Thursday, October 31, 2013

Guest Blogger: Joseph Spencer, Author of Wrage (Giveaway)


Sometimes the toughest fight lies within yourself.

As more dark secrets come to light, the battle for souls pushes Prairieville to the brink of war in the living and supernatural realms.

Jeff Wrage swears a blood oath to Abaddon, the supernatural avenger of murder victims, to hunt the crooked cop who butchered his wife. Jeff wonders whether he can be the executioner Abaddon requires. Their pact throws the supernatural realm in chaos and threatens to trigger an apocalyptic fight for control of the afterlife between the Sons of Darkness and Sons of Light foretold in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Orlando Marino sees the death of Cyrus Black as his opportunity to restore the Marino family's stronghold in Prairieville’s organized crime scene and become a mob kingpin. He unleashes a plague, turning its victims into mindless followers. Cyrus' heir is busy rooting out a traitor and is unable to stop the coming turf war in the realm of man.

The fate of all rests with Homicide Detective Anna Duke, who steps into the shoes of her mentor while coming to terms with unrequited love. As she tries to clear the fallen hero's name, she takes on a case where corpses go missing. Her new partner is reported dead. She learns the truth about her true identity and uncovers a trail of secrets questioning her tragic past. She journeys to avert the destruction of all creation.

Purchase your copy:


AMAZON | DAMNATION BOOKS





Field of Screams: Haunts for Halloween Fanatics
by Joseph Spencer

Since I write occult fiction and often set up shop at horror conventions, many friends, family and readers alike often ask me where I like to go to get my share of thrills and chills. If you’re looking to get into the spirit this Halloween season, I’ve compiled a list of America’s greatest attractions for you and your best ghoul to check out.

Salem, Massachusetts

There are so many attractions here which pay tribute to the town’s colorful past. Some of the fan favorites include Count Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery & Monster Museum, Cry Innocent – a live reenactment of the witchcraft examination of Bridget Bishop, Frankenstein’s Castle Wax Museum, Gallows Hill Theater, Salem Witch Hunt reenactment, Salem Witch Museum and Salem Witch Village. For more information, visit www.salem.org.

Pennhurst Asylum – Spring City, Pennsylvania

One of America’s most notorious mental health facilities originally opened as the Eastern Pennsylvania State Institution for the Feeble-Minded & Epileptic in 1908. It was closed down by the government for patient abuse in 1987. In 2010, the administration building was reopened as a haunted house. For more information, visit www.pennhurstasylum.com.

Moundsville Penitentiary – Moundsville, West Virginia

During its more than 100 years in operation, the Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia was one of America’s most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. Many men were hung or killed in the electric chair, while others were murdered by other prisoners. The prison closed in 1995, but according to some, the tortured spirits are still behind bars and in the bowels of the prison and may be seen or heard on a tour. To set up a tour, visit www.wvpentours.com.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Reston, West Virginia

Once known as the Weston State Hospital, this asylum was home to thousands of people with mental illness, starting in 1864. Hundreds of people died here before the facility closed in 1994. Spirits are said to haunt the building and grounds today, dating back to the Civil War era when the asylum’s grounds served as a military post. Paranormal tours of the facility feature 2-hour visits to the asylum’s 4 main hot spots. For more information, visit www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com.

French Quarter Phantoms – New Orleans, Louisiana

Master storytellers who have studied New Orleans’ colorful history lead you on an amazing tour of one of the area’s most popular hot spots. You can pick from five different tours, which include the Ghost and Vampire Tour, Cemetery Tour, Treme Tour, True Crime Tour and Saints and Sinners Tour, or customize one for yourself. For information, visit www.frenchquarterphantoms.com.

Lincoln’s Ghost Walk – Springfield, Illinois

This is in my backyard in central Illinois and one of my favorite attractions in our great state’s capitol. Over the course of 12 city blocks and 90 minutes, you’ll learn a side of President Abraham Lincoln that you can’t find anywhere in the history books. For information, visit www.springfieldwalks.com.

Lemp Mansion – St. Louis, Missouri

Over the years, the mansion was transformed from the stately home of millionaires, to office space, decaying into a run-down boarding house, and finally restored to its current state as a fine dinner theatre, restaurant and bed and breakfast. The scene of triumph and tragedy, with a background of intrigue, scandal and suicide, visitors have reported a wide range of phenomena at the Mansion. For information, visit www.lempmansion.com.

Moore Home – Villisca, Iowa

On the morning of June 10, 1912, the small mid-western community of Villisca, Iowa awoke to find eight of their own had been brutally murdered by an axe during the middle of the night. The walls of this old home today continue to protect the identity of the vicious murderer who bludgeoned to death the entire family of Josiah Moore and two overnight guests. Open for tours today, the old house is said to be the site of a number of paranormal activities. For information, visit www.villiscaiowa.com.

Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado

This old hotel was built in the early 1900′s by F.O. Stanley, who created the Stanley Steam Engine — a steam powered horseless carriage. The majestic Georgian style hotel opened in 1909, catering to the rich and famous. In addition to its regular guests, the hotel is also said to play host to a number of other worldly visitors. The most notable is F.O. Stanley himself who is most often seen in the lobby and the Billiard Room, which was his favorite room when he was still alive. For information, visit www.stanleyhotel.com/tours.

The Queen Mary – Long Beach, California

Resting in Long Beach Harbor is the HMS Queen Mary, a colossal ship that was bigger, faster and more powerful than the Titanic. The 1,000-foot ship began her life when the first keel plate was laid in 1930 at the John Brown shipyard in Clyde, Scotland. The depression held up her construction between 1931 and 1934, but she was finally completed, making her maiden voyage on May 27, 1936. After 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings, she was permanently docked and soon became the luxury hotel that she is today. Today, the museum-hotel ocean liner is said to be called home to a number of ghosts including ghostly children playing by the pool and the spirit of a seventeen-year-old sailor killed while escaping a fire. For information, visit www.queenmary.com.


As a boy, Joseph Spencer immersed himself in the deductive logic of Sherlock Holmes, the heroic crime fighting of Batman and Spider-Man, and a taste for the tragic with dramas from poets like Shakespeare and Homer.

Before Joseph took to spinning his own tales, he pursued a career in print sports journalism, graduating summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He covered such events as NASCAR’s Subway 500 race in Martinsville, the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago, the Junior College World Series, and Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League All-Star Game during a ten-year career throughout the Midwest. Now, he works as an emergency telecommunications specialist with an Illinois police department. The combination of years of writing experience with a background working with law enforcement professionals gave rise to his writing aspirations.

Joseph was married to Dr. Amy (Waggoner) Spencer, an accomplished veterinary doctor, on March 14, 2012. He received word his debut novel was accepted by his publisher, Damnation Books, the next day. Joseph is hard at work on the rest of the series. Book 2 – Wrage – was released June 1, 2013. The Spencer family enjoys reading Charlaine Harris, George R.R. Martin, Mary Janice Davidson, and most paranormal stories. The Spencers also enjoy quoting movie lines from “The Princess Bride”, “Rain Man”, “Bridesmaids”, and “Office Space.”

Visit his website at www.JosephBSpencer.com.


Joseph Spencer will be giving away 
two (2) Starbucks Gift Cards!!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Starbucks Gift Card.
  • This giveaway begins September 2 and ends October 31.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, November 4, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
  • This is an international contest.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!



a Rafflecopter giveaway





First Chapter Review: Dead Man's Time by Peter James



I featured the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace crime series earlier this month. Though books of this nature tend to be favorites of mine, I simply couldn't work this one into my schedule; so I agreed to a first chapter review of Dead Man's Time, which is the latest book in the series. I received the first two chapters from the author's publicist because they are each only one page.

BLURB:  In Dead Man's Time, the latest from international bestselling author Peter James, Roy Grace finds himself up against that most dangerous of all adversaries—a man with fury in his heart who has nothing to lose.

New York, 1922. Five-year-old Gavin Daly and his seven-year-old sister, Aileen, are boarding the SS Mauretania to Dublin—and safety. Their mother has been shot and their Irish mobster father abducted. Suddenly, a messenger hands Gavin a piece of paper on which are written four names and eleven numbers, a cryptic message that will haunt him all his life, and his father's pocket watch. As the ship sails, Gavin watches Manhattan fade into the dusk and makes a promise, that one day he will return and find his father.

Brighton, 2012. Detective Superintendent Roy Grace investigates a savage burglary in Brighton, in which an old lady is murdered and £10m of antiques have been taken, including a rare vintage watch. To Grace’s surprise, the antiques are unimportant to her family—it is the watch they want back. As his investigation probes deeper, he realizes he has kicked over a hornets nest of new and ancient hatreds. At its heart is one man, Gavin Daly, the dead woman’s ninety-five-year-old brother. He has a score to settle and a promise to keep—both of which lead to a murderous trail linking the antiques world of Brighton, the crime fraternity of Spain’s Marbella, and New York.

Roy Grace, in a race against the clock to stop another killing, has met his most dangerous adversary yet.



COVER: I've posted both. The first one is from the paperback version. The other is from the hardcover and Kindle versions. While the first one seems to capture the British coast, the other appears to focus on the watch and the race against time. While I like both covers, I much prefer the color scheme and overall look of the latter.

FIRST CHAPTER: Our story opens in Brooklyn in 1922. A young boy awaits his father's arrival at bedtime. They share the same routine they do every night, not knowing how things are about to change.

SECOND CHAPTER: Four drunk men with murder on their minds make their way down the cobblestone street.

KEEP READING: Yes, especially because I want to see how quickly the modern-day story is introduced. The first two chapters unfold the story taking place in New York in 1922, so I haven't met the main character yet. That can be risky when trying to connect a reader to the MC, but it's not unusual in mystery and crime fiction for the crime to come first and then the detective makes his way on the scene later.

I liked the tenderness of the first chapter's interaction between the boy and his father. It helps you to feel sorry for what you know is coming based upon the blurb. The only thing I didn't care for is the people aren't given names. The third person narrator calls them "the boy" and "the boy's father." Other than the pet names of "little guy" and "big guy" that they have for each other, they aren't identified. That's off-putting to me. Perhaps it's intentional, to make it seem like this could be a tender moment between any boy and his father; but I didn't care for it.

This looks like it will be a nail-biter.



Series: Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (Book 9)
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (October 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250030188
ISBN-13: 978-1250030184

I received the first two chapters of this novel from the author's publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Spotlight and Excerpt: The Council of Light by Danielle Rama Hoffman


Galactic teachings and practices to raise your vibrational energy and create a life of joy, abundance, and ease

• Provides direct transmissions of spiritual technology from the Council of Light to activate the 11 Rays of Light

• Reveals that by shifting your consciousness and raising your inner vibration, you can change your daily life experience and manifest the life you want

• Includes guided journeys and exercises to manifest health, wealth, happiness, and purpose and to form a direct connection with the Council of Light

Through her advanced spiritual work with Thoth, Danielle Rama Hoffman was introduced to the Council of Light--an intergalactic group of thousands of light beings from across the Multiverse. Their purpose is to support individuals as they shift into Unity Consciousness and return to their natural state of joy. The Council transmitted the teachings in this book for those seeking to accelerate their journey toward health, wealth, happiness, and their soul's deepest desires.

The Council's teachings reveal that by shifting your consciousness and raising your inner vibration, you can change your daily life experience and manifest the life you want. These direct transmissions of spiritual technology from the Council include activations for the 11 Rays of Light, guided journeys and meditations, and written, spoken, energetic, and breathwork exercises to creatively turn your debt into wealth, transfigure your food into light for better health and well-being, enhance your abilities for interdimensional travel, and return to your natural inner state of joy. The Council explains how each Ray of Light has a specific vibration and application and can assist in removing any blocks to achieving your soul's purpose. The Emerald Ray, for example, activates the signature energy of your authentic and full self, and the Venus Ray, the Ray of Opulence, supports alignment with abundance and prosperity.

Offering an opportunity to form a direct connection with the Council of Light, this book provides practical tools to move from a life of worry, debt, exhaustion, and isolation to one of joy, abundance, purpose, ease, and connectedness, with a team of Divine supporters to assist you along the way.

Excerpt:


De-clutter and Stop Procrastinating
Replacing a Habit. When you stop a habit, when you quit smoking for instance, it is more successful if you replace this habit with something else. Perhaps going for a walk, chewing on a toothpick, running, or having something else that replaces the habit. The Council of Light, as you can tell, has provided very practical applications of how you can begin to replace the internal dynamic struggle, the habit of negative emotional patterns, and belief systems with active processes.
The ancients have used mantra, pranayama breath, and sound current to provide the space for alignment to occur, and these are viable techniques. We are offering additional ones that we feel will address the discomfort of the modern day and the average person who is overstimulated and overwhelmed and who has an internal dialogue that is running out of control.
Becoming Current
As we said earlier, as the consciousness on the Earth continues to shift things are going to continue to dissolve in ways around you—this is a good and necessary thing. The more that you can feel at peace and at ease the better. We would encourage you to complete the projects that you are able to complete to free up your energy, as well as create a demarcation point from that which you were engaged in at a previous vibrational vantage point.
Written Exercise: Finish Projects and Dissolve That Which Is No Longer Current
 Take a few minutes to contemplate your life. Notice what projects you are ready to complete. Also, identify areas that you are feeling called to just let go of. Take some time to write down what you are choosing to dissolve and what you are choosing to complete so you can become energetically current. Then create some guidelines as to how and when you would like to complete these areas and projects. Remember to include patterns that are no longer serving you, as well as physical items like cleaning out your closet. If you find an area that you have been stuck in for a long time, create a plan that includes getting added support. Take all the time that you would like with this exercise.
Excerpt from The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul By Danielle Rama Hoffman

© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Danielle Rama Hoffman is a divine transmitter and scribe of ancient and innovative wisdoms for the purpose of elevating consciousness and inspiring personal growth. She is a leader in the shift into unity consciousness, living from joy, purpose and prosperity as divine creator beings.

Danielle supports spirit centered light-workers, visionaries, coaches and personal growth enthusiasts to access their inner divinity so they can confidently share their purpose and unique contribution prosperously (unencumbered by fear, shame or doubt) and manifest the life they desire.

She is the award winning author of The Temples of Light, creator of bestselling, life changing divinely guided programs such as Divine Birthright Activation, the Prosperous Soul and Thoth's Magic Academy. She leads tours to Egypt and offers private retreats in Southern France where she lives part-time with her husband, Dr. Friedemann Schaub.

Through Danielle Rama Hoffman’s advanced spiritual work with Thoth, she was introduced to the Council of Light—an intergalactic group of thousands of light beings from across the Multiverse. Their purpose is to support individuals as they shift into Unity Consciousness and return to their natural state of joy. The Council transmitted the teachings in this book for those seeking to accelerate their journey toward health, wealth, happiness, and their soul’s deepest desires. Order today and receive an array of valuable gifts www.counciloflightbook.com.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Review: A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg

It would be hard to keep me away from a seasonal title, but when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens has long been a favorite of mine. I was thrilled to learn my daughter is reading it this year for English Language Arts.

A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg opens five years after the actual death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Bob Cratchit, patriarch of the Cratchit family and Scrooge's former clerk, now owns Scrooge and Marley. In the years since Scrooge's death, Bob's generosity has run amok; not only leaving him the unwitting victim of shysters and the Cratchit family distanced from each other, but Bob's poor management skills have left Scrooge and Marley teetering on the verge of ruin. Scrooge makes a ghostly appearance to Cratchit, warning him he will be visited by three spirits.

In as much as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is an indictment on capitalism, A Christmas Carol 2 is a humorous commentary on what happens when money is handed over to people or causes without first applying good judgment and common sense. The three spirits aim to show Cratchit the error of his ways and how even though his intentions are admirable, his actions often create more problems than real help. Readers find sprinkled throughout this tale, characters from other Dickens books and numerous footnotes about these characters or supposed conversations between Dickens and his publisher.

A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg is a real treat. While many retellings of Scrooge's transformation have come to us over the years, this is perhaps the most unique twist of the story I've seen, and it certainly is one of the funniest. I'm hoping I might be able to sneak in another reading of it before the year ends. Some of the text will be familiar to readers of A Christmas Carol, and though the style has a modern feel to it, it also captures the essence of Dickens. This reader feels that while this is a light and humorous story, it highlights an issue that plays itself out in political and social circles today. If you enjoy tales of the season, you won't want to miss this one.

Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: Third Road Press (November 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615727573
ISBN-13: 978-0615727578


I received a paperback copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tours. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.





Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Book Spotlight with Excerpt from The Council of Light by Danielle Rama Hoffman


Galactic teachings and practices to raise your vibrational energy and create a life of joy, abundance, and ease

• Provides direct transmissions of spiritual technology from the Council of Light to activate the 11 Rays of Light

• Reveals that by shifting your consciousness and raising your inner vibration, you can change your daily life experience and manifest the life you want

• Includes guided journeys and exercises to manifest health, wealth, happiness, and purpose and to form a direct connection with the Council of Light

Through her advanced spiritual work with Thoth, Danielle Rama Hoffman was introduced to the Council of Light--an intergalactic group of thousands of light beings from across the Multiverse. Their purpose is to support individuals as they shift into Unity Consciousness and return to their natural state of joy. The Council transmitted the teachings in this book for those seeking to accelerate their journey toward health, wealth, happiness, and their soul's deepest desires.

The Council's teachings reveal that by shifting your consciousness and raising your inner vibration, you can change your daily life experience and manifest the life you want. These direct transmissions of spiritual technology from the Council include activations for the 11 Rays of Light, guided journeys and meditations, and written, spoken, energetic, and breathwork exercises to creatively turn your debt into wealth, transfigure your food into light for better health and well-being, enhance your abilities for interdimensional travel, and return to your natural inner state of joy. The Council explains how each Ray of Light has a specific vibration and application and can assist in removing any blocks to achieving your soul's purpose. The Emerald Ray, for example, activates the signature energy of your authentic and full self, and the Venus Ray, the Ray of Opulence, supports alignment with abundance and prosperity.

Offering an opportunity to form a direct connection with the Council of Light, this book provides practical tools to move from a life of worry, debt, exhaustion, and isolation to one of joy, abundance, purpose, ease, and connectedness, with a team of Divine supporters to assist you along the way.

Excerpt

A Written Exercise to Manifest the Deepest Desires of Your Soul

Written Exercise: Exploration of the Deepest Desires of the Soul.

We would like to complete this segment with a writing exercise. What is it that you would like to connect to in this moment that would totally realize the deepest desires of your soul?

Once you have your paper, pen, or computer and keyboard ready call upon the Love Ray. You may do the same exercise that we did in the beginning of connecting to your heartbeat, connecting to your pituitary gland, connecting to the base of your spine, calling upon the Love Ray and letting it build a pathway and the spiral of ascension and descension. Call upon the Love Ray; when you feel that you’ve connected and you have an awareness that you feel a greater sense of harmony or a greater sense of peace, ask to connect to your soul and to communicate to your soul. The Love Ray is creating a deeper interconnectedness, a oneness to your soul and the consciousness that your soul has. Then ask, “What are the deepest desires of my soul?”

Spend a few moments writing about the deepest desires of your soul. Maybe this is in longhand or maybe it comes out as a list. Spend about ten minutes with this and in the last couple of minutes, if you can, create a list or a sentence that really embodies for you the deepest desires of your soul.

The reason that we’re recommending that you don’t spend tons of time on this is because when you’re in this interconnectedness with the soul it just comes quickly; you can trust that what comes through is what you’re wanting to know at this time. Once you have your written form you may want to put it on a different piece of paper. Then imagine that you are calling upon the Love Ray and that you’re dropping units of the Love Ray onto this piece of paper, and that that is a process of manifestation. It’s disintegrating anything that is creating a lack of connection between you and what it is that you’re choosing to have in your life, and that it is also amplifying your vibration to be in the high vibration of that which you would choose.

Excerpt from The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul By Danielle Rama Hoffman

© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Danielle Rama Hoffman is an ancient wisdom keeper, divine transmitter, and a leader in the shift into Unity Consciousness. She is the author of The Temples of Light and The Council of Light and creator of Divine Transmissions Inc. She provides energy facilitation and consciousness coaching to empower empaths, visionaries and new thought leaders to prosperously share their purpose and manifest the deepest desires of their soul.


Through Danielle Rama Hoffman’s advanced spiritual work with Thoth, she was introduced to the Council of Light—an intergalactic group of thousands of light beings from across the Multiverse. Their purpose is to support individuals as they shift into Unity Consciousness and return to their natural state of joy. The Council transmitted the teachings in this book for those seeking to accelerate their journey toward health, wealth, happiness, and their soul’s deepest desires. Order Wednesday Oct 30, 2013 and receive an array of valuable gifts www.counciloflightbook.com.


Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Scariest Looking Book Covers


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Back in my younger days, I actually watched horror movies and read some horror novels. I can't say I've done much of that over the past decade or so, but I still enjoy one now and then.

The original cover for It by Stephen King is creepy and mysterious.



The new cover after the TV movie was released was a nightmare maker. If the second cover was in the bookstore when I was browsing, I sure wouldn't be visiting the circus any time soon.



An early cover of The Woman in Black...


is not quite as dark and foreboding as the one released after the movie. That image in the background gives me the willies.



Baby carriages on the covers of horror novels should be a no-no.


What is it with evil-looking clowns?


Yuck. What else can I say?


She can keep her peculiar children.


This one is a great book. It's romantic suspense, not horror, but that cover creeps me out. Maybe dolls and knives just remind me of Chucky from Child's Play too much.


I'm guessing the covers for the zombie take on classics are supposed to be funny, but they gross me out.




This one's enough to make me scared of dogs forever.


This one always creeped me out. I'm guessing it's all the blood.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Interview with Larry Brill, Author of The Patterer (Giveaway)

Larry Brill spent 25 years as a TV news anchor and reporter, picking up numerous awards along the way. After leaving the business in 2000 to set up a video and marketing consulting business, Larry penned his first novel, Live At Five, a gentle lampooning of the TV news business. His second novel The Patterer, carries the same theme back in time to explore how today’s news clichés might play to an 18th century London theater audience.

Visit the author at www.larrybrill.com

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Born in San Jose, CA, I stayed close to home and got a Journalism degree from San Jose State University before spending the next 25 years as a TV news anchor and reporter in four states. My last stint was at the NBC affiliate in Austin, TX where I decided I liked the town enough to stay here. I left broadcasting to start my own video production and marketing firm.

What made you become a writer?

I can’t think of a time when I wasn’t telling stories or writing in one form or another-- high school newspaper, college, all those years as a journalist. As a kid, I wrote my first long story in a Big Chief tablet. It was a total rip-off of the Hardy Boys.

Can you tell us about your latest book?

The Patterer is a very funny story that imagines what it would be like if a common street performer with uncommonly gifted pattering skills in 1765 London decided to create a “news performance” that anticipates today’s TV newscasts. It’s like Monte Python meets Charles Dickens.

The hero, Leeds Merriweather, wants to be taken seriously as a journalist but doesn’t have the resources to publish his own newspaper. After a chance, drunken encounter with Ben Franklin, he’s inspired to hire a zany cast of characters to create the news performance. becoming history’s first celebrity newscaster.
This is just my way of poking fun at the clichés of today’s TV newscasts using a historical setting.

What inspired you to write it?


I was reading Eric Burns’ book on the history of journalism in America. Early on, when he traces its roots back to Europe, he had one short paragraph that mentioned the existence of these fellows called “Patterers” who would stand on the street corner and deliver bits of news.

With my 25 years experience as a TV news anchor it was a simple leap for me to imagine a character and a storyline that took the concept to absurd extremes. Once I created the hero, Leeds Merriweather, he took over and told the story himself. I just took dictation and published it.

What is one thing you hope readers will take away from this book?

Actually two things. First, news people today, especially on the local level, take themselves way too seriously. At the end of the day, what they do is entertain the audience.

The second thing is that the stuff that professionals call news has not changed one iota over the centuries. Only the technology to deliver it has changed.

Where can readers buy The Patterer?

Amazon or our local independent bookstore in Austin.  I always encourage supporting independent bookstores and the IndieBound network. You may purchase online.

If you could meet any writer (living or dead) who would it be?

There are so many who would be battling it out for a spot on my top ten list. This may seem like too pat of an answer, but I would start with Hemmingway. He isn’t necessarily my favorite author, but his life experiences would make him a natural choice for someone with whom I’d like to sit down, share a bottle of wine and swap stories.

What is one fact about yourself you wish to share with our readers?

Since humor is the engine that drives my stories, I would reveal that I was once the official “Worst” writer in America. Every year the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest holds a tongue-in-cheek competition to intentionally write the worst opening sentence to an imaginary novel. It’s based on the opening line that Snoopy made famous “It was a dark and stormy night…” Bulwer-Lytton gets upwards of ten thousand entries each year and I won the contest more than a decade ago. So my goal as a writer now, with two novels out, is to reach the bestseller list and stake the claim that I went from worst to first.

What is up next for you?

I’m plotting a sequel to The Patterer that brings our hero to America in time to witness and comment in his irreverent way on the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.

In the meantime, I’ve been kidnapped by a story that is trying to write itself. If you could go back to high school and change one thing, would you and what would that be?

That story line has been beaten to death, but always involves some mystical happenstance or encounter with a time machine. My thought is what if someone was obsessed with wanting a “do-over”, but at age 50+ doesn’t have access to time travel? How far would he go to recreate his senior year of high school?

Is there anything you would like to add?

Nope. It’s best not to get me started lest we be here all day.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Patterer. Use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Chapter Review: The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazar (New Release Giveaway)



When I heard Aaron Paul Lazar was releasing a romantic suspense novel, I signed up for his book tour right away. I've enjoyed his mysteries, so I knew I wanted to keep up to date on the new books this author has available.


BLURB:  They say it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Finn McGraw disagrees.

He was just seventeen when he had a torrid summer affair with the girl who stole his heart—and then inexplicably turned on him, just before being sent to boarding school. Finn may have moved on with his life, but he’s never forgotten her.

Now, ten years later, he’s got more than his lost love to worry about. A horrific accident turns his life upside down, resurrecting the ghosts of his long-dead family at the same time it takes the lives of the few people he has left.

Finn always believed his estranged brother was responsible for the fire that killed their family—but an unexpected inheritance with a mystery attached throws everything he knows into doubt.

And on top of that, the beguiling daughter of his wealthy employer has secrets of her own. But the closer he gets, the harder she pushes him away.

The Seacrest is a story of intrigue and betrayal, of secrets and second chances—and above all, of a love that never dies.

COVER: Horses and Cape Cod. Does it get any better? The golden colors on this cover make it eye-catching, as does the darker golden color of the script font. All covers should be this nice.

FIRST CHAPTER: The story opens in present day when Finn McGraw receives news that throws his life into chaos.

KEEP READING: Oh, my gosh, yes. From the minute Finn steps on the scene, which is the first sentence, I knew I would keep going. Lazar paints that awful moment when Finn watches the police cruiser drive up The Seacrest's driveway until it stops ten feet in front of him. And then the delivery of the horrible news comes, followed by Finn's dazed reaction to it all. I was there, holding my breath, as I felt and lived it all with Finn; knowing I need to learn the rest of his story.

File Size: 439 KB
Print Length: 286 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00G1TDBRI

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning, bestselling Kindle author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming releases THE SEACREST (2013), SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).

ONLINE LINKS:
·         Website    http://www.lazarbooks.com
·         Blog1       http://www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com
·         Blog2     http://www.murderby4.blogspot.com
·         Facebook1     https://www.facebook.com/AaronPaulLazarTwitter  (personal page)
·         Facebook2   https://www.facebook.com/aplazar2  (author page)
·         Goodreads    http://bit.ly/17dYYY8


BUY NOW LINK:
·         Amazon http://amzn.to/16pjh4i
·         Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/369357

Giveaway:
FACEBOOK Release Day Event!!! LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS




10/28 First Chapter Review The Book Connection
10/29  ReviewT B R
10/31 Except My Kindle Fever
11/4 Review Cathy Brockman romances
11/7 Guest Post Sheila Deeth 
11/8 Review Jbarrett5
 11/21 Guest Post Mythical Books
11/26 Review Pure Jonel
11/26 Excerpt Sylv Jenkins Author
11/29 Review Harlie's Books
11/29 Review  Lissette E. Manning
Amazon Review LaGina
Amazon Review Grandbub
Amazon Review melanie ramey



I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Interview with Sherry James, Author of the Studs 4 Hire Series (Giveaway)


Welcome back, Sherry. It’s been a while. Why don’t you bring us up to date on what’s been going on since you were here last in 2010.

Thanks for having me again, Cheryl. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Time really does fly. Since then I re-released the first two Studs 4 Hire books, which we’ll talk more about in a minute, released my first Western Historical Romance novella, The Cowboy and the Hellcat, and have multiple manuscripts in the works which I hope to see released sometime this coming next year.

I have two active kids who are very involved in 4-H, and my husband and I are 4-H leaders for our county’s horse club. We all ride and show, plus we put up all of our own hay. Needless to say our summers are pretty busy. But, all of that physical activity and work is great for countering the sedentary time I spend at the computer writing!

I’ve never been able to tell which I like better, your romantic comedy stories or your cowboy ones; though there’s humor in both. Do you do anything differently when you’re writing for one subgenre versus the other?

Hmm. I guess the biggest thing is that for the Studs 4 Hire series I amp up the humor, or at least try to! With my cowboy stories I like to interject a little humor here and there to lighten some moments, to give the reader a reprieve from the tension and a chance to relate to the characters from a relaxed, everyday life perspective.

But the Studs books are romantic comedy so they require humor to be sprinkled in from the first page until the very last. When I plot the Studs books I also purposefully concoct storylines which naturally lend themselves to a lighter, humorous tone. That doesn’t mean the characters' motivations or goals aren’t just as important as in a serious or darker book, they are. They’re just twisted in a fun and quirky way. A few movies I think are great at illustrating this are Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and What a Girl Wants. All serious conflicts we can relate to or understand, yet twisted up with humor.

Writing humor is not always easy, though. It’s very subjective. As I’m writing a Studs book I’m constantly pushing myself for a better, funnier way to say or show something. I look at normal everyday things or situations, and try to put a quirky spin on them so people can not only relate, hey, crap happens to us all!, yet, have a good laugh, too.

And humor doesn’t always have to be the knock-your-socks off type; it can be low key, even very subtle. My brother, Rob, is great at low key humor. He’s not the type of guy who walks into the room and is instantly the life of the party by wowing everyone with jokes. He’s shy and sweet, and his wit is so subtle it sometimes just comes out of the blue and hits you when you least expect it.

You decided to re-release and self-publish the first two books in your Studs 4 Hire series. Did you enjoy the experience? Any tips on what to do and what to avoid?



I did enjoy it, although it wasn’t an experience without challenges. But, it was nice to get the control back on the two books. I used an independent publisher and we gave the books another edit, and fresh new covers I’m really excited about. I think these covers showcase the lighter, romantic tone of the books, especially, Woman in Charge. It’s one of my favorite covers. The heroine is really cute, the colors pop, and, of course, there’s Elvis!

As for tips? Wow. How many hours do we have?! ;-)
Let’s just say there is definitely a learning curve to the whole process. I suggest anyone considering independent publishing to educate themselves as much as possible before you indie publish—talk to other writers who have done it, take an online class or two, read the best indie publishing books available, and stay up-to-date with current marketing strategies. The more you know the less you’ll be kicking yourself for wishing you’d done things differently.

I want to reiterate, this is really a learn-as-you-go endeavor, and you need to be prepared for the unexpected. The odds are favorable you’ll encounter a few things you really had no way of anticipating beforehand. Every author’s career is unique and so every author’s results are going to be unique, too. Some authors I know are making bestseller lists and six figure incomes, while others are barely making enough to meet their writing expenses.

For me the whole pricing aspect has been one of the biggest head scratchers.
1. What’s the right price point for the length of my book?
2. What’s the right price point that won’t give my book the stigma it’s of low quality?
3. What’s the right price point that won’t over price the book so readers are reluctant to try an author unknown to them?
4. And finally, what’s the right price point for me to net enough money to pay the expenses of independently publishing the book, plus, hopefully, provide me with at least a part-time income?

Also, there is the challenge of wearing multiple hats. When you indie publish, you have to do it all, from editing, cover art, distribution and promotion. You might hire an editor or a cover artist, but you’re still the one to make the final call and decide if the book is ready for publication.

But don’t let all of that hold you back. Sometimes you just have to jump in and do it. Experience is your best teacher. All that being said, yes, indie publishing has been frustrating at times, but it has also been very rewarding. If there is one thing I’ve learned in the twenty plus years I’ve been writing it’s this—the writing business is a crap shoot. Keep your sense of humor, be patient, and have fun. If you can do that the odds are in your favor you won’t lose your sanity.

You’ve got a new Studs 4 Hire novella coming out next month. What can you tell us about it?

I’d love to! ELF TROUBLE is the first of what I hope to be a number of Holiday Studs 4 Hire “shorts” that will be coming out over the next couple of years. The big books are about the women behind the company, Sydnie, Casey, and Terri, and yes, Terri will get her story soon. I promise. The novellas will bring the guys, okay, the Studs, who work for the company, to center stage.

Here’s a teaser!

Gil Boyd hates Christmas, so when his bosses at Studs 4 Hire assign him to construct a Santa house for a local animal shelter’s annual fundraising event, he’s forced to quiet his inner Grinch and get the job done.

But Gil doesn’t count on quirky shelter volunteer, Holly Everwood, her unwavering holiday spirit, and her zany mutt to tempt his resolve to remain unattached. Can Holly show him the real magic of Christmas does exist if only he’ll open his heart?

Elf Trouble will be available at the various online booksellers starting in November. Watch my web site and Facebook page for an actual release date announcement.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

My website www.sherryjames.com. Plus they can find me on Facebook and on Twitter @SherryJames. I also blog the second Friday of each month at www.authorsbymoonlight.com

What’s up next for you?

Let’s see . . . where do I start? I have a ton of projects lined upped, the trick is getting them all done. As I mentioned, I have more of the Studs 4 Hire Holiday “shorts” in the works, and Terri’s story, Woman to the Rescue.

The sequel to Cowboy Fling is almost done and I hope to see it released sometime next year. The working title is Cowboy Affair. I hope readers will be excited to see how Paige’s sister, Dorie, fared on her side of the sexual fantasy bet. I know it’s been a long time coming.

I also have another western historical in the works. It’s entitled The Madam of Nickel Creek. I love this story. And Vin and Lilac have been prodding at me for a long time to finish their book. But they have to wait a while longer. I have a bit more work to do on another contemporary western romance I’m getting ready to send to a traditional publishing house.

Whew! That’s a lot on my plate, I know. I’m hoping to have a very productive winter!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!



In honor of the upcoming release of Elf Trouble, I’m holding a giveaway. Email me at sherryjames@hamilton.net with your name and snail mail address by Nov. 1st . Please put Book Connection Giveaway in the subject line. I will randomly select one winner from all entries to win an autographed copy of Studs 4 Hire Woman on Top, and the cutest little elf who will fly into your mailbox to share with you a great recipe for a delicious Elf Cocktail. Just in time for Holiday entertaining!

Thanks again for having me here, Cheryl. Always a pleasure.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Series Spotlight: Roy Grace Detective Series by Peter James

Not Dead Yet (October 8, Minotaur Books, PB) the 8th novel in the Roy Grace crime series, follows Gaia, a Hollywood star leaving her home to shoot a movie on location in Brighton, England. Days before she is about to leave, an attempt is made on her life by an obsessed stalker. As the stalker is at large in Brighton, Roy Grace and his team find themselves in a desperate race against time to save Gaia's life from a maniac who will stop at nothing to kill her.


In Dead Man's Time (October 15, Minotaur Books, HC), the 9th novel in the Roy Grace series, Superintendent Detective Roy Grace finds himself up against the most dangerous adversary yet. The story begins in 1920s New York when a five year old boy and his sister are boarding a ship to Dublin after their mother was shot and their father abducted. The boy is suddenly handed a cryptic message that will haunt him all his life and his father's pocket watch when he vows that he will return to find his father. Almost 90 years later, Detective Grace investigates a burglary in Brighton where £10m of antiques and a rare vintage watch has been taken and soon finds himself in a murderous trail linking the antiques world of Brighton, the crime fraternity of Spain's Marbella, and New York.

Previous book in this series:

Dead Man's Grip
Dead Like You
Dead Tomorrow
Dead Man's Footsteps
Not Dead Enough
Looking Good Dead
Dead Simple


Buy Peter's books at:




Peter James is the #1 international bestselling author of the Roy Grace series.

An established film producer and scriptwriter, James lived in the U.S. for a number of years and produced films, including The Merchant Of Venice, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes. A TV adaptation of the Roy Grace series is currently in development, with James overseeing all aspects, including scriptwriting. In 2009 James was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Brighton in recognition of his services to literature and the community. He is Patron of Crimestoppers in Sussex alongside Vera Lynn and in 2012 was made Patron of The Whitehawk Inn. In 2011 James became Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association. He has won many literary awards, including the publicly voted ITV3 Crime Thriller Awards People’s Bestseller Dagger in 2011 and was shortlisted for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize for Perfect People in 2012.

James’ novels have been translated into thirty-six languages and three have been turned into films. All of his novels reflect a deep interest in the world of the police, with whom he does in–depth research and has unprecedented access, as well as science, medicine and the paranormal. James divides his time between his homes in Notting Hill in London and near Brighton in Sussex.

Visit him online at www.peterjames.com

A Light in Dark Places Book Blast


In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case.

For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all—including the deaths of her beloved nephews.

In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path—and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.


Praise for A Light in Dark Places

I just finished reading “A Light in Dark Places” By Jennifer Graves and Emily Gray Clawson. I was impressed with how well written the book was. The descriptions are such that I felt I was part of the story. I was grateful that the message was one of hope and peace in tragedy. The book does tell the tale of Susan Powell, her boys and their demise but doesn’t dwell on it. It was nice to see inside the life experiences of someone so close to them and to see things from Jennifer’s perspective rather than what you see on the media. I highly recommend this book. It doesn’t disappoint! – T. Hyde

I love true accounts of people overcoming challenges and helping others with the lessons learned from them. This story of Jennifer’s experiences throughout her abusive childhood, and later the disappearance of Susan and the murder of her two sweet nephews is just that. She shares how she felt God’s hand in her life, guiding her to make better choices than the rest of her family did. Though the book had so many sad details, it ended with hope, courage and love. ~D. Raymond

I had followed the story of Susan Powell very closely so I wasn’t sure if the book was going to tell me something I didn’t already know…but it sure did. Jennifer was very brave in writing this book and all she had done in support for Susan. I highly recommend the book it sheds a light on the whole situation that helps make things more clear. ~ Carolyn

This was a very informative read. I lived in Utah at the time of Susan’s disappearance and followed the news every day. This book answered many questions that the news did not. Although it was very sad and I already knew the outcome it was a good read. I admire Jennifer for her part in the whole story and I am glad she had the fortitude to write this book to honor her sister in law. ~Katie O.

To finally read about details that were never shared brought closure for me about this insidious crime. While the book was an easy read, the message shared about breaking the cycle of abusive relationships is invaluable. It truly does take someone removing themselves from their abusive family’s presence to stop the cycle. Praises to the author for sharing her perspectives. ~Arlene

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18169762-a-light-in-dark-places 


Jennifer Graves is the mother of 5 beautiful children, 2 girls and 3 boys. She and her husband have been happily married for 19 years and together have been active in their community and church.

Jennifer is the sister of Josh Powell who killed his 2 sons, Charlie and Braden, as well as himself in February of 2012, and is also believed to have killed his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009.

She is the recipient of the 2013 ChainBreaker of the year Award, given for breaking the chain of abuse and violence in her family.

She enjoys homeschooling their children and mentoring in classes for the commonwealth school they attend. She also loves reading, playing card and board games, and learning new things. Most of all she loves to spend time with her husband and children. They currently reside in West Jordan, UT.




Emily Clawson is an author, a mother and a mentor. She traditionally writes inspirational fiction. This book has been a life changing experience for her and she is grateful to have been a part of telling this story. She resides in Taylorsville with her husband and four children where they run their leadership mentoring programs for youth.






BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/15/13
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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