Come visit lancaster house and the middle aisle with Prism Book Tours

On tour with Prism Book Tours…


 

One of the secret doors of the Stift Admont library, Austria.

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*If you missed
yesterday’s post about how American Idol inspired Lancaster House, sneak
through this hidden passage to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer. . . but, watch out for ghosts along the way . .

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Lancaster HouseLancaster House
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 304 pages
Published June 7th 2012 by Createspace

Premise: 

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

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The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)The Middle Aisle
by Taylor Dean
Paperback, 356 pages
Published November 26th 2012 by Create SpacePremise:

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?

GUEST POST

Lancaster House contains many secret passageways and hidden rooms. It’s definitely part of its charm. The house itself is a main character in the book without me intentionally writing it that way. But Lancaster House isn’t the only one keeping secrets. I couldn’t resist adding a couple of secrets of my own into the writing of this book.

First I need to explain. I vividly remember sitting in my California Lit class in high school, listening to my teacher explain the hidden meanings John Steinbeck placed in the Grapes of Wrath—the types of things that are in Cliff Notes. I was mesmerized. I was impressed. Like the preacher’s name was Jim Casy. Initials: J.C. By no mistake did Mr. Steinbeck choose those initials—he chose the name Jim Casy to mimic the initials Jesus Christ. At least this is what my teacher taught me. Did Mr. Steinbeck confirm this? I have no idea. I’ve always wondered if these types of things are made up by people who study classic literature or if the author really intended it that way! Still, the concept fascinated me. Next I learned about East of Eden. The father’s name is Adam, and his son’s names are Caleb and Aron. (Father Adam=C for Cain and A for Abel) At any rate, you get the whole initial idea thing. To a young student of literature, this was intriguing and I never forgot it. (I grew up living only an hour away from John Steinbeck’s infamous Cannery Row, hence the obsession with Steinbeck.)

With the above thoughts in mind, I set out to name my hero. Since the visual of Adam Lambert was the image that inspired my main character, I decided to stick with A.L. as the initials. Andre Lancaster. Yes, I’ll put secrets in my book just like John Steinbeck, I thought. Brilliant.

Okay, so it’s not that amazing. But it felt amazing. The kind of thing that made me smile to myself whenever I thought about it.

There is one other similarity to Adam Lambert and American Idol placed in Lancaster House.  During the American Idol season, Adam Lambert would show up on stage dressed in his casual attire, with his hair flopping over one eye, looking like an anime rocker. In the next performance he’d show up with his hair slicked back, dressed in a classy suit, singing “Tracks of my Tears.”

To view Adam’s performance of “Tracks of my Tears,” click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc2lXKuXUD8

A total transformation. I couldn’t resist having my main character do the same.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Taylor Dean .
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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.
Find & Follow:
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Lancaster House & The Middle Aisle, available in print or eCopy from Smashwords or for Amazon, click on the cover below:

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TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

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5 WINNERS will receive….

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Open only to those who can legally enter. 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 on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner 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 Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Bay window with leaded stained glass windows in a Victorian home. What a lovely spot for a writing desk.

*To learn of another American Idol performance that inspired a certain scene in Lancaster House,come back tomorrow and visit my study at Proud Book Nerd. . . you won’t bedisappointed . . .

 Pssst… to see my real study, hop over to Letters to the Cosmos and Sarah’s review!
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THE TOUR:

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2/11 – Unputdownable Books – Guest Post
2/12 – I Am A Reader, Not a Writer – Guest Post
2/13 – Fundinmental Guest Post
–          Letters to the Cosmos – Review
2/14 – Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review
–          Proud Book Nerd – Guest Post
2/15 – LDS & Lovin’ It – Review
2/17 – Phantasmic Reads – Review
–          Lavender & Camomile Press Guest Post
2/18 – The Reading Diaries – Guest Post
2/19 –  Living a Goddess Life – Review
–          Beck Valley Books – Guest Post
2/20 – Living the Goddess Life –  Recipe
–          Colorimetry
2/21 – Passion and Life – Guest Post
–          Books Mystify – Goodreads Review
2/22 – Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review
2/24 – Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review
–          A Buckeye Girl Reads – Guest Post
2/25 – Living a Goddess Life – Review
–          Icultgen – Guest Post
2/26 – Who’s Thanny?  (Byzinha) – Review
–          Letters to the Cosmos – Review
2/27 – Living a Goddess Life – Recipe
–          Tressa – Goodreads Reviewer

2/28 – A Buckeye Girl Reads – Review
3/1 – Grand Finale TBA…
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Would You Like A Glimpse of the Afterlife? Review of Hereafter by Terri Bruce

Read on!

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Hereafter

Afterlife  Book One

Terri Bruce

Genre: Paranormal/Contemporary Fantasy

 Publisher: Mictlan Press    /     Date of Publication:  January 20, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-9913036-0-1    /    ISBN: 978-0-9913036-1-8

Number of pages: 369    /    Word Count:  111,000

Cover Artist: Shelby Robinson

BOOK DESCRIPTION

 Thirty-six-year-old Irene Dunphy didn’t plan on dying any time soon, but that’s exactly what happens when she makes the mistake of getting behind the wheel after a night bar-hopping with friends. She finds herself stranded on earth as a ghost, where the food has no taste, the alcohol doesn’t get you drunk, and the sex…well, let’s just say “don’t bother.” To make matters worse, the only person who can see her—courtesy of a book he found in his school library—is a fourteen-year-old boy genius obsessed with the afterlife.

Unfortunately, what waits in the Great Beyond isn’t much better. Stuck between the boring life of a ghost in this world and the terrifying prospect of three-headed hell hounds, final judgment, and eternal torment in the next, Irene sets out to find a third option—preferably one that involves not being dead anymore. Can she wipe the slate clean and get a second chance before it’s too late?

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MY REVIEW

“Why are you staring at me?”

“Well, it’s just, because…you know. You’re…”  “Well…dead”

When she awoke in the morning, it all came back to her. She had searched the web for information about ghosts and the after life, but found nothing describing her situation.

She got in the shower and brushed her teeth. She felt, just because she was dead, that was no reason she shouldn’t take care of normal hygiene.

Suddenly, it came to her. There must be others in the same situation as hers. So she left the house in search of more answers.

When Irene waved to Mrs. Boine, she waved back. She ran up on the porch and began talking to her, only to find out she was dead too. As they talked two little girls came out asking for Grandma to push them. Mrs. Boine told Irene that they couldn’t see her, yet they knew she was there.

Irene came right out and asked Mrs. Boine what she was supposed to do? Where was she supposed to go? Mrs. Boine said she had everything she could want right where she was, so why should she go anywhere.

Irene was in Limbo, but at least now she knew she wasn’t the only ghost. She found that ghosts tended to have an aura about them. She couldn’t help but wonder – Where’s the bright light? – like in the Ghost Whisperer.

She found herself in front of a house and noticed the name Johnson.Why did that sound familiar to her? Then she remembered, the kid, Jonah could see her and his name had been Johnson. But what could a 14-year-old kid tell her? She felt she had to talk to him. She went in the house, even though he wasn’t home, and she hadn’t been invited in. It was obvious from his bedroom he was alive and well. But why could he see her? She knew he could be unseen, invisible to others, too.  Why? How?

book of spells

She left a note and hoped he would come find her. When he did, he told her he found a book with spells, about astral projection and transcendental meditation. They talked about what he had discovered from reading books. She kept asking him questions. How would she get to the afterlife? What was ahead for her?

“You’re like a two-year old, you know that,” was his response.

And so began their journey to find the answers that would help Irene move on.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

Pretty cover and an appropriate title.

I got some chuckles when…..Well, I can’t tell you. For the subject of death, I really like Terri Bruce’s approach to it and the afterlife and the time in between. How would you react? What would you feel like if life went on without you? Is there life after death? Funny light-hearted look at death. A lot of food for thought in this book.

Irene –  was a spoiled rotten brat. Selfish. The 14-year-old kid acted more like an adult than she did. She didn’t put her full effort into her job, even though she liked it. Definitely liked drinking and had no qualms about calling in sick, after partying all night. She felt she had done what she was supposed to do, wasn’t that enough? She had an education, a good job, family, friends and a love life. What else was there?

Jokes

“Why aren’t ghosts good at telling lies?”   ” Because you can see right through them.”

“…what kind of mistakes do ghosts make…”   “Boo-boos.”

“What kind of street does a host live on?”  “A dead-end.”

“Who does a ghost invite to his party?”   “Anyone he can dig up.”

Quotes

“Cops Undead: Miami”

“Today is the first day of your afterlife”

“You can’t come in. I didn’t invite you. ”That’s vampires.” “

“Here take my sock, it’s stinky, just like you”

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

The book brought to mind Charmed, Supernatural and Ghost Whisperer, three TV shows that deal with magic, death, ghosts, the supernatural, the paranormal……when Irene and Jonah talked about scrying, finding lost objects, spells…..made me think of all three shows.

Maybe ignorance is bliss. Maybe we are better off not knowing what is to come. What is life about? The infamous, why me? Regrets? Set a wrong right? Unfinished business. Who does the judging? What are the rules?

The ending wraps it up nicely and left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile. All’s well that ends well, went through my mind.

Hereafter on Goodreads | Shelfari | Library Thing

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terri BruceTerri Bruce has been making up adventure stories for as long as she can remember and won her first writing award when she was twelve. Like Anne Shirley, she prefers to make people cry rather than laugh, but is happy if she can do either. She produces fantasy and adventure stories from a haunted house in New England where she lives with her husband and three cats. Her second novel, Thereafter (Afterlife #2), will be released May 1, 2014.

 

Website/Blog / Goodreads / Facebook  / Twitter

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To get your copy of Hereafter or learn more about Terri Bruce, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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Blog Tour Party with Terri Bruce for Hereafter

Like the “Son”, would Charmeine sacrifice herself to save the others?

Mactus: The Light-Bearer Series (Book II) by Emily Guido

Spoiler Alert: This is the second book in The Light-Bearer Series.

To see my Review for Charmeine, Book I, go HERE.

Mactus – Latin – means well done, good job, honored, good luck.

Mactus (The Light-Bearer, #2)

Add to Goodreads

Charmeine and Tabbruis awoke to Shane barging in, demanding answers. Shane was very protective of Charmeine and he didn’t like the idea that Tabbrius could be taking advantage of her.

Tabbruis told him that he had been an orphan, like Charmeine and that he was also a vampire. Charmeine went on to tell Shane how they had found out that Tabbruis was a Blood-Hunter and she was a Light-Bearer. Tabbruis explained that they were sworn enemies, but their love was something special, their hearts beat as one, and Tabbruis could no longer see a life without her.

Shane proceeded to tell them, that he was also an orphan. He told them about a dream he had. It was the same dream that Charmeine and Tabbruis had been talking about. They had all been together. What could it mean?

Then, everything came rushing back to Charmeine. She told them what she remembered, that her and Tabbruis had been married and Shane was their child. They had been a family in Heaven. Shane was the one to voice the question – Why? Why had they forgotten? And what had happened to separate them?

Hurt, pain, and loneliness poured from them, only to replaced by love, joy and a sense of belonging.

Tabbruis’ voodoo stare told them to do as he said, when he told them to get ready to leave. They were going to Romania. Dimitri had sent Tabbruis’ “brother” to collect them.

They were attacked at the airport. The fight was brutal and to the death. No one had known, not even Shane, that he had powers, but when the Blood-Hunter took Charmeine, Shane was the one who saved her.

Tabbruis had seen a darkness surrounding Charmeine, but said nothing.

As they approached Dimitri’s castle, security kept getting tighter, more intense. It was now going to be their home too.draculas castle Pictures, Images and Photos

In Tabbruis’ dream, Charmeine was being tortured. He awoke with a start and immediately started looking for her, but she was gone. He had told her that God had made him for her and she for him. Their hearts beat in tune and their love would save them.

But, like the “Son”, would Charmeine  sacrifice herself to save the others?

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

Taz Valentine 1 Pictures, Images and Photos

The cover is pretty, but does not do the story justice. It does show that Charmeine and Tabbruis are together, but it does not portray what they will have to go through to make that happen. The title is appropriate. It will take good luck for them to make it through what is to come.

Not only do the characters grow on you, the story deepens and takes you along with it. As they fight to survive, they risk it all. But Tabbruis does not want to live without Charmeine. He must convince her, not to sacrifice herself. There has to be another way.

Their friends will give up their lives to help keep them safe. How many of us can say the same? To have such loyal family and friends could be something we all strive for. Not only to have for ourselves, but to be that family member or friend that would do the same.

I marvel at Emily’s ability to, not just create the story, but to be able to describe it so vividly that I feel as if it could be real. Who is to say? Do you believe in Angels? If you do, then there must be demons also. Who knows what form they would take.

I received this book free from the author. I am not sure if she expected a review or not, but as I read through every book of the series (and I can hardly wait to start the next book) I will be doing a review for each and every one. I would like others to see, that this is a series that they will want to add to their collection of books.

Some Of My Favorite Quotes

“So I will have you forever.” – Tabbruis

“Yep! No exchanges or refunds. You’ve already ripped off the tag. Sorry.” – Charmeine

“Marriage is a three-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring  and suffering.” -Tabbruis

Their song “She’s got a way” by Billy Joel

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Guido Emily Guido is a very new Young Adult, Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing “The Light-Bearer Series” because one day she got an idea of two light and dark characters who have an epic romance. A week later, Emily had over a 100,000 words written. When she writes, she pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. She has written five novels, “Charmeine” “Mactus” “Accendo” “Seditious” and “Ransom” The sixth novel in “The Light-Bearer Series,” is entitled “Conundrum” and will be released in 2013.

Notes to Reviewers and Readers:
First, the Blood-Hunter race or Elders have been on Earth for thousands of years. Because of this, they do not use contractions like I’m, don’t or can’t. They communicate in a more refined way because of their age.

Second, there are several OLD editions out in circulation of my books. Please leave a review on the current edition. Please feel free to contact me, Emily, at guido.emily@gmail.com to check the edition you have is the recent edition.

To Find Emily, Follow The Links

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To order any of her books, simply click on the cover.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Awesome new cover for Half–Black Soul by H. D, Gordon

If you like fantasy, you’re going to love this series. The first book lays the foundation for the rest of the series. It takes you on a thrilling adventure of a 17-year-old girl whose destiny takes her deep into the world of vampires and werewolves. So hop on board!!!!

Check out the new cover art for Half Black Soul!

The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book #2

Half Black Soul (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #2)

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You can read my review for Half Black Soul HERE.

Description

In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She’s gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she’s left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa’s other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?

Discover the series!

Blood Warrior (The Alexa Mongomery Saga, Book #1)

Blood Warrior (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #1)

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You can read my review for Blood Warrior HERE.

Description

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa’s instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.

Rise (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book #3)

The Rise (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #3)

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You can read my review HERE.

Description

The supernatural world in which Alexa Montgomery has found herself is on the brink of war. She is charged with the task of raising an army, defeating an evil dictator, and struggling to contain the bloodthirsty monster that lives within her.

These are things Alexa can handle, but when the person she loves most in the world takes a turn for the worst, Alexa’s loyalty and determination will be tested in the most horrifying of ways. Will she be able to rise to the challenge, or will her love for her sister kill her once and for all?

Redemption (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book #4)

Redemption (The Alexa Montgomery Saga, #4)

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Description

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death waits there for certain. The only question is… for who?

My review is coming soon.

ABOUT H. D. GORDON

A HD Gordon

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa’s tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty-three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

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To Purchase a Copy of any of the books below, simply click on the cover.

Review of The Bones of Others by Vickie McKeehan

Vickie has a way of grabbing you by the….and pulling you into the story from the very first page.

 

Add to Goodreads

He liked to go the park and watch the little girls. That is when he saw her. She was the one who would help launch his business venture, Whitfield’s Little Angels. It was so easy. They always believed him. She was twelve years old and so sweet and innocent. That was 13 years ago.

Now. Erin Prescott was only 15. She was sneaking to the mall after school to meet up with Jason Avery.

The rain would help disguise his blitz attack.

Josh Ander was CEO and founder of Ander All Games, the front man. Todd was the programmer, the brains of the company, but he liked to stay low profile. Josh treated his employees to Friday nights out at the local hangout, Gulls. It was like patting a dog for a job well done and in return they would work harder to please him. When he walked in, the guys were talking about a wolf being seen in the city. Sure.

Melanie had been stalking Josh, but when she followed him into the men’s room to suggest a quickie, it was the last straw. He had made a mistake by sleeping with her once and now she thought he really wanted her. He slipped out the back way, just going for a breath of fresh air and to regroup. He lost track of where he was, until he found himself surrounded by four men, one with a knife. He didn’t care about the cash or the watch, but his wife had died and he wasn’t going to give up his wedding ring.

All of a sudden, she appeared, as if from thin air, like a goddess fromArtemis the Goddess Pictures, Images and Photos one of his video games. He saw a warrior with a light saber. She was all over them, using her night stick, her hands, her feet, karate kicking them until they went down. While they were down, she gave each one of them a few more kicks and hits to make sure they stayed there.

When he asked her name she told him, Skye Cree.  She wanted to take him to the hospital because he had been stabbed. Instead, he convinced her to take him home.

“She had been on the hunt and now it seemed she had to babysit a helpless, wasted schmuck.”

She got him home and played doctor, patching him up. Was there anything she couldn’t do, he wondered? After she patched him up, she left him, passed out.

She’d lost his trail. She knew she would never be finished, that there would always be another.

As she looked into the fog, she came face to face with a wolf – its eyes as violet as her own. It would take Kiya to help her find the bones of others.

  5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Who is she? Why is she here? What is she hunting?  And that was only the first chapter.

I love love love it. Paranormal, romance, crime. A gorgeous hunk of man and a woman superhero, with the monster next door thrown in.

I love the cover. Vickie’s book covers seem to speak to me, making me want to read the book before I even find out what it is about. Her writing is amazing and her stories are so easy to read that I begin to live and breathe with her characters.

The plot is so well-developed that I am drawn from page to page and chapter to chapter, not wanting to stop for anything. Just wanting to find out what was going  to happen next.

Skye – I love that the main character is a female warrior, with her Nez Perce Indian heritage, it made the warrior image even more appropriate. Instead of the sword and shield, she had Karate and a night stick. No nine to five job for her. She had a mission and a purpose that drove her to accomplish the amazing things she did. I love strong female characters in novels, because I feel I could never be that person, but I want to have the opportunity to feel the things she feels and do the things she does and through words I am able to do that. Vickie is so good at drawing me in and making me feel a part of the story.

Josh – A rich, handsome, sexy man who is not stuck on himself. What’s not to love? Accepting of her being the strong one, but still knowing how to bring his assets to the table. I love that the main male character wanted to help her with her mission and went about making it possible for her to continue to do so without expecting or wanting anything from her, other than herself.

Vickie’s characters are so intriguing, that you wish you knew them, that they were your friends. How interesting life would be if they were. They could be your everyday person next door, who gets up and goes to work at their day job. I love the way Vickie depicts her women – no weak, sniveling, crying. whining femme fatale’s for her.

I wanted to read it cover to cover, non-stop, but my eyes grew heavy and the words began to blur. I didn’t want to miss a word of it, so I slowly closed the Kindle and called it a night.

Vickie’s books are chock full of love and romance, adventure and thrills. Heart stopping and heart warming. I can’t help but think that at least one of her books is bound to become that mega-hit movie you are waiting for

I received this book from the author, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vickie McKeehan   Vickie is the author of six novels, including The Evil Trilogy and the Pelican Pointe series. She’s a hardcore lover of books who grew up listening to her mother tell fascinating stories about ghosts and other tales full of characters she wasn’t sure ever really existed.

A self-proclaimed beachgoer and ocean-lover, she lives in Southern California with the love of her life. When she isn’t working on her next manuscript or screenplay, she loves to be outdoors.

In her spare time she tries to grow things which other people commonly refer to as gardening. She loves reading all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction, loves to play video games, and enjoys watching football with the hubby. If you’ve ever read any of her books, you know she’s a die-hard Raider fan, which means she has the patience of Job.

She lives for chocolate, but then who doesn’t? She’ll kill for a cup of coffee in the morning. She’s convinced the best food on earth is French fries. And she could easily be a vegetarian if it wasn’t for bacon.

To find Vickie McKeehan just look below:

Blog

Goodreads

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To Purchase any of Vickie McKeehan’s books from Amazon, click on the cover.

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos  For this awesome Giveaway, Vickie McKeehan is offering:

3 Paperbacks

3 ebooks

US and Canada Only Please. Sorry to my International followers and friends. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

Do you believe in the paranormal or supernatural? Do  you believe in heroes, is someone out there watching over you? Have you ever had a vision?

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

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Freebie – Meet, Mr. Bear by Midu Hadi – Mini Review for a Mini Story

http://cache.smashwire.com/bookCovers/e8c9ab808c2ab6d024c3756254cff1808172b97f By Midu Hadi

Rating:

1 star1 star1 star1 star0.5 star
(4.38 based on 8 reviews)
Published: Jan. 03, 2013
Words: 2,709 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781301146864

Description

Jane is just trying to make it on her own and she was doing fine until she ran into trouble…of the bear variety!

   4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

   I loved it!!!!!

A feel good shape-shifting novel that can be read in ten minutes or less, awesome.

The cover is sweet and cuddly and so is the story.

Take a moment to pick up a copy of this at Smashwords, HERE and let it warm your heart on a chilly winter day.

Stop by Goodreads and let her know what you thought.

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One Fateful Mistake and………….Giveaway and Review of Deadly Road by Tara Neideffer

Deadly Road

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Lizzie had been drinking when she saw her boyfriend, Michael, with someone else in the bar. She ran out and jumped in her car, even though she knew she shouldn’t be driving. She was tipsy and crying, barely able to see where she was going. She usually slowed down when she approached that certain area of the road, because of the fog, but not tonight. She just wanted to get home.

the road killers Pictures, Images and Photos

Then she heard thump-thump. Oh no. She checked her tires and saw blood on the front of her car. Great, she had hit an animal, but it was so much worse than that – a man. She panicked, what to do. She proceeded to drag him off the road and into the woods. Afterwards, she jumped in her car and drove home.

Once she got home, she even acted like a murderer. She changed her clothes and cleaned up, hiding any evidence of the accident. She saw a bloody hand print smeared on the wall and cleaned that up too. All the while, a feeling of impending doom hung over her.

Her friend, Haley, called to make sure she arrived home okay. As they talked, Lizzie reached for her necklace. It was her good luck charm and she was always reaching for it, but now it was missing. Where could she have lost it?

At work, she waited on a man wearing a ball cap. Strange things happened. She saw spiders crawling all over him. When she questioned him about what he said to her, he denied saying the things she knew she had heard him say,

“can’t hide it, haunt you until you die“.

Was she hallucinating?

She headed home and forgot to detour around the accident site. She had been avoiding the area ever since “it” had happened. As she approached the spot, she saw him.

Was he haunting her? Was her mind playing tricks on her? She knew something was very wrong.

When Lizzie went to work the next night, Haley told her about the little girl who had been found in the woods near her house. She wondered about the man. Had he been found?

Michael, her boyfriend, had heard about the little girl, too, and became worried for Lizzie. He went to her workplace, the Tavern, and arranged to go home with her. She felt a sense of relief having him there, she wouldn’t be alone and afraid.

Michael woke her from a nightmare she was having. The little girl was dead and  warned her that the man was coming for her. It had felt so real to her. She wondered if it would ever be over.

In the morning, Michael became afraid, because it was so hard to wake her up. When he saw the marks around her neck he worried that he had choked her during their passionate lovemaking. She knew it wasn’t him. Her nightmare had come to life. Should she tell him?

Michael had to go out of town for work, so she was alone again. She told him she would be fine, but she didn’t really believe it.

She loved paranormal and horror movies, but she didn’t believe in it. Until now. Now, she felt she was living it.

   5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

The cover is awesome. Eerie and foreboding. The spooky moon is indicative of what is to come.

The plot was suspenseful and grabbed me from the very beginning. Tara’s description of Lizzie’s nightmare was so realistic, it was believable. It could have been real. I knew something was coming, but what. My anticipation was such, that I was sitting forward on the couch, crunched up, waiting for the attack, or whatever was coming. It wouldn’t be good. The hair on my arms stood up and I felt chills running down my back.

I hate spiders, so when I read this, I had to make a note of it:

“Spiders are messengers from the other side. When you see a lot of spiders it means something or someone on the other side is trying to tell you something and you’re not listening.”

When I first picked up the book, I thought – this is good, like a three. As I kept reading and the suspense and pace of the novel picked up, I thought – whoa, this is a solid four. Then I began racing through the pages as one thing after another began to happen. I read it in one sitting. The plot and writing were gripping and drew me deeper and deeper into the story.

This is Tara Neideffer’s debut novel. I am constantly amazed at the quality of writing of so many indie authors and their debut novels.

Lizzie’s story could happen to anyone, except maybe for the ghost part. A normal, upright, careful person makes one mistake that could ruin their life.

Michael was a two-timing cheater. Would Lizzie be able to forgive him for his mistake? Will they find their way back to each other?

The book made me think of Ghost Whisperer with Jessica Love Hewitt. Ghosts came to her for help and she was able to talk to them and see them, when others couldn’t.

Tara Neideffer offered me a free copy in return for an honest and unbiased review, but when I checked my Kindle, I had already downloaded the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Image of Tara Neideffer.

Tara Neideffer loves everything that has to do with the paranormal. She grew up reading Stephen King novels and watching horror movies. Deadly Road is her first paranormal novel. She is currently working on her next novel which will be a paranormal series.

In her free time she likes to spend time with her husband, daughter and step-son and sometimes go ghost hunting.

To find Tara Neideffer, you don’t need paranormal abilities, just look below.

Blog  /  Facebook  /  Goodreads

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To purchase a copy of Deadly Road by Tara Neideffer, simply click on the cover.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and PhotosTara Neideffer is offering  for the Giveaway

2 (two) signed paperbacks. US and Canada only.

Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

Have YOU ever made a terrible mistake and have you been able to make it right? 

CLOSED. WINNERS ARE – Laura T. and Barbara B.

Giveaway will run from 2/4 – 2/18, 2013 .

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

Follow me by email to keep up on all the latest news, reviews and giveaways, not required.

Tweet and let your friends, family and followers know what’s going on, not required.

Giveaway and Review of Cracks In The Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby

“This novel is based on a true story of losing hope and finding forgiveness. The book was the 2011 Winner of the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal and it took First Place in the Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. It is a story that will touch your heart and leave you with a feeling of inspiration.’

The Words of Bette Lee Crosby

Cracks in the Sidewalk

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How can you look into those gorgeous blue eyes and not want to wrap your arms around the child and fill his life with love and happiness? The emotion this cover evokes almost overwhelms me. It’s as if he is pleading with me to make it all better.

animated smileys Pictures, Images and Photos

I received a letter and immediately sat down and wrote a letter in return. I hadn’t seen my grandchildren in 20 years. My dreams had always been of a large family, always together. I was an only child, but I didn’t know it. I filled my life with an imaginary family, to take the place of my cold and unloving parents.

Charlie and I could only have one child, but I filled Elizabeth’s life with playmates. When she married Jeffrey and they said they were going to have a houseful of kids, I was ecstatic.

kids Pictures, Images and Photos

Elizabeth told us of her first pregnancy twenty-two years ago. That’s when I told her of my imaginary family of kids. We joked and laughed about how we both could picture their faces.

When Elizabeth became pregnant with their third child, she knew something wasn’t right, I did too. J. T. rode her hard and criticized her at every turn. Elizabeth knew it was because of his own failure, but she loved him and made allowances.

Funny how you think you know someone, but they are totally different. They have kept it hidden, but something like money problems exposes their weakness. Elizabeth’s dad, Charlie, wouldn’t give J.T. any more money. So, in an attempt to blackmail him and extort more money from him, he wouldn’t let them see the kids. He didn’t care who he hurt.

As Elizabeth’s health deteriorates, no one sees J.T.’s next move coming, until it is too late.

taz's happy easter Pictures, Images and Photos

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Bette Lee Crosby’s covers always portray such a mix of emotions, foretelling the roller coaster ride inside the pages of the book. How can you look into those gorgeous blue eyes of the child on the cover and not be overcome with a desire to protect and love. I just know something bad is coming by the look in his eyes, the pain I see there.

A very sad and tragic story. As I read, I became very angry. I can’t say much about why, but when you read the book, you will know what I mean. No words can tell how upsetting parts of the book were, while others were so uplifting. Whenever a child’s heart breaks, the mothers breaks also. Whenever a child’s heart soars, so too does the mother’s. Our children are always a child to us parents.

Animated Fishing Smiley Pictures, Images and PhotosElizabeth was a good and kind person. When she was a little girl, she brought home every stray she found, feeling it necessary to care for them and give them a loving home. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would respond – a  mom. She loved being a wife and mother. I remember my own mother’s answer when I asked her if she ever regretted staying at home and being a wife and mother. She said no, she loved every minute of it. Elizabeth would do almost anything for her husband and kids. She was a loving daughter, insightful and forgiving. Everyone loved her, except for, maybe, her husband.

J. T. was a mean, selfish, self-centered and vindictive adulterer. Because of his inability to accept blame for his failures, he had to blame them on someone else. So he picks the one person who loved him most, to become his whipping post. If I could have leaped into the pages of the book and punched his lights out, I would have.

Claire was a wonderful, loving and caring mother. She would do anything for her daughter. Sacrifice anything. She ached for her daughter’s pain. A heartbreaking vigil.

“Nothings perfect, life is like a sidewalk leading to heaven, we’re bound to come  across a few cracks in it.”

Animated Rainbow Smiley Pictures, Images and Photos“They’re Gods way of moving aside life’s cement. He’s giving us a chance to let something new grow.“

Bette Lee Crosby’s writing evokes such a wide range of emotions, I am continually surprised at how deeply her books affect me. Bette s books are so well written and the stories are so heartfelt and realistic, that you cannot help but respond to them. I couldn’t put the book down, as I read the blurred words through the tears in my eyes, until I reached the last word and closed the book.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review. That is never a problem with Bette’s books, because they do not disappoint.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bette Lee CrosbyBette Lee Crosby’s work was first recognized in 2006, when she won the National League of American Pen Women Award for unpublished fiction with What Matters Most. Her novel, Cracks in the Sidewalk, received the 2009 Royal Palm Literary Award and then went on to win the 2011 FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal. In 2011 Spare Change received the Reviewer’s Choice Awards and it garnered a second Royal Palm Literary Award. Her books have earned numerous five-star ratings with readers acclaiming them as heartwarming and captivating.

Most recently, Bette completed a memoir written for Lani Deauville, a woman the Guinness Book of Records lists as The World’s Longest Living Quadriplegic.

To see what Bette Lee Crosby is up to, follow the links below.

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

To purchase any of Bette Lee Crosby’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

 

To see my Review of Spare Change, go  HERE.

To see my Review of Cupid’s Christmas, go HERE.

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GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Bette  Lee Crosby is offering  for the Giveaway

US – 2 (two) Paperbacks

International – 1 (one) ebook.

Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What is a good memory you have as a child growing up? 

Giveaway will run from 1/30 – 2/13, 2013 .

CLOSED. WINNERS are — PB Margie – PB Cindy Hamilton – Ebook Pragya.

Follow me by email to keep up on all the latest news, reviews and giveaways, not required.

Tweet and let your friends, family and followers know what’s going on, not required.

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Taken by Adam Light

TAKEN

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A psychopath is on the loose and hunting.

Toronto, Canada, September 3, 2012 - The front grille of a Freightliner truck Stock Photo - 15240188

Jack Harden was driving his cherry red Freightliner Truck down I-10 doing a turn and burn to Slidell. He was listening to his favorite song, Jack and Diane by John Cougar Mellencamp, while tooling down the road. He could hardly wait to get home to Dianne  in Jacksonville.

He kept thinking, it’s all Dianne’s fault.

He stopped for a bite to eat and and picked up the waitress, not voluntarily either.  He was bringing her back to “Goddess” Dianne? He wondered what she wanted with the girl.

Anchal - Sea Goddess Pictures, Images and Photos

He watched her through the rear-view mirror and could tell she wasn’t afraid of him.He thought he could read her mind – fuck you.

He had to stop for gas and felt like the clerk was watching him too closely. Did he know?

Jack and Diane was playing on the radio when he walked into the house. Perfect, or not.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

If you have 10 or 15 minutes, pick up a copy of Taken, by Adam Light. His writing is a play on his name. His story is anything but Light. A very quick read at 28 Amazon pages.

I loved the ending. It seems to be, the criminal always begs for mercy, when the tables are turned on them. Is he going to get his comeuppance? He could be the nut case next door to you. Funny how he found someone else at fault, of course he would. I “snorted” when I read that. (The word snort is the only one I could think of that was appropriate.) Jack made me think about how people are doing that all the time, blaming someone else for their wrongful deed. They don’t want to take responsibility for their actions.

I put this in because I absolutely love it. I can’t quit staring into the glasses.

Jack and Dianne

I kept expecting something to happen. Suspenseful is not a strong enough word for the feeling I had as I read through the pages. What happened was not what I expected and I loved every word of it.

I think I have a morbid, sick sense of humor, because I laugh at the gruesome endings of this kind of book.

If a book says Florida for a location, I am all over it. I like when the writer places their characters in a location I am familiar with. I can’t count the miles I have spent on I-10. Can’t remember how many times I have been to and through Slidell. I haven’t yet been to Jacksonville, though. It seems like I always make a right turn before getting there.

I picked this up on a free Amazon day. I can’t remember exactly how I came across the book. I believe it was either Adam’s brother, Evan (who also writes dark and creepy books) or my sister, Laura at fuonlyknew. Either way, thanks guys. It was one I wouldn’t want to miss.

88559

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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I have spent the better part of my life in northeast Florida, but I was born in West Virginia. I was consumed at an early age by an unquenchable thirst for the written word. Words, in general, when I think about it.

I was a quiet bookish kid, but after moving down south I grew into a wild and rebellious teenager. I grew my hair long, became enthralled with heavy metal music, and all the rest.

Adam   LightI’ve mellowed somewhat, but I love life, I love my family, and I love to write stories. I have a mad passion for it.

I am proud of the stories I have written and sincerely hope that readers like myself have enjoyed reading them as much as , and plan to continue tapping away at this keyboard until my fingers won’t move anymore.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my madness so far; I look forward to sharing much more of my mind’s crazy ride with you.

I have spent the better part of my life in northeast Florida, but I was born in West Virginia. I was consumed at an early age by an unquenchable thirst for the written word. Words, in general, when I think about it.

I was a quiet bookish kid, but after moving down south I grew into a wild and rebellious teenager. I grew my hair long, became enthralled with heavy metal music, and all the rest.

I’ve mellowed somewhat, but I love life, I love my family, and I love to write stories. I have a mad passion for it.

I am proud of the stories I have written and sincerely hope that readers like myself have enjoyed reading them as much as , and plan to continue tapping away at this keyboard until my fingers won’t move anymore.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my madness so far; I look forward to sharing much more of my mind’s crazy ride with you.

I have spent the better part of my life in northeast Florida, but I was born in West Virginia. I was consumed at an early age by an unquenchable thirst for the written word. Words, in general, when I think about it.

I was a quiet bookish kid, but after moving down south I grew into a wild and rebellious teenager. I grew my hair long, became enthralled with heavy metal music, and all the rest.

I’ve mellowed somewhat, but I love life, I love my family, and I love to write stories. I have a mad passion for it.

I am proud of the stories I have written and sincerely hope that readers like myself have enjoyed reading them as much as , and plan to continue tapping away at this keyboard until my fingers won’t move anymore.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my madness so far; I look forward to sharing much more of my mind’s crazy ride with you.

To stalk Adam Light:

Goodreads

FACEBOOK

To purchase any of the books below from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

Giveaway/Review of The Man With The Green Suitcase by Dee Doanes

The Man With The Green Suitcase by Dee Doanes

.The Man With the Green SuitcaseAdd To Goodreads

What is in that suitcase? Why will he risk everything to keep it safe?

Curiosity killed the cat, now read on to find out why.

The bum had not only been dumpster diving in the alley, he was also taking a dump. While he was squat down, he found a diamond wedding ring, a cell phone and some cold, hard cash. He had picked it up and put it in his battered green suitcase, but when he spotted the cops he quickly pulled it out, dropped it and ran to the Open Door Community House. He went inside and immediately headed to the corner. He wanted only to be left alone, to be invisible. Eddie came over to sit with him. If he had a friend, it would be Eddie.

The Z Brothers came in complaining about someone stealing their stash. They had broken into a house, killed someone and hid the stuff. It was the stuff the old man found.

Lee saw he was nervous, but when she touched him, his skin looked like it was bubbling and worms were crawling underneath it. He told her it would be okay, to go ahead and touch his face. Then she would find out what she needed to know. Afterwards a peacefulness she hadn’t felt in a long time, washed over her.

$$$$$ Pictures, Images and PhotosGerald drove around, picking up the rent checks from the lessees. Life had been good to him. Then he runs into the old woman. She accuses him of being the cause of her husband’s death and tells him, he’ll get his and soon. When Tony, his new partner. says the same thing, almost word for word he can’t help but notice.

The nightmare woke him up. He knew he never should have done the deal with Tony. It was blood money. It had felt wrong when they made the deal and he should have paid attention to his gut talking to him.

Gerald drove by the Open Door and felt compelled to turn around and go back. He had no idea why. Before he knew what he was doing, not only did he donate money, he volunteered to work there.

For some reason, listening to Lee describe the house and the residents, Gerald finds himself actually enjoying listening to her. Then he spots the man with the green suitcase. Lee notices the man with the suitcase looking intently at Gerald and is surprised, because he usually tries very hard not to be noticed.

Valerie’s life wasn’t going the way she had planned. When she came to town, she had dreams, but they were short-lived. Now she was a hooker and she hated it. She had had it with her night job and decided to drive around and look for hiring signs. She stopped when she came to the Open Door and, on impulse,  went in to volunteer. She met Gerald, as Lee shows her around.

Gerald ran into the man with the green suitcase and chased him down. He just wanted to  talk to him. They both touched the bush at the same time and he had a vision. The old man ran off before Gerald could ask him what it meant.

Back in the Open Door, Gerald ran into Valeria again and asked her out. Over time, they began to feel they may have a future together. They both had the same thoughts running through their heads. They needed to fess up and disclose their secrets or it could ruin the relationship they had been building.

Tony served Gerald with a $15,000,000 lawsuit. He thought there was no way Tony could use the dirt he had on Gerald because he was so dirty himself, but if he did, Valerie would learn his secret. What would she do then?

Gerald was determined to question the man with the green suitcase. He finds out that he has no memory of anything. He doesn’t know who he is or how he came to be here. Gerald thinks he and the man have some kind of connection, because he is now having visions even if he isn’t near him. The old man is concerned about Gerald. He decides to leave town and buys a bus ticket with the last of his money. He promptly loses it.

Will Lee’s vision come true? Will Gerald and Valerie be able to get past their secrets?  What will happen when they do fess up? And what about the man with the green suitcase? Who is he? What’s in the suitcase?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos    4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

The cover is eerie and has a sense of mystery about it. The title is self-explanatory.

You may find yourself losing track of time because the book is well written, easy to read and you will want to know – what is in the suitcase.

This story is about people and their daily lives. It tells about the trials and tribulations of them just trying to get through life with a little bit of peace and happiness. They learn they  can’t run from the past, but they can change the future. That by giving, they receive so much more than they gave.

It’s funny how it can be such a small world. How people’s lives can be connected, without them even being aware of it.

Some of the characters start out being pretty bad. Selfish, self-centered, corrupt, petty, pretty much everything you don’t want to be. The others just appear to be lost. By making one decision, their lives become so much worse than they had ever anticipated. They redeem themselves as they ride the roller coaster of life and end up helping each other become a better person.

Does it prove the rule, what goes around comes around? Do unto others?

Maybe all those sayings are true. Things happen for a reason. Are we just here and our lives already planned, we just act it out? Is the play written and we are the cast, acting our parts until the story is told?  Are somethings meant to stay a mystery?

As I read the story, so many clichés ran through my head, I knew I had to use them. I wanted you to get the same feeling I did as I read the book.

The ending had me laughing, even though it was pretty dark and drear. It was a fit ending and lives up to the cliché: Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dee Doanes  Dee Doanes is the author of The Man With the Green Suitcase, her first fiction novel.

She has previously published short stories and poetry. She has a deep passion for writing and has been writing since the age of five.

Doanes has a background in copywriting, communications, and social media.

She’s active in several charities and conducts a youth poetry workshop for the Atlanta Writers Club Youth Writing Camp, and is the former co-chair of the Writing in the Schools Program for Georgia Writers.

Doanes lives in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys spending time with her daughter and parents. Doanes’ mother encouraged her to read and to be creative while growing up. In her spare time she enjoys attending writing events and workshops, fitness training, collecting art, world travel, and gourmet cooking.

Future plans:  I plan on getting The Man With the Green Suitcase made into a TV series or movie. Also, I will be releasing a book of poetry and doing poetry readings. I am working on a fiction book that deals with how people are connected to each other in the most remarkable ways. I will touch upon reincarnation a little bit and the setting spans across several countries. The title is not set yet. More details as I get closer to the release date.

To find out what Dee is doing, follow these links:

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

 Facebook 

Amazon Author Page 

To buy your copy of the book, simply click on the cover.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Dee Doanes  is offering  for the Giveaway, 2 ebooks (mobi or PDF). 

Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What do you think is in the suitcase? 

Giveaway will run from 1/24 – 2/7/2013.

CLOSED. WINNERS are Laura T. and Andrea W. Hunt.

To see all my Giveaways, click HERE.

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