Thursday, December 31, 2020

Rise and Fall of My Beloved by Utanu Maa


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Rise and Fall of My Beloved is a collection of poetry and prose about resilience—about the experience of stigma and rejection, disease and suffering, love and care, loss and grief—and also a testimony of gratitude, forgiveness and togetherness. Each of its three parts is a journey through life's struggles, pain and loss, all of which require an inner force to overcome, build, rebuild, succeed and heal: resilience. It expresses an undercurrent to an imposed destiny or stigma.

Based on the life experience of my late brother, Rise and Fall of My Beloved is a tribute to mankind's resilience to overcome adversities. The book takes readers from his vulnerable childhood as a neglected orphan set to die, through a childhood in which he was bullied, to his rise as an accomplished engineer, and sadly to his fall as a dying patient of HIV/AIDS. Each poem depicts the essence of unconditional love and care, the dignity of dying of AIDS, forgiveness, and family bond. This book is a manifesto of my brother's exceptional resilience, the best memory of him that will live forever. It is an invitation, an inspiration, a reflection that, when mankind encounters struggles, disease, pain, death, loss, grief, we have to grieve and heal, and rebuild.

The Pursuit of Love

Through life struggle and resilience came true love:

The love of his life, the girl who stole his empty heart,

The girl who caught even my father’s attention and esteem.

“You must marry the girl who will stand by you at any time,”

Dad said to his son, discretely trying to influence his mind.

His wisdom saw the essential mostly invisible to the eye.

Dad was a great, caring, loving, and protective father.

He loved the fact that she was a nurse, a caring person.

He believed that our deceased mother also would have agreed,

So, Dad adamantly murmured again that she was the “One.”

Zola was a man of his own mind, decisions, and actions,

But immature to understand and see the invisible essential,

He disregarded Dad’s wish and departed from the girl.

A short time later, my father passed away in his arms.

Devastated, lonely, grieved by the loss of our last parent,

Zola turned to dating, looking in vain for love.

His early craving for maternal love resurfaced with intensity;

He had resurrected from the greatest need of his childhood.

The emptiness inside of him dug deeper, hurting him to the

core.

What to hold on to? Something more meaningful was missing.

A love of a woman to soothe his grieving and lonely heart,

A soulmate with whom to connect deeply and emotionally

And spiritually to his profound inner self was gravely needed.

Maybe that was what my father meant!

About the Author:
I am Utanu MAA. I live in Toronto and work as a public servant within the Ontario Court of Justice. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, where I studied French Literature and Law before migrating to Canada in 1991, and thereafter studied Fashion Marketing, Paralegal and Law (1year) programs. In 2004, I was a recipient of a prize for the Poetry contest organized by Canada Heritage during the celebration of the Francophonie. "Couleur d'une langue" (The Color of a language), my unpublished poem about the diversity and different accents that give rhythm and power to a language to become an umbrella of one identity. "Rise and Fall of My Beloved" is also my own journey into unconditional love and care, and the resilience to deal with pain, loss, grief, to grieve, heal and continue with life after my brother's death.

Connect with Utanu Maa: http://utanumaa.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorUtanuMaa

Purchase Links:

AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228836506
AMAZON.CA: https://amazon.ca/dp/0228836506
KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B08M2DNJHP
BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/books/rise-and-fall-of-my-beloved/9780228836506
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/rise-and-fall-of-my/9780228836513-item.html
BARNES and NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rise-and-fall-of-my-beloved-utanu-maa/1138021915
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Rise-and-Fall-of-My-Beloved-Utanu-Maa/9780228836506
RAKUTEN KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/rise-and-fall-of-my-beloved
SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1051884
APPLE BOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rise-and-fall-of-my-beloved/id1538242460

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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The Calling by Branwen OShea



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Branwen OShea will be awarding a prize pack of 1) One signed paperback,2) One Tote bag with the Finding Humanity Series logo (Savas' Compass)and 3) Two different bookmarks for The Calling, one signed by the author, to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Humanity’s wake-up call. Answer it or face extinction.

When Bleu’s little sister shows symptoms of the deadly Sickness, a strange vision directs him to leave humanity’s subterranean haven and seek the cure on Earth’s glacial surface. Joining the expedition team, Bleu expects extreme temperatures, not a surface ruled by ingenious predators.

Rana and her fellow star beings have co-existed with Earth’s top carnivores since the humans disappeared. But when her peers transform into Crowned Ones, the final stage of star being development, she fears remaining Uncrowned like her parents. To prove her worth, she undertakes a dangerous mission—contacting the hostile and nearly extinct humans.

But Rana’s plan backfires, and Bleu’s team retaliates. As war with the more advanced star being civilization looms, both Rana and Bleu separately seek a way to save their people.

Enjoy an Excerpt

“All right, get out, men.” Savas had never experienced such peace on the last mission. This was truly pleasant. They climbed out of the rover, and he tripped on his own feet as if drunk.

Laughing at himself, he reminded the others, “Guns out. Stamf, take the lead. I’ll bring up the rear.”

He paused, swaying a bit, while the other two men passed him and then proceeded slowly down the left branch. Sparkling light from farther down the tunnel lit their way. With a quick glance back toward the entrance, he took up the rear.

Then a voice as ethereal as the wind sang, “Caaaaaahm heeeeeeeere…caaaaaaaaaahm heeeeeeeere…”

What the hell?

Savas shook his head, blinked, and tapped his ear communicator. Stamf and Abdul, farther ahead, had frozen and appeared confused, swaying in place.

Something was terribly wrong. Was this cave filled with noxious fumes? Had they all gotten cold sickness? The databases talked of arctic workers becoming weak and confused by the extreme temperatures.

Think! Think. Savas wanted to lie down and nap. What’s wrong with me? Images from his childhood tumbled through his head. Not now. Not again. I control my own mind.

“Caaaaaaaaahm heeeeeeeeere,” the voice lulled, endlessly peaceful.

They all mindlessly continued forward, as if in a dream. A small part of Savas’ brain screamed in warning. I. Control. My. Own. Mind. He grunted with the effort. Fighting the urge to relax, Savas forced his hands to raise his weapon.

About the Author:
As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them.

Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her previously published works include contributing to a nonfiction yoga book, wellness magazines, and her published science fiction novella, Silence of the Song Trees.

Website: http://www.branwenoshea.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/branwenoshea
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/branwenoshea
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/branwenoshea

Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735915998

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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Bolder Blindsided by Janice Tremayne



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Janice Tremayne will be awarding a paperback copy of the book (USA/UK) to two randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

An Australian alpine ghost town. A priest turned supernatural detective. A missing persons cold case. Will bolder track down the voracious demon?

When Detective Wellock hushers in Zack Bolder to investigate a missing person case in the Australian ghost town of Walhalla, they form the most formidable tag team of supernatural investigators, working for the police branch for unexplained crimes. Perched amongst the alpine area, this tourist backed ghost town is renowned for its gold mining past and stories of hardship, deprivation, and death. It becomes a perfect setting for an unexplained missing person's cold case.

When Bolder realizes every demon has a weakness—it’s blindside, he confronts the demonic presence, head on for an ultimate encounter to save the town. As this evil entity is sly as a fox with more turns that a two-mile car racetrack, Bolder must be at his best to overcome the devil that has cursed the town since 1876.

Can Bolder uncover the curse that strangleholds the town and thrust out the evil entity before more innocent people go missing and suffer an imminent fate?

Bolder Blindsided is the first book of the Zack Bolder Supernatural Suspense Thriller Series. If you like a fast-moving, energetic, and nail-biting supernatural suspense thriller guaranteed to raise your heartbeat, then you will love this story by 2020 USA Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist in Supernatural Fiction, Janice Tremayne.

Pick up your copy today and meet Zack Bolder!

Read an Excerpt

The screams continued to play out on the phone. Jamie was not holding it during the attack, but it laid on the floor next to him with the video running.

“He wanted us to see it,” said Bolder.

“Who, what do you mean?”

“The demon…he purposely put the phone on an angle so it could capture his possession of Jamie.”

“He wanted us to watch the whole dastardly act?”

“More than that…he wanted to make us sick. Frighten us into submission—give up and walk away.”

Fixated on the five-minute video; images of Jamie handled by the demon played out in the act of evil. The devil tied his feet and hands, and they slowly lifted him from the ceiling upside down—hanging like a bat. Jamie screamed in pain as the demon ripped off the skin from his torso to prepare the marking of the pentagram. Blood oozed from the deep red exposed flesh as agonizing cries of help went unanswered.

It was an evil creature with huffs and a tail…hairy lower body in the shape of a dog. The upper torso of the demon was human, and it still managed to stand on two feet. A face with an elongated nose, pointed ears and sabre like teeth that slithered with an extended tongue. Pale, and it looked like death with bloodshot eyes and deep crease lines along the cheeks. It had no hair on its head other than pultruding blue veins that looked ready to burst.

About the Author:
Janice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning ghost and supernatural writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in Fiction-Supernatural.

She is an emerging Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her recent publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one on the Amazon kindle ranking for Occult, Supernatural, and Ghosts and Haunted Houses categories, for hot new releases and bestsellers.

Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing ghost and supernatural novels for new adult readers.

The concept of writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has not looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking ghost and paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.

Website: http://www.janicetremayne.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauntingclarisse

Buy Link:

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08J7V1S3K/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i6
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Bolder-Blindsided-Zack-Supernatural-Thriller-ebook/dp/B08J7V1S3K/ref=sr_1_14

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Friday, December 18, 2020

The Entitled by Nancy Boyarsky



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nancy Boyarsky will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A deceptively complicated retrieval throws Nicole into London's criminal underworld

Travel to London and retrieve Abigail Fletcher, a 17-year-old in a study abroad program at the prestigious King’s College in London. The assignment sounds simple enough.

But Abigail’s return is put on indefinite hold when she’s charged with the murder of her boyfriend, a former student at King’s. Nicole believes Abigail has been framed, but the victim’s tight- knit circle of friends and relatives are most unwilling to talk to an American detective. Further complicating the case, is Abigail’s defiant and uncooperative demeanor.

As evidence stacks up against Abigail, Nicole discovers that she herself has become the next target. Nicole’s first solo case abroad as a private detective has just turned a lot deadlier than she ever anticipated.


Read an Excerpt

“Wait!” she said. “I heard you were a friend of his. I’m looking into his background. Won’t you just answer a few questions?” He paused, looking at her through a crack in the door.

“I knew him when I was little”—he pronounced it lit-ull— “in primary school. That’s a long time back, innit? He was a year older.” He gave a self-deprecating smile. “I thought he was a good bloke ‘cause he stuck up for me when the bullies were beatin’ on me. But later…"

"Later? What happened then?”

The young man shrugged, closing the door more so he was peeking through a slit.

“Anybody who talks about it…” He shook his head and shut the door.

About the Author:
Nancy Boyarsky is the bestselling author of the award-winning Nicole Graves Mysteries.

Reviews compared The Swap to the mysteries of Mary Higgins Clark and praised Nancy for contributing to the "women-driven mystery field with panache" (Foreword Reviews) as well as for their "hold-onto-the-bar roller coaster" plots (RT Book Reviews). Kirkus had special praise for The Bequest, concluding, "Boyarsky's weightless complications expertly combine menace with bling, making the heroine's adventures both nightmarish and dreamy." Her most recent mystery, The Entitled, fifth in the series, received praise from Foreword Reviews for "vibrant street scenes, swift pacing, and Nicole's steely nerve." It was chosen by Apple Books as one of the most anticipated books of the fall.

Before turning to mysteries, Nancy coauthored Backroom Politics, a New York Times notable book, with her husband, Bill Boyarsky. She has written several textbooks on the justice system as well as articles for publications including the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, and McCall's. She also contributed to political anthologies, including In the Running, about women's political campaigns. In addition to her writing career, she was communications director for political affairs for ARCO.

The first book in the series, The Swap, won a gold medal Erik Hoffer Book Award. In response to the controversial and incendiary themes explored in the third Nicole Graves mystery, Liar Liar, Nancy Boyarsky was invited to present at the American Library Association Annual Conference in 2018 on "Women-Driven Mysteries in a Post #MeToo World."

Each book of the Nicole Graves mystery series can be read as a stand alone. Readers are invited to connect with Nancy through her website.

Website: http://www.nancyboyarsky.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Entitled-Nicole-Graves-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1611533244
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-entitled-nancy-boyarsky/1136434135

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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Secret Angel by Cherry Christensen



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promottions. Cherry Christensen will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Doctoral student Hannah Wagganer has big dreams of leaving her hometown of Glen Arbor behind to teach at a large university. That is, until Jasper Morgan, the new mail carrier, arrives in town. Not only does he send Hannah’s heart racing, but he creates an instant bond with her cat, Jingles.

While Hannah is busy preparing for the church’s candlelight Christmas Eve service and running the family store, she keeps bumping into Jasper—right in front of the prying eyes of the locals, who suspect there’s more going on than business as usual.

But then, a series of unexpected blessings occurs that changes the town’s focus: first, an anonymous donor pays to have the church furnace repaired, and then other locals suddenly find solutions to their problems. Is it coincidental, or the work of a secret angel?

Read an Excerpt

“I’m not sure about this color,” Naomi, the preacher’s wife, informed Hannah. “I look like a wad of pink chewing gum.”

“No you don’t.” Hannah tied a brown snowflake scarf around the woman’s neck. The color brought out the richness of her dark eyes. “Lovely.” Heavy footsteps sounded on the wooden floor behind them. Turning, she spotted Jasper coming their way. “I’ll be right with you.”

“Take your time,” he said.

“Hmmm. I was wondering if you’d run into him yet,” Naomi said, backing into the changing area. “I’ll take the sweater and the scarf,” she announced.

“Pastor Amos will do a double take when he sees you at the candlelight Christmas Eve service.” She laughed, envisioning the older man letting out a low whistle for his wife. Married forty years, they still managed to maintain an endearing fondness for each other.

“Speaking of the service, you’re planning to help us decorate the church, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Hannah said, strolling over to a small table where Jasper was thumbing through a stack of woolen socks. “See anything you like?”

He lifted his gaze. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

Hannah’s chest tightened while he held her stare. Swallowing hard, she noticed how his eyes sparkled like water when the sun danced across the waves. And how the color of his skin resembled the sand dunes.

About the Author:
Cherry resides in the Mitten State with her husband of 19 years and a tabby cat named Caden. A true Michigander, she points at the palm of her right hand when telling people where she lives, drinks Vernors ginger ale when she’s under the weather, wears shorts and a sweatshirt at the same time, and measures distance in minutes, not miles. She also cheers for her favorite football team, the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!

A confirmed night owl, Cherry wholeheartedly agrees with whoever said, “I could be a morning person, if morning happened around noon.” It’s no surprise then she prefers to write in the evening. She’s a bit of a pantser writer, meaning she dreams up stories without using an outline, so every day is an exciting adventure as she waits to see where the characters lead her next!

A lifelong avid reader, Cherry turned to writing as a creative outlet. Drawing partly from her own experiences, and partly from her wild imagination, she weaves romantic tales with a smidgen of religion and a hint of mystery. Cherry’s first novel, The Fearful Heart, debuted in 2014, and she has never looked back. She continues to grow as an author, learning more about the writing craft with each book.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cherry-Christensen-Author-1427146804175227
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cherry-christensen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9872402.Cherry_Christensen
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cfyfechristense/_saved/

Author's Note: Secret Angel is regularly priced at $0.99. It’s the first book in my Secret Series.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081JCH37D

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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Crimson Snow by Ina Carter



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ina Carter will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Five Things You Might Be Surprised to Know About Me
1. Something my readers might be surprised to know is that I am bi-lingual. I was born in Bulgaria and moved to the US in my early twenties. I write in English because in the last 25 years is the language I speak on day to day basis, at home, work, etc.

2. I have a photographic memory, but not for all things. I remember people, where we met, and the conversation we had to the smallest details. Sometimes it freaks people out when I ask a specific personal question based on a conversation we had five years ago. They think I am a stalker, to know so much about them because they’ve forgotten we ever met. Imagine how my husband feels? I never forget any of his mistakes. 😉 The one plus of my affliction is that my kids can come to me when they wonder about some specific event from their early childhood, and I can recollect it exactly. Last week, I helped my son with his college essays when he needed a good story of when he first found his passion for filmmaking (he is applying to film schools this year.)

3. The most embarrassing moment I had as a writer was when I send my romantic comedy “Big Gray” to all my girlfriends, who wanted to be my beta readers. A month later, we had a barbeque in our backyard (this was pre-COVID), and they gathered around me, asking if my character Grayson was based on my husband. I answered honestly – “that yes, in parts he was the inspiration behind my hero, “meaning that my husband was that quirky and hilarious guy who got my weirdness when we met in college. My friends were like, “Oh, you lucky girl!” because, of course, they were asking about the more steamy parts of the story. It’s called “Big Gray” after all. My poor hubby is still getting some weird looks from those ladies, and we have to endure some awkward parties.

4. I am an avid reader and read at least 3books/week. Now during the pandemic even more. I read books from all genres, but my favorites are non-fiction biographies. When I get stuck writing a story and hit “writer’s block,” my cure are historical books – anything from historical romance to books about WWII. When I am “transported” to another time period, I get detached from the present and from whatever is holding me back in my creative process. After I binge on history for a few days, I feel more clearheaded when I get back to my own writing.

5. I have a second college degree in Graphic Design, and I designed all my book covers, website, and marketing materials. My readers might notice that I have two different book covers for the eBook and paperback of Crimson Snow. I designed both and did a survey amongst my friends and followers, and everyone liked the cover with the girl (the paperback). It is more intricate and sets the mood for what kind of story Crimson Snow is. The problem with that cover was that when you minimize it to thumbnail size on a computer screen, all the details blend and the book doesn’t draw the eye. This is why for the eBook version of my novel, I am using the cover with the heart because it’s more eye-catching and simple.

The Greeks had seven words for LOVE. I felt all of them for ONE MAN…

My name is Lauren, and I was a stolen baby.

They found me in a trailer park in rural Texas when I was eight years old. My childhood wasn’t perfect, but then I had Kevin. He was my everything…

When they returned me to my biological parents, we were torn apart.
My new family desperately tried to fix me, make me forget him… My father kept me on a short leash and controlled every aspect of my life. The one thought keeping me afloat was to find Kevin, but he vanished without a trace.

I searched for him for twelve years, but the man I found was not the boy I lost. He is a college baseball star, tattooed, moody, and dark… And he hates me.

Can Kevin help me defeat my demons, or does he have too many of his own?

Read an Excerpt

“The Greeks had seven words for Love, Laurie. And somehow, I know I’ll experience all of them with you… Philautia is the only selfish love and for a long time I didn’t love myself. When I doubted myself, I remembered you, and how you used to look at me. To you, I was a giant, someone who could move mountains and conquer dragons. Even now, you look at me the same way, and I feel stronger in your hands, and want to be a better man…”

He was telling me things that were making my heart hammer in my chest, but at the same time, his fingers were burning fire on my skin, because with every button he undid, he caressed the skin underneath. Kevin was seducing me with his words, and I was melting under his fingers.

“When we were kids, my love for you was Philia – a brotherly love, that innocent feeling you have for a friend. It might have been platonic, but just because you are small doesn’t mean your capacity to love is less. In fact, a child’s love is unbridled, unconditional, the purest form of emotion I can think of… And you and I will always have that… To this day, I feel Philia for you, and I always will.”

Kevin then leaned and placed a kiss over his name on my chest, leaving an imprint more permanent than the engraving on my skin.

“Philia, baby, is also the love of the mind, and it is what makes us feel safe in each other’s presence. With you, I am not afraid to share any of my struggles, and you freed me. I carried so much pain internally, but you took it away…”

Then Kevin took my face between his palms and kissed my cheek, in the same gentle way as the young boy of my childhood did when I was sad – he always kissed the tears away.

About the Author:
Ina Carter has always been an avid reader. She discovered her love for writing at an early age when her first poem was published in a literary magazine at age twelve. As a lifetime collector of inspirational stories, Ina believes that love is the most powerful force in the Universe. She writes in multiple genres – romantic comedies, contemporary and paranormal. Ina lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, and one very temperamental cat. You can find more about Ina and future book releases at http://www.InaCarter.com.

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/inacarterbooks
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ina.carter.3591
Amozon purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088KQKNZJ

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Viking Voyager by Sverrir Sigurdsson with Veronica Li



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. If you could apologize to someone in your past, who would it be?

I would apologize to my ex-wife for not leaving her sooner. We got together when we were barely adults, and when it became clear that the gap between us was unbridgeable, we hung in there for the sake of the children. But instead of protecting them, we tormented them and ourselves for far too long.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

Iceland is the home of elves, sometimes known as “hidden people.” They live in invisible colonies scattered all over the island. Sometimes they appear in human form, usually to cause mischief, such as kidnapping children and returning them as changelings. Icelanders dare not cross them. Once, the government started building a road that would require cutting into a hill known to house a community of hidden people. The locals objected so vehemently that the engineers had to take the road on a detour around the hill. Locals believe that many a mishap has thus been avoided.

I wouldn’t mind having an elf as a companion. With this creature by my side, he would be my bodyguard against his comrades. By the way an elf isn’t a “mythological” creature. Icelanders swear that he’s as real as you and I.

How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

Most of the English language publications on Iceland are picture books on Icelandic scenery or academic books on its history. As far as I know, my memoir is the only modern memoir of an Icelander written in English. My book will transport the reader to my homeland and show him what used to be Europe’s poorest country. He’ll go through the years of turbulence with me and watch the Second World War transform the obscure island into a strategic fortress against Hitler’s advance toward America. He’ll understand the Viking spirit that lives on in modern Icelanders, pushing them into the world to seek fame and fortune as their forefathers did. Although this book is my personal story, the reader will see that my family history is the history of the nation, and my adventures are my ancestors’ dream. He’ll discover what it means to be a modern-day Viking.

What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?

I begin my memoir with my grandfather’s tragic accident. A writer friend who read an early draft pointed out that the chapter was all about my grandfather, with hardly any trace of me. As this is my memoir, she felt I should make a strong entrance from the beginning. I saw her point, but I felt inhibited because the event I was describing took place well before I was born. I was also worried about upstaging my grandfather. But as I learned more about creative writing, I realized the magic of a blank page—anything is possible. A writer has the creative license to make anything work. With the help of my wife and coauthor, Veronica, I crossed the boundary of time and came out of the shadows to share the limelight with my grandfather.

The worst piece of advice (from a man, of course) was a suggestion to exaggerate the potentially erotic parts of the book, i.e., the harem I helped build in Abu Dhabi and the near-naked dancing virgins auditing to be the next queen of Swaziland. Not a good advice. I think my life is flavorful enough that I don’t need to spice it up extraneously.

Are the experiences in this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

This is a memoir about my Icelandic upbringing, which inspired my subsequent Viking-like career. It’s as accurate as possible based on the data that I have available. The accounts of my parents and grandparents are from written and oral records by family members and others. Several books about events that affected the family have also been invaluable. Another great resource is my memory. The mind is a wonderful thing, like a permafrost that preserves everything. The more I dig the more I find. It also helps that I’m a bit of a pack rat. A number of expired passports, employment records, office reports, expense accounts and correspondence clutter my drawers. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to keep track of my frequent travels.

This vivacious personal story captures the heart and soul of modern Iceland. Born in Reykjavik on the eve of the Second World War, Sverrir Sigurdsson watched Allied troops invade his country and turn it into a bulwark against Hitler’s advance toward North America. The country’s post-war transformation from an obscure, dirt-poor nation to a prosperous one became every Icelander’s success. Spurred by this favorable wind, Sverrir answered the call of his Viking forefathers, setting off on a voyage that took him around the world.

Read an Excerpt

One memorable incident took place [in 1968] during our drive through Anbar province in Iraq. The place was unheard of when I motored through, but after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, this Sunni stronghold of Saddam Hussein’s became world renowned for insurgency and suicide bombings. Even during my days, traveling in this neighborhood was dicey. While guessing my way through the desert of Al Anbar, we passed a ghastly sight. It was the charred remains of what looked like a small industrial complex. The scene evoked news articles about an Israeli air raid on an Iraqi nuclear research facility. I knew we shouldn’t be there, but there was no other way out than to keep driving. Soon after, a military patrol pulled up alongside. I stopped the car, and we all got out to show them exactly who we were, a family of dumb, lost foreigners.

A soldier peered into my car. He started shouting angrily in Arabic, his finger jabbing at the camera on the back seat. They hustled us all back into the Peugeot, I in the driver’s seat, Monika next to me, while Steinn shared the back seat with the soldier. I felt something hard poke at my spine. I glanced at the rearview mirror and realized the object was the muzzle of the soldier’s machine pistol. The drive lasted an hour at most, but it seemed like eternity. To prevent an accidental burst from the gun, I took it slow and easy on the desert tracks.

About the Authors:
Sverrir Sigurdsson grew up in Iceland and graduated as an architect from Finland in 1966. He pursued an international career that took him to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the U.S. His assignments focused on school construction and improving education in developing countries. He has worked for private companies, as well as UNESCO and the World Bank. He is now retired and lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and coauthor, Veronica.

Veronica Li emigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a teenager. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and her master’s degree in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked as a journalist and for the World Bank, and is currently a writer. Her three previously published titles are: Nightfall in Mogadishu, Journey across the Four Seas: A Chinese Woman’s Search for Home, and Confucius Says: A Novel.

Veronica Li Website: http://www.veronicali.com
Amazon author page:

https://www.amazon.com/Sverrir-Sigurdsson/e/B08LFYCCPD
ttps://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Li/e/B001JOSCAQ

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/tssigurdsson
https://www.facebook.com/veronica.li.39

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Sverrir_Sigurds
https://twitter.com/VeronicaLi5

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/142534.Veronica_Li

The Book will be $1.99 during the tour.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MDMRM66/
Amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/Viking-Voyager-Icelandic-Sverrir-Sigurdsson-ebook/dp/B08MDMRM66/

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Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Late for Love by M.K. Scott


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M. K. Scott will be awarding a $40 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The senior sleuths love a good laugh, but this conundrum is no laughing matter. A missing journalist, an African Grey parrot, and a possible mob connection sound like the beginning of a bad joke. Unfortunately, there is no punchline and no one, aside from the seniors, who would dare to take the case on.

Will their first chance to handle a case on their own prove to be way too much for them to handle, and more importantly, could this first be their last?

Read an Excerpt

Gus placed his hand on the page. “I got it. We could ask her if there was anyone who wanted to kill her sister.”

The wide grin announced his friend thought this was an obvious question. To some it might be, but not to the parrot party club owners who knew nothing about Lyre’s disappearance. Jake shook his head before replying. “We don’t want direct questions that might make her suspicious. We might try some parrot talk and allow Lorelei to tell us stuff without realizing it.”

“Parrot talk? Are you the bird whisperer now?” Gus inquired with a dismissive sniff.

“No. I do watch television, especially on Saturday mornings when that vet show is on. Parrots tend to pick out their feathers when they are distressed. Sometimes, they’re aggressive. Other times, they won’t eat or talk as much and perform repetitive behavior. Lorelei will immediately tell us she’s not Lyre and her sister isn’t there, possibly hoping that’ll get rid of us. It’s important to listen to how she says it.”

“Got it.” Gus held up a thumb to indicate comprehension. “If she breaks into tears, then maybe she actually cared for her sis.”

“Possibly.” Jake tapped his pen on his friend’s hand to get him to move it, which he did. “I’m more interested in her explanation about her sister. Will she say her sister is dead? She might say her sister is missing. Could be she might say her sister isn’t there, indicating nothing.”

“Don’t forget she could just slam the door in our faces or possibly not open it at all.”

“There is that. I can only work with what I know currently. If we’re able to see the bird, I can make a visual inspection asking if the bird was pulling out its feathers when she got it. I’m not sure how long the bird was alone, but I’m sure it was distressed being locked up without food or water. Then I could mention that sometimes birds are impacted by the owner’s emotions. I might ask if Lyre was afraid of something.”

“I thought the sisters weren’t close,” Gus pointed out.

“Could be,” Jake conceded even though it galled him to do so. It sort of ruined his plan about questioning the sister. “People say stuff like that all the time, especially when they don’t want to talk to the police. Not being close could mean a lot of stuff, too. Maybe they didn’t do lunch or share clothes, but they did have a general idea of what was happening in each other’s lives. Lorelei could be good for supplying a friend’s name or a boyfriend. They might know more.”

About the Author: M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.

Social Media

Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A/

The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FYX8SCL/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout

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Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Parker Fairchild will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

On a Caribbean cruise, a platter full of cookies, and a shot of Christmas magic yields a perfect pairing.

Chemist and budding romance writer Olivia Chasen is on a cruise to avoid spending Christmas with her beautiful twin sister and new fiancé—Olivia’s ex. Now, thanks to her lonely, intoxicated ramblings on Santa’s lap, her fellow passengers think she’s in love with a fictional character.

Former Navy SEAL Commander Jace Morse has dealt with plenty of unusual situations in his career, but he’s never had the honor, the pleasure, or the privilege of being a beautiful and intelligent woman’s fantasy hero come to life. While he hasn’t officially met the sexy chemist, he’s sure eager to explore the chemistry that’s sizzling between them.

Bringing the charming SEAL together with the skeptical Olivia is going to take more than just Christmas cookies and a little help from Mrs. Claus; it’s gonna take a heaping dose of Christmas magic.

Read an Excerpt

She stepped to him. “I trusted you. You act all so cool and collected. Perhaps, this will faze you,” she said pushing him back and into the pool.

Suddenly, everything spun out of control. Olivia had been so upset that she hadn’t seen Santa Claus approach Jace carrying a small Christmas tree full of decorations for the hospital in Grand Cayman.

As Jace stumbled back into the pool, he unfortunately carried Santa and the tree with him into the water. The last thing Olivia heard was Santa’s “Ho! Ho! Ho!” turn into “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” before they both took a splash.

Olivia literally bit her tongue to stop from laughing. This was so not funny, but yet it was hilarious. She, Olivia Chasen, had finally found her fun and excitement. She had a new groove.

And as she looked around and noticed all the phone cameras rolling, and most likely had been the entire time, she delicately took a curtsy as proper as one she’d give Queen Elizabeth herself. Thankfully, watching all those episodes of the The Crown had paid off big time.

About the Author:
Parker Fairchild is a social media copywriter, a freelance writer with multiple writing credits, and a model. Recently, she Cnished writing a client's memoirs, which will be published in the next few months.

A Virginia native, she and her husband have their own shipboard romance as they met on a cruise ship tender in Maui, and as her mom is fond of saying, "they haven't stopped talking since." When she's not busy playing with words, she loves spending time with her husband and family in Arizona where she now resides.

http://www.5princebooks.com/parkerfairchild
http://www.parkerfairchild.com
parker@parkerfairchild.com
https://www.facebook.com/ParkerFairchildAuthor
https://twitter.com/ParkerFairchild
https://www.instagram.com/parker.fairchild/
https://www.pinterest.com/parker_fairchild
https://www.linkedin.com/company/69048882
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/120400979-parker-fairchild

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cookies-Cruise-Perfect-Pairing-ebook/dp/B08N8P1G1P/ref=sr_1_1 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ella Quinn will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Now available in print for the first time, USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn's second installment in The Marriage Game series is a witty, romantic historical tale about a young lady who must choose between her head and her heart...

Since she was a young girl, Anna Marsh has dreamed of Sebastian, Baron Rutherford asking for her hand in marriage. But that was in another life when her brother Harry was alive, before she vowed to secretly continue the work he valiantly died for. Now as Sebastian finally courts Anna, she must thwart his advances. Were he to discover her secret, he would never deem her a suitable wife...

Sebastian has always known Anna would become his wife someday. He expects few obstacles, but when she dissuades him at every turn he soon realizes there is much more to this intriguing woman. Somehow he must prove to her that they are meant to be together. But first he must unravel the seductive mystery that is Miss Anna Marsh...

Read an Excerpt

Anna had never before been so thankful for country hours. Rutherford had joined them for dinner and tea, and she was still in her room by nine o’clock. Lizzy helped her out of her evening gown and in to bed until she had to dress again. The few months before Christmas were always the busiest for her smugglers.

She woke two hours later, scrambled into her habit, and slipped down the back stairs through the side door to the stables.

Humphrey’s head was swathed in bandages. “Did the doctor remove it?

“Yes, miss, he took out two. Warned me not to wait so long the next time. Said there was a woman he saw that let it go so long she died of the infection. Right glad I am you made me see him, miss. I’ll be good enough tomorrow or the next day.”

“You need to rest. There is no reason at all for you to worry about me.”

“Master Harry . . . ”

Anna sighed. “Humphrey, Master Harry is no longer here. I’ll be fine.”

Anna led Thunderer to the mounting block. Once on the large gelding’s back, she turned him toward the meadow and the sea. After changing at the cottage, Anna arrived at the cliff with time to spare. She descended to the beach to wait.

Kev was the first to arrive. “We’re going to be later than usual. Got word of a patrol.”

“How’d that happen?”

“One of our men was in a tavern in Dover. He heard talk.” Anna could just make out his grin. “They expect to be back in by midnight.”

That was a relief. Harry had given her a contact in the event they were ever caught, but she’d never had to use it and didn’t want to now. “Good. That won’t put us off by much.”

“I sent word to Lizzy that you’d be late.”

Anna nodded. “Have you received the information for the next few shipments?”

“Yes, Mr. Arnold.” Kev gave the dates for the next couple of weeks.

Once the men were assembled and the delivery signal given, Anna climbed back up the path.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn's studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, was her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

Ella loves when readers connect with her.

Author Contact and Social Media:

Website: https://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7044274.Ella_Quinn
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-quinn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ella-Quinn/e/B00CAE0FSQ

Buy Links for the Mass Market Paperback:

Kensington: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781420147292/the-secret-life-of-miss-anna-marsh/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420147293/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-life-of-miss-anna-marsh-ella-quinn/1115458071?ean=9781420147292
BAM: https://www.booksamillion.com/search?query=9781420147292&where=All
Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420147292
Target: https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=9781420147292
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=9781420147292&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=3920

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Monday, December 7, 2020

Please Don't Divorce Me by Vickie Hall



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Vickie Hall will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Whether your decision was made by you, or made for you, it is within your control to make the right decisions for your children.

Vickie’s parents divorced when she was only nine, wedging her in the middle of a dispute many kids face every day. It still remains one of the toughest times of her life. As she shares parts of herself and other people’s experiences with you, she hopes you will be better prepared to make good choices for your children.

“Please Don’t Divorce Me” is candidly written as a parent’s guide from a child’s perspective aiming at fostering a healthy transition and minimizing hurt for what is already a difficult time in a child’s life.

Divorce is not pretty, but it doesn’t have to be ugly either.

Choose children, love, and happiness above all else!

Read an Excerpt

Children are dependents and parents are responsible for loving them, supporting them, protecting them, and caring for them in every way. With that comes sacrifices and not focused on what is easiest for you. Like my mom used to say, 'The hardest thing to do is usually the right thing to do.'

About the Author:
Vickie grew up in a small town in Louisiana. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration and played in the college marching and symphony bands to foster her love for music since fifth grade. Vickie has been married for over twenty two years to the love of her life and best friend. She and her husband have two sons. They have shared in the joys and tears of raising boys and refer to themselves as the “A-Team”. One is going to college in the fall and “half” of the empty nest will begin! Her youngest son is in high school.

By day, Vickie has enjoyed a 24-year career in contracts management and operations and by night has written many poems and cards and scrapbooks to capture fun memories. She loves spending time with family and friends!

She is known for and recognized by many traits, but freckles, red hair, loud sneezes, compassion, love and laughter tops the list. She is also the Co-founder and President of Krewe de Halcyon, a social organization dedicated to positively impacting the community and embracing the Louisiana tradition of Mardi Gras (one of her favorite holidays!)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vickie.s.hall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freckles__74/

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Please-Dont-Divorce-Vickie-Hall-ebook/dp/B08LP4VHHM/

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Friday, December 4, 2020

How to Rope a Rich Cowboy by Anya Summers



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a randomly drawn commenter a $25 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Colt Anderson is burned out. Every part of his daily life has become a tedious chore. He cannot remember the last time he took a day off or, better yet, felt a woman’s willing surrender. And it’s just his luck that on his first day off in ages, he runs into a sexy squatter on his property, never expecting that single interaction would alter the very fabric of his world.

Still, he cannot seem to stay away from the sultry scientist, Avery. Colt feels bad for her, worries that she is running from something, and decides to cover her stay at the ranch. After all, he owns the place and has plenty of cash. Although that tiny little detail is a secret he plans on keeping to himself. It is addictive having a woman look in his direction and not see dollar signs for a change.

Because when Avery casts those goddess eyes his way, he’s just a man, a man she craves and submits to body and soul, like he’s her man, and his longing for her has him tied up in knots. With trouble and danger drawn to her like magnets, Avery pulls out his protective, dominant nature. The woman needs a keeper, and he’s the perfect man for the job.

Now he has less than two weeks to convince her to stay, to make her fall for him before she discovers he’s rich. But will she hate him when she discovers his deception?


Read an Excerpt

What the hell? Who was she, and what was she doing here?

Colt didn’t waste time, not with the hail and advancing threat of the storm. The woman even glanced his way, her eyes luminescent in the rain, as they trotted up to the side barn.

Colt dismounted, shoved the barn gate open, and led Tank inside. Outside, the storm raged, and thunder rattled the small barn. Colt spent the next few minutes getting Tank bedded down for the storm’s duration. He removed his saddlebags, the saddle, and sodden blanket. Each barn was equipped well, with extra horse supplies should they be needed. He had never been so glad for the foresight. He brushed Tank off then grabbed one of the dry blankets from the storage chest. Colt made sure he had fresh water in the stall and added a few scoops of grain from the supply he’d brought with him. He hung the saddlebag with Tank’s grain up above the storage chest and away from the stall. Tank, god love him, would eat every bite in the feed bucket. And if they had to stay the night, Colt wanted to make sure there was some for later that night and in the morning before they headed back down.

With his second saddlebag with his lunch, keys, and satellite phone tossed over his shoulder, and his rifle in the other, he strode out of the barn, making sure to lock the door behind him. It would keep Tank safe from any predators in the area looking for a meal.

The woman was still there, carting in some monstrosity of a telescope that was damn near as big as she was. Rain and hail battered Colt. He was thankful the brim of his hat kept the rain out of his eyes. He glared at his squatter.

“Who the hell are you? This is private property,” he yelled loudly with the thunder booming.

She bared her teeth. Her eyes dominated her face. They were a rich mahogany that glowered with venom, and she snapped, “If you’re just going to yell at me, go away. I need to get this stuff inside before it becomes waterlogged and useless.” She struggled with the equipment. Her hands slipped. The weight of it was almost too much for her slight frame.

She might be a squatter, but Colt wouldn’t kick her out in a storm like this. Squatter or not, he wouldn’t have her death on his hands, even if her attitude made him want to wring her elegant neck.

“Leave it. This storm is only getting worse,” Colt barked, his fury rising in undiluted potency. He waved his hand in the direction of the ominous clouds as they turned day into night. The woman was risking her neck for a bunch of stuff that would be worthless if she lost her life in the process.

“All this equipment costs more than your damn horse. If you’re not going to help, at least move out of my damn way so I can get it inside,” she snarled, fighting against the rain and wind as she struggled.

The urge to throttle her swept through Colt. He glanced skyward and back at the damn fool woman.

“Shit.” He moved past her up the stairs, and set his saddlebag and rifle just inside the door. Then he jogged down the stairs to where she stood, struggling with the telescope. He gripped the opposite side, and lifted the slick device up. Shocked by its weight, he wordlessly helped her carry it up the porch stairs and inside, where she already had a few pieces standing throughout the studio cabin.

Working together quickly, they hauled every piece of apparatus inside, fighting the wind and rain. What was she, an astronomy club gone wild?

About the Author Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

Visit her website here: Ma href="http://www.anyasummers.com">http://www.anyasummers.com

Visit her on social media here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anyabsummers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyasummersauthor
Newsletter: https://anyasummers.com/newsletter/

Silver Springs Ranch Series:

How To Rope A Wild Cowboy, Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GKXV5HC/
How To Rope A Rich Cowboy, Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LQQ3GXY/

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Thursday, December 3, 2020

Lovers, Players, Seducer: The Betrayal of Nicholas LaCour by J.A. Jackson

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. J. A. Jackson will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC and 8 Kindle Ebook copies of Lovers, Players, Seducer Book III The Betrayal of NicholasLa Cour to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Nicholas La Cour never expected to be betrayed.

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit; it is only luck that proves his innocence.
Maëlle has always had a thing for bad boy Nicholas…

…and Nicholas has always had a thing for trouble.

After Nicholas left her at the altar, Maëlle wasn’t sure her heart would ever heal.

The wounds of the past run deep for both of them.
But despite their drama-filled past, their chemistry defies logic and burns hotter than ever.
As sparks fly and Maelle and Nicholas have the chance to reunite, will Nicholas sabotage their chance for happiness with his plans for revenge? Or will he finally focus on what truly matters?

Can they make love grow this time around?
Something both of them aren’t sure they can do…

A Betrayed man, a bride left at the altar, and a plan for revenge. Dive into the complex world of Nicholas in Book III of J. A. Jackson’s Lovers, Players The Seducer series and discover if love can transform even the best-laid plans?

Read an Excerpt

Nicholas thought about it. “Yeah, you know those Egyptians knew their stuff. They had spells written in that book that spelled out what they were to do in the afterlife. They even had the information on embalming bodies and stuff.” “Handling dead bodies would gross me out,” Quinn declared. “Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl.” Nicholas gave Quinn a strange look and glanced back at his arm. “Fascinating topic, but dude, we are about to go into a Magickal shop that I’m sure the owner dabbles in Hoodoo or that Voodoo crap, so let’s stop that talk about that Egyptians stuff, and let go of my arm while you at it.”

About the Author:
J.A. Jackson is the pseudonym for an author, who loves to write deliciously sultry adult romantic, suspenseful, entertaining novels with a unique twist. She lives in an enchanted little house she calls home in the Northern California foothills. Her love for cooking and writing come from her Southern roots of Louisiana and Arkansas. She isa member of South Bay Writers Association, Yosemite Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America (RWA).

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerreece
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerreece-Ann-Jackson/204377496289139?ref=hl
Blog: http://jerreeceannjackson.blogspot.com
Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/jajackson
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jerreece1/boards/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/jerreece4559/
Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@j_a_jackson_author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7515379.J_A_Jackson
Medium: https://medium.com/@jerreecejackson
Mailchimp: https://mailchi.mp/1be4f2939d63/author-j-a-jackson-aka-jerreece
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerreece-jackson-1657853/

The book is on sale for only $0.99.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DV9SL23/

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Wednesday, December 2, 2020

The Buddha and the Bee by Cory Mortensen



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddes Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Life-Changing Journey...
...But this is NOT a typical blah-blah-blah memoir

Planning is for sissies. A solo bike ride across the country will be filled with sunshine, lollipops, rainbows, and 80 degree temps every day, right? Not so much. The Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, an alkaline desert, and the Sierra Nevadas lay miles and days ahead. Disappointment with unrealized potential, and the thirst for what’s next drew farther away in the rotating wide-angle shockproof convex rear-view mirror.

"I will ride my bike down a never-ending ribbon of asphalt wearing a backpack."

Cory Mortensen began his bike ride across the United States from Chaska, Minnesota, to Truckee, California, without a route, a timeline, or proper equipment. Along the way, he gained more than technical skills required for a ride that would test every fiber of his physical being and mental toughness. Ride along as he meets “unusual” characters, dangerous animals, and sweet little old ladies with a serious vendetta for strangers in their town.

Humor ■ Insight ■ Adventure ■ Gratitude ■ Peace

From long stretches of road ending in a vanishing point at the distant horizon, to stunning vistas, terrifying close calls, grueling conditions, failed equipment, and joyous milestones he stayed the course and gained an appreciation for the beauty of the land, the genius of engineering and marvel of nature.


Read an Excerpt DAY TWENTY-TWO

(Takes place September 12, 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks against the US.)

Soon after the Continental Divide, I came across what would become my favorite sign in the world—a yellow diamond shape with a truck going downhill. It was time to stop, check the tyres and brakes—it was peanut butter and jelly time!

My emotions went from dread to elation in mere moments. I found myself overtaking my first car. Pedaling was useless, I didn’t I have enough gear to make it worthwhile, so I rode at the speed of gravity. I smacked my lips, eager to rejuvenate them with water. My main focus was on my speed and keeping my pack from swinging side to side on the turns. I regulated my speed by using my posture. Tucked down, speed increased; straightened up, my body served as an air brake. The brake pads were useless on a downhill like this. Coming to a slow stop in town? No problem. Trying to come to a complete stop doing forty miles per hour plus? Forget about it.

I passed another car, my speed maxing out at forty-five miles per hour. After fifteen minutes, I could see Steamboat Springs in the valley. I couldn’t believe this downhill. It was a present—nay, a reward. It was nine miles of bliss.

Steamboat Springs was more beautiful then I remembered. The last time I had been there was in 1995, when some buddies and I decided to road trip to Moab, Utah, to camp and mountain bike.

My choices of places to stay were abundant, but since I spent the last few hours tackling it, I opted to stay at the Rabbit Ears Motel. I checked in, ordered some Chinese, and turned on the TV. I was eager to finally see the events of the prior days.

The replay of the airplanes smashing into the towers wasn’t resonating. I watched the event repeat itself for thirty minutes, in- terrupted only by tone-deaf commercials. The reporters and news commentators talked, but I didn’t listen to their words. I couldn’t figure out if it was real. How many times had I seen Hollywood blow things up with breathtakingly realistic accuracy? I was more confused than I was upset or angry.

The footage moved from the Twin Towers to a field in Pennsylvania, the wreckage of a smoldering plane, Flight 93, which had crashed in Stonycreek Township. Although the passengers fought with the terrorists to regain control of the plane, in the end, the plane crashed. They played recovered audio of passengers praying, leaving voicemails for loved ones, and planning to fight back. Then they played a voicemail from a man who had been on Flight 175:

“Jules,

This is Brian. Listen, I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked.

If things don’t go well, and it’s not looking good, I just want you to know that I absolutely love you.

I want you to do good, go have good times—same to my parents and everybody.

I just totally love you… and I’ll see you when you get there.

Bye, babe. I hope I call you.”

At that moment, it all became real. I sat on the bed and cried. I felt so removed from it all.

The crew, the passengers, the people in the buildings and on the ground, the firefighters… they were all somebody’s dad, mom, wife, husband, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend. But they weren’t any of those things to me.

About the Author:

Cory Mortensen has ridden his collection of bicycles over a million miles of asphalt, dirt, mud, and backroads. In addition to the cross-country journey detailed in this book, he has traveled to over fifty-five countries, cycled from Minneapolis to Colorado solo to raise money for children born with congenital heart defects. He’s completed sixteen marathons on five continents, and survived three days of running with the bulls in Spain.

Cory is a certified Advanced PADI diver, and has enjoyed taking in life under the waves in locations all over the world. In 2003, he took time off from roaming, and accidentally started and built a company which he sold in 2013. That same year he married his best friend and explored the state of Texas for two years. The couple sold everything they owned, jumped on a plane to Ecuador and volunteered, trekked, and explored South America for sixteen months before returning to Phoenix, Arizona, where he works as a consultant and is soon to be a bestselling author.

The Buddha and the Bee is his first memoir in which he shares how a two month leave of absence redefined his life’s trajectory of sitting behind a desk and his decision to break society’s chains so he could live life on his terms.

Website: http://www.TheBuddhaAndTheBee.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BuddhaAndTheBee
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoryMortensenAuthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/CoryMortensenAuthor/

Amazon Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Bee-Cory-Mortensen/dp/1735498114
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735498122
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FLLBBP9

Indiebound Hardcover: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781735498119
Paperback: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781735498126

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