grown into a giant with fangs, claws and a deadly tail. And this one has wings. Ugly Gargoyles, Henry calls them. For this one isn’t alone. They’re flying beyond the park’s boundaries into the neighboring towns.

So Henry, with the help of his son-in-law, a paleontologist named Justin, and a band of brave park rangers, and a few good soldiers, must not only protect his park and his people from monsters once more but find their lair and destroy it and them before the creatures kill again.

Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2014)

Length: 285 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation Blurb:

Chief Park Ranger Henry Shore has dealt with and fought real live dinosaurs at his beloved Crater Lake National Park for over six years. With the help of his rangers, a few brave FBI friends and army soldiers he’d been victorious over a prehistoric lake creature and years later some particularly fiendish, and clever, specimens of the flying variety. He and his newspaper publisher wife, Ann, thought their park was finally rid of the monsters and they could reclaim their tranquil life in a place they cherished.

Not so. For suddenly across the park new and even more malevolent mutant species of dinosaur begin to appear and create havoc, attacking the park’s visitors and threatening its peace. And this time the primeval scourge isn’t confined to just their park. The creatures have moved into the nearby towns, across the western United States and up into Canada.

They are so much more aggressive, smarter and hungrier than any that have come before and the infestation is spreading further and faster than Henry and Ann can even imagine. This time there’s no easy way to defeat the dinosaurs. There’s too many of them and they’re too devious. This time it’s full out war and the victor will someday claim Earth.

May you read well and often

Introducing The Chronicles of the Stone Series by Fiona Ingram!

Meet Fiona Ingram 

Fiona Ingram's earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, she entertained her three younger brothers and their friends with serialised tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity. Haunted houses, vampires, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters.

Although Fiona Ingram has been involved in the theatre and journalism, writing a children's book - The Secret of the Sacred Scarab - was an unexpected step, inspired by a family trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for her two nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied her on the Egyptian trip. This short story grew into a children's book, the first in the adventure series Chronicles of the Stone. The second book in the series - The Search for the Stone of Excalibur - a huge treat for young King Arthur fans, is now available with Book 3, The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, on the way. 

Although Fiona Ingram does not have children of her own, she has an adopted daughter, from an underprivileged background who has discovered the joys of reading for pleasure. Naturally, Fiona is a voracious reader and has been from early childhood. Her interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, and films. 

She loves travel and has been fortunate to have lived in Europe (while studying) and America (for work). She has travelled widely and fulfilled many of her travel goals.

Connect and Socialize with Fiona!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Blog

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram (2011)

Length: 272 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab Blurb:

A 5000-year-old mystery comes to life in this exciting Middle Grade adventure set in Egypt! A scruffy peddler gives Adam and Justin Sinclair an old Egyptian scarab on their very first day in Egypt. Only when the evil Dr. Faisal Khalid shows a particular interest in the cousins and their scarab, do the boys realise they are in terrible danger. Dr. Khalid wants the relic at all costs.

Justin and Adam embark upon the adventure of a lifetime, taking them down the Nile and across the harsh desert in their search for the legendary tomb of the Scarab King, an ancient Egyptian ruler. They are plunged into a whirlpool of hazardous and mysterious events when Dr. Khalid kidnaps them. They learn more about the ancient Seven Stones of Power and the mysterious Shemsu-Hor. They must translate the hieroglyphic clues on the underside of the scarab, as well as rescue the missing archaeologist James Kinnaird, and their friend, the Egyptologist Ebrahim Faza, before time runs out!

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab is the kind of adventure book boys and girls love! The fast-paced action, the evil villain readers delight in hating, the secrets of the past, and the mysterious ancient setting make this novel a sure-hit favorite for all the young and adventurous at heart. Ingram's impeccable and fascinating research into Egyptian history illuminates the adventure and makes the secrets of Egypt's past as thrilling to the reader as the boys' dangerous encounters.

The Search For the Stone of Excalibur by Fiona Ingram (2014)
Length: 378 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur.

However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them?

Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped.

May you read well and often

Introducing the Spookie Town Mysteries Series by Kathryn Meyer Griffith!

So, what with the recent June release of the third book in The Spookie Town Mysteries Series - Ghosts Beneath Us - Kathryn Meyer Griffith, the author of The Spookie Town Mysteries - would like to mention that the first book of the series, Scraps of Paper, is now perpetually free to download from Amazon. Also, if you'd be kind enough to write a brief but honest review of any of Ms. Griffith's books on Amazon, she would be absolutely delighted. Just email her at rdgriff@htc.net, and she'll be happy to send you a complimentary copy to read. All three books in the series are also available on Audible as well!

Scraps of Paper by Kathryn Meyer Griffith is the first book in her Spookie Town Mysteries Series, and I had the pleasure of reading Book 2 in the series - All Things Slip Away - back in March of 2014! Here is my review. I'm delighted to say that I actually have Books 1 and 3 on my TBR pile as well, and I hope to read them some time soon. You can also download the other two books in the series - Check 'em out! ;)

Meet Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Since childhood I’ve been an artist and worked as a graphic designer in the corporate world and for newspapers for twenty-three years before I quit to write full time. But I’d already begun writing novels at 21, over forty-two years ago now, and have had twenty (ten romantic horror, two horror novels, two romantic SF horror, one romantic suspense, one romantic time travel, one historical romance and three murder mysteries) previous novels, two novellas and twelve short stories published from Zebra Books, Leisure Books, Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Damnation Books/Eternal Press; and I’ve self-published my last five novels with Amazon Kindle Direct and my dinosaur novels are my best-sellers.

I’ve been married to Russell for thirty-six years; have a son, James, and two grandchildren, Joshua and Caitlyn, and I live in a small quaint town in Illinois, which is right across the JB Bridge from St. Louis, Mo. We have three quirky cats, ghost cat Sasha and Cleo, and live cat Sasha (Too), and the five of us live happily in an old house in the heart of town. Though I’ve been an artist, and a folk singer in my youth with my brother Jim, writing has always been my greatest passion, my butterfly stage, and I’ll probably write stories until the day I die…or until my memory goes.

2012 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my horror novel The Last Vampire - Revised Author’s Edition ~ 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST* for my thriller novel Dinosaur Lake.

Connect and Socialize with Kathryn!

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page 

Scraps of Paper - Revised Author's Edition by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2013)

Length: 192 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Scraps of Paper - Revised Author's Edition Blurb: 

Abigail Sutton's beloved husband walks out one night, doesn't return, and two years later is found dead, a victim of a long ago crime. It's made her sympathetic to the missing and their families.

Starting her new life, Abigail moves to small town and buys a fixer-upper house left empty when old Edna Summers died. Once it was also home to Edna's younger sister, Emily, and her two children, Jenny and Christopher, who, people believe, drove away one night, thirty years ago, and just never came back.

But in renovating the house Abigail finds scraps of paper hidden behind baseboards and tucked beneath the porch that hint the three could have been victims of foul play. 

Then she finds their graves hidden in the woods behind the house and with the help of eccentric townspeople and ex-homicide detective, Frank Lester, she discovers the three were murdered. Then she and Frank try to uncover who killed them and why...but in the process awaken the ire of the murderer.

All Things Slip Away - Revised Author's Edition by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2014)

Length: 264 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

All Things Slip Away Blurb:

Ten years ago Frank Lester, a Chicago homicide detective, thought he had rid himself forever of the Mud People Killer who’d kidnapped and murdered six people. Frank had shot him as he’d fled through a snowy night; had killed him, he believed, though a body was never found.

But the killer wasn’t dead. He’d only been waiting to take his revenge on Frank and those he cares about now…ten years later. Frank retired early and is living back in his hometown of Spookie when the killer resurfaces to take up where he left off. Kidnapping more innocents and tormenting Frank and the people he cares about.

Unless Frank and his artist girlfriend, Abigail Sutton, can find and stop him before he kills more people and perhaps both of them.

Ghosts Beneath Us by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2015)

Length: 343 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Ghosts Beneath Us Blurb:

Someone is terrorizing the elderly in a certain neighborhood in Spookie and vandalizing their homes. As usual, Abigail Sutton, a freelance artist, and her boyfriend Frank Lester, a retired homicide detective, are called in to help find out who’s doing these awful acts. The two seem to have an uncanny knack for unraveling mysteries and getting to the bottom of such strange happenings. 

Some of the old people think it’s ghosts in their basements, in their homes, doing these destructive deeds but Frank doesn’t believe in ghosts; while Abigail isn't so sure. Then the old folks begin to disappear one by one or to die suspiciously and Frank thinks there’s a sinister plan behind the crimes and is determined to uncover who or what is responsible. In the end, they, with a little help from their friend eccentric old Myrtle, must solve the mystery or more of the old ones in town might end up dead. Sequel to Scraps of Paper (Spookie Town Murder Mystery #1) and All Things Slip Away (Spookie Town Murder Mystery #2)

May you read well and often

M. K. Theodoratus - The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor

22. The Ghostcrow: A Tale of Andor by M. K. Theodoratus (2014)
The Tales From the World of Andor Series Book 5
Length: 57 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 16 May 2015
Finished: 17 May 2015
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy from Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 25 March 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and M. K. Theodoratus is a new author for me.

The residents of the world of Andor live in a parallel realm very much like our own. However, the major difference between our world and that of Andor - is that the curtain between the physical world and the supernatural one is much thinner than we would think. As a result of this, the residents of Andor are quicker than most people to ascribe a supernatural or magical motive to everything that happens.

Thirteen-year-old Delores 'Dumdie' Swartz feels like an outsider within her own family. She's the baby of the family, and is truly getting tired of being treated like one by everyone around her. She hates the nickname that her older sisters have burdened her with since childhood; she hates the fact that both sisters take an almost diabolical glee in teasing and humiliating her at every turn. And if that wasn't the worst part of her life to begin with, Dumdie also has to contend with her ability to see ghosts; an ability she has had since early childhood.

Even though she's been able to see ghosts since she was four-years-old, Dumdie is still not entirely comfortable with her so-called gift. Her fear that she will somehow walk through a pile of sticky ghost guts - and come away with them smeared all over her - causes Dumdie to cringe every time she encounters a spirit. Her desire for a normal life leads Dumdie to avoid the spirits as much as she possibly can; yet all her attempts at avoidance don't turn out quite the way she planned.

Dumdie's life is extremely lonely - her sisters alternately mock her strange behavior and studiously ignore her at school. Her parents are clueless, and she has absolutely no friends; she is a social pariah at school: basically a zero on the popularity scale, but a one hundred on the weirdness scale. The only solace she finds is working in the garden she and her family shares with her elderly neighbor, Mr. Carson.

However, Dumdie's solace is badly shaken when a couple of teenagers from her high school begin stealing pumpkins from Mr. Carson's garden. During one such theft, Mr. Carson is badly injured and later dies. From there, Dumdie's life takes a dark turn. She begins to understand that there are much stranger and darker things to be frightened of than ghosts.

The two teenage vandals who stole the pumpkins begin stalking Dumdie when they discover that she witnessed their confrontation with Mr. Carson in his garden. Dumdie may be frightened out of her skull by the football jocks who taunt her, but it's the evilness that lurks within someone specific that truly terrifies her. She senses something malevolent dwelling within Kyle - one of boys who raided the pumpkin patch - an entity that becomes more and more pronounced as Kyle stalks her. The more Kyle threatens Dumdie and tries to bully her into silence, the clearer she perceives the entity possessing him.

An unlikely group of girls befriends Dumdie after she helps them with their costumes for a production at the annual Pumpkin Festival. Although none of the girls know precisely what is going on with Dumdie, she finally finds the support and friendship she so desperately wants. Dumdie's fears eventually explode during the festival, when the demonic force currently possessing Kyle decides that it wants to possess Dumdie instead.

This is the first of M. K. Theodoratus' novellas that I have ever read and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I love reading stories about normal people who are dealing with seriously abnormal situations. While the setting seemed to be a typical suburban area anywhere in America to me, reading the background of this series, I have learned that this is actually an entirely different world called Andor. This is a world where demons and other supernatural and paranormal activity exists, and seeks to disrupt the peaceful existence of humanity as often as possible.

I really felt for Dumdie, and hoped she would be able to overcome her various fears and phobias in some way. I would give this book an A! and I already have two other novellas from this series on my TBR pile. I look forward to reading them both sometime soon.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links by J. L. Clark From September 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that J. L. Clark will be touring the blogosphere to promote her young adult Fantasy novel The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links. This virtual book tour is being hosted by Pump up Your Book and will last from September 1, to September 30, 2015!

The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links Blog Tour Information:

Meet J. L. Clark

Dr. Jennifer Yen Clark, or J.L. Clark, began her writing career in the fourth grade, when her teacher took the detective story she wrote and turned it into a short printed book as a gift to her. The encouragement of her teacher, as well as her love for reading and telling stories, kept her writing about the worlds that existed in her imagination. In her young adult years, J.L. began writing short stories, poetry, and fan-fiction starring strong and intelligent girls and women. J.L. was recently inspired to write The Avalon Relics after being introduced to several young adult series that depicted weak heroines and unhealthy relationships.

Recalling her own young adult reading experience and the dearth of relatable heroines, she set out to create a series of books that would not only engage and entertain, but offer a refreshing and empowering take on fictional heroines.

J.L. Clark resides in Houston, Texas with her family. She splits her time between academia and private practice, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She is an assistant professor of psychiatry at UT Health Medical School, and a clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Outside of work, she is continually contributing to her body of work, posting short stories and fan-fiction on social media outlets for enjoyment.

Her latest book is the YA fantasy, The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links.

Connect and Socialize with J. L.!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Blog

About The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links:

Sophia Bennett is looking forward to celebrating her eighteenth birthday with her best friend Angie. After graduating high school and enjoying the last days of her summer vacation the most important things on her mind are getting ready for college and catching the eye of her high school crush Jake...at least, until the night of her birthday party.

Suddenly, Sophia is thrust into a world that she never knew existed and finds herself in the middle of an ancient struggle between good and evil. Time is against her as she and her new friends struggle to take possession of a powerful magic before it falls into the wrong hands.

Can Sophia solve the mystery of the Lilith links in time to save her loved ones, or will the enemy triumph and destroy all that she holds dear?

The Avalon Relics trilogy is a fast-paced read taking the reader into the magical world of fairies and of good versus evil. It blends references of mythology and tales of old in a very real way in that it takes place in two worlds simultaneously: the world that Sophia and her friends physically live in and the fairy realm.

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

The Avalon Relics: Lilith Links Book Publicity Tour Schedule:

Tuesday, September 1 - Book Featured at The Literary Nook

Wednesday, September 2 - Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Monday, September 7 - Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Tuesday, September 8 - Guest Blogging at Midnight Musings with Bertina
Wednesday, September 9 - Interview at The Children’s and Teens Book Connection
Monday, September 14 - Book Review at Hearts Reading
Tuesday, September 15 - Book Review at Blooming with Books
Wednesday, September 16 - Book Review at I Sold my Soul For Books

Monday, September 21 - Interview at CBY Book Club

Tuesday, September 22 - Book Review at Bound 4 Escape

Wednesday, September 23 - Book Review at Ashley’s Bookshelf

Monday, September 28 - Book Review at 3 Partners in Shopping

Wednesday, September 30 - Book Review at Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict

May you read well and often

Introducing Narvla's Celtic New Year by Therese Gilardi!

So, back in January of 2013, I had the pleasure of reading Matching Wits With Venus by Therese Gilardi and here is my review. I have just recently received a copy of Ms. Gilardi's newest release: Narvla's Celtic New Year, and am delighted to have the chance to read it at some point in the future.

Meet Therese Gilardi 

Therese Gilardi is a novelist, essayist, and poet who lives in the hills above Los Angeles with her Irish husband, fluffy dogs and Viennese hare. Therese loves Irish pub music, blue cameos and the Paris metro.

Connect and Socialize with Therese!

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

Narvla's Celtic New Year by Therese Gilardi (2015)

Length: 280 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon! 

Narvla's Celtic New Year Blurb:

Narvla’s life is as precisely choreographed as the routines that have made her a national step-dancing champion. She has a loyal best friend, a devoted boyfriend, and a lock on admission to her dream college, the University of Notre Dame. Until her mother is named U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, and her life unravels. First Narvla receives a disturbing picture of her boyfriend and her best friend. Then she struggles to qualify for the Irish elite step-dancing squad, and her grades plummet. 

But the biggest obstacle in Narvla’s new life is Dublin Boy, a cheeky musician with a disdain for academics and a distrust of Americans. Although Narvla is upset when she’s paired with Dublin Boy for the most important semester of her life, her real concern is the growing attraction she feels toward him. As the Celtic New Year unfolds, Narvla is pushed to abandon her lifelong need for control and embrace the charm of the unexpected.

May you read well and often

Stephen C. Merlino - The Jack of Souls

21. The Jack of Souls by Stephen C. Merlino (2014)

The Unseen Moon Trilogy Book 1

Length: 343 pages 

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Started: 28 April 2015

Finished: 11 May 2015

Where did it come from? Many thanks to Stephen C. Merlino and to Dorothy from Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 6 March 2015 as an ebook; Since 10 March 2015 as a physical book.

Why do I have it? I like historical fantasy and Stephen C. Merlino is a new author for me.

For most of his nineteen years, Harric Dimoore has lived under the shadow of a curse - and the identity of the curse weaver is his very own mother. According to her premonitions, Harric's mother - a banished member of the Queen's Court, and a sorceress driven to the brink of insanity by her visions - was convinced that the Queen's demise would most certainly come at the hands of her own son. To protect the Queen, his mother cursed Harric to die on his nineteenth birthday.

As his nineteenth birthday approaches, Harric is determined to do everything in his power to break the curse his mother has put on his fate. Even in death, the mad sorceress still haunts Harric, and nightmares from the spirit world stalk him and tear at his sanity; his mother's sorcery eats at Harric's soul. Raised to be of service to the Queen, his courtly education was interrupted by his mother's frequent bouts of insanity.

To save himself, Harric has become an outcast rogue - a cunning trickster, honor-bound to defend the innocent and help the downtrodden in a way his mother never could. Yet to survive, Harric will need more than his usual bag of tricks. He'll need help - and a lot of it - but on the kingdom's lawless frontier, his only allies are other outcasts.

One of these outcasts is Caris - a mysterious runaway with an almost crippling fear of humans, yet a young woman who also has a remarkable affinity for horses. The timidly quiet horse-whisperer has dreams of becoming the Queen's first female knight. Another one of Harric's allies is Sir Willard - a knight errant: an ex-immortal, ex-champion of the Queen, now addicted to pain-killing herbs and banished from the court. With their help, Harric just might manage to keep his curse at bay. But for how long?

But Harric's companions both bring perils and secrets of their own: Caris bears the scars of a troubled past that still haunts her; Willard is still at war with the Old Ones, an insane order of immortal knights  who once enslaved the kingdom. Now, the Old Ones have returned to murder Willard and seize the throne from his queen. Willard is on the run from his pursuers, and in the midst of one final, desperately personal quest to save his queen.

Together, Harric and his companions must overcome fanatical armies, murderous sorcerers, and powerful supernatural foes. Alone, Harric must face the temptation to use a forbidden magic that could break his curse forever, but cost him the only woman he's ever loved. This is the beginning of a triumphant epic fantasy - a tale of magic, mischief, and miscreants. 

I have always loved reading epic fantasies and this book was no different. The story and plot was well-written and exciting, and I was drawn quickly into the story right from the beginning. The characters were sympathetically drawn and well-developed. In my opinion, this was a fantastic beginning to an unusual series, and I'm absolutely caught up in the story and really want to know how the series continues. I give The Jack of Souls by Stephen C. Merlino an A! and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series: The Knave of Souls.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Corinne O'Flynn - Half Moon Girls

20. Half Moon Girls by Corinne O'Flynn (2015)

Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 6

Length: 75 pages 

Genre: Short Story 

Started: 6 May 2015

Finished: 9 May 2015

Where did it come from? From Amazon

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 April 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Corinne O'Flynn is a new author for me.

In her time with the South Hilo Police Department in Hawaii, Detective Leilani Texeira has seen any and all manner of evil crimes perpetrated against the innocent. Despite Hawaii having a justified reputation with the tourists for being an idyllic island paradise, Lei often finds herself astounded that even paradise can hide such a dark side. As a matter of fact, Lei's present case is turning out to be just that sort of inexplicable crime.

Lei is called in to investigate a murder on Kaua'i. The body of a young woman - wrapped tightly in a net, and with an unusual tattoo on her ankle - has been discovered washed ashore on the beach. As soon as Lei sees the victim's body for herself, she is immediately struck by one thing: the dead young woman looks eerily similar to herself. Also, upon further inspection, Lei notices that what she originally thought was a tattoo, seems to be more of a burn.

As she battles the traumatic memories that surface within her at seeing the victim's likeness, a friend calls; worried that her daughter hasn't come home yet. Lei soon discovers that the dead girl and the missing girl were friends and that they were last seen together at a party the previous day. Will Lei ultimately conquer her personal demons and capture a ruthless killer in time to rescue the captive?

I must say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, this was a well-developed, dramatic plot that held my attention throughout the story. This is the first book that I have had the pleasure of reading by Corinne O'Flynn, but it will most definitely not be the last. I give this book an A+! and I am certainly going to put some more of Corinne O'Flynn's work on my Wish List.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Calling All Book Reviewers!

I'm delighted to announce that Christine Nolfi's The Liberty Series has undergone a literary 'makeover' of sorts - a reorganization of the books in the series, as well as a update of the cover art. Ms. Nolfi has also written a fifth book in  the series: The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge. I had the pleasure of reading Treasure Me back in June of 2013 and was delighted to receive Second Chance Grill and Four Wishes - Books 1 and 4 of The Liberty Series - from the author as well. I do hope to start reading both books some time soon! :)

Second Chance Grill by Christine Nolfi (2012)

Length: 318 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Kobo and I-Tunes!

Second Chance Grill Blurb:

Dr. Mary Chance needs a sabbatical from medicine to grieve the loss of her closest friend. But when she inherits a struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio she isn’t prepared for Blossom Perini. Mary can’t resist falling for the amusing preteen—or the girl’s father. The bond they forge will transform all their lives and set in motion an outpouring of love that spreads across America.

The books of The Liberty Series work as stand-alone novels you may enjoy in any order. Look for the other books in the series: Treasure Me, The Impossible Wish, Four Wishes and The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.

Second Chance Grill is the prequel to Treasure Me, 2012 Next Generation Indie Awards Finalist, which The Midwest Book Review calls “A riveting read for those who enjoy adventure fiction, highly recommended."

Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi (2011)

Length: 352 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Kobo and I-Tunes!

Treasure Me Blurb:

Finalist, 2012 Next Generation Indie Awards
"Highly recommended" by The Midwest Book Review

Welcome to Book Two of The Liberty Series, where love, friendship and family life arrive with a second chance in the most heartwarming circumstances.

Petty thief Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart. 

The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who rose above the horrors of slavery to build a new life in Ohio. According to family lore, Justice left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War. Heavy with child, she carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.

If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one - Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that an investigative reporter who has arrived in town will trip her up - as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie begins to discover a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she could imagine.

The books of The Liberty Series work as stand-alone novels you may enjoy in any order. Look for the other books in the series: Second Chance Grill, The Impossible Wish, Four Wishes and The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.

The Impossible Wish by Christine Nolfi (2014)

Length: 240 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Kobo, and I-Tunes!

The Impossible Wish Blurb:

Notorious swindler Wish Kaminsky puts her daughter’s romance at risk in this hilarious and heartwarming installment of the award-winning series.

Wish is about to arrive in Liberty, and that means trouble. Liberty is the town that open-heartedly welcomed her daughter. Recently engaged, Birdie has turned her life around - and Wish is the last person she wants to see.

The books of The Liberty Series work as stand-alone novels you may enjoy in any order. Look for the other books in the series: Treasure Me, Second Chance Grill, Four Wishes and The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.

Four Wishes by Christine Nolfi (2014)

Length: 254 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Kobo, and I-Tunes!

Four Wishes Blurb:

Meade Williams has a successful company, an ailing father - and a secret desire to find love at last. Dr. Mary Chance isn’t sure the time is right to expand her family. Birdie Kaminsky has married the man of her dreams, but yearns to grow closer to her powerful sister. And young Glade Wilson must confront the daunting truth that she’ll become a mother before finishing high school.

Welcome to Book Four of The Liberty Series, where the heartwarming stories of love, friendship and family life unfold in surprising ways.

The books of The Liberty Series serve as stand-alone novels you may enjoy in any order. Look for the other books in the series: Treasure Me, Second Chance Grill, The Impossible Wish and The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge. Future releases coming soon.

The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge by Christine Nolfi (2014)

Length: 314 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Kobo and I-Tunes!

The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge Blurb: 

Highly recommended by Midwest Book Review.

A savage rape on hallowed ground. Secrets buried for decades by the town’s most influential family. 

Now Rennie Perini will learn the Great Oak’s secrets as construction begins at the Fagan mansion. She can’t afford to turn down a job that promises to stir up the long-buried guilt - and the passion - she shares with powerful Troy Fagan. 

She’s already juggling the most important job of her career with her new responsibilities as a foster mother for young Walt and Emma Korchek. And there’s a hard, older man on the construction crew with eyes void of emotion - cold and killing. The secrets of his brutal past will pose a grave threat to the children in her care. Will she find the courage to face him?

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Madison's Song by Christine Amsden From July 15, 2015 to October 15, 2015 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Christine Amsden will be touring the blogosphere to promote her young adult Paranormal Mystery Madison's Song  - a standalone companion to the Cassie Scot Series. This virtual book tour is being hosted by the author herself and will last from July 15, to October 15, 2015!

Ms. Amsden is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away a $100 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner at the end of her Blog Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

Madison's Song Blog Tour Information:

Meet Christine Amsden

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Connect and Socialize with Christine!

Website * Newsletter * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Google+ * Goodreads

About Madison's Song:

Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.

Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are so literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

*Stand-alone companion to the Cassie Scot Series

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Christine Amsden is giving away an Awesome $100 Amazon Giftcard!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Madison's Song Book Publicity Tour Schedule:

Tuesday, July 14 - Guest Post: "When Characters Outgrow Their Roles" at Murder by 4

Wednesday, July 15 - Book Review at Cassandra Lost in Books

Thursday, July 16 - Book Review and Excerpt at Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews

Friday, July 17 - Book Review, Guest Post: "When Characters Outgrow Their Roles" and Character Interview at The Book Junkie

Monday, July 20 - BlogTalk Radio Live! Episode at Other Worlds of Romance

Wednesday, July 22 - Book Review and Top 5 List at The Book Review
Thursday, July 23 - Book Review at Kimber Leigh Writes

Monday, July 27 - Guest Post: "The Greatest Love of All" - Theme From Madison's Song and Giveaway at The Brass Rag
Wednesday, July 29 - Book Review at Zili in the Sky

Thursday, July 30 - Book Review at The Canon

Friday, July 31 - Book Review and Giveaway at The Story of a Writer

Sunday, August 9 - Author Interview: "The Novel You Write After the Series" at Savvy Authors 

Monday, August 10 - Book Review, Giveaway and Excerpt at Miki’s Hope

Tuesday, August 11 - Book Review and Excerpt at D. E. Haggerty Readsalot

Wednesday, August 12 - Guest Post: "An Unlikely Heroine" and Giveaway at Night Owl Reviews

Thursday, August 13 - Character Interview at Pure Jonel 

Friday, August 14 - Book Review, Guest Post: "The Greatest Love of All", Excerpt and Giveaway at The Reading Addict

Monday, August 17 - Book Review and Excerpt at Short and Sweet Reviews

Tuesday, August 18 - Book Review at Pink Fluffy Hearts: Diary of a Coffee Addict

Wednesday, August 19 - Book Review and Excerpt at Books, Books, and More Books

Monday, August 24 - Guest Post: "When Characters Outgrow Their Roles" at Chapter Break 

Tuesday, August 25 - Book Review at Ashley’s Bookshelf

Wednesday, August 26 - Book Review at Bound 4 Escape

Thursday, August 27 - Book Review and Excerpt at The Avid Reader 

Friday, August 28 - Book Review and Excerpt at Lissette E. Manning 

Monday, August 31 - Book Spotlight and Book Review at Lovely Reads

Wednesday, September 2 - Book Review, Excerpt, Guest Post: "When Characters Outgrow Their Roles" and Giveaway at Wall-to-Wall Books 

Friday, September 4 - Book Review and Giveaway at KT Book Reviews
Wednesday, September 9 - Book Review, Excerpt and Guest Post: "So...You Want to be a Writer?" at Fallen Over Book Reviews

Thursday, September 10 - Book Spotlight at Tanya’s Book Nook

Monday, September 14 - Book Review and Giveaway at Genuine Jen

Tuesday, September 15 - Book Review and Excerpt at Pure Jonel
Wednesday, September 16 - Book Review, Giveaway, Character Interview and Excerpt at Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
Friday, September 18 - Book Review, Giveaway and Excerpt at Little Miss Drama Queen
Tuesday, September 22 - Book Review, Excerpt and Giveaway at IFUONLYKNEW
Wednesday, September 30 - Character Interview and Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Thursday, October 1 - Excerpt, Character Interview and Book Review at Books Are Love
Friday, October 2 - Book Review and Giveaway at Mary's Cup of Tea
Monday, October 5 - Book Review at The Real World According to Sam
Wednesday, October 7 - Book Review and Giveaway at Desert Rose Reviews
Monday, October 12 - Character Interview at The Real World According to Sam

May you read well and often