Midnight Rapture by Anya Summers

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Rescued by a hot, kilt-wearing Scot…

Freya’s on the run from her abusive ex-boyfriend. She’s exhausted and terrified, but if she stops, she knows he’ll find her – and their infant daughter – and make her pay. Desperation drives her to do something she shouldn’t, that she knows is fundamentally wrong…

… and sure enough, she gets caught red-handed. All she can do is beg for mercy.

When Jasper catches the gorgeous new maid with her hand in his wallet, his first instinct is to call the police. But Freya’s tearful plea strikes a chord deep within him, and instead he finds himself offering her the protection of his name and family.

Their union is meant to be on paper only but Jasper soon finds himself enthralled by his new bride. He starts a campaign to seduce her into his bed, never expecting her to wiggle her way into his heart.

And when her past threatens her very existence, he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.

Fall headlong into this steamy, fake relationship, stand-alone romance between a fierce Scottish businessman and a single mother as they navigate the road of love with all its pitfalls

Read an Excerpt

Marry him? Was the guy clinically insane?

Who asked someone they’d just met to marry them? She’d tell you who did stuff like that—crazy people.

Holding Maddie close, Freya didn’t know what to think or how to feel about his offer. He was only a few years older than she, by her reckoning, maybe in his early thirties. He could be English, but with a name like Campbell would bet what cash she had left he was Scottish.

His voice was sex personified. His Scottish brogue in that sexy baritone made his words sound like a caress. And when he spoke, the potent vibrations shivered through her body down into her toes. A man like him was dangerous to her sensibilities. A hypothesis proven by that reckless kiss. And what a kiss! Her body still hummed with illicit desire.

But she had sworn long ago that she would never be taken in by a charming, handsome face again. She’d done that once.

Holding Maddie close in case she needed to make a break for it, she asked, “What’s your name?”

He cast an arched stare as he rounded the kitchen island and faced her. “Jasper Campbell, at your service. And who is this little lassie?” He nodded toward her daughter. Maddie stared at him in fascination. Like mother, like daughter. But it could just be she wasn’t used to being around men that much, and definitely not one this enormous.

“This is Maddie.” Freya said her name, and her daughter grinned like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard.

“I’ve got a highchair in the pantry. Let me grab it, and we can set it by the table. And don’t think of leaving until we’ve finished discussing this matter. You try to leave before we’ve finished our negotiations, and I will call the authorities.”

She sucked in a breath at the threat. Rich people really were different. Only a guy who had never interacted with cops would call them the authorities. But she had no plans to leave just yet. Because she wanted to see if he was serious about his offer.

Did he really want to marry her for a year to gain his inheritance? Would he really buy her a house and give her twenty million dollars if she agreed?

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 of 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.

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Hidden Away at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

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Returning to the fan-favorite world of the closeknit Amish community of Promise Lodge, the small-town Missouri setting of her beloved Amish inspirational romance novels, Charlotte Hubbard continues to delight readers with uplifting tales of faith, family, and the blessings and happiness of true love and caring partnership.

There are no secrets among Missouri’s Amish community of Promise Lodge, as they share their joys, burdens, and blessings. But two visitors with a hidden agenda bring some surprising revelations—and unexpected saving graces…

When Karen Mercer and Andi Swann come to Promise Lodge for a week’s stay, the Kuhn sisters quickly detect the guests are not Plain folk, despite their kapps and homemade dresses. Entranced by the idyllic Amish lifestyle they’ve read about in romance novels, the visitors have gone undercover to revisit the place that was once the church camp where they spent happy summers. They mean no harm—but when the truth is uncovered, their deception has an intriguing impact on the faithful, hard-working community . . .

Meanwhile, amid bustling preparations for a spring wedding, a shy horse trainer is encouraged to share his colorful world with a newcomer awaiting a miracle . . . while the widowed baker of luscious Promise Lodge Pies sees a long-time friendship in a romantic new light. And in the wake of a destructive storm, Karen and Andi’s insider knowledge of the grounds may offer the safe passage they all need to renew and rebuild—stronger than ever . . .

Read an Excerpt

“Look at how this place has changed since we went to church camp here,” Andi remarked as they stood at the entry to Promise Lodge. “This must be a new metal entryway sign, because I don’t remember it having sunflowers and wheat sheaves, do you? And this plot to the left was a mowed pasture for horseback riding, and now it’s planted in green beans and tomatoes—”

“Probably to be sold at this produce stand,” Karen said, nodding toward the wooden structure at the roadside. “And look at all the houses! And there’s a tiny home with a dock on the far side of Rainbow Lake. How cool is that?”

“The old timbered lodge and the cabins look just the same as I remember them,” Andi said wistfully. “Except the Amish here have obviously done a lot of painting—and that looks like a new roof. The summers we spent here as campers and counselors were some of the best times of my life.” “Yeah, they were.” Karen pointed toward a large white barn. “And look at those adorable black and white cows! Everything looks too neat and perfect to be real—”

“But what about us?” Andi interrupted, her smile falling a notch. “Do we look authentic? We’re wearing these calf-length dresses we made and the kapps we ordered from a store in Lancaster County—and we’ve read hundreds of Amish novels—but what if they call us out as fakes? What if they make us confess in front of everybody at church and then—”

“They can’t do that, silly!” Karen reminded her with a chuckle. “We’re just taking a little trip down memory lane while we live the Amish life instead of just reading about it. If we stick to our script and imitate the way these folks do things, we’ll be fine, right?”

Andi sighed as though she wasn’t too sure about that. “But we made our phone reservation request and sent our money as though we were Plain, and the Amish think it’s a sin to lie. Maybe we should’ve—”

“But we didn’t,” Karen pointed out quickly. Her pulse was pounding with anticipation as she picked up the old-fashioned suitcase she’d bought at a thrift store. “If we follow our plans, we won’t have any problems. We’re just a couple of Amish maidels who’ve come to Promise Lodge for a week to check it out because we read about it in the Budget newspaper—which we did. Let’s walk to the lodge before you get cold feet and back out on me.”

About the Author

In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband and their Border collie, Vera.

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A Voice out of Poverty by Jillian Haslam

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

How to Handle Negative Criticism About Your Writing

Hey there, lovely people!

Jillian here, and today I want to chat with you about something every writer has to face at some point: negative criticism. Now, let's be honest; no one likes to hear that their writing isn't up to par or that it didn't resonate with someone. But here's the thing, my friends, negative criticism doesn't have to be the end of the world. In fact, it can be an opportunity for growth and improvement. So, grab a cup of tea, relax, and let's dive into how to handle negative criticism about your writing like a pro!

First things first, take a deep breath and remind yourself that criticism is not a personal attack. It's easy to feel hurt or defensive when someone points out flaws in your work, but remember that every writer faces criticism, even the most successful ones. So, take a step back, detach your emotions, and approach the feedback with an open mind. After all, this is your chance to learn and grow as a writer.

Now, let's talk about how to sift through the feedback. Not all criticism is created equal, my friends. Some comments may be constructive and valuable, while others might just be plain old negativity. Look for feedback that offers specific examples and suggestions for improvement. This kind of criticism is gold! It shows that the person took the time to engage with your work and wants to help you elevate it. Embrace these nuggets of wisdom and use them to polish your writing skills.

On the flip side, you'll also encounter criticism that isn't particularly helpful or insightful. It might be vague, unconstructive, or downright rude. When faced with this kind of feedback, don't let it get under your skin. Remember, everyone has different tastes, and not everyone will connect with your writing. It's okay! Take what you can from the comment, if anything, and move on. Don't waste your precious energy dwelling on negativity.

Another crucial aspect of handling negative criticism is finding a support system. Surround yourself with fellow writers or trusted friends who can provide honest and constructive feedback. These are the people who genuinely care about your growth and want to see you succeed. Sharing your work with them will not only help you get different perspectives but also provide a safe space to discuss and process any negative criticism you receive. When receiving negative criticism, it's important to avoid the knee-jerk reaction of defending your work or lashing out at the critic. Remember, this is a professional exchange, and maintaining a level-headed approach will serve you well. Take the time to reflect on the feedback and consider how it aligns with your goals as a writer. If it resonates with you and feels genuine, embrace it. If not, politely acknowledge the comment and move on.

Lastly, don't forget to keep writing! Negative criticism can shake your confidence, but don't let it derail your creative journey. Use it as fuel to become a better writer. Remember, even the most celebrated authors faced rejection and criticism along the way. It's a rite of passage! Keep honing your craft, experimenting with different styles, and, most importantly, enjoying the process.

So, my dear writing warriors, embrace negative criticism as a stepping stone towards growth. Learn from it, appreciate the gems, and discard the noise. Surround yourself with a supportive community, stay grounded, and keep pushing forward. Your writing journey is yours alone, and only you have the power to define your success.

Until next time, happy writing, and stay fierce!
Love, Jillian

A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.

As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.

From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.

Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.

British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face persistent abuse and starvation.

This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community, gratitude, and love.

A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to bring others with you.

Read an Excerpt

One day my mother took Vanessa and me to see Mr. Nazareth, a kindly family friend. Mr. Nazareth was a tall, dark, South Indian, Christian gentleman in his late forties, who my parents had met through a mutual acquaintance and in the past helped my father find work. Mr. Nazareth was blessed with a charitable heart. Poor himself, he was always smartly dressed, a habit from his father who had worked closely with the British Army during British rule. His family had worked for the British Army and he always wore perfectly pressed shirts and trousers and behaved like an absolute gentleman.

Seeing Mr. Nazareth was a high point for Vanessa and me. He never failed to have a bag of Muri Balls ready for us. Flavored with cardamom, ginger, and coconut, and the size of a golf ball, Muri Balls were made from puffed rice, honey, and jaggery—an unrefined sugar. They were super sweet and light and a huge treat. Each time we saw Mr. Nazareth he’d have a bunch for us wrapped in a paper packet called a thonga.

But my mother didn’t take us to him to indulge our sweet teeth. My mother sought his guidance regarding where and how we should live, which we desperately needed. He asked us to return two days later with my father.

We returned as requested and gathered with him into the crowded small living space in his two-room home. My parents perched on his two cane stools called moras and he, hands on his knees, sat upright on his sole dining chair. Vanessa and I sat on the floor and leaned against the wall, devouring the obligatory Muri Balls as fast as humanly possible.

“I’d like to make you a proposition,” he said. His tone was more formal than normal, like a CEO leading a discussion with staff. He paused to emphasize the moment and continued.

“I have spoken to a friend who would like to open a school for the poor in Dum Dum. The area is desperately short of such facilities, so many children in need.”

“I see,” said my father, with a tone of respect, “but why are you telling us?”

“I would like you, Roland, to be the principal and Margaret the teacher. I want you to teach the children to speak and learn English. But beyond that, I want to offer you all a place to live. You cannot go on like this.”

About the Author:

Jillian Haslam was born in 1970 and raised primarily in the slums of Calcutta. Despite the severe devastation of her family’s living circumstances, she completed her education and landed her first major employment as a personal assistant to the CEO at Bank of America in India.

Jillian rose through the ranks, and Bank of America appointed her president of its Charity and Diversity Network in India, where she spearheaded charitable work in four different cities. This led her to receive three philanthropic awards from Bank of America: the Star Recognition award, the Service Excellence award, and The Individual Achievement award.

In 2011, she published the first version of her memoir, Indian. English, which chronicles her life growing up amid dreadful poverty, abuse, and tragedy. The book sold over 150,000 copies, mostly while she was on the speaking circuit. Her story also incited interest from Hollywood and British film directors and producers, leading to the development of a feature film.

Charitable giving became Jillian’s life work. In 2012, she received the first runner up award for The Asian Woman of the Year in the “Social and Humanitarian” category. In early 2015, The Telegraph of Calcutta presented Jillian with the True Legend award for her exceptional contribution to social and humanitarian causes. In mid-2015, she was recognized as a finalist for the Role Model of the Year award for her work delivering speeches in educational institutes across the UK. In late 2016, she received an award for Excellence in Humanitarianism. And, in 2017, she received her greatest accolade, the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award.

Jillian became a speaker in demand and is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). She has delivered several TEDx talks, among other prestigious speaking engagements, on various topics that flow from her life story. Jillian speaks on topics that include entrepreneurialism, the power of the mind, and human resilience.

She has also been featured on various TV networks, including Channel 5 and the BBC, and a wide range of print media, including The Independent, The Pioneer, The Times, The Telegraph, The Metro, Gulf News, and other major media outlets. Jillian’s charitable work continues under the auspices of the Remedia Trust where she oversees several separate charities: Ageing Smiles (for the elderly poor), Happy Hearts (for children), Empowering Girls (for teaching various workable skills), India’s Disabled (for building a mobile medical unit), E3 Growth (focused on education, employment, and employability), and the Mother Teresa Project (for women and single mothers).

Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.

http://www.jillianhaslam.com
https://www.facebook.com/jillian.haslam
https://www.facebook.com/IndianEnglishTheMovie
https://twitter.com/JillianHaslam
https://www.instagram.com/jillian.haslam/
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58948875

https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Out-Poverty-Achieve-Adversity-ebook/dp/B0BX48B964
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To Kingdom Come by Claudia Riess

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Claudia Riess will be awarding a $25 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.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Which chapter was your favorite to write and why?

Although the prologue introduces the event (the 1897 “punitive expedition” of the Kingdom of Benin), which touches on the background of the present-day story and gives the past immediacy, the substance of the prologue might have been introduced as exposition in the chapters that follow. Chapter One, though, kicks off the present-day story and must be told in real time. I don’t know if it was my favorite chapter to write (each chapter has its unique satisfactions—like the challenge of writing from the POV of the antagonist!), but it had a special kind of exhilaration, like the shot fired at the start of a race. The important characters are introduced: amateur sleuths Erika and Harrison, about to embark on another mystery-solving venture, along with a host of individuals who’ll play a role in the events to come—among others: Ikemar Umar, history professor from the University of Nigeria, Pierre Jolet, Associate Director of the French Institutes organization, Olivia Chatham, math professor at the University of London, who has unearthed a journal of historical importance. It opens on a Zoom meeting, during which a murder is witnessed in horror by its helpless attendees. I have a sort of outline of what follows, but I know it will change as characters are fleshed out and lead me in down unexpected paths, and so I’m both anticipating and wondering what’s about to happen.

Amateur sleuths, Erika Shawn-Wheatley, art magazine editor, and Harrison Wheatley, art history professor, attend a Zoom meeting of individuals from around the globe whose common goal is to expedite the return of African art looted during the colonial era. Olivia Chatham, a math instructor at London University, has just begun speaking about her recent find, a journal penned by her great-granduncle, Andrew Barrett, active member of the Royal Army Medical Service during England’s 1897 “punitive expedition” launched against the Kingdom of Benin.

Olivia is about to disclose what she hopes the sleuthing duo will bring to light, when the proceedings are disrupted by an unusual movement in one of the squares on the grid. Frozen disbelief erupts into a frenzy of calls for help as the group, including the victim, watch in horror the enactment of a murder videotaped in real time.

It will not be the only murder or act of brutality Erika and Harrison encounter in their two-pronged effort to hunt down the source of violence and unearth a cache of African treasures alluded to in Barrett’s journal.

Much of the action takes place in London, scene of the crimes and quest for redemption

Read an Excerpt

He wondered now why had it taken such an effort to decide which of his plans to set in motion. Walking off with an artifact or two from Franks House, the British Museum’s storage facility in East London, may have given him his political statement, but at what cost? The place was crawling with workers in lab coats and masks—conservators, project managers, photographers, interns, auditors, volunteers—the lot of them engaged in the end goal of moving 200,000 objects from the museum’s collection of Africa, Oceania, and the Americans to its nearly spanking new World Conservation and Exhibition Centre. True, it would not have been an insurmountable task, entering the quiet road where the quaint redbrick warehouse lay and unobtrusively blending into the workforce, but then what? Would he have been forced to shoot his way out of the place at the risk of being gunned down himself? How sordid and at the same time mundane to mow down an uncalculated number of individuals, only to find himself a mere casualty sprawled among them. Hell no, he was neither a loony terrorist nor a crack- head martyr. The plan in place was the more sensible course, no question about it.

It was restful, hearing below his thoughts the rhythmic phrase of train wheels clacking against the tracks in lulling repetition. His calmness surprised him a little, given what lay ahead. His scenario had been well choreographed, but only on an imagined stage with players moving about under his ironclad direction. In real life, even the most meticulous plan is apt to be disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. He knew that it was exactly 1.6 miles from Effingham Junction Station to the mansion on Ockham Lane in Cobham, Surrey, but was he certain that he would not be accosted by a madman or struck by lightning on his walk to the place?

If he allowed his thoughts to ramble on in this manner, his nerves would start acting up. He must lean into the physical moment and move with it into his destiny. He looked out the window past his reflection and focused on the indifferent stars.

About the Author: Claudia Riess is an award-winning author of seven novels, four of which form her art history mystery series published by Level Best Books. She has worked in the editorial departments of The New Yorker and Holt, Rinehart and Winston, and has edited several art history monographs. Stolen Light, the first book in her series, was chosen by Vassar’s Latin American history professor for distribution to the college’s people-to-people trips to Cuba. To Kingdom Come, the fourth and most recent, will be added to the syllabus of a survey course on West and Central African Art at a prominent Midwest university. Claudia has written a number of articles for Mystery Readers Journal, Women’s National Book Association, and Mystery Scene magazine. At present, she’s consulting with her protagonists about a questionable plot twist in Chapter 9 of the duo’s murder investigation unfolding in book 5; working title: Dreaming of Monet, scheduled for release winter 2024. For more about Riess and her work, visit http://www.claudiariessbooks.com.

All four books in the art history mystery series are available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, IndieBound.org and at independent book stores. For bulk discount purchases, contact https://levelbestbooks.wordpress.com.

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Choosing Love Over Pride by Marielle de Vassoigne

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Marielle de Vassoigne will be awarding a $15 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.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre?   What draws you to it?

I started to write to stop overthinking and to unwind. My writing became a book organically. The contemporary romance genre emerged when I decided to create new narratives in a near future for my alter-ego. I brought in my books what was missing in my life.

 

What research is required?

I had just confirmed my decision to move from Montreal to Vancouver when I started to write “New Beginning in Vancouver”, the prequel to “Choosing Love Over Pride”. The first research I had to do was about the context and location where my fiction takes place: Vancouver, my then-future adopted city, where I had never been before.

I created Maxime (the main character), a businesswoman owner of the Salon Blossom – Flowers & Teas. I met with BIPOC women entrepreneurs and owners of their respective flower shops, and tea blend businesses.

Finally, exploring the romance genre, I committed to navigating my readers through a rollercoaster of emotions; I received bits of advice from a therapist to be realistic in how my characters would experiment with theirs.

 

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

I made Maxime a curious, resilient, and benevolent person. I laughed and cried while writing her story. She taught me to embrace my emotions, dive deep down into them, and stick to my core values to come back strong, rich from the lessons, and forgiving.

 

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

I found a Café in my new neighbourhood, after I moved to Vancouver, with an aesthetic close to the one that I depict for the Salon Blossom – Flowers and Teas, in “New Beginning in Vancouver”. I love to go there on weekends to write.

Also, I often get inspired by the lyrics of random songs I listen to on my walks.

 

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I usually begin a book or a chapter with an end in mind. But when I dive into my characters' world, they take over. They got me to change the first novel's ending and surprised me throughout my writing of “Choosing Love Over Pride”. Only when I get writer's block do I step back, come back to the first idea, and drill down to a potential root cause from where I am, using the 5 Whys method (Why is this idea important, why would this happen, why…) or just relaxing.

 

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Believe it or not: a worn-out copy of “Choosing Love Over Pride” … and water. I must hydrate constantly to keep my mind clear.

 

Anything new coming up from you?  What?

I’m working on the translation in French of the two first books of the series. And I strive to write the last book of this series. After I finished “New Beginning in Vancouver”, I decided this series would be a trilogy. But knowing this book is my last opportunity to dive into Maxime’s world (at least in that context), it is tough to progress. Also, real life collided with fiction, blocking me from creating this last stage of the Smith-Eunoias story.

 

Do you have a question for our readers?

What makes a series ending memorable to you: is it the surprise, an opening for more questions, a happy or fateful ending?

There are so many ways this fiction could end. The characters seem to have different wills, and I don’t want a “GOT last season syndrome”. I commit to keeping the rollercoaster of emotions going until the end and creating new narratives through my books. Why not fuel my inspiration from you?

"Max, do you remember the proposal-gate?"

"How could I ever forget, sweetie? You made sure no one would. Why do you ask?"

"Was it worth it? I mean, I recall being a fierce advocate for the 'I do.' But when I think of how much Dad and you have suffered because of love I wonder. Was it worth it?"

Maxime's stepdaughter refers to her father's legendary attempt to propose in New Beginning in Vancouver, the prequel to this book. This new stage of Maxime's life navigates us through a rollercoaster of emotions while she must face new joys and challenges.

I hope you will enjoy, laugh and cry reading their story as much as I did when I wrote it. I offer you an opportunity to complete the experience of reading this novel appealing to all senses with a soundtrack, available on my author website: http://www.marielledevassoigneauthor.com.

Finally, as I identify as a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ ally, this book reflects once again my core belief: a rich life is filled with kindness, curiosity, and exploration, as well as values of diversity and inclusion.

Enjoy!

Read an Excerpt

“You two have something special as well. You’re soulmates too.”

“That’s exactly how we feel.” She’s beaming now. “Hmm. Love feels so good when it is reciprocated,” I concede, wistful.

“But Uncle Gab still loves you Max.” “Everyone but him knows it. That’s what hurts the most! And I can’t do the same and pretend with your father.”

My reaction to the first shock of Gabriel moving out was a warning. The discussion with my dear Sophia starts shaking me out of my emotional swamp. After spending time with Bloom, Emmy, Kim, and Josh I realize I can no longer focus on my pain only.

For their sake, that of Gabriel and Jason, of James and my two babies, the Blossom, and the Explorer but mainly for my own sake I bury myself in work. Spending my days at the Blossom. The Salon, always buzzing in the spring is the best distraction to my sorrow.

After spending half her life in Montréal, Marielle de Vassoigne moved to Vancouver during the pandemic in January of 2021.

Just like her main character Maxime, she was born in France and grew up in Martinique, a French Caribbean Island, before moving in Canada.

An organic writer, she's publishing her first novel, which is an outcome from her many experiences. The story has been influenced by her core belief—that a rich life is filled with kindness, curiosity, and exploration—as well as values of diversity and inclusion.

WEBSITE: http://www.marielledevassoigneauthor.com
FACEBOOK: https://web.facebook.com/marielledevassoigneauthor
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marielledevassoigneauthor/

AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228883989
AMAZON.CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0228883989
AMAZON KINDLE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV4SWRQV
BOOKTOPIA: https://www.booktopia.com.au/choosing-love-over-pride-marielle-de-vassoigne/book/9780228883982.html
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/choosing-love-over-pride-marielle-de-vassoigne/1143060418
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Choosing-Love-Over-Pride-Marielle-de-Vassoigne/9780228883982
SMASHWORD: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1338396
IBOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/choosing-love-over-pride-the-sequel-to-new-beginning/id6445731289

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Bad Henry by Ron Chepesiuk

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

Henry Louis Wallace terrorized Charlotte, North Carolina, from May 1992 to March 1994. Wallace preyed on lower economic class Black women between 17 and 35 years old. He knew most of his victims, some through his job at Taco Bell, and gained their trust with his friendly demeanor and gentle nature-concealing a monster fueled by drug abuse and rage against women.

 

Read an Excerpt

Aubrey Spain Murder

Wallace needed money and knew Spain was a shift manager at the Taco Bell with access to the store’s safe. He was angry with her because he believed she had helped get him fired from his job. He found out Spain was on vacation and waited for her return.

Upon her return, Wallace went over to her apartment. Without a thought, she let her friend, Wallace, into the apartment. Wallace asked her if she wanted to smoke a joint. She said yes and Wallace went home to get a joint.

He came back. They smoked a joint, drank some beer, chatted, and were having a good time. Spain relaxed. Her guard was down. She was enjoying her time with her friend. They both continued to smoke marijuana and get high.

When Spain turned her back, Wallace made his move. He sprang and put Spain in his Boston chokehold. Then he threw her to the ground. She was terrified. Wallace demanded to know the combination. Spain said she did not know the combination. “What about the money in your personal bank account?” Wallace demanded.

Spain said she had just returned from a vacation and had none. Wallace dragged her into the bedroom and raped her. She screamed in terror and begged Wallace not to hurt her. He raped her again.

About the Author:

Ron Chepesiuk is an optioned screenwriter, documentary producer and the award-winning author of more than 40 books. He is a former professor and head of the Archives at Winthrop University in South Carolina. He is a two-time Fulbright Scholar to Indonesia and Bangladesh and a former instructor in UCLA's Extension Journalism Department.

His articles, which number in the thousands, have appeared in such publications as FHM, USA Today, Black Enterprise, Woman's World, Modern Maturity, New York Times Syndicate, Toronto Star, Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, among others. His documentary on Frank Matthews, legendary drug Kingpin, which he produced and directed, won the Silver Doc award at the Las Vegas International Film Festival. Four of his screenplays are currently in development for feature movies and four of his books have been optioned for movies. His script Death Fences was the grand winner of the Amsterdam, Holland-based 2019 New Visions International Film Festival.

As an expert in crime history, he is a consultant to the Gangland TV series the and has been interviewed on numerous TV programs, including Discovery, NBC Dateline, History, Biography, ID, Reelz, Black Entertainment Television, Starz, and TV 1. As a journalist, Ron has reported from more than thirty-five countries, including Cuba, Northern Ireland, Colombia, Kenya, Hong Kong, and Nepal, and his 16, 000 plus interviews include such luminaries as Gerry Adams, Yasser Arafat, John Kerry, Evander Holyfield, Jimmy Carter, Andy McDow, Abbie Hoffman, a former president of Nicaragua, and three former presidents and two vice presidents of Colombia, South America.

Ron is also radio host of CRIME BEAT Radio Show. The Crime Beat show has been on the air since January 2011 and has listeners in 160 plus countries. Guests have included Robert Kennedy, Jr., Henry Hill, Noam Chomsky, George Jung, Joe Piston (aka Donnie Brasco), F. Lee Bailey and Chris Kyle, American sniper

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Babe in the Woods by Jude Hopkins

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jude Hopkins 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.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I wrote women’s fiction because I’m interested in addressing an audience of women (and men) who are drawn to certain issues, such as the over-arching need (it seems) to find a mate and settle down, at least for a large percentage of women, regardless of their other interests in life.

What research is required?

My book is set in two places: the first in a rural town in upstate New York; the second, Los Angeles. I’ve lived in both places (the rural town being western Pennsylvania, close to western New York state). So, drawing upon my experiences helped enormously in writing the settings for these two places. I can also say that hang-outs, like the local bar/restaurant in my book’s small town, could be the same from town to town in atmosphere and clientele. I worked in a record company when I lived in L.A., so that provided a lot of the details for the California part of my novel.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

Passion and drive are positive qualities, misplaced though they may be at the outset.

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

I remember reading an old book titled The Creative Process edited by Brewster Ghiselin about quirks different authors must have before writing. One needed the smell of rotten apples in his desk before he could write. Another needed endless cups of tea. I would say my quirk for writing the book was listening to background music, in my case, an instrumental titled “You’re Stuck in the Passage of Time” that I found on YouTube.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

Both. I started out as a pantser, just writing to get ideas down for the first few drafts. After the book began to take shape, I got an art book, one with a landscape (as opposed to portrait) page format, so I could write down (and across) each page what the chapter’s synopsis and its characters were. So, after the first few drafts, I become very anal and want to make sense of the chaos I’d written. This helped in checking times and dates in the story, too.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

A tsundoku (a pile of unread books). In fact, If I looked to the right or behind me or in front of me, I’ll also find a tsundoku.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’ve got an idea for a second book and have started writing down some scenes (pantser), but so much has been going on in my life (good and bad) that I haven’t had much time to devote to it. I can’t say much about it because it’s still at the fragile stage, but I’ve amassed a lot of notes that I hope to use to fill it out and make it shine.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What qualities in a female protagonist make you want to invest in reading about her journey?

It’s September 1995, the first year of the rest of Hadley Todd's life. After living in Los Angeles, Hadley returns to her hometown in rural New York to write and be near her father. In addition to looking after him and teaching high school malcontents, Hadley hopes to channel her recent L.A. heartbreak into a play about the last moment of a woman’s innocence. But she seeks inspiration.

Enter Trey Harding, a young, handsome reporter who covers sports at the high school. Trey reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to fire up her imagination. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But the surprising twist that transpires when the two of them go to Hollywood is not something Hadley prepared for.

Read an Excerpt

She picked up her books. She felt alive, all senses on the alert. If Trey reminded her of Derek, then they must be part of a type, members of the same genus and species. What was the proper name for a conclave of these guys? An assembly of assholes? A gaggle of gigolos? A bundle of bounders? Oh, but they had something these guys. They could make her life a dream whether she was sipping Dom Perignon with him at The Plaza or swilling moonshine with him on a back porch. Those guys could change the lens all right.

Trey would be easy to observe, too. He was an alpha male in a jungle of willing women out in the middle of nowhere. He had enough girlfriends around here that she could easily watch and record his interactions with them. As long as these women were OK with being snookered by such a playboy, she might as well learn as much as possible and make the proverbial lemonade out of a bowl of sour fruit.

“Have you forgotten? You were one of them,” an inner voice reminded her.

She corrected her posture and straightened up to her full 5’8” height. All of a sudden she was twenty again. It wasn’t only the play that interested her. He interested her. Besides, their names were linked. They formed a chiasmus – almost.

About the Author:

Jude Hopkins has published essays in The Los Angeles Times, Medium, the belladonna—and poetry in various journals including Gyroscope Review, Timber Creek Review and California Quarterly. She is currently working on her first novel, Babe in the Woods.

It has always been her desire to write. She was featured in Dickinson College’s literary magazine when she was an undergraduate. One poem in particular, “Mixed Metaphors,” contrasted two viewpoints in a lakeside scene: one of a romantic young woman who thought the wind was blowing through her hair like an Aeolian harp; the other, that of her suitor who believed the water looked as cold as hell. Ah, love’s different sensibilities! What she lost in that relationship, she gained from her sojourn at Dickinson, earning her Phi Beta Kappa key while there, as well as a desire to continue her education.

Then it was on to graduate school at Arizona State University where studying for her master’s degree in English and grading essays as a teaching assistant took most of her time (and partying — it was ASU, for Pete’s sake). However, she did have a germ of an idea for a self-help book that she began outlining, fueled by many a Thermos bottle of Dunkin’ coffee.

It wasn’t until she moved to L.A. that she thought about writing a proposal for that self-help book. She got some bites from agents. Top agents. But working three jobs took precedence. (One of those jobs was at a Hollywood record company where she met a Beatle, among other artists.)

When she finally moved back to Pennsylvania, she began seriously writing again, squeezing in time to pen some poems between endless essay grading at one of the University of Pittsburgh’s branch campuses. As an adjunct English instructor, Jude was uncompromising on what she expected from her students, knowing they were capable of achieving great things when challenged, but she tried to balance the hard work with humor. Nevertheless, she knew that discipline and knowledge could turn even the most reluctant student into a pretty good writer. To achieve that end, the cellphones had to be put away, and attention had to be paid. The result? Some model research papers and essays from memorable students (she taught English in Pennsylvania, New York state, California and Arizona).

The need to write something besides comments on student essays gnawed at her. One day, she took out her old self-help book manuscript from a cobwebby drawer and began the process of turning it into a novel. That novel became “Babe in the Woods” and will be traditionally published by Wild Rose Press sometime in 2023. She blogs about that novel, so, readers, please follow her blogs as she updates everyone on the book's progress. Please also check out her essays and poems, also featured herein.

Website: https://www.judehopkinswriting.net/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HeyJudeNotJudy

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1509248439/

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Prophet's Lamentation by Robert Creekmore

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Robert Creekmore will be awarding a $10 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.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Why do you write in your genre?

I reckon my genre is considered, thriller, noir, or grit lit. But, I mix in the philosophy of the Calvinist quandary of choice vs predetermination, science fiction, and musings about our perception of time. I read a lot of Vonnegut growing up.

What draws you to it?

I enjoy the ability to kill and torture characters who have it coming in creative ways. It’s kept me out of prison.

What research is required?

Grounding yourself in inspirational hard science non-fiction works, such as Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan, is a start. Reading classic mid-twentieth-century science fiction is a master class in sci-fi.

Using psychedelics help when it comes to writing fantasy and paranormal because neither has any basis in reality. That way, you can set your mind free to create something entirely new.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

After the overwhelmingly positive feedback from my first novel, Prophet’s Debt, I’ve realized that my protagonist, who appears in both novels, no longer only belongs to me. She means something to others, which means I owe my fans, not only gratitude but also an obligation.

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

Not really. I’m not superstitious in any way whatsoever. I sit down at my keyboard every day at the same time like it’s my job because, at this point, it is.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I keep an outline in my head. I rarely write it down. I see the concept as a whole like a piece of raw granite before being sculpted. I carve away the shit that doesn’t work and I’m hopefully left with something recognizable. But, I certainly make up a lot as I go along.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

Eryk Pruitt’s book Something Bad Wrong

Anything new coming up from you? What?

The third installment, Prophet’s Death, will hit bookshelves in the summer of 2024. Beyond that, I’m already working on a supplemental work that follows Naomi’s girlfriend, Tiffany, through the eleven years they were separated during book one, Prophet’s Debt. The work is titled, Diary of Attrition. It’s scheduled for release in 2025. I’ve also pitched and received an offer for a book that’s a one-off and not part of this series. The tentative release for that title is 2026.

I’ve been dabbling in writing short stories. I just finished one about a necrophile, foot-fetishist, podiatrist called Sole Survivor. I suppose I’ll submit it to magazines and see what happens.

Do you have a question for our readers?

What are you most frightened of? I need ideas.

Two years after Naomi murdered the serial killer and rapist Vernon Proffit, she is attempting to adjust to a quiet life with her wife, Tiffany. But Vernon’s flock is not done with her. Under new leadership, their numbers have swollen as they morphed from a single entity into a network of cultists called Apostles of the Cloven Hand.

Naomi has suppressed her abilities since killing Vernon, but she cannot ignore the voices of the young people the new flock tortures and molests. They scream for help in her dreams every night, causing her to question her own sanity.

When she uses her long-dormant abilities to stop an attempted gay-bashing, Naomi’s true identity is exposed. The cult sends an assassin to kill Naomi and her family, forcing them to flee the state while the Apostles move to take everything the family has built.

Naomi fought the cult before and won. But that was before she had her chosen family to worry about. Now, she must choose between hiding on her own to keep her family safe or fighting back to destroy the Apostles. If she hides, the Apostles will continue to victimize those near them. If she fights, her family will be at risk of the same fate they plan for Naomi.

Read an Excerpt

The hulking Marine, while still holding Nate’s collar, rears back his right hand in a fist. It’s a drunken, profusely telegraphed punch. Before he can land it, Nate quickly jabs the man’s liver with his left fist.

Surprised, and in excruciating pain, the Marine stumbles backward toward his friends. I’m instantly proud of Nate. I taught him that. A proper liver shot is devastating and can take down the largest of opponents. That’s why they’re illegal in boxing.

The other four immediately dogpile Nate and Claude. Herschel puts his right elbow into the throat of the man closest to him, sending the bastard to his knees. Then there is general chaos. Fists and kicks swing wildly. The first Marine I get my hands on, I grab by the collar, and cram my left thumb into his right eye, crushing it into his skull.

“I was going to be a sniper,” he screams.

“Not anymore,” I reply.

Now it’s the three of us against two.

I feel the anger swelling within me. The Earth calls out to my mind, saying, “Naomi, take my energy. Return to your path.”

I resist because we easily pummel the remaining two.

But then, the larger Marine gets back on his feet. He grabs me with both hands and lifts me up against the wall by my shirt.

Nate and Claude are on my right, and Herschel is on my left. As they close in, Herschel sees my left hand glowing bright white.

“Step back,” he screams at both of them!

Knowing exactly what Herschel means, Nate grabs Claude and pulls him away.

I reach up with my glowing white hand and light the man’s entire right arm on fire. Wailing in pain, he falls back. I focus my energy on the wall behind him. The bricks disappear as I bring forth a stone archway that opens up to the night sky I saw in my dream of Frieda. Swiftly, I move toward the man, kicking him in the chest. He falls backward through the passageway. I catch a glimpse of the creature from before as it gallops by on its spindly, dagger-tipped legs. It releases a shriek that echoes out into the alleyway as it grabs the man off his feet with its long dark claws, fleeing with him toward the woods.

I pull my hand away and the portal closes.

The other men flee.

About the Author:

Robert Creekmore is from a rural farming community in Eastern North Carolina.

He attended North Carolina State where he studied psychology. While at university, he was active at the student radio station. There, he fell in love with punk rock and its ethos.

Robert acquired several teaching licenses in special education. He was an autism specialist in Raleigh for eight years. He then taught for four years in a small mountain community in western North Carolina.

During his time in the mountains, he lived with his wife Juliana in a remote primitive cabin built in 1875. While there, he grew most of his own food, raised chickens, worked on a cattle farm, as well as participated in subsistence hunting and fishing.

Eventually, the couple moved back to the small farming community where Robert was raised.

Robert’s first novel Afiri, is a science fiction love letter to his childhood hero Carl Sagan. It was nominated for a Manly Wade Wellman award in 2016.

Robert’s second novel is the first in a trilogy of books. Annoyed with the stereotype of the southeastern United States as a monolith of ignorance and hatred, he wanted to bring forth characters from the region who are queer and autistic. They now hold up a disinfecting light to the hatred of the region’s past and to those who still yearn for a return to ways and ideas that should have long ago perished.

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Prophets-Lamentation-Robert-Creekmore-ebook/dp/B0BZ6MRPVW/

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One Pale Reflection by Tycho Dwelis

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tycho Dwelis will be awarding a $10 Amazon GC and a signed print copy of the book (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Brenden McCoy and his sister, Lettie, have just lost their parents and are going to live with a distant relative in Ireland. They don’t know him, don’t like him, and - even weirder - strange things keep happening around their new caregiver’s house.

Meanwhile, in a strange world beyond a mirror, a mercenary has been sent by his king to hunt down and kill a fugitive, a powerful and immortal wizard. Time is not on his side.

Athos the Key Thief builds an army, and soon everyone will be just another Thrall.

Will Brenden be able to solve the mystery beyond the mirror, find the truth behind his parents’ disappearance, and put to rest someone who cannot die?

Welcome to MirrorWorld.

Read an Excerpt

“Athos? Sounds like a made-up word.”

“It’s from a language not spoken on this earth. This man is of supernatural origin and has been to many places beyond this world, or so it’s said. About ten years ago, a man no older than a boy came to this village and claimed to be a merchant from Sand Stor Stad. We thought him vain, always looking at himself in a mirror. He kept him with it at all times. Then, we found out what he was really after. About two miles out from this village, high up on that cliff, lies a door.”

“Just a door?” Duncan followed the man’s finger into the black tree line on the hill, unable to see anything in the darkness.

“Just a door. A black door. It doesn’t lead to anything. It just sat there for the longest time and, as far as we knew, it was stuck fast. Some had tried to destroy it, but a great magick protected it. By coming here, Athos unlocked it and unleashed terror onto this place. First came the plagues, then the Thralls.”

Duncan gulped. “T-Thralls?”

“Undead beasts who stalk the night. Those they spit their poison upon die and are turned into the very beings themselves. If it wasn’t for this fire here, they’d be on us like a pack of wild dogs. Don’t you see the eyes? Look… upward into the woods.”

About the Author:

I’m Tycho (I also use the pen name Cassidy), and I love storytelling! I’m incredibly passionate about writing, art, and anything that allows me to create my own worlds. My goal is to write dreamy fiction for all ages that is unique, inspiring, and imaginative. I like to write about themes that include coming of age, magic realism, identity, relationships, and bullying. My books are intended for readers ages eight to twenty-five, and are meant to connect the world of the fantastical to everyday life.

I currently live in Colorado and have my MA in Publishing.

Website: http://www.tychodorian.com
Linktree (includes all of my newsletter, social media, and projects): https://linktr.ee/tychodorian
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTRKUVUyS/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tychodorian
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tycho_dorian
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tycho_dorian

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/One-Pale-Reflection-Tycho-Dwelis-ebook/dp/B0BZ7QN4KC/ref=sr_1_1

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