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

Posted on February 4, 2013 by fundinmental

Deadly Road

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.

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~.

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

GIVEAWAY

Tara 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.

Most Haunted Hotels (hotelscheap.org)

Giveaway and Teaser of Don’t Fear The Reaper by Michelle Muto

Posted on February 2, 2013 by fundinmental

DON’T FEAR THE REAPER

When I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to be a part of the promotion for Michelle’s book. Just look at how intriguing the cover is, making you want to open it and see what’s inside.

Don't Fear the Reaper (Netherworld, #1)

Add To Goodreads

Description: Haunted by memories of her murdered twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her only ticket to eternal peace.

But in death, she discovers the afterlife is nothing like she expected. Instead of peaceful oblivion or a joyful reunion with her sister, Keely is trapped in a netherworld on Earth with only a bounty-hunting reaper and a sarcastic demon to show her the ropes.

When the demon offers Keely her ultimate temptation–revenge on her sister’s killer–she must determine who she can trust. Because, as Keely soon learns, the reaper and demon have been keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true–that her every decision changes how, and with whom, she spends eternity.

TO PURCHASE THE BOOK, FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW:

TEASER

My heart thudded wearily, like it’d been broken into a million shards of glass. I’d never felt so lost. So vulnerable. I wanted my parents. I wanted my sister. I wanted our lives back. I wanted everything the way it was before Jordan died.

“I miss you so much, Jordan. I only wanted to be with you again. Please, Sis. Tell me what to do.” I hung my head. “I need you.”

“It’ll be okay, Keely.” Not my sister’s voice. Not even close.

I jerked my head up and looked around. He was just as mysterious as I’d remembered, in his black shirt, pants, and duster. All that black was in stark contrast to his wavy blond hair and those eyes. They were what I’d call a forever blue—the kind of eyes that seemed as though they could read souls. I’d never seen irises like his—bright, like they were lit from behind. He was handsome for someone of my parents’ age—early forties. What was it about those eyes that calmed me when I should have been terrified at finding a complete stranger in my room? For all I knew, the effects of the tequila and sleeping pills hadn’t worn off. He definitely wasn’t a paramedic. But, he had saved my life, and then politely waited for me to clean up and get dressed.

“Thanks,” I said. “For what you did.”

He shrugged.

“I have no idea what you see in her, Banning. Doesn’t seem worth it to me,” another voice said.

A second guy entered my room. He was about my age, packing pure attitude and a lean, fit physique into a red Harley Davidson t-shirt and a pair of faded Levi’s. His short brown hair was perfectly mussed, and he had fierce, dark eyes. And apparently, an equally fierce tongue.

Who were these two? They almost acted as though they knew me, yet this felt all wrong. My first semi-coherent thought, based on the man in black’s attire, was that he worked with Dad at the District Attorney’s office and the younger guy was his smart-ass son, or maybe his assistant. Dad had done this before—had someone from the office stop by to pick up a brief or some notes. But who’d let them in the house?

With a bit of effort, I managed to lift my head in the newcomer’s direction. “And you are?”

Instead of answering, he simply rolled his eyes. What a jerk. Maybe he’d be a bit more cordial over that pot of coffee I wanted. Or not. I stood and shoved past Mr. Attitude.

He grabbed hold of my arm. “Relax, Sunshine.”

His grin creeped me out. I pulled away, but he blocked my path. “Who the hell are either of you?” I asked, finally becoming a bit freaked out now that the ice in my brain had started to thaw. I no longer cared that the man in black had saved my life. This was weird.

He turned and walked out of my room into the hallway. “You explain it to her, Banning. This is your deal, anyway.”

The guy in black, Banning, apparently, motioned for me to follow him from my room. “Come on, Keely. Let’s talk.”

Even in my current dazed state everything felt wrong. Maybe these men weren’t who I’d first thought. I shook my head in an attempt to jump-start my brain. The motion only made my vision blur. I really needed that coffee.

“I’m Banning,” he said, extending a hand. “I’m here to help you.”

I didn’t take his hand. I wanted to sit down and collect myself before I vomited or fell over. I steadied myself against my desk instead. “No offense, but you look like the mafia. Or an undertaker.”

He laughed and his blue eyes lit up his face again. “Neither. This isn’t going to be easy to hear, Keely.”

Great. He even sounded like Dad. I paused, my brain finally clicking into gear and setting off an alarm. It dawned on me why he was here. Something horrible had happened to my parents on the way home from the dinner party. “My mom and dad—are they okay?”

Banning raised a hand. “They’re fine, Keely. Really. But I do have a bit of bad news.”

“Are you from Dad’s office?” I asked, now certain again that he was, and certain, too, that he was lying about Mom and Dad’s well being. After all this, I couldn’t imagine something happening to them. I was still having some minor difficulty unscrambling all my thoughts. That did it. Tomorrow, I was becoming a health freak.

“Five minutes, I think. Then they’ll be here,” Mr. Attitude called out. “Tell her, Banning. What are you waiting for?”

“Tell me what?” I asked.

The younger man returned, still in his perpetual state of annoyance. “You’re dead, Sunshine. Banning here is a reaper. I’m Daniel, the demon who’ll be escorting you and him to hell at the end of next week.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Writer of urban fantasy, the paranormal, and all things eerie and curious.

Michelle has always loved storytelling. When she was a child, her favorite stories were of monsters and things that lurked in the dark. Telling stories often frightened her classmates and got her into a lot of trouble with her teachers. They had no sense of humor.

As an adult, Michelle traded her love of writing for the corporate life where she was an IT professional. Today, she’s doing what she loves best – writing and storytelling.

Michelle grew up in Chicago, but currently lives in NE Georgia with her husband and their two dogs, one of which is a Beezlepup. She loves scary books, funny movies, sports cars, dogs, chocolate, old cemeteries, and changes of season. Michelle even loves photography. One day, maybe she’ll upload a better photo – one that wasn’t taken in late afternoon with Photobooth. Or, maybe not.

Michelle writes on a Mac and is a true geek at heart. She agrees with her dogs who think cheese and bacon should be in their own food group. But most of all, she believes everyone should trust their imagination, have a kind heart, and should definitely have a sense of humor.

FIND MICHELLE BY FOLLOWING THE LINKS BELOW:

.
Blog

Twittter

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Michelle Muto is offering for the Giveaway

2 (two) ebooks. International.

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

What goes through your mind as you look at the cover?

CLOSED. WINNERS ARE LACEY GALICIA AND DALE IBITZ.

Giveaway will run from 2/2 – 2/16/2013 .

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.

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

Giveaway and Release Day For Fire Country

Posted on February 1, 2013 by fundinmental

We’re excited to announce that Fire Country, the sister series for The Dweller Saga by David Estes, is being release today, February 1^st and for today only, the ebook is going to be at $2.99 (25% off regular prize).

Fire Country

In a changed world where the sky bleeds red, winter is hotter than hell and full of sandstorms, and summer’s even hotter with raging fires that roam the desert-like country, the Heaters manage to survive, barely.

Due to toxic air, life expectancies are so low the only way the tribe can survive is by forcing women to procreate when they turn sixteen and every three years thereafter. It is their duty as Bearers.

Fifteen-year-old Siena is a Youngling, soon to be a Bearer, when she starts hearing rumors of another tribe of all women, called the Wild Ones. They are known to kidnap Youngling girls before the Call, the ceremony in which Bearers are given a husband with whom to bear children with.

As the desert sands run out on her life’s hourglass, Siena must uncover the truth about the Wild Ones while untangling the web of lies and deceit her father has masterfully spun.

Title: Fire Country (Country Saga #1)

Author: David Estes

Publisher: ShareAread

Release Date: February 1st, 2013

Formats: E-book

Goodreads TBR: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16160701-fire-country

Cover Artist: Regina Wamba

If you’d like more information on this title or any other title by David Estes, feel free to contact me at karla@sharearead.com a reply will be sent as soon as possible.

Thank you

Karla Calzada

Director of Public Relations /Publicist

ShareAread, Connecting Authors with the readers who love them.
http://sharearead.com/
karla@shareAread.com
Content/Giveaway Manager & Co-Founder
http://passionatebookdivas.com
karla@passionatebookdivas.com

Founder

http://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/

Press Release

Author David Estes

Contact: Karla Calzada Publicist

Early praise for the author

“David created a world I was excited to learn about and characters I cared about. I’ll remember this story for a very long time!”

Alexandria Nicole ~Goodreads

“Estes delivers a winner with confident writing that truly draws you into the story. “

Think ~ Goodreads

“The author, David Estes, has forged his name into writers to be watched and read.”

Marni ~Goodreads

“David is such a fantastic author and he really knows how to pull at the heartstrings.”

Kay ~K-Books

The Dwellers Saga

The Moon Dwellers Synopsis:

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms.

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents’ crimes of treason.

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

Buying Links

The Dwellers Saga

The Star Dwellers Synopsis:

After rescuing her father and younger sister, Adele is forced to leave her family and Tristan behind to find her mother in the cruel and dangerous realm of the star dwellers.
Amidst blossoming feelings for Adele, Tristan must cast his feelings aside and let her find her own way amongst the star dwellers, while he accompanies Adele’s father to meet with the leaders of the moon dwellers and decide the fate of the Tri-Realms.
Will Adele be able to rescue her mother and make it back to the Moon Realm before the President and the sun dweller soldiers destroy her family?
Can Tristan convince the moon dweller puppets of the error of their ways?
Was Adele’s lost kiss with Tristan her one and only chance at love?
In her world there’s only one rule: Someone must die.

Buying Links

The Dwellers Saga

The Sun Dwellers Synopsis:

With those she’s closest to dying around her, Adele embarks on a secret mission to the Sun Realm to assassinate the President. Along the way she’ll uncover secrets about her relationship with Tristan that she might not be ready to face.
Tristan has a secret, too, one that’s been eating him up inside ever since he met Adele. Will he reveal all, and risk the loss of friendship and love at a time when he needs it the most?
At the same time, Adele’s mother, General Rose, must lead her soldiers into battle to face the sun dweller army in the hopes of holding them off until Adele can complete her mission. Can she outlast the strength of President Nailin’s elite fighting force?

There’s only one truth in their world: someone must die.

Bonus Material

Includes a bonus Dwellers Short Story (Anna’s Story) and a sneak peek at David Estes’s follow up YA Dystopian

Series, Fire Country!

The Dwellers Saga books are now available everywhere eBooks and paperbacks are sold via Amazon.com. Also, David pledged when he started writing to always respond to his readers, and he loves getting comments and questions, so please contact him using one of his favorite social networking sites below. He loves to get in contact with readers.

About the Author

David Estes was born in El Paso, Texas but moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was very young. He grew up in Pittsburgh and then went to Penn State for college. Eventually moved to Sydney, Australia where he met his wife. A reader all his life, he began writing novels for the children’s and YA markets in 2010. He´s a writer with OCD, a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), a mad-skilled ping-pong player, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table

You can follow David at:

Other YA Books by David Estes

The Country Saga (A Dwellers sister series):

Book One—Fire Country (Coming March 1, 2013!)

The Evolution Trilogy

Book 1- Angel Evolution

Book 2- Demon Evolution

Book 3- Archangel Evolution

Children’s Books by David Estes

The Nikki Powergloves Adventures:

Nikki Powergloves- A Hero is Born

Nikki Powergloves and the Power Council

Nikki Powergloves and the Power Trappers

Nikki Powergloves and the Great Adventure

Nikki Powergloves VS The Power Outlaws (Coming in 2013!)

GIVEAWAY

“http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b5c20432/“

CLOSED

To purchase Fire Country, follow the links below:

Amazon Kindle:http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Country-The-Saga-ebook/dp/B00B7VTXFO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1359662347&sr=1-1&keywords=fire+country+estes

Barnes & Noble Nook:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-country-david-estes/1114268064?ean=2940015975475

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/280371

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Country-Volume-David-Estes/dp/1482055988

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

Giveaway and Review of Cracks In The Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
Cover Reveal for Fire Country by David Estes (fuonlyknew.wordpress.com)
Cover Reveal: Fire Country by David Estes (bookarooju.wordpress.com)
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

Flappers Flasks and Foul Play Promo

Posted on January 31, 2013 by fundinmental

I am happy to be a part of this promotional tour brought to you by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.

NEW ADULT

Jazz Age Mystery

Title: Flappers, Flasks, and Foul Play

Author: Ellen Mansoor Collier

Date Published: July 2012

Synopsis:

“Boardwalk Empire” meets “The Great Gatsby” in this soft-boiled historical mystery, inspired by actual events. Rival gangs fight over booze and bars during Prohibition in 1920s Galveston: the “Sin City of the Southwest.” Jazz Cross, a 21-year-old society reporter, feels caught between two clashing cultures: the seedy speakeasy underworld and the snooty social circles she covers in the Galveston Gazette.

During a night out with her best friend, Jazz witnesses a bar fight at the Oasis–a speakeasy secretly owned by her black-sheep half-brother, Sammy Cook. But when a big-shot banker with a hidden past collapses there and later dies, she suspects foul play. Was it an accident or a mob hit?

Soon handsome young Prohibition Agent James Burton raids the Oasis, threatening to shut it down if Sammy doesn’t talk. Suspicious, he pursues Jazz but, despite her mixed feelings, she refuses to rat on Sammy. As turf wars escalate between two real-life Galveston gangs, Sammy is accused of murder. Jazz must risk her life and career to find the killer, exposing the dark side of Galveston’s glittering society.

EXCERPT

Why in the world was Fed Agent Burton here? Everyone stopped working to watch him make his grand entrance. People don’t usually parade around in a newsroom: They sort of shuffle or stumble or stomp—unless a story’s really hot, then they’ll run. I felt like running away too, but I stayed glued to my chair, pretending to work, my heart racing.

Burton seemed to enjoy the attention as he headed my way. He was hard to ignore: Standing before me, all six feet-plus of golden skin and hair, he towered over my desk. Looking up, I noticed the curious eyes watching us in the too-quiet newsroom. The reporters stopped typing, fingers poised over keys, hoping for a scoop. My boss stared with unabashed interest.

“To what do I owe this disturbance?” I adjusted my cloche cap, acting nonchalant.

He grinned at me, then looked around the suddenly still office. “I need to ask you a few questions. Can we go somewhere private?”

“What do you want?” I put on a brave face so the newsboys wouldn’t see me sweat.

Burton scanned the hushed room. “You really want to discuss it here, out in public?”

He had a point. Did I want the whole staff listening in on my private conversation? He probably wanted to discuss Sammy, who was no one else’s business.

“Let’s go outside,” I agreed. Head down, I followed him past a leering Hank, feeling like a naughty kid going to the principal’s office.

Nathan entered the newsroom, a camera slung over his shoulder, stopping to stare at Burton. “Jazz, is everything jake?”

“Everything’s berries.” I smiled to pacify him but, I admit, I had the jitters.

“I remember him. Your boyfriend?” Burton seemed amused.

“He’s the staff photographer.” I ignored his crack. “And a good friend.”

Outside, I felt safe among the throng of people and automobiles passing by in a rush. The hustle and bustle of the streets and sidewalks seemed almost comforting. I looked around for Golliwog, our resident stray cat, but she must have been making her daily rounds for scraps.

“How was lunch?” In broad daylight, Burton didn’t seem quite as menacing or intimidating. Besides, a group of hard-boiled reporters peered out the newsroom, spying on us.

“Fine.” I covered my growling stomach. “What brings you here?”

“Sorry to barge in that way.” He smiled, tugging on his hat. “But I had to get your attention. You wouldn’t give me the time of day the other night.”

“Can you blame me? A raid isn’t exactly the best way to meet new people.”

“I think we got off on the wrong foot.” He stuck his hands in his pockets, jingling some change. “Perhaps we can talk over dinner, instead of standing out here on the sidewalk?”

“Dinner?” Was he serious? “Just like that?” I snapped my fingers. “You waltz in as if you owned the place—like you did at the Oasis—and expect me to dine out with you, a total stranger, because of your badge? You’ve got a lot of nerve, mister.”

“I wouldn’t be a Prohibition agent if I didn’t.” He looked smug. “How about tonight?”

Ellen Mansoor Collier

Author Bio

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer whose articles and essays have been published in several national magazines including: FAMILY CIRCLE, MODERN BRIDE, GLAMOUR, BIOGRAPHY, COSMOPOLITAN, COUNTRY ACCENTS, PLAYGIRL, etc. Several of her short stories (both mystery and romance) have appeared in WOMAN’S WORLD.

A flapper at heart, she’s the owner of DECODAME, specializing in Deco to retro vintage items (www.art-decodame.com). Formerly she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising sales and public relations. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism. During college, she once worked as a cocktail waitress, a short-lived experience since she was clueless about cocktails. Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play is her first novel, inspired by real people and places. Currently, she’s working on the sequel.

.
“When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past until I began doing research, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s. I love the glamour and excitement of The Jazz Age, but Prohibition was also such a dark and dangerous time in American history. Jazz isn’t a debutante or socialite, she’s a reporter caught in between the two halves of Galveston society, struggling to do the right thing despite all the temptations and decadence of the era.”

TAGLINE:

“Boardwalk Empire” meets “The Great Gatsby” in this soft-boiled historical mystery, set during Prohibition in 1920s Galveston: the “Sin City of the Southwest.”

Goodreads

Antiques Website

Links to Buy

Amazon | B&N.com |Smashwords

PROMO Blitz January 31

1. The Other Shelf

2.Book Bunny’s Reviews

3. Books and Needlepoint

4. Book Reviews and More

5. Auggie Talk

6. Izz Bookish Place

7. Read Your Writes Book Reviews

8. Mom With a Kindle

9. Up All Night Reviews

10. Bookishly Devoted

11. Queen of All She Reads

12. My Devotional Thoughts

13. Fundimental

14. Book Crazy Tours

Gangster & Flapper Costumes for an Evening of Mystery (anytimecostumes.com)
Costume History: Flappers and the Roaring Twenties (wholesalehalloweencostumes.com)
The Flapper and Her Garter Flask (ghostsofdc.org)

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

Posted on January 30, 2013 by fundinmental

“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

Add to Goodreads

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.

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.

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.

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.

Elizabeth 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.”

“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.

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.

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.

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.

The Twelfth Child (irenewatson.typepad.com)

ALERT – ALERT – The Bones of Others by Vickie McKeehan is now available – ALERT – ALERT

Posted on January 29, 2013 by fundinmental

Vickie McKeehan is at it again. She has just released a novel in a new series with Skye Cree. I am incredibly happy to invite you to check it out. These are books that must be on your TBR shelf.

I find the covers of her books speak to something deep inside me. They call to me and I must answer by picking up the books and reading them one, by one, by one……I can only hope that there are many more to come.

The Bones of Others by Vickie McKeehan

The Bones of Others At the age of twelve Skye Cree was kidnapped by a pedophile. But Skye managed to get away. Now as an adult, a survivor, she’s on the prowl for monsters like the one who took her that day from the park, putting an end to her childhood.

Josh Ander is the geeky, wealthy owner of a gaming company. The night he crosses paths with Skye Cree, changes his life forever, putting him on a different path entirely than the one he’d planned.

Once Josh and Skye join forces, they’ll venture into the dark side of Seattle where human trafficking thrives and kids are bought and sold every day. With girls disappearing off the streets in alarming numbers, with young lives hanging in the balance, they’ll do whatever it takes to hunt down the ones preying on kids. But not all can be saved. It will take a wolf’s instincts to find the monsters burying—the bones of others

To purchase your copy, simply click on the cover below.

I found this author when I joined Goodreads and did a R2R of her novel, Just Evil, the first in the Evil Trilogy. To say I am a fan does not begin to describe how I feel about her writing. To see my reviews of the Evil Trilogy, follow the links below. To purchase your copy of any of the books, simply click on the cover.

To see my Review, go HERE.

I have not read any of the Pelican Pointe Series yet, but am eagerly anticipating diving in to these. If you would like to check out more, simply click on the cover to be taken to Amazon and get your copy.

To find Vickie McKeehan just look below:

Jack Templar Monster Hunter Book Blast & Blog Tour – $50 GC or Paypal Cash

Posted on January 28, 2013 by fundinmental

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack’s fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it’s great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend “T-Rex” from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he’s the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he’s destined to be in the family business. Second, that there’s a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits…until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren’t enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the “One?” Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Kirkus Reviews

“Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set–sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy…Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. ”

Amazon Reviews

Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar

Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there’s a new kid in town – Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein

Fast paced adventure through and through

Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean

Kids will love it!

Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don’t want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children’s book, I couldn’t put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

WARNING

Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.

But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.

First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.

You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.

I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.

This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.

But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.

Make sure you understand what I’m saying.

If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.

And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.

So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.

Ever.

Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.

See you on the other side.

If you’re brave enough.

Tour Schedule

Book Blast $50 Giveaway

Ends 2/15/13

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CLOSED

Can’t wait, purchase your copy by clicking on the cover below.

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus Book Blast Giveaway (iamareader.com)
Jack Templar Monster Hunter Blog Tour Sign Ups (iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com)

Taken by Adam Light

Posted on January 27, 2013 by fundinmental

TAKEN

Add to Goodreads

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.

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.

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

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 Light 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 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.

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 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.

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.