Giveaway and Review of Cupid’s Christmas by Bette Lee Crosby

Posted on November 5, 2012 by fundinmental

This book has a new cover and title.

Click on the cover below to see.

Hello, my name is Cupid.

Love doesn’t just happen. I get my orders from Upstairs, then I proceed to make it happen, or try to.

I have spent centuries dealing with humans, but Lindsay Gray was a puzzle. She was so unpredictable and impulsive. She can’t seem to tell love from lust. If I can’t help Lindsay, she’ll end up being classified as Love-Challenged.

After losing her job and deciding to go home, she was in for a rude awakening. She envisioned home as if nothing had changed, as if time had stood still. She thought her friends and family would all be the same, just waiting for her to come home and pick up where she had left off.When she got home, she realized she never came back because it reminded her of her dead mother and she wanted to avoid any unhappy thoughts. But she soon settled in as if she had never left.

If I didn’t create a diversion for her, she would ruin more lives than her own. Cupid thought – dog – distraction.

Bugs Bunny Sleigh Taz Tasmanian Devil Daffy Duck Slyvester Tweety Pie Roadrunner Merry Christmas Emoticon Emoticons Animated Animation Animations Gif Pictures, Images and Photos

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

Bette Lee Crosby’s stories and writing style are of the highest caliber. They grab me from the beginning and don’t let go, even after the last sentence is read.

Cute, warm, Christmasy cover. When you near the end of the book, the choice of the cover becomes clear. The title is appropriate. The story is as much about Cupid as it is Lindsay, maybe even more so.

A feel good love story – romance, full of the hills and valleys, highs and lows, roller-coaster ride… that love entails.

Cupid – I loved how he talked about manipulating humans. True love is a lot more subtle than people think, that is why they sometimes miss the moment. Humans thought they actually controlled their lives, but he knew better. All they do is muck it up. It makes you wonder why he cared so much. Even Cupid has faith. I guess he has to?

As he described us and our failings, I would find myself laughing.

Lindsay – so intent on her losses, she couldn’t see what was right in front of her. She was so gullible. She was very impulsive and unpredictable. You wanted her to go right, so you could bet your … she was going to go left. To me she seemed so selfish, that I really didn’t like her and never would have spent any time with her. I thought she needed a good slap up side the head. lol Do you think she will change? Is she going to find what she has been looking for?

I loved when Amanda talks to Lindsay and describes Phillip. “Phillip is nothing more than a gift box, gorgeous on the outside, totally empty inside.”

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

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THE DOG

Taken from the back of the book, in Bette’s own words.

The dog featured on the front cover is Katie, a rescued Bichon who has been with us for over nine years. We adopted her when she was just under a year old and at that time, she was terribly underweight, her hair tangled and knotted and her skin covered with fleas and ticks. The day we picked her up, she was trembling like a frightened rabbit.

All that changed. Over the years she learned the joy of tummy rubs and treats. She became my constant companion and spent most of the afternoon sitting in my lap as I worked at the computer. At times she was also my muse. In the novel Spare Change, the name Scooter Cobb was taken from Katie’s boyfriend, another bichon who visited Katie often and spent a fair bit of time at our house.

Katie was the inspiration for this book and the picture used on the inside pages was taken by Heavenly Acres Rescue on the day they picked her up. It’s hard to understand by anyone would neglect a sweet little dog like this, but the sad truth is it happens.

As the book goes to press, my heart is heavy because our sweet angel has been diagnosed with an inoperable carcinoma on the underside of her tongue. I know our days with her are numbered and it is breaking my heart. This book is my final tribute to the sweet little girl who has been such an important part of our life. I will always love her.

In an effort to help other rescue dogs find their forever people, a portion of the proceeds from this book will go the Treasure Coast Humane society to support their no-kill shelter.

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.

Website

Goodreads

Twitter

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

Giveaway – Bette Lee Crosby is offering for the giveaway:

International – 2 ebooks of Cupid’s Christmas.

US and Canada – 1 signed paperback.

As always the entry is easy. Leave a comment – What is your favorite part of the Christmas holidays? – and an email address. Contest ends on November 19, 2012.

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of Cupid‘s Christmas by Bette Lee Crosby are:

Signed Paperback – mariacatalinaegan

ebook – Alyson@Snifferwalk

ebook – stuffsmart

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

FOR ALL MY REVIEWS, CLICK HERE.

FOR ALL MY GIVEAWAYS, CLICK HERE.

Blue Angels Homecoming 2012

Posted on November 3, 2012 by fundinmental

The Blue Angels Home Base is Pensacola, Florida. We love and support them whole-heartedly!

Blue Angels Homecoming 2012 by Sherry J Fundin

It is amazing to see them lined up, waiting for their pilots and crew to come to them.

Fat Albert, the workhorse that goes everywhere the Blues go. Photo taken by Sherry J Fundin.

The Blue Angels by Sherry J Fundin

Blue Angels Homecoming 2012 by Sherry J Fundin

I have been shooting the Blue Angels here in Pensacola for many years and this is the first time I have captured this.

This is one of the most amazing photos I have taken of them as they come through at low altitude, screaming and creating an amazing vortex of speed and condensation.

Tiger Paw wins the Royal Palm Litererary Award for Best Thriller!!!!

Posted on October 24, 2012 by fundinmental

Tiger Paw wins the Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller!

by Charles A Cornell

Tiger Paw has won the 2012 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Thriller from the Florida Writers Association!

Here’s what the judges had to say about Charles A. Cornell’s debut novel:

Tiger Paw is a fast-paced, entertaining thriller— an intriguing story that grows exponentially from a serial killer case to a worldwide conspiracy involving financial corruption and religious zealotry on a grand scale. A well researched narrative with vivid descriptions that bring the story’s settings to life. Interesting twists and turns. An excellent debut thriller! – Royal Palm Literary Award Judging Panel

The judges for the Royal Palm Literary Awards were drawn from the FWA’s membership of current or retired teachers, librarians, professional editors, college professors, published authors, former RPLA winners, journalists, and presidents of writing and reading groups from both Florida and from states across the USA.

The announcements of the Royal Palm Literary Awards were made at the Florida Writers Association Annual Conference & Awards Banquet held in Orlando, Florida on October 19 – 21, 2012.

About Tiger Paw:

As a serial killer wreaks havoc on Wall Street, dismantling a corrupt financier’s empire one body at a time, FBI profiler Scott Forrester uncovers the deadly secret of a demon-worshipping Hindu cult that is determined to change the very fabric of society. Firmly in their assassin’s cross-hairs, Scott Forrester is forced underground to stop the killing spree. But will he survive the deal he must make with the Devil to thwart their satanic plan?

Tiger Paw is a thriller cloaked in mystery, psychological suspense and international intrigue. A story of people who have sold their souls in exchange for wealth and power. A story of greed, deception, and revenge. And a story of one man’s struggle to triumph against the greatest evil he has ever faced.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos To see my 5 STAR review of Tiger Paw, go HERE.

To see fuonlylknew’s 5 STAR review, go HERE

Signed 1st Edition Paperback Giveaway of Tiger Paw, go HERE.

To order Tiger Paw, simply click on the cover

For more info on Charles, go to the link below.

www.CharlesACornell.com

Is that a Chupacabra in the Tree?

Posted on October 24, 2012 by fundinmental

Shadow of the Oak by Eric Kent Edstrom

I find Eric’s writing to be fascinating and entertaining. His characters and worlds come from someplace else, not always sure from where, but I do enjoy visiting them.

Me, Bill and Becca were meeting at the dam to discuss our business – a comic book series we were writing .Chrissy, Becca’s younger sister, had tagged along, but that was okay. She sat by the water reading her book.

We heard Chrissy’s terrified scream and ran to where she had been on the riverbank. No Chrissy.

l ran, looking for her, following her screams. I spotted her near the top of a tree. How did she get up there? Then I saw it. It had orange eyes, big fangs and wings wrapped around its body.

Chrissy fell and I tried to catch her. Becca ran to her to see if she was hurt. Chrissy didn’t know how she got up in the tree, so I told them what I saw. Nobody believed me.

Kizmo, my online friend, helped me find the creature – it was a Chupacabra.

English: Picture of chupacabra. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The information read – Nicaragua, three-foot wing span, myth. Kizmo asked me if I lived in Mushkobewun. When I told him yes, he went on to tell me about an Indian dig and a famous murder that happened in 1977 or 1978 in our area. A body had been found in a tree.

Chrissy fell ill and I knew we had to find the Chupacabra in order to save her.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

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

Eric’s books always have some really awesome book covers. The title for this book is descriptive of the adventures of the trio in trying to solve the mystery of Chrissy’s illness.

Even though the book is very short and can be read within a couple of hours, I found it to be detailed and thorough in the plot and with the characters. Sal became my hero and I will be curious to see how he grows and develops into the young man he is becoming. Eric is currently working on the second Sal Van Sleen book and I can hardly wait to go on his next adventure with him.

I have also read Undermountain (my review HERE) and Afterlife (my review HERE), from Eric’s Undermountain Saga and loved them. I still think of them often and they bring a smile to my face as I remember them. Book III is in the works and I am eagerly anticipating getting my hands on it. With Shadow of the Oak, Eric does not disappoint.

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Eric is an author, songwriter, husband, father, and guitarist. He is the author of Undermountain and Afterlife, the first two entries in YA science fiction series The Undermountain Saga.

Eric loves working out with kettlebells and eating pretty much anything with peanut butter.

To find out more about Eric Kent Edstrom, follow the links below.

Goodreads

Website

Twitter

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

Giveaway – Eric is offering up two paperbacks of Shadow of the Oak. This giveaway is U S only. As always, it is easy to enter. Simply answer the question – WHAT CRITTER SCARES YOU THE MOST? – and leave an email address. This giveaway will run 10/24/2012 – 11/7/2012. Closed.

. My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of Shadow of the Oak are:

Laura

ramheaded

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

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

FOR MY REVIEW OF ERIC’S UNDERMOUNTAIN SAGA, GO HERE.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Giveaway and Review – One thought she was a treasure, One thought she was an abomination.

Posted on October 19, 2012 by fundinmental

The Awakening by Mary Abshire

My first thought when the cute man woke me was good, I have my clothes on. But where am I? When he asked my name, I couldn’t remember.

Boss suggested I go with them to talk, my instinct said I could trust them. We walked through the dead bodies – burned, torn limb from limb, missing heads. Boss told Jonas to burn them all. But what about notifying their families of their death? He told me they already knew, but I didn’t understand what he meant. When Jonas asked when I had last fed, I looked at him in surprise.

“You’re not going to stand there and tell me you don’t know you’re a vampire,” he said.

We were in Indianapolis. As we drove around, I felt a familiarity with my surroundings but couldn’t remember anything specific. I was in the back seat of the car and could hear them talking, but their lips weren’t moving. I could hear their thoughts. When I said I couldn’t kill people, Jonas laughed. I could hear Jonas asking Boss what would happen if I couldn’t remember.

All of a sudden I felt a sharp pain rip through my skill and my ears rang. Boss was doing it, trying to read my mind. He found nothing there, no memories. The pain lessened as he backed off, finally believing me. There should be something there, some memory he could find, even if I couldn’t, but there wasn’t. It was possible for a vampire to erase some memory, but not all. Demons can alter memories and reality, but not wipe out memories.

Boss admitted to being a vampire. I asked about Jonas, but Boss cut him off before he could answer. He held my hand to his chest, no heartbeat. But I had one. He told me I was a half-breed. So I was only half dead. That was why I needed warm blood and human food. Boss could think of no one, or no reason for someone to wipe my memories. Whoever did do it, couldn’t be human. As Jonas and Boss talked, they mentioned other breeds, werewolves, demons, fae, shifters, warlocks…..

When I held my stomach while it was cramping, I felt a bulge in my skirt. I reached in my pocket and found two pieces of paper. Before I could see what they were, Boss grabbed them out of my hand. They were my clues. As we fought over them, they blew out the window. We chased them in the wind and finally caught them. One was a receipt to a bookstore. Still no memory.

The other paper was a pawn shop receipt. But if I hocked something, where was the money and what did I pawn? Boss kept my papers. He also found my knife when we got back in the car. It had fallen out of my boot. The handle was made from gold and had two initials, S and B, and was poisoned. Boss told me, if it belonged to me, the poison wouldn’t affect me.

Boss and Jonas worked for the Worldwide Organization of Peace and Protection. His job was to monitor the clans and make sure no one species dominated. We agreed to work together to find out who I was and who killed all those people, those creatures. I knew I wasn’t a killer. I didn’t drink blood and I didn’t have fangs. We figured someone had been looking for me and would do whatever they had to do to get me back. How did they lose me?

We went to the pawn shop, but it seemed to present more questions than answers. I had pawned a demon watch. It tells time in Hell and on earth. It could open a portal between the two worlds.

When the question came up, was I part vampire and part demon, Boss said that it was not possible. He said Tabby may be able to help. She was a Shape-shifter and was living with him and Jonas.

It was decided I needed to test my skills and Tabby would be the perfect sparring partner. When I shifted to mist, I had the not so bright idea to tease Boss. He not only attacked me, he called me an abomination and told me to get out. He thought I was a freak, thought me dangerous. Jonas saw me as a treasure, one of a kind. If Boss made me go, Tabby and Jonas said they would go with me.

Tabby suggested we go shopping and do girl things. We were having a good time, until I noticed the same guy appeared wherever we went. Tabby couldn’t see him, so I told Jonas about him over the phone. He wanted us home, now. Tabby went off to finish the shopping and I waited near the entrance.

Benny chose that moment to introduce himself. He knew I was a half-breed. He was an angel. He told me I needed to remember soon, Tabby’s life was in danger. Now I was human, vampire, demon and angel.

We went to the book store listed on the receipt. While there I had a flash of memory. I had been writing in a journal and there was a strong smell of coffee. Boss picked another memory. I had been writing in a journal and was going to mail it. That was four days ago. It should have arrived. What would the journal contain? Would it help answer all our questions?

While we were surfing the internet, a hacker began hunting for our IP address. Boss had us grabbing computers and weapons. Tabby was throwing bags of clothes and stacks of cash. Boss and I jumped in the SUV, Jonas and Tabby followed behind us. Gargumen were hunting us, so we split up, agreeing to meet up later.

What was up with Senator Galuzzi, presidential candidate, and Allison? Why did our internet search of them trigger such a hunt? On top of all that, Benny had told me I needed to remember, that Tabby was in danger and I could save her. From what?

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

It caught my interest from the beginning. Amnesia. But as the story progressed, I found myself reading faster and faster. The book was full of mystery and suspense.

The plot was going in several directions, but they do come together.

At times I forgot the characters weren’t human. I fell in love with Jonas and Tabby was wonderful. They didn’t even know Stephanie, but would leave everything to protect her, to help her.

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Stephanie wanted to know all the answers. She felt human and had no desire to do anyone any harm, until they threatened her new-found friends. She would do whatever it took to protect them all, even Boss.

Stephanie couldn’t always understand why Boss could be so cold and demanding. Guess she kept forgetting that he was a vampire. Isn’t that how they are? Yet, he took care of and protected Jonas and Tabby.

Then, boom it was over. I read the last page. Oh no, now what? I didn’t want it to end. I am really curious to see where this story will go. Book II: Quest came out October 8, 2012.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Outside of my government job, I write Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Dark and dangerous creatures are my friends. I create worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. I even create new ones. How do I do this? I have a twisted mind and it gets better with wine.

Care to join me in my fantastical worlds? I’ll introduce you to my friends, and if they bite or corrupt your mind… it’s not my fault.

You can find more information about me and my books on the links below:

Website

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Facebook

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Twitter

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Blog

Goodreads

Giveaway – Mary has offered 1 ebook for the giveaway. It is International and easy to enter, as always. Just answer the question – If you were a supernatural being, what would it be and why? – and leave your email. Ends November 5, 2012. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The winner is – bev – I would like to thank everyone that stopped by to comment and enter.

Tweet it out and share it with your friends and family, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow me on my blog and Twitter, not required.

Book II: Quest came out October 8, 2012. To order any of Mary’s books, simply click on the cover below.

To order one of the books, simply click the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

To keep updated on the latest happenings here on fundinmental, follow by email.

Giveaway – $25 Amazon Giftcard and 2 signed paperbacks of The Steel Deal by James Blaklely plus Review

Posted on October 18, 2012 by fundinmental

The Steel Deal by James Blakley

. The Steel Deal

If you are a conspiracy theorist, this may be a book for you. Sonny Busco, a Private Investigator finds himself mixed up with The Men and Women in Black, while trying to keep the other side from stealing sentient steel, a revolutionary new invention that could change the world as we know it. Sentient steel is lightweight like aluminum, elastic like rubber and durable like titanium. It can be shaped into almost any form. It can think and become whatever it wants.

My name is Sonny Busco. I am a Private Investigator. I am fifty-five and feel my age. I drive a twenty-six year old Oldsmobile, that I am never sure will start. I like my Bourbon and I bet on the ponies to try and augment my lack of income.

I have a second job as a security guard. It’s a steady job that helps to cover my bills.

When I am working as a Private Investigator, I wear a Blazer and tie. It’s really hard to tell, though, because I dress the same, whether I am visiting my Bookie, a bill collector or a broad.

I am in hock to a loan shark, because business has been slack. It seems private eyes aren’t in as much demand as we used to be. When I got the call from Pixy, I arranged to meet her right away. She offered me $2500, for what seemed to be a piece of cake job.
I would be able to pay my Bookie, my debts and still have some pocket change.

Santa Fe, Capital of New Mexico (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I saw the girl with the silvery box, I noticed how scared she was. We exchanged our agreed upon coded responses. She told me her name was Pixy Sage and all I had to do was retrieve a suitcase that held a new invention, sentient steel, and deliver it to her in Santa Fe, NM tomorrow night.

My Oldsmobile had broken down, so we got into the Stealth I had borrowed from my mechanic and headed to either the bus station or the train station. She hadn’t told me yet what mode of transportation she would be taking, only that it was too obvious to fly. When she said we were being followed by the taxi behind us, I thought, sure we are. But we were. With the Stealth, I easily lost them. She said only four people knew about sentient steel, now I was the fifth.

The taxi caught up to us and when I slammed on the brakes to avoid getting in a wreck, Pixy jumped out of the car and ran. I thought, no problem. I knew we were to meet in Santa Fe, so I would retrieve the briefcase and head there.

But my way would be much more difficult than I ever could have anticipated.

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. James Blakely sent me a signed paperback. Thank you, James. I love adding another book to my collection.

I loved the cover and the title matched the story. It is not your average PI story, even though at times it seems to be very light-hearted.

The book was very well written. It was 213 pages of mystery, action and fun. The mismatch of fun and interesting characters kept me on my toes. If the plot had been more developed, this book could be rated even higher. It had a feel of James Bond, to me.

There was so much action packed into such a small book, every time I thought it was over, this happened, then this. Nothing big, nothing earth-shaking, but fun. The book can be read in a couple of hours, which I did, over coffee on my patio.

There was plenty of food for thought and it will keep you thinking long after you read the book. If you like conspiracy, this book will help feed your paranoia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Blakley was educated at Missouri Western State College and Washburn University. While at MWSC, he was a local and national award-winning columnist and co-editor of “The Griffon-News”.

Blakley worked 10 1/2 years as a page and as an Assistant Librarian for the River Bluffs Regional Libraries of St. Joseph, MO. He currently lives in Topeka,KS where he worked for The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library before spending several years in clerical and customer support capacities for international computer companies such as EDS and HP.

For those “inquiring minds who want to know”, I’m almost finished with a screenplay version of “The Steel Deal.” And I’m rough-drafting my next novel (due out in late 2013/early 2014).

You can find James Blakely at Goodreads

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Giveaway – James has offered an awesome giveaway.

A $25.00 Amazon Gift Card and

2 signed paperback books for the giveaway.

It is International and easy to enter, as always. Just answer the question – Do you think there have been enough scientific advances that there could be such a thing as sentient steel and if there is, would THEY allow it to be used? – and leave your email. Ends November 14, 2012.

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winners. So without further ado, the winners of The Steel Deal are:

$25 GC – Stuffsmart

PB – Shannon

PB – Christie Rich

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

FOR ALL MY GIVEAWAYS, CLICK HERE.

Tweet it out and share it with your friends and family, not required.

It is always appreciated if you follow me on my blog and Twitter, not required.
To order, simply click on the cover.

What do you do with your Spare Change?

Posted on October 9, 2012 by fundinmental

SPARE CHANGE by Bette Lee Crosby

Not sure what I expected, but it was so much more. Good things do come in small packages.

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In the 20’s it was unusual for a woman to be unmarried, work and live on her own. Olivia had never considered herself a spinster, she just liked her life. She didn’t want to be one of the herd or do what was expected of her. She was terrified of kids. Her father had disowned her at 26 and her mother told her that no one would want an old woman.

It was totally unexpected when she met Charles Doyle. They fell for each other at first glance. When he proposed, she choked on the chocolate truffle she was eating. She told him no and it broke her heart. He told her he didn’t want kids. And if she didn’t want to clean or cook, no problem. Those things weren’t important to him. He had a son he hadn’t seen in fifteen years and a grandson he had never met.

She was very superstitious. During the wedding ceremony, a hail storm broke out. Charlie blew it off, so she did too. She was afraid of the number eleven. On the tenth day of marriage they arrived in Miami for their honeymoon. On the eleventh day, she talked him into staying low-key, taking no chances. They went shopping, she was thinking that nothing could go wrong shopping. He snuck off and bought her a surprise. Back in the room, he told her to close her eyes and he put the necklace around her neck. When she what it was, her heart fell. Opals were bad luck. He died that night.

Susanna Doyle told her husband she had to be in New York City for her singing career. Benjamin knew he would lose her if they went anywhere near there, so he’d played a stalling game with her. He would promise her they would go, then find an excuse not to.

When she became pregnant, life got even worse. To get even, when the baby was born, she named him Ethan Allen, after the furniture store she worked at. As Ethan grew older, their fights became so vicious that he built a fort out back to get away from them.

One day at the diner, he noticed Mister Scooter, the owner, touching his mom’s butt. He asked her about it and she said if he kept quiet, she would make sure she always had enough spare change for him to go to the movies.

Susanna was very excited because Benjamin had promised they would go to New York City in September. When September rolled around, he found another excuse not to go. She had been working and saving the money, so she told Ethan they were going without him, but not to say anything so he wouldn’t find out and try to stop them. She went to the bank for her money, but Benjamin had already closed the account.

Susanna immediately went to Scooter, telling him she wanted to run away with him and Ethan to New York City. He thought about his own kid, for only a moment, and said okay.

Ethan was eleven years old and his mom had always promised him she would never run off without him. But that night, Ethan’s whole world changed.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I don’t know why I was drawn to the cover, title, then the blurb. Something tugged at me.The cover conveyed such a sense of sorrow from the boy. I loved the second reference to spare change, but you will have to read the book to find out what it is, and why the title is so very appropriate.

I am not much for a story without some murder, killing, death, blood, gore, mystery, magic; in other words, some kind of action or adventure. This was a different kind of murder story, more a story of a woman alone, and a boy with no home and no one to love him. The murder was just a small piece.

For a short book, Bette made me feel like the story covered a lifetime. I kept reading faster and faster. I was afraid for Ethan and then both him and Olivia. She put so much story into a small book. Plot was detailed and suspenseful. I kept waiting for…..

The characters were amazing. Her descriptions left me feeling like they were my neighbors. I felt like I knew them. They were realistic and reminiscent of a time when we knew our neighbors. Such a feel good book. Made me tear up and cry because of its sweetness. I know my neighbors and speak to them, but I am a solitary creature, so it really surprised me that I felt such strong emotions while reading the story.

How do you get an eleven year old boy to trust you? I felt Ethan’s fear and panic. To win him over, it took much empathy, patience and compassion. So much, packed into its 280 pages. I know I keep repeating myself, but I still can’t get over how much this book affected me.

I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Not only was the author gracious enough to send me a paperback, she also autographed it for me. I love to add another book to my collection.

Giveaway – Bette Lee Crosby is offering for the giveaway:

International – ebook of Spare Change – OR – US and Canada a signed paperback. As always the entry is easy. Leave a comment telling us what you do with your spare change and an email address.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The Winners Are:

Kimba – won the signed paperback Alana – won the ebook

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

To get your copy of Spare Change or any of Bette’s books, simply click on the covers below.

To see my Review of What Matters Most, go HERE.

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

To see my Review of Cracks In The Sidewalk, go HERE.

Author Interview: Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby (+ Giveaway) (iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com)

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

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

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Murder in Provence by Susan Kiernan-Lewis – Review

Posted on August 23, 2012 by fundinmental

Murder in Provence (Maggie Newberry Mysteries, #3)

Maggie has decided to write a cookbook because she is bored and her husband, Laurent, is a chef. She doesn’t know anything about cooking, but she figures she can get all she needs from him. It is driving him crazy. He seems to spend more time in the vineyard and with his friends at the bar than her.

Everyone had heard of the murder of the nurse who worked at the same hospital as Yves. It had been two weeks and there was no arrest or suspect in sight.

Maggie was losing her best friend, Grace, who was returning to the United States, but she had met Brigitte and they seemed to hit it off right away. Maggie’s life took an immediate turn for the worse when Brigitte, Marie’s daughter was murdered. Grace came for Maggie so they could go to Marie and help in any way possible.

Maggie hadn’t been told that Brigitte had been raped and beaten as she was killed. Rene, Marie’s husband hated Yves, Brigitte’s husband and told the police he knew it was him.

Maggie looked at Marie and she could feel her anguish. How do you handle losing your child? We’re supposed to go first. Maggie went to the kitchen thinking of coffee, just something she could do to help Marie. Detective Inspector Roger Bedard intercepted her, suggesting she come back at another time. That so wasn’t happening. She was not leaving her friend.

Maggie was surprised by her sudden feelings of attraction to the detective. She couldn’t help thinking, what’s this. She loved her husband, Laurent. Did the detective feel it too?

Maggie and Laurent were having dinner, when Maggie blurted out that she wanted to help find the killer. She had helped solve a murder a year earlier and cleared her friend of suspicion at the same time.

La Canard was the meeting place of the village. Maggie made an appointment to meet Detective Bedard at the cafe. He wouldn’t give her any information, but that wouldn’t stop Maggie.

When she returned home, Pijou, Brigitte’s, sister was there, drunk and flirting with Laurent. She told Maggie, not only was Brigitte’s best friend sleeping with Yves, so was she.

Maggie realized she was on her own, and she was surprised to find that it wasn’t so bad in Provence. It had finally started to feel like home.

She was sitting in a cafe when she noticed Madeline entering a house across the street. She decided to visit her to see what she could find out and was glad she did. They hit it off right away and Madeline proceeded to tell her who killed Brigitte. And made a point of telling her that the police hadn’t even questioned him yet.

I was offered this book in return for a fair, honest and unbiased review.

3 STARS – Would Recommend to Others

A nice cover with eye-catching colors. Title tells the story.

A light murder mystery for great summer reading on the beach or around the pool.

The descriptions of the area were so detailed that you could visualize the countryside.

Characters were real. It was interesting to watch Maggie as she grew and changed through the story. Friendship. Amazing how someone can influence you without you realizing it until long after.

There were some editing errors, but I find this a common occurrence in almost every book I read, even from the best sellers of the large publishing houses.

About the Author

Susan Kiernan-Lewis is an Air Force Brat who has traveled the world and racked up over 40 addresses in her life (and she’s not finished yet.) Presently living in Atlanta, Georgia she writes in several genres including mystery, romance and women’s lit. Professionally, Susan is a freelance advertising copywriter and video editor. Connect with her at suekier27@me.com and follow her at her website: susankiernanlewis.wordpress.com.

Susan Kiernan-Lewis has many other books available, these are just a few of them. If you wish to order one, simply click on the cover to take you to Amazon.com.