IACP Award Winning Chef John Besh – Cooking From The Heart

Posted on November 13, 2013 by fundinmental

**MEDIA ALERT**

CHEF JOHN BESH HOSTS COOKBOOK SIGNING IN PENSACOLA

John Besh is the acclaimed chef committed to “bringing back” New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Food & Wine named him one of the Top 10 Best New Chefs in America in 1999.

WHAT

Chef John Besh is coming to Pensacola to host a book signing of his new cookbook Cooking from the Heart (Oct 29th, 2013; Andrews McMeel).

For more information on John’s new cookbook, visit www.chefjohnbesh.com.

WHEN

Sunday, November 17, 2013; 1pm – 2:30pm

WHERE

DUH; 501 N 9th Ave Pensacola, FL 32501

WHO

John Besh is a chef and native son dedicated to the culinary riches of southern Louisiana. In his restaurants, entrepreneurial pursuits, and public activities, he aims to preserve and promote ingredients, techniques, and heritage. John’s cookbooks, My New Orleans and My Family Table, were each recognized with an IACP Award. His third cookbook, “Cooking from the Heart,” was released on October 29th, 2013. He hosts two national public television cooking shows based on the books.

Goodreads Author Info

John Besh is the acclaimed chef committed to “bringing back” New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Besh grew up in Southern Louisiana and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America. Food & Wine named him one of the Top 10 Best New Chefs in America in 1999. His passion for food and New Orleans is always simmering.

Besh owns and operates New Orleans restaurants: August, his downtown flagship. Luke is his newest adventure, a downtown brasserie. La Provence, a rustic French restaurant and mini-farm just north of New Orleans. And, not to be overlooked, the award-winning, Besh Steak. ”

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INTERVIEWS:

Please let us know if you are interested in an advance interview with John.

CONTACT:

Sophie Latapie I sophie@thedooronline.com I 646-340-1768

ABOUT THE BOOK:

COOKING FROM THE HEART: My Favorite Lessons Learned Along the Way (October 29, 2013; Andrews McMeel Publishing; Hardcover; $40.00) recalls the places, lessons, and mentors that shaped John Besh’s culinary journey. His engaging personal narrative takes the reader to his touchstones, from the heart of Germany’s Black Forest to the sun-drenched south of France. Each chapter features a lesson learned, told in Besh’s own charming style, full of heartfelt memories and delicious recipes.

With 375 original and archival photographs and 140 easy-to-follow recipes, the 11 chapters bring John’s experiences home into the everyday cook’s kitchen. The book also includes instructional “Cooking Lessons,” illustrated with step-by-step photography, that demonstrate techniques which will help readers master classics such as building a perfect green salad, roasting a whole fish, coaxing deep flavor from stews and roasts, making easy and elegant fruit desserts start to finish and many others.

Gia Vecchio

The Door l an idea house
37 West 17th St., Floor 5
New York, NY 10011
o: 646-340-1767
c: 917-280-5043
gia@thedooronline.com

http ://thedooronline.com
http://twitter.com/thedooronline
http://facebook.com/thedooronline

Check out John Besh’s books on Amazon by clicking on the cover.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Giveaway and Review for Shattered by Patrick Royal

Posted on November 12, 2013 by fundinmental

Mind Shadows I: Shattered

by Patrick Royal

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BLURB

The only thing that multi-published, award winning horror author, Tom Elliot, wanted was to move to the country for a change of scenery and relaxation, to a quiet part of southern Illinois. It seemed he’d picked out a wonderful spot, miles away from the closest neighbor and even further away from civilization.

Tom couldn’t write to save his soul. Weird thoughts trampled through his head and left him wondering if he’d made a mistake moving from Chicago. Could it have been that he ripped himself from his element, like his best friend, Michael Gully, had predicted? That he couldn’t answer yet.

Words came and flowed like wildfire, but at what price? Tom’s imagination was getting the best of him and running rampant. The very characters that he created tormented him, driving him mad where he couldn’t distinguish fiction from reality.

BUY LINKS

Amazon / Wild Child Publishing

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EXCERPT

A moan drifted from the next room and teased Tom’s ear. Stopping to listen, he struggled to figure out what he’d heard. He stepped slowly into the living room. A woman stood with her back toward him. His heart thudded fast.

The woman moaned. Her long-fitted skirt hugged her hips, and a pleated white shirt. On the floor by her feet lay droplets of blood.

Tom peeped around the woman’s body and caught a glance of her face. “Lady, who are you? Why are you in my house?” he asked and widened his eyes.

Tom still faced the woman’s back, and she wept a bit harder. “You should know why I’m here,” she said in a soft but shaky voice. She turned around, faced him, and quickly threw her arms out in front of her. Blood trickled and dripped onto the floor from deep slits across both wrists. In her hand she held a yellow hair ribbon.

Tom’s jaw dropped open and he stumbled back, widening his view. “Oh my God. Wha…?”

The woman stepped closer to him and held her arms out with her wounds still dripping blood. Her body projected forward, as if traveling in flash.

“You did this! You killed my daughter, and you made me what you see.” She shoved her bloody wrists toward Tom.

“No, no. You’ve made a mistake,” Tom screamed and backed away from her. He clung to the wall with his legs weakening and his hands trembling.

The woman stood and laughed hysterically.

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MY REVIEW

What if everything you wrote came to life?

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I love the cover and plot of this novel. I became so engrossed, I didn’t have time to write any notes. I think that is a good thing, because I do not want to give anything away.

Every time I read the title, I become misled, thinking the book is about a broken heart or failed romance. Not so. Look at the cover and it will dispel that idea. Read the book and the cover defines itself even more.

I thought I had an idea of where the book was going, but Patrick Royal did a fantastic job of twisting and turning the plot, leaving me in doubt. The depth of the horror and terror that Tom was going through kept me bouncing back and forth between reality and insanity.

I couldn’t tell if it was real or all in his mind.

Did Tom’s isolation lead him off the deep end?

It is amazing what the mind is capable of and Shattered is a great example of a human brain’s ability to take us down a path we may not want to go.

Michael, Tom’s best friend came running when the shit hit the fan. He would do anything to help his friend.

The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.

The ending totally blew me away. I never saw it coming until it was here, the very last paragraph.

I think my jaw dropped open. Then I laughed, as if I was the crazy person.

Excellent job, Patrick, and I can hardly wait to read more of your work.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patrick Royal is a family man. Born in Virginia, raised in Northwest Indiana, and he and his wife Lynette have resided in Western Kentucky for ten years. An avid reader of Stephen King. He’s inspired to use the gift God gave him to chill his readers. He’s also the author of Novels “Jacobs Closet”, and “Sleep Stalker”.

Patrick Royal’s Website / Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

Patrick will be awarding a $10 Wild Child Publishing GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Answer the question:

What did you think of the excerpt?

Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found below:

TOUR SCHEDULE

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To grab a copy of Shattered or to learn more about Patrick Royal, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Launching – Gemini Rising – Ethereal Fury by Jessica O’Gorek!

Posted on November 12, 2013 by fundinmental

I am a Gemini.

You should beware of a woman scorned. LOL

On Tour with Prism Book Tours...

Don’t Mess with Mother Earth Tour

BEWARE! THE PLANET IS WOUNDED…

THE GEMINI ARE RISING AND OUR TIME ON EARTH IS LIMITED…WHO WILL SURVIVE?

Find out more by following the tour!

11/10: Launch

11/11: Kelly P’s Blog

11/15: What’s Beyond Forks?

11/20: Cu’s Ebook Giveaways

11/24: The
(Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl

11/28: Mythical Books
12/2: Tressa’s Wishful Endings

12/5: fuonlyknew

12/10: Bookworm Lisa

12/12: fundinmental
12/17 – The Bookish Fairy
12/20: Grand Finale

Enter to WIN a signed book + swag at stops on the tour!

About the Book

Ethereal Fury

Gemini Rising #1

by Jessica O’Gorek

Paperback, 263 Pages

Published April 13, 2013 by Cogent Publishing

Angry at the human race and its methodical destruction of her resources, Mother Earth recruits souls who have just left their bodies to serve Her, and turns them against humanity. Gemini, a clan of paranormal beings, picked from these possessed humans, emerges. A powerful, rising force proceeds to carry out Mother Nature’s plan to systematically destroy towns, cities, states… and eventually, the world.

Amidst the chaos, a forbidden relationship between a human girl, Violette, and Onyx, a lead Gemini, begins. They will both find themselves in the middle of a revolutionary war that will either save, or destroy our world

Read the first seven chapter here.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About Author Jessica O’Gorek

I was born in Chesapeake, Virginia on April 19th, 1979. I was raised within the American Indian religion and was taught great respect for the earth and all its living beings. Powwows, sweat lodges, vision quests, you name it, I’ve done it. I was the weird kid who would confront kids on the playground in elementary school when they squished a bug. I would very sincerely tell them what they were doing was morally wrong and then I would pray for the bug to come back as a butterfly in its next life.

I grew up admiring my father, Barry Weinstock, as an author. He took me around the country to different places so he could research and write his Wilderness Survival books. One of his greatest works, “The Path of Power,” was written with a great medicine man, Sunbear. When I was twelve I started hand writing novels. My first one was two thousand pages. My dad always encouraged me and would rave about my writing. He gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing and follow my dream. My daughter, who is twelve, is currently working on her first novel. I hope to continue the legacy.

Blog * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Share the Tour – Enter to WIN $50 GC

November 10 – December 27

This is a Tour-Wide International Giveaway – Share one of the tour posts, save a link to verify, and enter to win!

See Rafflecopter for Restrictions

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To get your copy of Gemini Rising – Ethereal Fury by Jessica O’Gorek, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Come travel the world with Kalin and Shane – Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties by Marcus Twyman

Posted on November 11, 2013 by fundinmental

Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties by Marcus Twyman caught my eye with the blood red cover. It screamed at me to investigate further, and I did.

Half human and half Khet, from the United States to Egypt to Ireland.

Jump right in and travel the world with Kalin and Shane.

Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties
by Marcus Twyman

Genre: Urban Fantasy

ISBN: 978-1461108184

ASIN: B007IDQP42

Number of pages: 394

Word Count: 76,206

Cover Artist: Marcus Twyman

Amazon

SYNOPSIS

Kalin Moshire and his stepbrother, Shane, struggle to survive the race of people known as the Nebu Khet, which they also happen to belong to. They are hunted because of Shane’s heredity. He’s half Homo Sapiens (sape) and Half Nebu Khet (khet). Kalin swore to protect him on the night his mother sacrificed herself to save their lives, but will he keep that promise or will unseen threats destroy them first.

From the cozy suburbs of Montgomery County, Maryland, to the busy streets of New York City, across the desert sands of Egypt, to the rocky cliffs of Ireland. Kalin must unravel the truths that have been hidden to him since childhood and fight for the right to live.

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PROLOGUE

I know my limits have been reached tonight. As I stare at the angry pale face snarling at me from across the darkened room, I can feel the last of my strength dwindling down to nothing. My body keeps bleeding out its life’s blood and I can feel it gathering in pools around the spread fingers of my bruised and battered hands where I’m crouching on the concrete floor. I feel the weight of the power-laced air increase as my assailant hunches down into position for one last lunge and my gut tells me that this cold dark cellar may become my eternal resting place. In this moment there is an overwhelming sense that my life has become forfeit.

In this place where all odds are against me, I envision her face one last time. Lifting my head slowly from the floor, I stare through the blood soaked strands of my hair at my opponent. His face is contorted into a mask of rage. His teeth glisten in the darkness and there is no mistaking the bloodlust in those ancient, glowing, yellow eyes.

I go back to picturing her face again – the image is so vivid I can practically reach out and touch her. I remember her sweet scent and the sound of her voice. I can feel her soft skin as I reach up to place a hand on her cheek.

I can’t die here, I can’t leave her to fend for herself against my kind. I must survive this. Focusing on my body, I concentrate

The moment that he decides to attack, I know it. As if in slow motion, his muscles begin to flex beneath the skin of his forearms and shoulders. He rocks forward onto the balls of his feet like a cobra ready for the strike.

For a split second all I can register is the sound of my own heart beating…that’s when he launches himself from his side of the room towards me. I propel myself forward with my own teeth bared and my claws fully extended. A low vibration rocks through my chest and explodes from my mouth. The awesome power of the roar is like no other on this planet. It’s the Nebu Khet’s cry, and it always means death.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Image of Marcus W. Twyman Marcus Twyman has lived most of his life in Montgomery County, Maryland. Since he was a child he’s enjoyed writing stories, songs, and poetry – using the power of words as a therapeutic release for his feelings and emotions.

Now living in New York City, Marcus has been slowly adapting to the bustling concrete jungle and is incorporating his new experiences into his writing.

AUTHOR LINKS

Twitter / Facebook / Youtube Book Trailer / Website / Amazon Buy-Link

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To grab your copy of Khet Chronicles: Blood Ties, or any other books by Marcus Twyman, simply click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Release, Excerpt & GP – Reclaim My Heart by Donna Fasano

Posted on November 11, 2013 by fundinmental

Now with Montlake Romance – Release Day TODAY 12 November, 2013

On becoming a Montlake Author:

Let me tell you about my wonderful publishing experience! I have to back up a little bit… to this past spring. I self-published a romance titled Reclaim My Heart. The book received great reviews immediately, and it sold well from the beginning. Very well. In fact, during the first week of August I was enjoying a mug of coffee while perusing the USA Today Bestseller’s List (my usual Thursday morning routine), and I nearly choked when I saw that Reclaim My Heart was sitting at #123 on the list. A couple of days later I was contacted by an editor from Montlake. She told me she’d read one of my books months before and had been keeping an eye on me. She said she’d read Reclaim My Heart and loved it. Now, what author doesn’t love to hear that? She made an offer I couldn’t refuse.

The Montlake editor and the design team loved the cover that was on the indie version of the book; however, Amazon had trouble licensing the rights to the image. So we searched for weeks before finding the picture that’s on the current cover. I love it! And I hope my readers do, too.

I’m happy to be writing romance novels for Montlake. I feel wanted and appreciated, and it can’t get much better than that in the publishing industry!

~Donna

Title: Reclaim My Heart
Author: Donna Fasano
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Pages: 282
Formats: Paperback, eBook, AudioCD
ISBN: 978-1477817988
Purchase Now: Paperback § eBook § AudioCD

About The Book :

Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law, and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.

Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.

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Excerpt

From Chapter Two”Oh, wait. There’s someone here to see you.”
He frowned. “I don’t have time today.”
“I know, I know.” Martha looked apologetic. “I tried to explain that your schedule is packed, but she insisted on waiting—”
“She?”
Martha glanced down at a pad on her desktop. “A Ms. Whitlock. Tyne Whitlock.”
Lucas stared. Blinked. Then he reached up and tugged at his tie, wondering who the hell shut off the room’s air supply.
“She’s waiting in your office. I tried to tell her your schedule was full, but…” Concern sharpened Martha’s tone. “Are you all right? She said she knew you. That you were old friends. That she’d only take a minute of your time. Should I not have let her in?”
Martha droned on and he watched her lips move, but he didn’t hear a word of what she said. A blind-sided punch wouldn’t have stunned him more than hearing that name. He lifted his hand and nodded at Martha to let her know everything was okay even though he had no idea if it was or not, then he turned and headed down the corridor.
“Don’t forget Larry and Nate. They’re waiting!”
Martha’s warning sounded like a distant echo.
Tyne. Here. In this building. In his office.
What had it been? Twelve, thirteen… no. Sixteen years. He scrubbed his fingers across his jaw.
He turned the corner and came to an abrupt halt. At the end of the corridor, the door of his office stood ajar. He saw Tyne’s perfect profile as she sat in a straight-backed chair staring at something out of his line of view.
In an instant, Lucas was catapulted into the past.
Darkness surrounded them like a cloak. Tyne’s soft sobs tore at his heart. Of all the girls he’d dated—and there had been more than a few—only she brought out in him a fierce compulsion to protect.
He swiped away her tears, the dark color of his thumb a stark contrast against her creamy white skin.
“I don’t understand them, Lucas. I never will.”
“Don’t worry,” he crooned. “It’s going to be all right. Trust me, babe. They can’t keep us apart. You’ll be eighteen soon too. We can do what we want then. Go wherever we want.”
He cradled her, his back supported by the massive pin oak. And when she stopped crying, she pulled away from him and gazed into his eyes. Her sweet face wrenched his heart and caused heat to spark his desire. Never had he wanted a girl the way he wanted Tyne. Raw need coursed through him.
She cradled his face between her palms and drew him to her. Her lips were hot against his. The kiss grew hungry, their breathing labored.
“Our love will last forever,” she whispered against his mouth.
He heard the question in her quavery tone, responded to her need for reassurance.
“Forever,” he groaned, tugging her down onto the mossy ground.
Lucas tilted his head to stare at the carpet in front of his shoes and gulped in the artificially-cooled air as he dragged his way out of the past. The grip he had on his attaché case made his hand throb almost as much as the memory had caused his groin to go all achy and needful.
Of course, their love hadn’t lasted forever.
He was within steps of the door when Tyne glanced in his direction. Nuances of various emotions passed across her face. And it was a striking face, Lucas couldn’t deny it. The years had refined her features—
She stood, smoothing her palms across the fabric of her skirt.
—and ripened her body. Her eyes were the same vivid blue he remembered, and her white-blond hair was still long and straight. He could easily recall the silky feel of it brushing against his bare chest. As teens, he’d thought of them as the perfect juxtaposition: she, all sunshine and light, he, dark like the night.
He forced his gaze back onto her face.
“Tyne.” He entered his office, puzzled by the strain in his voice. What really confused him was the fact that he couldn’t seem to get his tongue to form anything more.
“Hi, Lucas. It’s been a long time.” Her lush mouth pressed into a nervous smile, and his gut tensed.
He wanted to smile back. He truly did. With every fiber of his being. To let her know that he’d survived the sprawling interim since they’d parted just as well as she obviously had. But he couldn’t smile. Couldn’t speak. Couldn’t think.

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About Donna Fasano

Donna Fasano is a three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

What others are saying about Donna’s books:
“…complex, funny, and realistic…” ~Wilmington News Journal

“Excellent!” ~Bookreview.com

“Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author.” ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon

“…a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!”
~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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To pick up your copy of Reclaim My Heart by Donna Fasano, or one of her many other books, click on the cover below.

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Follow the tour schedule below to sample all the goodies Donna Fasano is offering during the tour of Reclaim My Heart.

TOUR SCHEDULE

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Cover Reveal for exciting new novel, Not in Time by Shawna Seed

Posted on November 11, 2013 by fundinmental

I feel honored to be able to share Shawna Seed’s new novel, Not In Time, with you.

This is what Shawna Seed has to say:

You know how they always say something is “ripped from the headlines?”

My novel Not In Time is about looted art, and just this week the world learned of a trove of art stolen by the Nazis found in Munich. You can read more HERE.

The ebook will be released Dec. 17 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and Kobo. The paperback will be released in January.

I will be revealing the first chapter on my website, shawnaseed.com, on Sunday, Dec. 1.

SYNOPSIS

Art historian Genevieve McKenna, who just lost her museum job, lands an exciting assignment: Trace the path of a drawing the Nazis stole in wartime Paris and restore it to the rightful owners.

Plus, there’s Julien Brooks, whose family claims the drawing. She’s eager to get to know him better — a lot better.

But someone — could it be Julien? — is very determined to thwart her investigation.

And why does she keep having bizarre flashbacks to a place she’s certain she’s never been? Are those moments a sign of the same mental illness that plagued her mother’s life?

On a research trip to Paris, Genevieve must confront her growing attraction to Julien and the truth about her destiny. What she learns might crack the case — or cost her and Julien their lives.

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I read her debut novel, Identity by Shawna Seed, and was blown away.

MY 5 STAR REVIEW

To learn more about Identity, Shawna Seed, or to get your copy now, click on the cover.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawna Seed is a writer and editor whose career has taken her to both coasts and several spots in between, working for organizations that include The Dallas Morning News and ESPN.com.

Originally from Kansas, she’s lived in seven states and every continental U.S. time zone. She and her husband now call Dallas home.

When she’s not writing, her interests include cooking, travel and watching college basketball. (Go Jayhawks!)

Identity is her fiction debut. Her next project, Not in Time, is a suspense novel about looted art.

Visit her website, where the goodies include her blog and a discussion guide. You can also listen to a playlist based on the record collection of Sharlah Webb, the heroine of Identity, and see Sharlah’s bookshelf.

To learn more about Shawn Seed, follow the links below.

Website Facebook Twitter Goodreads

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Blitz for I Know You Know by Helen A Howell

Posted on November 11, 2013 by fundinmental

Genre: Psychic Thriller

Publisher: Crooked Cat Publishing

Publication Date: February 21, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Crooked Cat Books

The darkest cards in the tarot deck reveal the darkest side of the man sitting opposite Janice—Mr. Edgar Kipp.

She feigns an inability to read for him, but will he believe her?

His parting words indicate that he knows she knows he’s a serial killer. And he plans to return.

The voice of her dead grandmother urges her to be careful, warning Janice she might be seeing her own future in those foreboding cards.

But Janice doesn’t want to listen. Gran’s dead.

How can she possibly help her?

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EXCERPT

Present Day

“Well, tell me my fortune then. What do you see?” he asked in a sharp nasally voice.

Janice stared at the man who sat opposite her. He had pinched features and thinning greasy hair parted just above his ear and swept over the top of his head. Nothing about him was unusual. He would easily fade into a crowd, yet there was something about him that made her flesh creep.

One of her clients had recommended him and, although that strange voice of his had echoed down the phone, he had seemed reasonable. Well, as reasonable as one could tell from a telephone conversation. She had told him the fee and he had agreed, so she gave him a time and a date and wrote it in her diary. Now facing him, she wished she hadn’t let him into her house.

She glanced down at the pack of cards in her hand and began to shuffle them. Her reluctance to read for him was growing with every moment that passed.

Be careful what you say. He’s dangerous, warned the voice. You’ll see, the cards will show you. We’ll read them together, but say
nothing.

“What are you waiting for? You’re a fortune-teller, aren’t you?” He pressed his thin lips together.

Janice continued to shuffle the cards. Who are you? What are you? She asked silently as she flipped over the first card. The Devil.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen is a fiction writer who writes in several genres which include fantasy, noir, horror and humor. She has written several short stories, flash fictions and poems. Her work has appeared in both e-zine and print publications.

She was born in England and lives in Australia, where she is currently working on her third Novella called Mind Noise.

Her second Novella I Know You Know, a Psychic Thriller for adults, was released by Crooked Cat Publishing on February 21 2013.

Helen is also a member of Friday Flash Dot Org. and is a regular participant in writing Friday Flash.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Crooked Cat Publishing

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To pick up your copy of I Know You Know by Helen A Howell, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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November Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

Posted on November 10, 2013 by fundinmental

November Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway ($229 Value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HDX (US Only – $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

NOVEMBER SPONSORS

Sign up to Sponsor the December Giveaway (starting around December 2nd)

http://www.iamareader.com/2013/10/december-kindle-fire.html

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7″ HDX (US Only – $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7″.

Enter a Rafflecopter Giveaway Here.

Ends 11/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

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WINNER!! Survival Series by A M Hargrove

Posted on November 10, 2013 by fundinmental

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winner of the Survival Series by A M Hargrove is:

Georgiann

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy the Survival Series as much as I did!

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments. I hope you will continue to follow fundinmental.

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To see my Review, go HERE .

To pick up you copy from Amazon, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Grand Finale! An Incurable Insanity by Simi K Rao

Posted on November 9, 2013 by fundinmental

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Exotic Tour Grand Finale

Happy Festival of Lights!

Diwali

An Incurable Insanity

by Simi K Rao

Paperback, eBook, 376 pages

Published October 8, 2013 by Tate Publishing

Her heart fluttered when she heard the sound of the key turn in the lock. She quickly adjusted her maroon silk sari with the yellow border, the one that had caught his eye, and waited eagerly for his footsteps.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… Yes, exactly seven steps before he stopped, hesitated for a few moments, then removed his shoes one by one and arranged them neatly side by side on the shoe rack.

She smiled. He had been mindful of taking his shoes off every day now…

* Read an Excerpt *

Goodreads * Tate Publishing * Blog * Barnes & Noble * Amazon.

We offer flowers in traditional welcome.

You are our honored guest on our tour…

10/20: Launch – Tressa’s Wishful Endings

“In Rao’s debut novel an arranged marriage sets the stage for an intimate look at the exasperating madness of love….An often intoxicating…will-they-won’t-they tale.”- KIRKUS REVIEWS

10/21:
#Dawat-Recipe Intriguing Reads

No discussion on India would
be complete without mentioning its food which is as rich and colorful as its
residents. And I am not kidding when I say that travelling from one region to
another will not only introduce you to different
languages and dialects but
also to markedly varied cuisines.

I still have very fond
memories of my Grandma’s kitchen where food used to be prepared the way it
should be—from scratch. It was labor intensive but also a lot of fun. I know
because I used to help.

10/22:
#Vivaah-Marriage Ritual
The Wonderings of One
Person

Hindu marriages are
all about customs and rituals. There are several both before and after the
wedding ceremony making it a very elaborate affair. But the most important of
them all is the Seven Vows or Saath Pheras which occur during the ceremony
because they are said to contain the essence of the practice of marriage.
Without them a marriage is considered meaningless.

‘Ruhi quietly and
blissfully followed Shaan around the sacred flames carefully listening to and
reciting the Saath Pheras in her mind.’ – An Incurable
Insanity

10/22: #Desi-Indian Culturevvb32 reads

Indians in general are deeply rooted in tradition. Our culture
gives us our identity. Most of us (especially those living away from the
homeland,) cling to it, even though several aspects especially in these modern
times, make no sense at all.

10/24: #Vivaah-Marriage RitualGiveaway Breaking News for
Indonesia

Cherish your
wife as a blessing sent to you from heaven; let the kindness of your behavior
endear you to her heart.

10/25: #Desi-Indian CultureChristy’s Cozy Corners

“Unclasping the sacred marriage necklace from around her neck, she
laid it down carefully on the counter. Then, wiping off the vermilion dot from
her forehead, she examined her face again.

She smiled. Finally, she knew who
she was. She was Ruhi Sharma, and there was no looking
back.” – An Incurable Insanity

10/25 – #Desi – Shakti “the Divine Woman” – A Casual Fling with the Keyboard

She is bold and liberated. She speaks her mind. She is tough and vibrant. She knows what she wants and doesn’t compromise on her values.

10/26: #Dawat-Recipe Book Babe

“Chai?”

“Huh? Yes please with just a pinch of sugar. Thanks!” He took the cup from her hands, careful not to touch her fingers. – An Incurable Insanity

A cup of this refreshing brew served piping hot, awakens the senses and drives the blues away.

10/27: #Dawat-RecipeBrooke Blogs

“It was the best puddinghe’d ever tasted…for obvious
reasons.” ~ An Incurable Insanity

After all the spicy heat of chai and parathas, let’s cool the
tempers with something sweet and delish!

10/28: #Dawat-RecipeLiving a Goddess Life

“Standing in front of
the large bathroom mirror, she combed her long thick hair. Should I leave it
loose or braid it? Should I put on makeup or go bare? Should I wear all my
bangles or just a couple of them? So many questions! Why don’t all men come with
a user guide?”

10/29: #Desi-Indian Culture Sun Mountain Reviews

She had gone through all the
miscellaneous ceremonies associated with the typical grand Indian wedding—the
engagement, the Mehendi, the Sangeet, the Haldi, and the grand finale; her
father had spared no expense… – An Incurable
Insanity

Mehendi
(Henna) is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word Mendika. The tradition of
applying it is several thousands of years old and is perhaps the most
traditional form of body art. It is meant to ‘awaken the inner
light’.

10/30: #Vivaah-Marriage RitualMel’s Shelves

The bombshell had dropped on their wedding night. He had walked into the room late as she sat there, a shy bride in all her wedding finery waiting, nervous yet excited at the same time, to meet the man she had hardly spoken to or looked at. What would he say, talk about, or do?

She had heard a lot of stories about what to expect, some factual and some fabricated (her friends had prepared her well), but she wanted her own to be special, unique, and it was…

– An Incurable Insanity

10/31:
#Desi-Indian Culture Shannon McDermott

“Go ahead, Shaan,” Bee said softly, giving him
permission.

He pinched a small amount of the red powder and placed it firmly in
the parting on her forehead. Not entirely certain why, but this makeshift
ceremony appeared more meaningful to him than the one on his wedding
day.

“Perfect! Now my mishti
bon looks like a bride, a very
beautiful bride.”

11/1: #Dawat – Beck Valley Books

Paratha [par-AA- THA] Hindi पराठा is one of the most popular types of unleavened flat breads in Punjabi North Indian Cuisine and Pakistan.

Prepared from pan frying whole wheat dough which usually has ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil in it, parathas are often stuffed with vegetables such as mashed boiled potatoes or aloo, cauliflower (gobhi), radish (mooli), other vegetables and or paneer (fresh Indian cheese).

Parathas, particularly the stuffed ones, are simply eaten with pickles, chutneys and or yogurt on the side and make for a wholesome meal at any time of the day.

In my book ‘An Incurable Insanity’ my protagonist Ruhi, when she first arrives in America, longs for home, the feel of her mother’s pallu (sari’s edge) and for the taste of fresh homemade parathas and piping hot chai.

11/1 – #Dawat – “Bashful Bride” – A Casual Fling with the Keyboard

She sits on the rose strewn bed

A bashful bride

In all her jeweled splendor

Hennaed hands resting on drawn up knees

Innocent and uninitiated

Awaiting the approach of her beloved

11/3 – 11/5: Grand Finale – Giveaway runs through 11/11

Happy Diwali!

Go read the #Talk on Simi’s Facebook

as she has walked us through the beautiful backdrop to her amazing book…

Simi K. Rao was born in India and has been living in the United States for several years. The inspiration for An Incurable Insanity came from what she has seen transpire among and within the immigrant community. Some of the experiences included are her own; some have been garnered from friends and casual conversations with acquaintances…

A Casual Fling with the Keyboard

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

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Giveaway:

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

$100 Gift Card to Amazon

5 eCopies of An Incurable Insanity

October 18 – November 11, 2013. International giveaway. Must be able to download winnings. Must be 18 to enter. See Rafflecopter for additional restrictions.

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway here.

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