Virtual Book Tour Review and Giveaway: Moving On: A Prairie Romance by Annette Bower

(A contemporary novella from XOXO Publishing)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Annette is giving away  a $25 GC to All Romance eBooks to one randomly drawn commenter during her tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Anna is a mysterious woman that has just moved to Regina Beach. The residents of the small town know everyone’s business and they are very interested in discovering Anna’s secrets. Nick was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army, doing active duty until a horrific accident sent him home to recover. He helps Anna feel safe and comfortable in her new environment, just as he has always done for his men in strange, dangerous places. Meanwhile, he focuses on preparing for his future physical endurance test to prove that he is capable of returning to active duty.

Anna doesn’t talk about her past, and Nick doesn’t talk about his future therefore she is shocked to discover that his greatest wish is to return to active duty. She won’t love a man who may die on the job again. Intellectually, she knows that all life cycles end, but emotionally, she doesn’t know if she has the strength to support Nick.


This story is got my attention from the very first page. After reading the first couple of paragraphs, I was hooked. I had to know what was going on. Why was the heroine was there, and why she was so sad?  The amount of character building the author did in only a few words was fantastic.

The writing was beautiful and descriptive, and I felt as though I was inside the heroine’s head while she lived through the things that were going on. She was starting a new life and hoping to be happy again someday, and because I was so caught up with her, I wanted the same thing.

The town she moved  to was a small, delightful place, warm and friendly to everyone, including strangers. They took you into their hearts immediately.  It was a place where folks were family.  You mattered.  And even when they butted in to your business, it was only with your best interests at heart.

The hero was a soldier who lived at a B&B and was injured physically and mentally. That they would meet and come together was a given, but it became more than that. They were both wounded spirits. As they spent time together, it was a lovely, warm and fun story. Everyone in the village helped them in their search for life again.

I couldn’t put the story down until I finished it. I wanted the both to be happy again. And although the story ended somewhat abruptly, I was satisfied with the finish. I think anyone looking for a sweet and warm romance will love this story.

4/5 Flowers

Annette Bower lives and writes in Regina, SK Canada. She is an author of many short stories published in anthologies and magazines in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. She explores women in families, women in communities and women at the beginning and end of love and their quest for love. She pursues the writing craft in workshops, conferences, Writing with Style, Banff Centre for the Arts, Victoria School of Writing, Sage Hill Writing Experience, the Surrey International Writing Conferences and the Romance Writing of America Conferences.

When she isn’t writing she walks or bikes around the streets and parks in her neighborhood imagining complex worlds behind seemingly ordinary events.

Her first contemporary romance, Moving On A Prairie Romance is published by XoXo Publishing™ a division of Ninni Group Inc.

Website: http://www.annettebower.com/
Blog: http://www.annettebower.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Annette-Bower-XOXO-Publishing-Author/378438088839629

Recommendations:

I have just been reading MOVING ON on my Kindle. It's lovely... -- a gentle, feel-good book with a nice variety of individualized characters and a positive over-all message. The familiar setting was a treat too. Congratulations! I would recommend it. - Mary Balogh: http://www.marybalogh.com/

“Moving On: A Prairie Romance” by Annette Bower In “Moving On: A Prairie Romance”, Annette Bower explores the redemptive power of affection. When we meet Nick and Anna, the characters at the centre of the novel, both are reeling from devastating personal tragedies, and both are fearful of making a connection that would open them to future pain. In the course of the novel, Nick and Anna slowly but surely learn to trust and to hope. Bower’s warm tale of the coming together of her two very likable protagonists is told with a keen eye and an understanding heart. This lake-side romance is perfect summer reading. ….Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn series. http://www.gailbowen.com/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Finding My Faith by Carly Fall

Today we're welcoming author Carly Fall to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her paranormal romance novel with the very clever title (read the blurb, you'll see why!), "Finding My Faith".

Carly will be giving away two eBook copies of The Light Within Me (the first book of this series) at each tour stop; a $15 All Romance eBooks GC for one randomly drawn commenter. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win!

Carly graciously answered my questions.  Thanks, Carly!

Your book is a departure from most paranormal books. Where did you get your idea for "Finding My Faith"?

The whole Six Saviors series was born when I toured a decommissioned missile silo in Tucson. They had a program where you could spend a boatload of money and spend the night there, and I began thinking about what it would be like to live in a missile silo. Then my husband and I were joking around about how funny it would be if aliens lived in a missile silo, and there was the series.

Finding My Faith is the second book in the series and focuses on the warrior Rayner, who is a Forest Dweller on his planet. They live off the land as Native American Indians used to, so I wanted all of that to tie together within the story.

What kind of research went into your story?

Faith is a Native American who is part of a legend. I did a lot of research into Native American legends to try to find one that would fit within the book, but I couldn't find one. I had to make up my own.

Do you have any odd writing quirks, superstitions or habits?

Not really. I do have a bunch of white noise on my Ipod that I listen to when I write, but that's about it. And I know that they will soon discover that Hershey's Kisses increase creativity. That's what I tell myself anyway :)

Plotter or Pantser?

A little bit of both. I do plot out my books, but sometimes things don't go as planned and I end up going by the seat of my pants until I can get things back on track.

Do you have anything new coming up?

I do. I'm currently in the editing process of the third installment of the Six Saviors Series that will focus on the warrior Hudson.

Do you have any questions you'd like to ask our readers?

Do you prefer your heroes to have a softer side to them, or just to be totally alpha?

Growing up in a small Northern Arizona town, Faith Cloudfoot’s life was spent playing in the forests surrounding her house under the protective eyes of her father, and learning about the legends of her Native American heritage. Yearning for more out of her life, she moves to Phoenix, Arizona at the age of twenty-three where she is kidnapped and almost killed.

Rayner has a special ability, one that weighs on him like a curse. He can see spirits trapped in between life and their final resting place. Because he can’t do much to help them, he studiously ignores them. He concentrates, instead, on working with his fellow warriors to right the wrongs caused by the evil criminals from his home planet.

When Rayner sees Faith in her spirit form while investigating a lead in Phoenix, his attraction to her is immediate, yet he follows his own personal code and ignores her cry for attention. When he realizes that she may be a stepping stone to getting him home to his own universe, he engages Faith and begins to use her as a means to an end: going home.

As the attraction grows stronger, Rayner finds himself breaking all sorts of self-set rules, as well as the code of ethics set by him and his fellow warriors. When Faith nears death, Rayner realizes that he must do everything in his power to save her, because if he doesn’t, he may just lose himself.

I live in Arizona with my incredibly supportive husband, our son and our dog.

I love my family, hiking, writing, our pool, and wine, and depending on the day, not necessarily in that order.

To receive my monthly newsletter, please go to CarlyFall.com and sign up at the big box on the right. I promise not to spam you or sell your information (even if someone tries to bribe me with chocolate chip cookies), but instead I want my newsletter to inspire you, make you laugh, and let you know of super fun promotional activities I'm involved in that usually mean free stuff for you.

To visit my blog, go to www.carlyfall.com, or give me a thumbs up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carly-Fall/135934843166283

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/CarlyFall1

I also love to see what you're reading, so let's get friendly on Goodreads as well! http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4877034.Carly_Fall

Here are the buy links:
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Faith-Six-Saviors-ebook/dp/B007EZ5F72/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1330535849&sr=8-9
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13505060-finding-my-faith
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-my-faith-carly-fall/1109160383?ean=2940014005883&itm=1&usri=finding+my+faith+carly+fall
All Romance eBooks:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-findingmyfaith-728552-140.html

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Seized by Lynne Cantwell

Today we're welcoming author Lynne Cantwell to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her urban fantasy story, "Seized" available now -- and with one of the most eye-catching covers I've seen.

Lynne is awarding a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Lynne is sharing five things we'd probably never guess about her -- read and enjoy!

5 Things about Lynne Cantwell

• I have been in forty-nine of the fifty US states. When I was a kid, my parents and I would take a driving vacation every summer. I nailed forty-five states with them, missing only North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska. Since then, I’ve whittled the list down, and now Alaska is the only one left. Maybe next year….

• When I was just a teeny writer, maybe ten or eleven years old, I got into paper dolls, to the point where I was making my own. I would draw and color them on cardboard and cut them out, and then make clothes for them by tracing around each doll on typing paper. I had probably ten or twelve dolls, all told. Of course, they were all friends (some were siblings), and they had their own rock band called The Leading Lamplight. And then I wrote several stories about them, one of which I turned in as a class assignment in fifth grade. I put a note on the story that the characters actually existed as paper dolls that I had created. My teacher, bless her heart, didn’t quite seem to know what to do with that information.

• I went off to college intending to major in music – specifically, clarinet – but I was so intimidated by the TA who was my instructor for private lessons that I never even auditioned for admission to the school. I went home for holiday break after my first semester with no clue what to do next. Then I overheard my mother tell a neighbor on the phone that maybe now I would go into journalism. So thanks, Mom, for inadvertently pointing me in the direction of my first career.

• Former presidential candidate Howard Dean once called me from a humvee in the middle of an ice storm. No, really! I was working for Mutual/NBC Radio News at the time. There had been a pretty severe ice storm in Vermont overnight, and I was delegated the task of calling the state’s office of emergency management to try to get some comments. The woman who answered the phone took my number and said she would have someone call me back. A little while later, then-Governor Dean called me while he was touring the affected area. This was in the days of brick-sized cell phones, so having someone call you from a car was quite the novelty. He proceeded to give me an enthusiastic description of trees bent to breaking under the weight of the ice, power poles snapped, and so on. I always thought afterward that if politics didn’t work out for him, he had a promising future in sports announcing.

• Another time at the same job, I got to interview Larry King. He used to do his radio show from our studios, so we had his direct number in our rolodex. Frank Sinatra had been hospitalized – this was toward the end of his life – and our producer on duty said, “Larry is friends with Frank’s daughter Nancy. Call him and see what he knows.” So I did, and he was very gracious about it. But I’ll tell you, it was a little disconcerting to be interviewing one of the best interviewers in the business.

The winter solstice 2012 won't be the end of the world. It will be the beginning of the end....

Naomi has a pretty sweet life. Respected as a skilled mediator, she has an almost uncanny knack for getting people on both sides of a dispute to agree. And her handsome boyfriend Brock has just proposed to her. But a white buffalo calf is bowing to her in her dreams. And who is the Native American man who has been following her around?

Naomi doesn’t know it, but things are about to change....

Lynne Cantwell has been writing fiction since the second grade, when the kid who sat in front of her showed her a book he had written, and she thought, "I could do that." The result was Susie and the Talking Doll, a picture book illustrated by the author about a girl who owned a doll that not only could talk, but could carry on conversations. The book had dialogue but no paragraph breaks. Today, after a twenty-year career in broadcast journalism and a master's degree in fiction writing from Johns Hopkins University (or perhaps despite the master's degree), Lynne is still writing fantasy. Her third novel and her first urban fantasy, Seized: Book One of the Pipe Woman Chronicles, was released in March.

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Cantwell/e/B005JTP5NE/
Smashwords author page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lynnecantwell
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/696603.Lynne_Cantwell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynne-Cantwell/172485489493956
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynneCantwell
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnecantwell
Blog: http://hearth-myth.blogspot.com/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Feedback: How To Give It, How To Get It by Jo Sparkes

Today we're welcoming author Jo Sparkes to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her non-fiction writer's guide, "Feedback: How To Give It, How To Get It" available now.  Honestly, I think this might be more than a writer's guide, but could be a life guide because, who doesn't need to know how to give and get feedback?

Jo is awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Jo was brave enough to share five things we'd probably never guess about her.  Take it away, Jo!

5 Things about Jo Sparkes

1) I listen to the NFL channel on my car radio all year long. Kinda sad, really.

2) There is this 'egg phobia'. It's not just that I can't possibly eat them, I hate to touch them or look at them on someone's plate.

When I was a little girl, we raised chickens. My father let me hold an egg in my hand once as we gathered them. The egg hatched – and I held and beheld that miracle of the little chick inside. I wondered if that would happen if we didn't eat the eggs, and my father told me yes, little realizing the effect it would have.

The next morning I ran outside and got all the eggs before he gathered them – and hid them under my bed. Fortunately, my mother found them before the smell got too bad.

To this day, the idea of eating them literally horrifies me.

3) One of my more embarrassing moments was fresh out of college. I was working for a large corporation, and in an office filled with older, wiser folk.

Being a voracious reader, there were words I'd seen often enough to know what they were, but had not heard pronounced. So I' pronounced them my way in my head.

Anyway, in this office with the wiser folk, a woman mentioned her little “faux pas”. The others were smiling and commenting, when I suddenly snapped my fingers – having made the connection – and cried out, “FOX PASS!”

The room burst into laughter, my face went bright red, and it took me six months to live it down.

4) I'm a second degree black belt. Chinese Kenpo.

5) Coffee is a very serious thing with me. I buy Starbucks (Kenya is my favorite), grind it fresh each morning, and insist on natural sugar and cream. Not milk, not half and half. Heavy cream.

Feedback … a kinder word for criticism, is an organic component to life.

When a toddler learns to walk, he falls. He screams, cries – and persists. What would happen to the human race if he gave up after a few bumps?

Before we could read self-help books, before we could understand a language and sit in a classroom, we learned by trial and error. “Feedback” is the natural teaching process. It’s how the creator set it up. It’s how the world actually works.

Here, at last, is a simple process for getting the most from all the feedback the world offers us.

A well-known Century City Producer once said that Jo Sparkes "writes some of the best dialogue I’ve read." Not only are those words a compliment to Jo’s skills as a writer,but a true reflection of her commitment to her work.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Washington College, a small liberal arts college famous for its creative writing program. Years later, Jo renounced life in the corporate world to pursue her passion for writing.

Taking every class she could find, she had the good fortune to study with Robert Powell; a student of renowned writers and teachers Lew Hunter, and Richard Walter, head and heart of UCLA’s Screenwriting Program.

The culmination of those years was the short-film "The Image", which she wrote and produced single-handedly. And in so doing, she became fascinated with the dynamics of collaboration on a project.

Since then, Jo hasn’t looked back. Her body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct to video Children’s DVD, television commercials and corporate videos. She's been a feature writer on ReZoom.com and a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network; where she was called their most popular writer, known for her humorous articles, player interviews and game coverage. Jo was unofficially the first to interview Emmitt Smith when he arrived in Arizona to play for the Cardinals.

She has adjunct taught at the Film School at Scottsdale Community College, has teamed with a Producer on a low budget thriller, and a Director on a New Dramady.” She went in front of the camera for a video, “Stepping Above Criticism”, capturing a popular talk with her students.

Her new book, FEEDBACK HOW TO GIVE IT HOW TO GET IT, shares her lessons learned with writers, and indeed everyone dealing with life's criticism.

When not diligently perfecting her craft, Jo can be found exploring her new home of Portland, Oregon, along with her husband Ian, and their dog Oscar.

http://www.feedbackthebook.com/
http://josparkes.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“In her compact, wisdom-charged Feedback Jo Sparkes provides sharp, sharp, cogent, advice not only for writers but for all people who value creativity and seek to lead fulfilled, creative lives.

“This slender volume provides more bang for the buck than far longer, weightier tomes. It is a splendid resource to which writers will refer repeatedly.”  - Richard Walter Chairman of Screenwriting, U.C.L.A.

“The lessons contained in “Feedback” are not for the writer who is merely looking for a compliment, but rather for those who are striving for accomplishment.” - Barton Green Author, Screenwriter and long-time friend

"Jo Sparks simplifies the feedback process in this concise easy to implement guide to giving and receiving feedback. As an actress, I believe everyone can benefit from her experience, not just those in the industry." - Tonetta Weaver, Actress

Virtual Book Review Tour and Giveaway: A Walk in the Snark by Rachel Thompson

(a full length, non-fiction humor, self-published)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. Rachel is giving away a chocolate treat to a random commenter at every stop and a $20 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win sweet treats and a GC!

Be forewarned -- the material in this book has been called controversial in nature. It is based on the author's popular blog. There are recurrent themes regarding men and women, love and loss. It's not all funny. But it is all honest. Can you handle the snark?

I admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I opted to review this book.  I wasn't familiar with the author at all, but I have a pretty warped, rather sarcastic sense of humor, so didn't think I could go wrong.  And I didn't... much.

Even when I struggled to identify with the somewhat stereotypical man vs. women thing in this book, I enjoyed it.  You see, I'm not a girly-girl.  I own about five pairs of shoes (one for each purpose: sneakers, hiking boots, snow boots, flip-flops, and pumps), I see the hair-stylist once a year (if I'm lucky and work up the energy), couldn't care less about jewelry (the only thing of value I have is my wedding ring) and don't even know what a cosmopolitan is.  The charm of Sex in the City was lost on me.

So, when the author ran with the assumption that we were all similar in type, it made it a little hard for me to identify, but as I pushed forward, I realized the truth is, under that wrapper we are all much the same.  She may wear Manolo's, and my most expensive shoes are my Crocs, but we feel the same about those things that matter.

I did a lot of nodding, snorting in laughter, and just plain grinning as I continued.  The part about the remote control and men -- absolutely right on.  And, she makes it clear she's not ridiculing anyone, but simply finding the fun and humor in real life (at least life in the OC -- write what you know, right?).  I think we can all appreciate it, smile and smirk (because it's true: my husband can't change the toilet paper roll ... I swear, it's a universal fact that men are genetically unable to do so).

Before you think it's all fun and games, though, think again. She addresses a very real problem some women live through: domestic abuse.  With the same depth of emotion she entertains us with, she puts a face on the fear.  She doesn't pull punches, but puts her experience out there in the hope it will help someone else.  I admire her for digging deep and being willing to share what she went through.

A Walk in the Snark was a very enjoyable read.  It's uplifting, definitely fun and surprisingly edifying.  More, I was excited to see she has a blog on which this book is based, so that means I can keep on enjoying her insight into life even though I've finished reading the last page.  I'm so pleased I was introduced to this author...because I'm absolutely a fan.

4/5 Flowers

I'm a chick who writes stuff that makes you laugh. My book A Walk In The Snark hit #1 on the Kindle Motherhood list this past September (do you think they know I talk about sex? Shhh.). It's since hit about oh, SEVEN more times. #woot! I've been nominated for Funniest Blog, Best Humor Writer & Redhead Who Makes A Killer Dirty Martini (okay, I made the last one up, but it's true. Honest.).

I released The Mancode: Exposed right after Thanksgiving 2011! Two books of snarky goodness, baby.

I've been told I write in the style of that Dickens guy. Kidding.

I'm a mom, a wife, and a recovering pharmaceuticals rep. It's been a long process but I'm doing okay, thanks.

I also used to sell Trojan brand condoms. Yeah, it's hilarious, I know. I did it for three years way back when, and I was their top salesperson in the Western Region, a dubious honor at best. My number-one customer was the Mustang Ranch. No, seriously. The Mustang Ranch. I couldn't make stuff like that up. The experience definitely gave me insights into the... er... ins and outs of men. So it should come as no great surprise that I write about how men (The Mancode) and women (Chickspeak) approach most things differently. And since I did, in fact, grow past my Trojan days (in more ways than one or--insert your own joke here), I've thrown in a few tidbits about marriage, kids, being a mom, living in the OC (ya know-being a pale redhead living in a sea of blondes), coffee, and vodka. Not necessarily in that order, depending on the day.

Don't read this book to find advice about how to be sweet or nice. I'm pretty much allergic to both of those words. Actually don't read this book for advice on anything. (My lawyer made me put that in just in case you know, you thought I could save your marriage or something - not).

Or if you are looking for some light, heartfelt humor in everyday life (Erma Bombeck-style), well, I'm really not your girl, either. Nothin' homespun about the Queen of Snark, baby. Mostly I just laugh at stuff and make up words (See "Refrigeratoritis and Manesia.") Yet somehow it all seems to work.

And don't call me cute. (Hint: Babies and puppies are cute. Grown women are soooo not.) Special note to men: I write frequently about "The Mancode"--like how you guys do goofy stuff and we women try, and often fail, to understand. (Um, change the toilet paper roll much? Yeah, that's what I thought.) If that offends your sensibilities, this may not be the book for you. Yeah, I'm crushed.

Like everyone, I've also had some rough times. I share those with you, too. Life can't always be martinis and beaches. Wait, this is the OC (Orange County, CA, for those of you from Canada, or people on the East Coast who don't know California beyond LA). Naw, not even here.

So, welcome to RachelintheOC.

Now go read an essay or two and find something to laugh at, would ya?

I have to go help my husband find the butter. Again.

Blog: http://rachelintheoc.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/rachelintheoc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExposingTheMancode

Review: Sunny Days for Sam by Jennifer Shirk

Sunny Days for Sam by Jennifer Shirk
(a sweet, full length contemporary romance published by Avalon Books)



Sunnyva “Sunny” Fletcher is a firm believer in fairy tales. With the recent debt she’s acquired, the hope of something magical happening in her life is the only thing keeping her going. She needs a job fast. So when Sunny learns the sexy new vacationer in town is looking for a nanny, she starts to believe she just may have a fairy godmother after all!

Internet guru Sam Calloway is only in town for the summer and needs a nanny for his two small children. However, the beautiful and inexperienced Sunny is not exactly the kind of caregiver Sam has in mind. It doesn’t take long for Sunny’s tenderhearted and bubble-blowing ways to soon have the children—and Sam—enamored with her. She’s a dream come true. But after what Sam’s been through, he’s stopped believing in fairy tales long ago.

Sunny manages to work her way into Sam’s closed-off heart, but at the end of the summer, will the workaholic dad go back to his life in New York City, or will he decide his days are much sunnier here with Sunny?



This is a very sweet, funny and romantic story and I a lot of fun reading it. The heroine, Sunny, was sweet, a little quirky but a very loveable person. I liked the way her character was clearly defined in the first few paragraphs as we learned about her life, her job and her heart in a few very cleverly written paragraphs. I love it when I feel that I really know who a character is.

The hero, Sam, is a sad, withdrawn widower with two children. The children are adorable, but are real children with their behavior -- good and bad. I appreciated that. These children were neither perfect nor rotten, but just children. The way the children, their father and Sunny relate is very nice, lots of fun, and I caught myself smiling many times as I read; other times, I giggled. There was also some rather sad moments, but they were very necessary to the story line.

Although you knew there had to be a happy-ever-after since this is a romance, getting there was tricky, interesting and lots of fun to read. Watching the way each person had to come to grips with their own problems and learn to solve them was really fun.

For someone who is looking for a sweet, romantic story that will leave you with a happy heart, I would recommend this one highly.

4/5 Flowers

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: The Zurian Child by Jessica E. Subject

Today we're welcoming author Jessica E. Subject to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her science fiction romance, "The Zurian Child" available now from Silver Publishing.

Jessica is awarding cover flats and a magnet at every stop, as well as a $10 Amazon GC plus swag package to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win!

Jessica graciously answered all my questions. Thanks, Jessica!

Why do you write Science Fiction?

I’ve always been fascinated, looking up into the sky, and wondering what’s out there. When I started writing, it just came naturally, as if it chose me. The romance aspect is the most important to me though. The future in space doesn’t have to be about fighting aliens.

What are some of the challenges of the genre?

With science fiction romance, it’s combining two genres that haven’t taken well to each other. They seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum, one relying heavily on science, while the other with feelings and emotions. Science fiction romance, is happy medium for lovers of both. And it ranges from hard-core science facts to softer, more fantastical ideas. Sometime the romance is the most important aspect (how I write it), and other times it is more a background element. Drawing in readers from both sides can be tricky, but I’ve heard from a lot of readers who have never read SFR before, and one book has drawn them into the genre. That’s the best thing to hear, whether about my book, or one from another sci-fi romance author.

What kind of research went into your story to make sure the details were correct?

I contacted a RCMP officer from “O” Division Headquarters, the Public Affairs Officer of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, an orthopaedic surgeon to answer questions. I researched my fictional planet all over the internet. And many others have helped along the way as well. Many of the places the story is set, I’ve visited myself.

Do you have any writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

Honestly, I don’t have time for any of that. I fit writing time in when I can. Though before I begin a story, I usually plan it in my head for a couple days, write point form notes, and sometimes make a playlist of music.

Plotter or Pantser?

I’m a little bit of both. As mentioned above, I plan out my story in my head, and write point form notes, but while I write, those points often change. Especially when the character opens my eyes to something I didn’t know before.

Anything new coming up for you? Do tell!

Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Mark of the Stars series, and I have several short stories coming out soon with Decadent Publishing. I’m really excited to be one of the launch authors with their new science fiction line.

Any questions you'd like to ask our readers?

I’d like to know if they’ve read any science fiction romance, and if so, what was the first book in the genre they read.

Thanks so much for having me on It’s Raining Books today!  All the best!

Lindsay Beckett longed to be reunited with her first love, Quinn Montgomery, until she learns the secret that sent him fleeing from her in the first place. He’s an alien, a Hemera, and she’s half-Hemera herself. As if that wasn’t enough to ruin her dreams of a perfect life, when their child is born, they discover she fulfills a prophesy told twenty light years away and many years ago. Lindsay wants to ignore it, until her husband is murdered and suddenly believing becomes a matter of survival.


Lindsay and her young daughter are forced to rely on another Hemera, her husband’s partner and best friend, Bryce Beuermann as more and more of the Hemera are slaughtered. Bryce will do anything to help his best friend’s widow—including suppressing his own deep feelings for her. But he must prove they can trust him, even pretending he doesn’t want her with all his heart.

Jessica Subject started writing to encourage her daughter to read. Now she writes to keep herself grounded. Although she reads many genres, she enjoys writing Science Fiction Romance the most and believes everyone in the universe deserves a happily ever after. She lives Southwestern Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids and loves to hear from anyone who has enjoyed her stories.
Website/Blog: http://jessicasubject.com 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jsubject
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject
Google +: https://plus.google.com/100079570422204018357/posts
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-E.-Subject/e/B007BG6E10
Publisher Buy Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/786 Book Video: http://youtu.be/-Nfy6AAoee8

Virtual Book Tour: Seeds by David Ankrah

David Ankrah stops by today on his tour with Pump Up Your Book promotions for his book, "Seeds".

If you would like to help children understand some of the benefits of using money wisely from an early age then this is a story that will inspire them…

Without actually mentioning the word money until after the story ends, this story is designed to show them some of the choices they have in life when it comes to looking after not only their money, but their friends and family.

In fact, you should find that this story has parallels in your life whether you are 6 or 60.

So find out what happens to Palooko and Greecho as they go through life and one mysterious day an event takes place that would change their lives forever…

Zoniye…

A wonderful place to live…And that is where our story begins…

David Ankrah is a quiet individual with a background in media, finance and all things creative, full of ideas and compassion for those around him.

He lives in London with family and likes nothing better than to help people and put smiles on faces.

The inspiration for this book came out of wanting to see an end to some of the hardships we face in modern times with a simple story that everyone can enjoy and in particular for adults to read to children all over the world so that they can share the ideas that come to them as they read about the inhabitants of that wonderful place called Zoniye.

You can visit David at his website, http://seedsthechildrensbook.com/

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Shadow's Edge by Jami Gray

Today we're welcoming author Jami Gray to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for Shadow's Edge: Book 1 of the Kyn Kronicles, an urban fantasy novel available now from Black Opal Books.

The author is giving away a $10 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking. Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts.

When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head. Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Excerpt:

“You’re going to have to move fast if you want to save your boyfriend, Raine.” It took a second for the words to penetrate through the static.

“Who are you?”

“Let’s just say you and I are kin of sorts.” The voice was a vibrating growl.

“Strange, I don’t remember attending a family reunion recently.” Her heart rate kicked up and static whispered across the line even as she struggled to stay calm.

The static cleared. “Perhaps because you have no family left.”

Her blood froze at the words. “What do you want?” Her own voice came out cold, merciless.

“Ah, ah ah,” the voice chided. “No need to get so upset, cher. I just wanted to let you know if you want lover boy to make it out sane, you best starting moving on Dr. Lawson’s little lab.”

“What lab?” she bit out.

There was a huge elaborate sigh. “I’m so disappointed at how slow y’all move. Hasn’t your boss found lover boy’s car yet?” The gruff voice didn’t wait for answer. “Check the glove compartment. I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

Her mind raced furiously. “How do I know this isn’t just another little trap?”

The growl rumbled. “You don’t, but since you and I know exactly what’s happening to lover boy, I have a feeling it won’t matter. That Chet character, he was getting way too close, but this one they’re keeping alive for now. He shows promise.” A guttural scream cut through the airwaves, and she felt her breath stop.

Growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border, Jami Gray was adopted at the age of 14 and suddenly became the fifth eldest of 37 children. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and three minors-History, English, and Theater. Shortly after marrying her techie-geek hubby (who moonlighted as her best friend in high school) she completed a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix Oregon.

Now, years later, she’s back in the Southwest where she’s outnumbered in her own home by two Star Wars obsessed boys, one Star Wars obsessed husband, and an overly-friendly, 105-pound male lab. Writing is what saves her sanity.

Come find me, if you dare:

Buy Link: http://www.blackopalbooks.com/
Website: http://www.jamigray.com/
Blogs: http://www.7evildwarves.wordpress.com/  or http://www.jamigray.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamigray.author
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JamiGrayAuthor

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Fighting Gravity by Leah Petersen

Today we're welcoming author Leah Petersen to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her science fiction debut novel, "Fighting Gravity".

Two random commenters during the tour will receive a prize pack both containing these items hand knit by the author: a hat, a replica of the symbol of an important institution referenced in Fighting Gravity.. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win!

Leah graciously answered my questions.  Thanks, Leah!

You've chosen an interesting non-niche "genre" to write in -- non-erotic M/M Science Fiction. Did you choose it, or did it choose you?

I used to think I was crazy to have written, as you said, in a non-niche genre. Who in the world was going to read a gay sci-fi without at least the payoff of steamy sex? I’ve come to learn that maybe I was underestimating people, or perhaps overestimating my own uniqueness. I didn’t write the story down for a long time for just that reason: I didn’t think it had an audience. It’s surprised me how many people expressed an interest in it, and then really enjoyed it.

I definitely didn’t set out to write anything like this. I’ve always imagined in sci-fi and fantasy universes. That was always a given. The m/m angle took me completely by surprise. At that point, I’d never read any fiction with a gay relationship as the focus. Literally never. I did a lot of catching up on that when I was trying to learn the industry and get my book published, but I was as genuinely surprised as Jake was when he fell in love with the Emperor.

Worldbuilding always fascinates me. What did you do to create the world in "Fighting Gravity"?

Well I “cheated” in that I simply fast-forwarded the world we’re already in. It’s lots of fun to look at the hot issues of the day and imagine them settled in some drastic, definitive way that changes society as we know it. I started by imagining what would happen if devastating religious wars turned society away from organized religion to idolizing a strong central government, and went from there.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I like to write outside, which isn’t all that strange, but my favorite is when I’m outside and it’s raining. Granted, this is on a covered porch because my laptop’s not waterproof, but there’s something amazing about the sound of the rain. I don’t think there are many muses more powerful than that.

Anything new coming up?

The sequel, what else? ;) Fighting Gravity’s the first in a trilogy, so coming next is IMPACT VELOCITY.

Anything you'd like to ask our readers?

Yes. If you were (are) a writer, what’s the story you’d like to write? As a reader, what is the story you’d love to find to read?

When Jacob Dawes is Selected for the Imperial Intellectual Complex as a child, he’s catapulted from the poverty-stricken slums of his birth into a world where his status as an unclass is something no one can forget, or forgive. His growing scientific renown draws the attention of the emperor, a young man Jacob’s own age, and they find themselves drawn to each other in an unlikely, and ill-advised relationship. Jacob may have won the emperor’s heart, but it’s no protection when he’s accused of treason. And fighting his own execution would mean betraying the man he loves.

Leah Petersen lives in North Carolina. She does the day-job, wife, and mother thing, much like everyone else. She prides herself on being able to hold a book with her feet so she can knit while reading. She’s still working on knitting while writing.

FIGHTING GRAVITY is her first novel.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LeahPetersen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LeahPetersenAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/leahpetersen
Google+: http://profiles.google.com/leahpetersen
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lpetersenauthor/

Virtual Book Tour : Visions of You by C. Y. Bourgeois

Today we're welcoming author C. Y. Bourgeois to the blog on her tour with Pump Up Your Book for her thriller novel, "Visions of You". 

I asked her why she enjoyed writing in the genre.

The Joy of Writing Suspense Thrillers

For me, the best thing about writing suspense thrillers is that they surprise and astonish me even as I’m writing. 

When I started writing Visions of You, I wanted to write a kind of anti-Twilight book, a book about real “vampires”.  I have nothing against the Twilight series, having read it myself, but the vampires in the series were portrayed as supernatural, just like they always are and I wanted to delve into the secret world of real vampires.

The truth about vampires is that they are real and they live among us.  There are many people who believe themselves to be either sanguine (bloodthirsty) or psychic vampires/vampyres.  They are not supernatural beings, just people, like you and me.  I did a lot of research, some of the information I found seemed pretty far-fetched, but mostly I discovered that these people are just like everybody else, with one small difference, they crave blood and whether it’s psychological or physiological, it’s real. 

One of the other huge surprises I got was when I started out writing Visions, it was mainly about Paul and his condition, but as I was writing, the story kept changing, surprising me at every turn.  Eventually the story’s point of view changed and Shelby became the main character.  I was astounded by how the story morphed into something completely different than how started. 

I was amazed by how Visions of You unfolded during the writing process.  Many times my fingers couldn’t keep up with my thoughts as I felt the characters emotions.  I experienced their fear, sadness, happiness, and was surprised right along with them as I wrote.  The dialogue surprised me too.  It just came out of each character as though they were standing in the room with me. 

In my very humble opinion, the best thing about writing suspense thrillers is the same thing that’s so great about reading them.  They take the writer as well as the reader on a thrilling rollercoaster ride, twisting, turning, and surprising at every turn.    

     

ABOUT C.Y. BOURGEOIS

C.Y. Bourgeois is a freshman author and an avid reader. After having spent countless enjoyable hours over the years reading other people’s narratives, she realized that she too has stories to tell.

C.Y. considers herself a native of Alaska, having lived there since the age of two.  She and her husband recently moved to northern Idaho where they now reside with their two dogs and three cats and where she is currently working on her second Shelby Leight novel, Visions of Mortality.

Her latest book is a suspense thriller (bordering on YA) called Visions of You.

Please visit C.Y. Bourgeois’ website at http://cybourgeois.authorsxpress.com/

ABOUT VISIONS OF YOU

Shelby Leight is a wise-cracking, lighthearted teenager, looking forward to a fun-filled senior year in high school.  She already knows the pain of losing a loved one, but has worked her way through the grief to come out on the other side.


Then, in the fall of 1975, in the sleepy, picturesque town of Palmer Alaska, the unthinkable happens.  There’s a serial killer on the hunt and one of Shelby’s best friends has disappeared.


The sudden loss of her friend in such a violent manner awakens something in her, an ability to communicate with the dead….visions.  In the midst of all this, Shelby falls in love for the first time only to discover the shocking truth about her boyfriend.  Can she accept him for who – what he is?  Can her friends and family accept him?


Shelby has a vision of the killer stalking another of her friends and is desperate to stop him before it’s too late.  Instead of an enjoyable senior year of high school, Shelby and her friends must come to grips with life and death – and all they hold – in their quest to find a monster before he kills again.

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: In Leah's Wake by Terri Giuliano Long

Today we're welcoming author Terri Giuliano Long to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the award-winning contemporary fiction novel, In Leah's Wake.

The author is giving away three eBook copies of In Leah's Wake to randomly drawn commenters at every stop, plus a grand prize of a $25 Amazon GC and an autographed copy of In Leah's Wake to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

A Story of Love, Loss, Connection, and Grace

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until Leah meets Todd, a high school dropout and former roadie for a rock band.

As Leah's parents fight to save their daughter from a world of drugs, sex, wild parties, their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Justine observes her sister's rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family - leaving her to question whether anyone loves her and if God even knows she exists.

Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Tracy Riva, Midwest Reviews, calls In Leah's Wake "an astounding story of a family in transition.”

When happens when love just isn't enough?

Reviewer-Nominated for Global eBook Award, 2012
Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place

An Excerpt from "In Leah's Wake":

Leah had totally lost track of time. She and Todd had been hanging out at the water tower for hours, perched on the hood of Todd’s jeep drinking vodka and OJ, admiring the beautiful night. This was the most perfect place in the universe, maybe. Big sky, lots of trees. From up here, they could see the whole town. In the valley, lights began to blink out. Leaning on her elbows, Leah gazed at the heavens.

“Look,” she said, mesmerized by the inky black sky, the billions and billions of stars. “The Big Dipper.” As she stared into space, time fell away, the past merging seamlessly with the future.

Todd set the flask on the hood of his truck and put his arm around her, drawing her close. So close she could smell the spicy deodorant under his armpits. Just being with Todd Corbett made her feel dizzy all over. Todd was, by far, the hottest boy she had ever laid eyes on. His hair was long on top, short on the sides. He had full lips, and the most fabulous blue eyes, like…like crystals or something. A Romanesque nose, the exact nose she’d once told Cissy she’d die for, only now that she’d seen it on Todd, she realized that particular nose was meant for a boy. Best of all, he had this incredible aura, all purple and blue, like James Dean or Kurt Cobain.

She curled her legs under her and laid her head on Todd’s chest.

Terri Giuliano Long has written guest posts for nearly 100 blogs. A contributing writer for IndieReader, she’s written for news and feature articles for numerous publications, including IndieReader, the Boston Globe and the Huffington Post. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. Her debut novel, In Leah's Wake, has been an Amazon Kindle bestseller since August 2011. For more information, please visit her website: www.tglong.com

Website: http://www.tglong.com 
Blog: http://terriglong.com/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites
Twitter: @tglong

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

“A very moving and, at times, heartbreaking story which will be loved by many, whether they are parents or not.” --A. Rose, Amazon UK, TOP 100 REVIEWER

“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”
--Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“Easily the best read that I have enjoyed in 2011.”
--Bonnie Erina Wheeler, author of Fate Fixed: An Erris Coven Novel

“Multiple ripples of meaning contribute to the overall intensity of this deeply moving psychological drama.”
--Cynthia Harrison, author of Sister Issues

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."
-- Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author of Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."
-- Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona

"This is a story that will stay with you for days and weeks."
--Radical Parenting, the award-winning parenting blog written by teens

"In Leah's Wake is an irresistible read."
-- Holly Robinson, author of Sleeping Tigers

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler

Today we're welcoming author Pavarti K. Tyler to the blog on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for book one in the SandStorm Chronicles, a series the author describes as "Literary Fiction/Magical Realism", "Shadow on the Wall".

The author is giving away a $15 Amazon gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner over there on the left, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a GC!

Pavarti graciously answered my questions.  Thanks, Pavarti!

Why this genre? Did you choose it or did it choose you?

Shadow on the Wall was genreless for a long time. All I knew for sure was that this story was going to be dark, it was going to push boundaries and preconceived notions. In doing that, I was able to taste elements of the supernatural, religious, literary genres. What I do know is that the story was the drive. The journey of Recai and Darya from the beginning to the end is a transformative one.

Plotter or pantser?

I'm a total pantser. I jump from thought to thought and am blessed who keep me in line *G* I find it exciting to open myself to the characters. The deeper the connection I nfeel with them the more exciting the process of allowing the story to evolve from them. I usually know what's going to happen in the big picture. I have the next 2 or 3 plot points charted and the end decided, but all of the connective tissue is as much of a surprise to me as the readers. A number of times I've completely reworked the endings of stories because the characters took me in a direction I wasn't expecting. Everytime that's happened the end result has proven better than my original idea.

Any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I write in layers. I take a scene, lay down the bones and then go back over it adding in the muscles, the organs, the skin, until it's complete. My first draft has been built in a way that I hope creates depth and complexity to the writing.

Anything new coming up you'd like to share?

In June Volume 3 of my serial novel Two Moons of Sera will be released. After that I have two exciting projects on deck. DEVOUR, a zombie novel and Heaven's Vault, a supernatural romance. I've taken some time away from Shadow before trying to write book two Prisoner's of the Wind. I'm hoping to be working on that by the winter.

Anything you'd like to ask our readers?

If you were able to stand up and fight against one injustice in the world, what would it be? Oooh ... great question! I'm looking forward to seeing the answers my readers come up with.

Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?

Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?

Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.

In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.

Pavarti K Tyler is an artist, wife, mother and number-cruncher who has been committed to causing trouble since her first moment on this Earth. Her eclectic career has flirted with Broadway, Teaching, Law Firms and the IRS. Author of many short stories, Pavarti spans genres from Horror and Erotica all the way to Fantasy. Currently Pavarti is hard at work establishing her Indie Publishing Company Fighting Monkey Press.

Pavarti K Tyler’s novel Two Moons of Sera is a Fantasy/Romance and began in a serial format in November 2011. Her next novel Shadow on the Wall is scheduled for release in May 2012. Shadow on the Wall is Book One of The SandStorm Chronicles, the saga of Recai Osman — businessman, philosopher, Muslim and . . . superhero.

My blog is all ages: http://www,fightingmonkeypress.com/
My tumblr is 18+ only: http://pavartidevi.tumblr.com/
My Fan Page needs your likes: https://www.facebook.com/#!/FMPress
My Twitter likes friends: http://twitter.com/#!/PavartiKTyler
My Google+ is random: https://plus.google.com/?gpinv=JFSVnKSj7Uk:FdjR-3NCJW8#me/posts

Here are links to my books:
Two Moons of Sera: http://www.amazon.com/Two-Moons-of-Sera-ebook/dp/B005U81SCQ/ref=pd_rhf_cr_p_t_1
Shadow on the Wall (The SandStorm Chronicles #1): http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Wall-SandStorm-Chronicles-1/dp/0983876908/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1326905139&sr=8-3
Consumed by Love (novella): http://www.amazon.com/Consumed-by-Love-ebook/dp/B004PYDQBC/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Release Day Celebration! Shadow on the Wall by Pavarti K. Tyler

Today we're helping celebrate the release of "Shadow on the Wall" by Pavarti K. Tyler. She'll actually be stopping by to chat tomorrow, but we couldn't wait to annouce her book's release.

Recai Osman: Muslim, philosopher, billionaire and Superhero?

Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change. Does he have the strength to answer Allah's call or will his dark past and self doubt stand in his way?

Pulling on his faith in Allah, the friendship of a Jewish father-figure and a deeply held belief that his people deserve better, Recai Osman must become The SandStorm.

In the tradition of books by Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, Shadow on the Wall tackles issues of religion, gender, corruption and the basic human condition. Beautiful and challenging, this is not a book to miss.

I asked her to share an excerpt to whet our appetites...

Knock. Just one solid sound.

Recai sat up too quickly and fell back against his mattress gasping as Rebekah stuck her head into his small room, her face creased with worry and fear.

“Cover yourself and stay silent,” she whispered before closing the door and rushing back into the living room to retrieve her burqa and open the door. Recai heard the movement of the heavy fabric she wore on top of her house dress as she moved across the room to greet their visitor. He wondered if she had retrieved her father’s gun which he’d overheard Hasad say was under the couch in the living room.

Before hiding beneath the thin sheet that covered him, he reached down and pulled the rug from the floor and threw it across his legs. He covered his head and melted against the wall with the pillow on top of his upper body. Feeling foolish, Recai laid there, wishing he had his ID, his phone, anything to help bribe his way out of this situation if it was indeed the RTK at the door.

Perhaps it’s just a neighbor, he thought. A neighbor come to ask after Rebekah’s father’s health or to borrow some salt. His attempt at rationalizing the unexpected visit did not quell his fears. The RTK made a habit of performing home inspections, especially if they suspected a woman alone. It wasn’t a safe time for anyone under the jurisdiction of Mayor Yilmaz.

Check back tomorrow for her tour, proper, and a chance to win a prize!