I love the cover for Joshua’s Folly. All the covers of Taylor’s books are fun and upbeat to look at. BUT, don’t judge a book by its cover where Taylor and her daughter are concerned. Looks can be deceiving. Find out more about the mother and daughter duo at Taylor Dean Books.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
Marny Copal nominated me for the Sunshine Award. Marny has written Freeblood, vampires and witches, oh my. You can learn about Marny at her blog or Goodreads. To check out her book on Amazon, just click on the cover.
Thank you for the award Marny. I love it. Isn’t it pretty?
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The Sunshine Award is presented to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” I love spreading the word about the books I read, the authors I meet and whatever else I think is interesting. I am surprised and humbled by the award.
Here’s how it works (and feel free to adjust as necessary):
1. Announce your win and link back to the person who nominated you.
2. Display the award logo on your blog.
3. Answer the list of questions. (You have two choices here: Kimberly’s questions or Honoré’s. Or feel free to mix and match.)
4. Nominate ten bloggers for the award and link to them.
5. Let the bloggers know you’ve nominated them.
Kimberly’s Questions
What inspired you to start blogging?
My sister Laura at fuonlyknew. She introduced me to Goodreads and the blogging came right behind it.
How did you come up with the name of your blog?
I wanted something simple and a play on my name, thus fundinmental.
What is your favorite blog that you like to read?
I would have to say it is Laura’s, my sister. She always has a new book or author to expose me to. She is great with interviews and very creative with her questions. There is always something going on over there. Be sure and stop by to check her out after checking out Marny.
What is your dream job?
Retirement, so I have the freedom to do whatever I want. I love wandering, whether it is on location or in my own backyard. I never go anywhere without a camera and book on hand. I love sitting on the patio, reading or blogging, taking a dip now and then to cool off.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
Half full. I love my life.
If you could go anywhere on a week’s vacation, where would you go?
I love the Caribbean, but have been wanting to go to the Keys for a very long time.I don’t have a lot on my bucket list, but the Keys is somewhere I feel a kinship to.
What food can you absolutely not eat?
Shellfish. I have an allergy to them. That’s funny, living on the Gulf Coast and can’t eat shellfish. ^_^
Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
Milk chocolate is my favorite, but there is no such thing as bad chocolate. M&M’s. MMMMMMMMMMMM
How much time do you spend blogging? In other words, are you one of those lucky people who can dash off a blog post in no time, or do you take forever on one post to get it just right?
It usually takes me a while. I tweak and tweak. I want it just right and always feel a little flutter in my tummy when I push the publish button and run to the post to check it again. LOL But, if I need to get it done and quickly, I can do that too.
Do you watch TV? If so, what are some of your favorite shows?
All right, I confess. I am a TVaholic. I am watching NCIS as I write this and it is 8AM on Memorial Day. I’ve probably only seen this episode once or twice. lol I love sitcoms, like Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, 2 1/2 Men….The Mentalist, CSI, all of them, Perception, Person of Interest, Supernatural…..
Honoré’s Questions
Favorite color: Probably my favorite would be blue, but I love red,. I do plant a lot of red flowers.
Favorite animal: I’m a dog lover, but don’t want the pet commitment at this time. No critters allowed.
Favorite number: 9, It is variations of 3 – 3×3,6+3,3+3+3…..
Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Water.
Facebook or Twitter: Superbrain, my hubby, started me a Facebook account a while ago. I don’t do a lot on Facebook, so I’d have to say Twitter.
Your passion: Reading and photography, not necessarily in that order.
Grey Heron by Sherry J. Fundin. All Rights Reserved.
Giving or getting presents: I am awful about both. I think you live every day and I don’t feel a need to celebrate gift giving only on holidays. If I want to give someone something, I don’t need a reason.
Favorite day: A sunny and warm one.
Favorite flowers: I love a profusion of color and a faint aroma that rides on the breeze. I seem to pick mostly red. No specific favorite.
Drum roll, please. My nominations for the Sunshine Award are:
Donna L Sadd
Please accept the nomination in the spirit in which it was given. Some prefer not to post awards on their blog or have already received this award. No problem! I’m simply happy to share your website with others.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
I saw this on Ella Medler’s blog and had to pass it on. I hope it puts a smile on your face. If you are happy, sharing your happiness makes the world a better place.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
I love doing cover reveals. This Speak Easy cover “speaks” for itself.
Title: Speak Easy
Author: Melanie Harlow
Expected release date: July 22, 2013 Genre: Historical
Age Group: New Adult
Cover Designed by: Tom Barnes Design
July, 1923. The ‘20s are roaring, and twenty-year-old Tiny O’Mara is desperate for a little anything-goes excitement. But when her father is kidnapped by a mobster in Detroit’s exploding organized crime scene, she’s shocked to find herself caught up in the bootlegging wars of Prohibition—and torn between two gorgeous gangsters on opposite sides.
To save her father’s life, she’ll have to choose between them. But deciding whom to trust isn’t easy in a world where everyone wants something—be it booze, money, power, or sex—and no one cares what it takes to get it.
Temptation is everywhere.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. SPEAK EASY was inspired by her cocktail-culture obsession, her affection for good gin, and the view from the end of her street. She lifts her glass to NA readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
Earth Keepers have been watching our planet since time immemorial. The nine chosen ones were record keepers and decision makers, in charge of deciding Earth’s fate.
This is the beginning. To have a beginning, must there be an end?
Catharsis is a beautiful red planet inhabited with beautiful people of all ages. They had beautiful faces, beautiful bodies, beautiful homes, beautiful yards, beautiful stores, beautiful…., well, you get the drift. They were surrounded by beauty.
They even went so far as to eliminate pets, then animals of all kinds, because they created messes and that was totally unacceptable.
What would one sacrifice for beauty?
Everyone and everything was beautiful, except…….
The Uglies like simple clothing, going barefoot and smiling. The Catharsian’s saw the Uglies as diseased. Could ugly be contagious? All Uglies were locked up in Camp Ugly, surrounded by an electric fence and guarded 24/7.
They were allowed to marry, but only allowed to have one child. The Catharsian’s thought if they kept lowering the population, eventually the Uglies would disappear.
The Uglies focal point was the Gathering Square. Their most valuable possession, the Lemurian Mother Crystal, was located in the Temple of Mu, in the Square.
Surviving took everything they had. There was no time to protest or worry about being pretty.
Once a month, the Uglies were allowed to leave their prison to gather supplies, clothes and medicines. A small group of Runners went out to gather whatever they could carry on their bodies. They were heroes. Not all runners returned healthy and some didn’t return at all.
Catharsian beauty is on the outside. Uglies beauty is on the inside.
Then everything changed.
“The time of Karma is now.”
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
Awesome. Stretches my imagination to a point I could not get to on my own.
I love the cover. Beautiful and simple. The title fits the book. This is a short story, a history lesson, the beginning of the Earth Keeper Chronicles.
I love how Lada Ray takes historical events and twists them into a fantasy world.
One child. Sound familiar? Isn’t that going on today in China?
Surviving took everything the Uglies had. To me that rings true for the poor and middle class of today. We are kept so busy trying to survive, we don’t have time or are too afraid to protest. We might lose what we have.
“No Uglies Allowed” hung in stores and pharmacies. Sound familiar? Made me think of slavery. Not only were they not allowed in the stores, if people helped the Uglies, they would be penalized. Made me think of slavery.
To gather and be happy, singing from our souls under such terrible conditions, is what makes us human. We try to make the best of whatever we have.
The Runners going though trash and finding, perfectly good clothes and food made me think of the homeless on the streets today. Our trash is often their treasure.
So you see what I mean about Lada Ray’s ability to take history and twist it into a story that takes as into the fantasy world. It is only limited by her imagination.
Be sure to read about the author. She is as fascinating as her books.
I picked this book up on a recent Amazon free day. Thank you Lada Ray.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.
Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to twenty six countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.
In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup. But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and received her Feng Shui Master’s certification from the famed Asian author, Lilian Too (graduated first in class). For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.
A few years ago, Lada finally got her ultimate wish, and now she imagines her stories full-time in the bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, NY, where she lives with her family and calico cat.
Lada Ray is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including the Amazon & Kindle bestseller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), mystery/thriller STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure), and GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel). She is the creator of the new, top-rated metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).
Visit Lada’s innovative & cool author website: LadaRay.com
For posts about Russia & world, feng shui, spirituality, predictions read her popular blog: LadaRay.wordpress.com
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Youtube: Lada Ray Channel
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
I read the book blurb and it made me think of Clive Cussler. This is more of a spy adventure than a treasure hunt. It is based on a true story. In 1918, during the Russian Civil War, the Gold Train was attacked and the entire Russian Empire’s Gold Reserve was taken. Intrigued? Put your traveling shoes on and come with me.
The conductor stopped the train when he saw two kids on the tracks, running and waving him down. He couldn’t run over the kids. The commissar tried to get the train back up and running, but it was too late. When the Gold Train was found, the cargo was gone and only bodies were left behind.
Russian Journalist Svetlana Svistunova told me she was closing in on an answer and would love to have my help. I was more than ready. I had married Paul and and had my sweet baby Lara, but I also had a gypsy spider that wanted to be let free. Now was the perfect time.
Paul was very helpful. He gave up a great opportunity to give me one of my own. I was shocked by his sacrifice. I guess I never realized how much he loved me and wanted me to be happy.
I kissed Lara good bye and told Lily to watch over her. No one ever seemed to notice that Lily and I communicated telepathically. After all, she is a cat.
Boris, an old friend of my grandma’s, had given me a package for Vera, his friend in Russia. It was a jewelry box. I never looked inside it, but I might have been better off if I had.
Svetlana and I clicked right away. She showed me the secret compartment where she kept her notes and off we went, sightseeing. She said tomorrow would be soon enough to start on the story.
We saw a sign. Rada Famous Gypsy Psychic and Fortuneteller. Her predictions were ominous.
“You’ll find something extremely valuable, but lose something even more valuable in return.”
But for Svetlana it was more foreboding.
“…it won/t be your destiny to get to the bottom of this story…you won’t live to finish it….”
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
I love treasure hunting stories and I love Lada Ray’s writing so I was really looking forward to reading this. It was not what I thought it would be, but I was not disappointed. I have read several of her books and love the way she blends the historical with fiction and the paranormal. The words flow smoothly as the story unravels.
Her writing grips me as soon as I open the book and the ride to the end is full of murder, conspiracy, intrigue, passion, betrayal, loss and sorrow.
Trouble always seems to find Jade. What would we do if it didn’t? After all, I don’t want to read about my life. I want fast paced, action packed adventure. All the rest is gravy. lol
Vera – Boris’ friend. Jade hadn’t listened to her Grandma’s stories, but Vera told her she had royal blood. She wanted Jade to go with her to the Grand Ball at the Menshikov Mansion. Jade was suspicious of her and felt she had an ulterior motive.
The gypsy fortuneteller had told her, “you’ll go to a ball, where you’ll meet your Prince Charming.”
Alexei – He had saved Jade from muggers in Moscow. She was very suspicious of him. He seemed too convenient, too helpful, too trusting. Was he her Prince Charming or would he turn into a frog? When she was around Alexei, it was hard to keep in mind that she was married, with a child waiting back in the US.
Be aware that there are a couple adult scenes.
I was almost to the end of the book when I saw it coming. The segue into her next adventure.
Rachel, her best friend – “you only come truly alive when you are working on a case.”
“I recall Jason….” (from Stepford USA)
“Last I heard he was in Asia. “
I am hooked again. Where is my Asian adventure? Dragon Gate.
Once I read her book Earth Shifter, I was eager to read more from her. I won this book on Lada Ray’s blog, along with Green Desert and Stepford USA, books in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series. To see my reviews of those books, scroll down to the links below.
I look forward to reading many more books from Lada Ray.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.
Lada holds a Master’s Degree in comparative linguistics (graduated summa cum laude,) is fluent in several languages and has traveled to twenty six countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America, as well as Africa. She had worked in Havana, Cuba as an interpreter for the Russian educational exchange delegations, including a couple of interviews with the man himself – Fidel Castro.
In the USA, she published articles in the Hartford Courant & taught Russian on cable TV. Then, something inexplicable possessed her to work as financial consultant for AIG and Smith Barney/Citigroup. But later, she came back to her senses and quit the corporate world to pursue her dreams. She studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong and Malaysia, and received her Feng Shui Master’s certification from the famed Asian author, Lilian Too (graduated first in class). For years, Lada operated an extensive feng shui website and blog – a hit with both local and worldwide fans – and authored over thirty articles on feng shui and spirituality. At the same time, she taught her proprietary feng shui courses and did public speaking.
A few years ago, Lada finally got her ultimate wish, and now she imagines her stories full-time in the bustling New York City and beautifully serene Catskill Mountains, NY, where she lives with her family and calico cat.
Lada Ray is the author of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series, including the Amazon & Kindle bestseller, GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure), mystery/thriller STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy Smalltown Adventure), and GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Iraq Prequel). She is the creator of the new, top-rated metaphysical YA fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER, and the EARTH KEEPERS CHRONICLES: ORIGINS (Catharsis, Lemurian Crystal, Atlantis).
Visit Lada’s innovative & cool author website: LadaRay.com
For posts about Russia & world, feng shui, spirituality, predictions read her popular blog: LadaRay.wordpress.com
Twitter: @LadaTweets
Youtube: Lada Ray Channel
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
This cover makes me think of Cape Cod. I have spent many a day walking its sandy shores. The premise of the book sounds like an interesting and fun read. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post.
Virtual Super Book Blast Tour Invitation for Legal Ease by Lori Ryan
Jack Sutton needs a wife and he needs one now. Jack loved his mother, but she really screwed him over when she set up her will. If Jack doesn’t have a wife by the end of the week, he’ll lose control of the largest chunk of voting stock in his company and will most likely lose his position as CEO as a result.
And Jack’s Aunt Mabry is waiting in the wings to make sure that the terms of the will are enforced. If he doesn’t find a wife, she’ll seize control of the stock so she can install her own son at the helm and she couldn’t care less that her son doesn’t want the job or that he probably won’t be any good at it.
Enter Kelly Bradley, a twenty eight year old college graduate with a spot at Yale Law School but no way to pay for it. Kelly and Jack’s eavesdropping secretary have discovered Jack’s secret need for a wife and Kelly comes up with a plan to fix both of their problems.
Just when Jack needs her, Kelly breezes into his office, introduces herself to his Aunt and cousin, and hands Jack an offer. She will marry him for a year so that he can retain the stock that will keep him in control of Sutton Development if he’ll pay for her to go to law school. Jack has no idea where his beautiful savior came from or who she is but he’s willing to take a chance to save it all.
The deal may have kept Jack in control at Sutton Development but his private life quickly spirals out of control. Just when Jack realizes that he wants more than a year with Kelly, his wealth puts her in great danger and he is left scrambling to save her life and their future together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
Kelly whipped through the house and up the stairs, calling out for Mrs. Poole as she ran. “Mrs. Poole, come quickly! We have to move. We have to move.” Kelly continued yelling as she ran into her room and grabbed drawers full of clothes and piled hangers with slacks and dresses on them.
Mrs. Poole came up the stairs with a puzzled look on her face. “What on earth are you hollering about, Kelly?” she said as she tried to enter the room. She had to jump out of the way as Kelly made a mad dash to Jack’s room.
“We have to move all of my stuff into Jack’s room,” Kelly said, out of breath from her packing and running. “Jack’s Aunt Mabry is on her way here and she’s staying with us for a couple of weeks,” Kelly blurted out as she ran back down the hall to gather more of her belongings.
“Oh Lord,” Mrs. Poole rolled her eyes and followed after Kelly. She quickly grabbed clothes and toiletries and rushed down the hall to Jack’s room. She and Kelly repeated the trip half a dozen more times as they transferred everything and set it into place. Mrs. Poole cleared out half of Jack’s dresser and closet and made room for Kelly’s things while Kelly folded and put her clothing away to make it appear as though the two had been living in holy matrimony since day one.
Kelly put away the last of her things and took a deep breath. She turned to survey the masculine-looking room. There was a dark mahogany dresser and matching armoire against the deep green walls. Large windows looked out on the same beautiful waterfront view that her guest room windows had shared. She stopped suddenly and held her breath when her eyes landed on the king-sized bed in the center. Until that moment, it hadn’t occurred to her that she and Jack would now have to share a bed. Kelly’s smile fell away as she realized that keeping her attraction hidden from Jack just became a lot more difficult.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS
Lori has had a number of careers before embarking on her newest adventure of writing novels. After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Law, she practiced law for three years, working primarily in the areas of utilities law and intellectual property litigation.
More recently, Lori owned and operated a dog training business in Austin, Texas, where she specialized in aggression and became an expert in the field of dog bite analysis. Lori sold her dog training business in 2013 and is now a full time writer and mother of two.
Lori still lives in Austin with her husband — who is endlessly supportive of her changing career paths — and her two children, one cat, and three dogs.
Want to be a part of my online street team? Email me at Loriryanauthor@gmail.com and put the words ‘street team’ in the subject line. I’ll email you back with directions for joining my team.
To join my email list to receive updates and news, including sneak peeks and free giveaways or contest news, visit me HERE.
GIVEAWAY
Lori will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. SO, what are you waiting for? Follow the tour schedule and comment.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
After the review, scroll to the end of the post for the Giveaway. This is a tag team event, so you will have a second chance to enter. Good luck.
Clay received a letter telling of his Uncle Charlie’s death and his inheritance. Charlie had left him a home in Florida.
When Louise found out about his fear of dying over a pile of papers at the bank, like his father, she considered him retiring.
Clay: “I’m like wallpaper that’s grown colorless and ragged around the edge, but still stuck to the wall.”
“There’s got to be more to life than that.”
Louise: There has to be more to life than have-tos. She thought hard about Clay. As pictures of him ran through her mind, she knew her decision. OKAY.
Clay thought of the house in Florida and started to plan their move. He became invigorated, coming alive.
Florida beach scene by Sherry J. Fundin. All rights reserved.
All Louise could think about was what would she do without her family and friends?
All Clay had to say was, she “…will start over again.” A new life, a new outlook, new friends and new adventures. “Isn’t that what life is about?”
Louise was very superstitious. She had a long list of should haves. She believed life was full of luck for people with matching initials, like her friend Billlie Butterman.
Louise loved her life. She liked knowing exactly what would happen. No surprises.
When her friend suggested a way to thwart the move, she jumped on it. He wouldn’t know she was trying to stall. She figured he would change his mind.
Clay felt Louise would change her mind and embrace the move once they got to Florida.
So, let’s go on an adventure with Clay and Louise as they find their way through the pitfalls, perils and enjoyment of creating a new life after retiring.
4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others
Bette Lee Crosby’s covers always hold a lot of emotion, as do her stories. This is a story of love, change and learning the true values of life. A story full of humor and sorrow. I didn’t feel the need to cry but I sure did laugh. ^_^
Her books are very well written and capture you from beginning to end. They are full of Southern hospitality. A warm welcome with an open door. Come on in.
The characters in her books could be your friends, family or neighbors.
Myself, I have moved many, many times since 1987. The first move was the hardest. Then, they became an adventure and I would look forward to another place and the opportunity to make it my own.
How do you feel about change? Do you look at change as an adventure, or do you like knowing what is around the corner?
Some people grab it with both hands, Louise was terrified. Her past made her insecure, she needed the sameness. Louise wanted stability. As a child, they had moved place to place. She felt she never belonged. She had nobody, nothing.
In her unhappiness after the move, she had isolated herself. Her perception was not fact. She was full of sorrow and anger. “Odd man out.” If she wasn’t so busy feeling sorry for herself, she would have seen how willing the people were to include her in their life.
Aunt Rose. What can I say about Aunt Rose? I think she sums up the whole book, title and all. I loved her from the beginning. She made me laugh. But, you will have to read the book to find out why.
Communication – sometimes we don’t do it very well.
Old drivers were mentioned, “……set their directional signals to blinking blocks before anyone actually made a turn.”
I have read and reviewed several books by Bette Lee Crosby. She has given me signed paperbacks that look great on my bookshelf. I love her books and have told her I will always review every book of hers I get my hands on. No request necessary. Thank you, Bette Lee, for the many hours of reading that have allowed me to leave reality behind and walk in someone else’s shoes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bette 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.
To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.
Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.
In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.
When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.
EXCERPT
Cole looked back at Wyatt. “I don’t think it’s a great idea to receive treatment by a student, Wy, genius or not. What if she screws up my arm even worse than it is?”
“Then you’ll get treated by a proper specialist, which you should do in the first place.”
Cole narrowed his gaze. “That’s not funny.”
“Hey, I’m just telling you like it is. You’re the one who thinks it’s worth risking under-the-table treatment in order to garner top dollar on your next contract.”
That wasn’t the only reason he was so concerned about keeping up appearances in regards to his physical health, but he let it pass. He knew how the business worked. There was no way he was going to come out to the public about his shoulder. Not if there was an alternative.
“What about another student?” Cole insisted. “Someone further along in their studies?” Preferably some Poindexter who doesn’t look so good in a skirt, he thought.
Wyatt shook his head. “There isn’t anyone more experienced than Everly. She might still be a couple of semesters from earning her doctorate, but she could pass the needed courses with flying colors right now. I’d wager that girl has more practical experience in her field than any doctoral student at GSU.”
They stopped conversing when Everly walked up with a tray. She placed their bowls of crab risotto in front of them, as well as Cole’s drink. The smell of the food was amazing.
“Is there anything else I can get you two right now?” she asked.
“No, I think we’re good here, thanks,” Wyatt said.
“All right. You know how to reach me if you think of anything.”
This time she winked at Wyatt before she walked away. Cole couldn’t deny the strange resentment he felt that the wink wasn’t for him. He shook his head at himself. Finding a hot date hadn’t ever been a problem. He didn’t need to worry about that right now.
“I feel like you’re forcing me into this decision,” he told Wyatt, picking up a fork and stabbing his risotto with it.
Wyatt’s brown eyes leveled on his. “Cole, I’ve reviewed the scans we took when you were in the hospital. You should have started treatment weeks ago to get ready for the season. If you feel like I’m forcing you into this decision, well, that’s probably because I am. You’ve got three choices: don’t do anything and deal with the pain, go public about the injury and seek the services of a specialist…or Everly.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
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To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email. If you were following me on my old blog, but have not subscribed here, on my new blog, you will need to follow by email again. I lost all my follower information when I moved. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you.
Marny Copal 
5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)
Living her life in the fast lane, Lada Ray, M.A., always wanted to write cool stories, which she’d been imagining in her head ever since she can remember. Instead, she listened to her well-meaning parents and started her life in a more traditional way (for her, that is). Born in Russia, she is a world traveler, linguist, financial consultant, Feng Shui Master, shaman, futurist, and metaphysics/spirituality researcher.
Bette Lee Crosby’s work was first recognized in 2006, when she won the 
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My Review is coming soon.
Bette Lee Crosy is offering for the Giveaway:
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of Absolution by Susan Fleet are:
