Introducing The Healers by Holly Barbo!

Thursday, April 28, 2016


I'm delighted to announce that Holly Barbo's latest young adult Fantasy novel, The Healers has just been released today! This is Book 2 in her Sage Seed Chronicles. Yes, Ms. Barbo's young adult novel is now available to download from Amazon - so grab your own copy today!


Meet Holly Barbo

Holly's world is shaped by her love of family, the beauty of the natural world and an irrepressible creative drive. She has always been curious and sees life through questions. These four characteristics color her writing voice and her stories frequently evolve from her asking "What if....?" Her tales tend to have non-urban settings with nature contributing to the plot, building discordant themes inside a seemingly peaceful refrain.

My motto: Weaving Alternative Worlds with Threads From Today.



The Healers by Holly Barbo (2016)
Length: 245 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Healers Blurb:

There are no monsters on Ose. People can be monstrous enough.

A virulent disease sweeps through the budding civilization on the planet Ose. As people are dropping like flies, the healers’ guild is not making headway in finding a cure.

Just as every hope seems lost, young Ree comes into her sage powers. Despite having to fight the disapproval from those who think her too young and inexperienced, she comes up with a cure from unusual natural sources.

The race is on to get ahead of the epidemic. Time is tight, and a swindler’s “miracle cure” makes matters worse.

With Ree and the healers’ lives in danger, is the whole planet doomed?


May you read well and often

Scott Bury - Torn Roots

Monday, April 25, 2016

7. Torn Roots by Scott Bury (2015)
Kindle Worlds Novella: The Lei Crime Series Book 3
Length: 131 pages 
Genre: Short Story 
Started: 18 April 2016
Finished: 25 April 2016
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Scott Bury for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 August 2015
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Scott Bury is a new author for me.

After successfully closing a case involving murderous poachers targeting Maui's national park, Detective Pono Kaihale gladly accepts the temporary position of Acting Lieutenant in Hana on the island's rain-forest coast. He is looking forward to spending the next six months working on a much easier caseload and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. After all, as quiet as Hana seems to be, Pono is fairly certain that he will only be called upon to redirect lost hikers or to moderate the occasional lovers' spat: nothing too strenuous at all. The rest of his time there, Pono intends to spend enjoying the natural beauty of the southeast shore.

Yet by his second week on the job, Pono finds that the trouble that comes to Hana just takes on a different form. Hawaii is known for its volcanoes and pristinely beautiful sandy beaches. But Pono Kaihale realizes that in Hawaii, beauty and danger reign side by side. Apparently, it doesn't matter how beautiful the scenery is, the crimes remain the same.

As environmentalists, property developers, protesters, arsonists, kidnappers and a rogue Homeland Security agent converge on his new post, Pono feels like he's sitting directly in the path of a hurricane. And when a rookie FBI agent is assigned to the case, Pono realizes that the stakes have just been raised. Hana is not turning out to be the quietest post in his career; lives will be lost if Pono doesn't solve this mystery soon.

I really enjoyed reading this book - Mr. Bury delivers an action-packed plot and a well-developed yet fast-paced story for its short length. I certainly appreciated the flashes of humor that were present throughout the story. I would definitely give this book an A+! and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

'Full Moon Madness' Happens in April!

Friday, April 22, 2016


Hello everyone! First of all, let me say that despite loving everything having to do with Holloween and never having had a nightmare ever in my life - I still have no idea when there is a full moon. Surprisingly, there is going to be a full moon this month - Friday, April 22nd, 2016! I was delighted to learn that the 'Full Moon Madness' Sale is being hosted by independent horror author Corey J. Popp and will be going on for the next two days - from Friday, April 22nd, to Saturday, April 23rd, 2016!

Kathryn Meyer Griffith recently sent me an email to remind me that 25 horror authors - Ms. Griffith included - will be participating in this awesome sale. Yes, for the next two days, all horror novels from these authors are absolutely, positively FREE! I've always suspected that people tend to act slightly strangely around the time of the full moon, but I could never be entirely certain about how true my suspicions actually were. I would advise you all to take advantage of the 'Full Moon Madness' before it ends!

This sale also features horror novels, novellas and short stories from authors such as: Mixi J. ApplebottomKira BarkerThe BehrgCindy CarrollJack ConnerJulie Ann DawsonMichael J. ElliottBelinda FrischKate GenetNancy GlynnEdward M. GrantStephen HardestyAmbrose IbsenAdrienne LecterFrank B. LukeMarilyn PeakePhronkCorey J. PoppAdom SampleMatthew StottAntonio Urias and Steve Vernon. The 'Full Moon Madness' Sale also features all types of horror - from paranormal and supernatural; 'creature feature' monsterous horror; psychologically-based horror to serial killer/criminal horror.

Ms. Griffith would just like to tell everyone that two of her novels: Dinosaur Lake and Scraps of Paper are both available. These thrilling novels along with the work of 24 other authors are all part of  the 'Full Moon Madness' Sale and can be downloaded for free through Amazon from Friday, April 22nd, to Saturday, April 23rd! Go take a look - I guarantee you won't regret it! :)

May you read well and often

Here Are Some Books That I'm Hoping to Read!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Back in January of 2015, I posted about eight books that I wanted to read to celebrate National Readathon Day on January 24th! Granted, I didn't get to finish reading that many books back on the actual day, yet that post did inspire me to post more about the books that I'm currently reading or planning to read very soon. Since I last posted about the books I was hoping to read back in December of 2015, I have read three of the eight books that I highlighted in that post.

I'm hoping to do this type of post approximately every four months or so, and plan to read between two to three books that I mention in the post, before the next post. Wish me luck! Here's my potential reading list for the next few months:

Awakened by a Kiss by Lila DiPasqua (2010)
Length: 357 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Awakened by a Kiss Blurb:

Three classic fairytales - Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, and Little Red Riding Hood - cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist....

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss - and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress - and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants - and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was - and more than man enough for her...

So, this book has been on my TBR pile since December of 2014 and as I'm a lover of any type of fairytale retellings, this seemed like the kind of book that I'd like. I've just dipped into the first couple of chapters of Sleeping Beau on January 18, 2015, and I think that it's going to be good.



Autumn in Carthage by Christopher Zenos (2014)
Length: 332 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Autumn in Carthage Blurb:

The nether side of passion is madness.

Nathan Price is a college professor with crippling impairments, seeking escape from his prison of necessity. One day, in a package of seventeenth-century documents from Salem Village, he stumbles across a letter by his best friend, Jamie, who had disappeared six months before. The document is dated 1692 - the height of the Witch Trials. The only potential lead: a single mention of Carthage, a tiny town in the Wisconsin northern highland.

The mystery catapults Nathan from Chicago to the Wisconsin wilderness. There, he meets Alanna, heir to an astonishing Mittel-European legacy of power and sacrifice. In her, and in the gentle townsfolk of Carthage, Nathan finds the refuge for which he has long yearned. But Simon, the town elder, is driven by demons of his own, and may well be entangled in Jamie's disappearance and that of several Carthaginians. As darkness stretches toward Alanna, Nathan may have no choice but to risk it all...

Moving from the grimness of Chicago's South Side to the Wisconsin hinterlands to seventeenth-century Salem, this is a story of love, of sacrifice, of terrible passions - and of two wounded souls quietly reaching for the deep peace of sanctuary.

This book has been on my TBR pile since March of 2014, and after starting to read it on May 16, 2014, I had to unfortunately set it aside for a while. I hope that I can start reading this book again sometime.

Fields of Elysium: A Romantic Fantasy by A. B. Whelan (2013)
Length: 424 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Fields of Elysium: A Romantic Fantasy Blurb:

CAN LOVE MEND A HEART FULL OF HATE?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens.

On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying in vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. 

He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding.

Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly’s life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Would you fight to be with the one you truly love? What cost would you be willing to sacrifice for that love?

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

I downloaded this ebook for free from Amazon in March of 2015, but haven't had a chance to start reading it yet.


Torn Roots by Scott Bury (2015)
Length: 131 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Torn Roots Blurb:

Hawaii is known for volcanoes and sandy beaches. Beauty and danger reign.

After breaking a case of murdered poachers in Maui's national park, Detective Pono Kaihale accepts a short-term position as Acting Lieutenant in Hana on the island's rain-forest coast. He is looking forward to redirecting lost hikers and moderating mild lovers' spats, and enjoying the natural beauty of the southeast shore. But by his second week on the job, Pono finds trouble here comes in unexpected forms.

As environmentalists, property developers, protesters, arsonists, kidnappers and a rogue Homeland Security agent converge on his new post, Pono feels like the eye of a brewing storm. And when a new FBI agent gets involved, Pono realizes the stakes are much higher than a quiet period in his career. 

Lives will be lost if he doesn't solve this mystery quickly.

Money Makes it Deadlier by Julie C. Gilbert (2015)
Length: 101 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Money Makes it Deadlier Blurb:

Money can buy many things, but can it purchase a permanent solution to divorce? 

Martin Cantrell would like to know the answer to that question. He has money, respect, and power, but he also has a monthly alimony payment that’s making him miserable. When a friend offers to deal with the “ex” problem for a fee, he can hardly say no. Time is of the essence. The life insurance policy on his ex-wife expires in less than two months. 

Unaware of the plans set in motion, Special Agent Marcella Scott goes about her business as usual, only now, she finally has an excuse to dress up on the job. She’s been asked to go undercover to check out some banks. One of the branches just happens to be managed by Martin Cantrell’s ex-wife.

What’s an agent to do when a perfectly peaceful morning turns into a hostage-taking standoff?

Find out in Money Makes it Deadlier. This story takes place several months before the events of Black Jasmine, book 3 of the Lei Crime Series. 


Princess Eyes by Lucas Kana (2015)
Length: 166 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Princess Eyes Blurb:

Geeky Honolulu Lieutenant, Michael Stevens, teams up to investigate a series of homicides with Jenna Brooke, a streetwise psychologist for the FBI, which leads to the mysterious disappearance of a local beauty queen known as ‘Princess Eyes'.

Timeline: 10 years before Blood Orchids in a semi-alternate universe where Stevens starts out as a nerd.

The three above novellas came on to my TBR pile from August to October of 2015 as ebooks sent to me by the authors for review. I have recently begun reading Torn Roots by Scott Bury a couple of days ago.

Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun (2013)
Length: 275 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Sworn to Raise Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the empire. But beneath her empire's seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder--intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.

Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companions Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she'd never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.

But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.

This sensational series debut melds intricate storylines with remarkable characters and unforgettable magic. Sworn to Raise is ideal for fans of Kristin Cashore, Michelle Sagara, and Maria Snyder.

Sworn to Transfer by Terah Edun (2013)
Length: 275 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Sworn to Transfer Blurb:

Eighteen-year-old companion trainee Ciardis Weathervane has won the friendship of the royal heir and saved his claim to the throne. Yet her interference in the inheritance rights leaves more harm done than good. The Ameles Forest lies unprotected and it's inhabitants are dying.

As humans begin to die in gruesome deaths, the Emperor dispatches the royal heir to the forests with the solution to the kith concerns. With enemies closing ranks in Sandrin, Ciardis can little afford to leave the city's nest of vipers to take on a new task. But she's given no choice when her loyalty to the crown and courts are called into question. 

To keep the Companions' Guild happy and the favor of the Imperial Court, Ciardis will be tested in frightening new ways, especially when she's faced with an obstacle that could risk the lives of her friends and the family she never thought she had.

This second novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Raise.

These two books are the beginning novels of a high fantasy series that have been on my TBR pile for several years. I hope to start reading them fairly soon.

May you read well and often

Introducing Four Wishes by Christine Nolfi!

Sunday, April 17, 2016

I'm delighted to announce that Four Wishes - Book 4 in Christine Nolfi's The Liberty Series - is on sale for only $0.99 at four online retailers for a limited time. For five days in May - from Wednesday, May 25th to Monday, May 30th - Four Wishes by Christine Nolfi will be on sale! I actually had the pleasure of reading Treasure Me back in June of 2013 and look forward to reading the other books in the series very soon. :)

Second Chance Grill by Christine Nolfi (2012)
Length: 318 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon, Barnes and NobleKobo 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, Barnes and NobleKobo 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, Barnes and NobleKobo, 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 GrillFour Wishes and The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge.

Four Wishes by Christine Nolfi (2014)
Length: 254 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon, Barnes and NobleKobo, 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, Barnes and NobleKobo 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 The Young Ladies of Mystery Series by Stacy Juba From May 5, 2016 to May 12, 2016 - Come Join Us!

Friday, April 15, 2016

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Stacy Juba will be touring the blogosphere to promote her Contemporary Mystery Boxed Set: The Young Ladies of Mystery Series. This is Ms. Juba's first virtual book tour with Magic of Books Promotions. She will be coming to a blog near you from May 5, to May 12, 2016! Come join us for all the fun!

Ms. Juba is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away a $10 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!

The Young Ladies of Mystery Series Blog Tour Information:

Meet Stacy Juba

Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List.

When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers), or writing about them, Stacy helps writers to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. She is currently writing the next books in the Storybook Valley Series, Prancing Around With Sleeping Beauty and The Cinderella Curse.

Connect and Socialize with Stacy!


About The Young Ladies of Mystery Series

About Twenty-Five Years Ago Today

Should we dig for the truth when Pandora’s Box is a coffin of buried secrets? When obit writer and aspiring reporter Kris Langley investigates the 25-year-old unsolved murder of Diana Ferguson, a young artist obsessed with Greek mythology, not only does she fall in love with Diana's nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the obituary page herself.

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Excerpt:

"Kris? Kris?"

Her eyes snapped open, the scream ripping from her throat. She glanced around the dark room, shapes foreign, distorted by shadows. "No. I'm sorry Nicole..."

"Kris? Kris?" Someone shook her shoulder. She gasped.

"Kris." Eric hugged her. Warm. He felt so warm. He stroked her hair, whispering in her ear. "It's 
okay. Everything's gonna be okay."

Reality rushed back to her. She hadn't lasted through the movie. She had turned off the television and slipped into unconsciousness. Eric's face fuzzed in and out of focus.

He switched on the lamp. "Want a glass of water?" 

"No."

"What were you dreaming?"

"I don't remember."

"You screamed out ‘Nicole.’ You woke me up."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Nicole was your cousin, right? Tell me about her." Eric rubbed her hair again, the gentle strokes calming her. 

"We were the same age," Kris said. "Our families were close. We lived in the same neighborhood."

"That must've been fun."

"It was. Lots of fun." Tears spilled down her cheeks. Eric traced one with his fingertip.

"My mother told me your cousin was the girl who was killed by a neighbor," he said in a hushed voice. "I remember hearing about it when I was a kid. She went to a different school, but it still shook up all my friends. It was awful."

He wasn't wearing a shirt, just sweatpants. She must've scared the hell out of him.

"I’d rather not discuss it," Kris said.

"I want to help."

Kris felt the words surging to her throat, but she couldn't tell him. Not now. Not ever. "You are helping, just by being here. I don't want to be alone."

She pressed her lips to Eric's, first softly then more urgent. He responded without hesitation, crushing his mouth against hers. Kris dug her nails into his shoulders and the smooth contoured muscles of his chest. He gently laid her back and nibbled her ear, working a sensuous trail down her neck.

He glided down the zipper of her hooded sweatshirt and skimmed his thumb across her belly. She closed her eyes, arching as his hand slipped upward with agonizing slowness. Her stomach rose and fell as his fingers splayed over her heart. Kris's breathing quickened into a pant, every nerve ending igniting.

His eyes moved up to her, communicating desire. "I care about you, Kris. I was happy when you showed up tonight. I was afraid you didn't feel the same way about me."

"I do."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes," she whispered. "Stop talking."


Kris reached behind his head and pulled him down. Her thoughts scattered as she banished Nicole's disapproving ghost to the dim recesses of her mind.


Purchase your copy from AmazonAudible and I-Tunes!

About Sink or Swim: 

Personal trainer Cassidy Novak garners popularity and fame while starring in a hit reality show. She catches the attention of an obsessive stalker that turns her well-ordered life topsy-turvy. As Cassidy's competitors disappear in a string of murders, she teams up with Zach Gallagher, the photographer tasked to record her personal moments for a local newspaper. 

Is Zach trustworthy? He shadows her as easily as the stalker. Cassidy hates the bizarre rules in this guessing game, but when her stalker forces a showdown, she plays to win.

Sink or Swim Excerpt:

Cassidy sat poised in her chair as former contestants filed onto the soundstage at WBC in New York. Together, the studio audience and television viewers had watched the recorded footage of her walking the plank. Gabriel would now interview the competitors from the inaugural season one final time. 

More importantly, he would announce her prize. If it erased most of her debts, then it would at least make this whole embarrassing experience worthwhile. Cassidy’s heart kicked in her chest and sweat moistened her brow.

As one of her old teammates entered, her heart rate skyrocketed for a different reason. Josh Sanchioni slid into a bucket seat, carrying himself stiffer than normal in his sharp gray suit. Studio lights caught his sunbleached strawberry blonde waves, brightening the reddish gold tints.

Cassidy slipped her gaze to his leather shoes. If Josh hadn’t been engaged, they could have been an item. Instead, they’d been good friends until that one evening when the cameras were off and they almost kissed. They’d both realized their mistake and backed away. Things were strained until Josh walked the plank a week later.

Tonight, not only did Cassidy have to face Josh, she would probably meet his fiancée.

Her cheeks heating, Cassidy focused on the competitor beside Josh as a distraction. Adam Horton sat erect, hands folded in the lap of his olive green khakis. He wasn’t military, but he dressed like an Army wannabe. His reptilian eyes drilled into Cassidy, his angular face revealing the shape of bones underneath. A blond goatee darkened his pointy chin.

Cassidy shuddered involuntarily. Adam never said much, but he made her uncomfortable just the same.

Purchase your copy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo Books, I-Tunes and Audible!

About Dark Before Dawn:

If you could control minds...would you? It's hard enough for Dawn hiding that she's a teen psychic from her new classmates and new step-family, but it gets even tougher when she learns that ESP spells D-A-N-G-E-R. When Dawn gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak "accidents" in town, Dawn has an important choice to make - continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.

Dark Before Dawn Excerpt: 

Dawn gave an involuntary shudder as they drove past the beach. The gray tide pitched forward, swallowing the slick mirror of sand. She gazed down at her knuckles, fisted in her lap. Her mother and Jeff worshipped the ocean, but to her it was a mysterious monster foaming at the mouth.

She heard Ken's voice rambling about some girl, Renee, and how he planned to approach her at her locker. Renee had a boyfriend, but Ken had seen them fighting a couple times over the summer. Maybe if he started saying hi to her, he’d have a chance. After all, she’d smiled his way at the movies last weekend. At least, Ken was pretty sure the smile was meant for him. All his friends were getting hooked up and he wanted to find someone special.

Dawn turned away from the beach, surprised and a little flattered that Ken was confiding in her. "What’s she’s like?" 

"Who?"

"Renee."

"You listened to me talk to Billy last night, didn't you?" he demanded. "I don't believe this. I don't get any privacy."

Hot numbness swept over Dawn’s face. Oh, no. Ken hadn’t been speaking aloud just now. She’d picked up on his thoughts. Every once in awhile, that happened and Dawn couldn’t control it. Sometimes she caught on and managed to avoid making a fool out of herself. Other times, she blurted out something dumb. You idiot, you’ve got to think before talking, Dawn chastised herself. 

"What were you doing, standing outside the door?" Ken asked.

"I walked by your door when you were on the phone. Sorry, I didn’t mean to overhear." 

"Yeah, I'll bet."

"I didn't do it on purpose." Dawn swallowed as he tightened his grip around the steering wheel. What an awful day, and it was only 7:15 a.m. 

"Why’d you bring up Renee now?"

"I don’t know. II thought maybe I could help." 

"I doubt it. Just forget it, okay?"

That was exactly what Dawn wanted to do.

"Sure." She let out her breath as Ken fixed his attention on the road. 

This curse had haunted her since she was seven. Dawn never confided in anyone that she was psychic, but whenever she slipped, other kids shrank away from her. Like last year, with Samantha, a transfer student Dawn tutored in math. She and Samantha hit it off until Dawn asked why Sam’s father was in prison. Samantha's eyes narrowed and she asked how Dawn knew that. No one knew that. Soon, Samantha found a new best friend.

At least Ken had accepted her apology and his own explanation, even though it made her look nosy.

Something made her turn her head. A weather-beaten cream cottage rose on a bluff, stunted and defiant against the broad swath of sky. Shades blocked the windows and silver wind chimes swayed from an overhang on the white-painted porch.

Iciness dripped over her body. A word detonated in her mind.

Evil.


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The Young Ladies of Mystery Series Book Publicity Tour Schedule:


Thursday, May 5th - The Young Ladies of Mystery Series Blog Tour Starts at Characters at a Crossroads
Thursday, May 5th - Book Review of Dark Before Dawn at Family, Books and Food!
Tuesday, May 10th - Book Review of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today at Emeraldfire's Bookmark
Wednesday, May 11th - Book Review of Dark Before Dawn at Gail M. Baugniet - Author
Thursday, May 12th - Book Spotlights at Book Reviews Virginia Lee
Thursday, May 12th - Book Review of Dark Before Dawn at Emeraldfire's Bookmark
Thursday, May 12th - Book Reviews of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Sink or Swim and Dark Before Dawn at Laura's Interests

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For The Wolf of Britannia Part I by Jess Steven Hughes From May 2, 2016 to May 27, 2016 - Come Join Us!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Jess Steven Hughes will be touring the blogosphere to promote his historical fiction novel The Wolf of Britannia Part I. This is Mr. Hughes' first virtual book tour with Pump up Your Book! He will be coming to a blog near you from May 2, to May 27, 2016! Come join us for all the fun!

The Wolf of Britannia Part I Blog Tour Information: 


Meet Jess Steven Hughes 

Jess Steven Hughes is a retired police detective sergeant with twenty-five years experience in criminal investigation and a former U.S. Marine. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a minor in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from the University of Southern California. He has traveled and studied extensively in the areas forming the background of this novel, which brings vivid authenticity to the unique settings for his historical novels, The Wolf of Britannia, Part I, The Wolf of Britannia, Part II, and The Sign of the Eagle

He currently lives with his wife, Liz, and their three horses in Eastern Washington. He is currently working on another historical novel from the First Century A.D.

Connect and Socialize with Jess!



About The Wolf of Britannia Part I:

First Century AD Britain is a fragmented land of warring Celtic tribes, ripe for invasion by the juggernaut of imperial Rome. Knowing this, a young warrior, soon-to-be-legendary, Prince Caratacus, must unite the southern tribes if they are to survive. This is an enemy more cunning and powerful then either he or Britain has ever faced.

Standing by him is his wife, Rhian, a warrior princess who takes no prisoners. She is the first woman he has truly loved. With her support and that of other allies, Caratacus must outsmart a traitorous brother who is determined to take the throne, aided by a conniving Roman diplomat and a tribal king in the pockets of the Romans.

Caratacus must save his country not only from the pending Roman onslaught but from his own peoples treachery.

Or else die trying.

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!


The Wolf of Britannia Part I Book Publicity Tour Schedule:


Monday, May 2 - First Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your Book
Tuesday, May 3 - Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Wednesday, May 4 - Book Feature at I’m Shelf-ish
Thursday, May 5 - Book Feature at The Review From Here
Friday, May 6 - Book Feature at The Bookworm Lodge
Monday, May 9 - Interview at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, May 10 - Book Feature at Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday, May 11 - Book Feature at The Literary Nook
Thursday, May 12 - First Chapter Reveal at Literarily Speaking
Friday, May 13 - Book Feature at Literal Exposure
Monday, May 16 - Character Interview at Pimp That Character
Tuesday, May 17 - Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Wednesday, May 18 - First Chapter Reveal at The Dark Phantom
Thursday, May 19 - Book Feature at My Bookish Pleasures
Friday, May 20 - First Chapter Reveal at Beyond the Books
Monday, May 23 - Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
Wednesday, May 25 - Book Feature at Authors and Readers Book Corner
Thursday, May 26 - Book Review at Deal Sharing Aunt
Friday, May 27 - Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark

May you read well and often

Introducing The Young Ladies of Mystery Series by Stacy Juba!

Sunday, April 3, 2016


I was delighted to learn recently that the first book in Stacy Juba's Young Ladies of Mystery SeriesTwenty-Five Years Ago Today will be free to download from Amazon for a limited time only! Yes, from now until Monday, May 2nd, Ms. Juba is inviting all of you to download the first book in her Young Ladies of Mystery Series for Free! Since this is the first time Twenty-Five Years Years Ago Today has - and according to Ms. Juba, perhaps the only time - this book will ever be free, she advises you to take advantage of this offer while you still can!

The Young Ladies of Mystery Series by Stacy Juba has been referred to as the grown-up version of Nancy Drew, and although each book can be read as a standalone mystery, the entire series features the common theme of strong young women thrust into a world of danger and mystery in various small towns in New England. The Audible version of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is also available for only $1.99, so if you prefer to listen to audio books instead, grab your own copy today!!!

Meet Stacy Juba 

Award-winning writer Stacy Juba loves to write about Characters at a Crossroads: individuals who are finding themselves and getting on the right life path after overcoming obstacles. Her goals are to entertain readers of all ages as well as inspire them. Stop by her website to browse her books, for some freebies and for information on her freelance editing service.

She recently launched the chick lit/sweet romance Storybook Valley Series with the book Fooling Around With Cinderella.

Her adult mystery titles with a touch of romance are Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim.

She is also the author of the young adult paranormal thriller Dark Before Dawn, the young adult family hockey novel Face-Off, the patriotic children's picture book The Flag Keeper, the Teddy Bear Town Children's Bundle, and the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set. She is the editor of 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror: 52 Authors Look Back.


Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba (2009)
Length: 262 pages 
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Twenty-Five Years Ago Today Blurb: 

Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer for a Massachusetts newspaper, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling "25 Years Ago Today" items from the microfilm. 

She grows fascinated with the case of a young cocktail waitress who was bludgeoned to death and dumped in the woods. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology. Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana's suspicious nephew, Eric Soares - until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. 

Kris soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday's headline is tomorrow's danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris's present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.


Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba (2010)
Length: 248 pages 
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Sink or Swim Blurb:

When reality TV turns to murder, it's sink, swim or die. Ambitious personal trainer Cassidy Novak has gained national fame for starring on Sink or Swim, nicknamed SOS, a hit reality game show set aboard a Tall Ship. She hopes the prize money will help to launch her dream of owning a chain of fitness centers. 

Not only does she lose the competition and have to walk the plank in the finale, after the game show ends, the terror begins. Upon returning to her small Massachusetts hometown, Cassidy discovers she has attracted a stalker masterminding his own twisted game. She struggles to focus on her health club job and celebrity endorsement opportunities, but her stalker has other plans. As her former competitors get knocked off one-by-one, Cassidy refuses to play by his bizarre rules. 

She's also being shadowed by hunky photographer Zach Gallagher, who has been assigned to capture her personal moments for a spread in the local newspaper. She wants to trust Zach, but fears he may not be the nice guy that he seems. With or without Zach's help, when the stalker forces a showdown by threatening her family, Cassidy must once again walk the plank - this time for her life.

Dark Before Dawn by Stacy Juba (2011)
Length: 213 pages 
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Audible!

Dark Before Dawn Blurb:

When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents, she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends may be tied to freak accidents in town, Dawn has an important choice to make - continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the only people who have ever accepted her.

This novel is aimed at young adults, and at adults who enjoy paranormal YA such as the Twilight Series, the House of Night Series and The Vampire Diaries series, Meg Cabot’s The Mediator series, or Lois Duncan books.

May you read well and often