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Showing posts from June, 2009

Seduce the Darkness by Gena Showalter - Review & Giveaway

Seduce the Darkness ~ Gena Showalter 416 p, Simon & Schuster The war between otherworlders and humans changed Earth beyond recognition. It also saved Bride McKells's life. Before, the gorgeous vampire was a target for every fanatic with a stake and a crucifix. Now, she's free to roam the streets -- and desperate to find others of her kind. One man claims to have the answers she seeks. Devyn, King of the TarMgons, is a warrior and a womanizer, and he makes no secret of how much he wants Bride -- and how dangerous he could be to her in every way. An avid collector of women, Devyn easily seduces human and otherworlder alike. Until now. Not only does Bride resist him, but she leaves Devyn feeling something entirely new...a bone-deep need bordering on obsession. Her blood is the key to curing a vicious alien disease, but helping Bride uncover her origins will compel her to choose between electrifying passion and a destiny that could tear her from Devyn's side forever.

Author Guest Post - Dr. Lew Hamburger

Readers, please join me welcoming Dr. Lew Hamburger , author of Don't Have the Willpower? (Motivational short book on getting things done in life.) who will be guest blogging here today! *************** Entitlement Epidemic Look around and you'll see a lot of people—young and old—who want what they want when they want it.  And, the vast majority feel they are owed this!  Where’d did this thinking come from?  I'm not sure, but well-meaning parents probably paved the way by simply wanting a better life for their kids.  Somewhere along the line that got turned into “more or better things"—cars, TV’s, phones, computers, vacations. You can speculate whether this is in response to the rising rate of both parents working, more people working two jobs, rising divorce rates, the internet, advertising, and a host of other variables.  It really doesn’t matter where it came from.  What matters is to recognize that life is not fair or equitable. The solution to this way o

A Conversation with Christi Phillips

Christi Phillips is the author of The Rossetti Letter , an historical novel set in seventeenth-century Venice that has been translated into seven languages. Her newest novel, The Devlin Diary , takes place in 1672 London and present-day Cambridge. The main character, Hannah Devlin, is a female physician who attends Charles II’s mistress while a killer is stalking the members of his court. 1. Why did you set The Devlin Diary in the place and time that you did? The Restoration Era—which begins in 1660 and ends in 1685, essentially the reign of Charles II—can be thought of as the 1960s of the seventeenth century. Both eras ushered in sweeping social changes, a heightened creativity in the arts and sciences, and greater freedom for women. There was also lots of sex, drinking, drugs, and really, really bad behavior, which makes for great stories. 2. Your novel is tremendously engaging and can easily be read in one sitting. Claire and Hannah go through a whirlwind through the course

Review - The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri

The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri 288p, Harper, ISBN-10: 0061721557 This book is a simple but poignant story of women who're brought together and later on, uplifted through the art of lace-making. Seattle resident Kate Robinson, is on a hiking tour of Ireland to recover from the triple loss of her career as a designer, her mother to cancer and her boyfriend to a backstabbing friend. Her wounded soul finds a measure of solace when she wanders into the picturesque but ailing town of Glenmara. Widowed and alone, Bernie is one of the women of the local Lace Maker's Society and she's the first one to feel that Kate is destined to change her life and indeed all of their lives. She invites Kate to stay with her. Together the women of the society are inspired to create exquisite lingerie with their lace besides the traditional items. In a place like Glenmara, where things are still done as they have been done for centuries, where the people are very close to thei

Author Guest Post - Sandy Lender

Today I'm pleased to welcome Sandy Lender , author of Choices Meant for Gods . Her guest post here today is part of this book's virtual tour, courtesy Goddess Fish Promotions . ********************* Prostitutes and Other Biblical Influences in Choices Meant for Gods By Fantasy Author Sandy Lender After I’d prepared a couple of guest blogs for this online book tour, I realized folks might get the impression that CHOICES MEANT FOR GODS was a religious treatise disguised as fantasy. Maybe it had a bunch of didactic speeches hidden inside. Nope. It’s actually a little surprising that a good li’l Southern Baptist like myself could come up with the gnarly evil beasties and double-crossing back-stabbing bad boys that I did for this pagan glimpse into a polytheistic society. But, then, my great grandmother used to tell me the Bible was full of those cool kinds of stories…In fact, it’s the story of a prostitute who helped a couple God-fearing travelers in the book of Joshua that ins

Book Excerpt - Beyond the Code of Conduct

Beyond the Code of Conduct by K. M. Daughters (180p, The Wild Rose Press) About the Book FBI Agency Brass and Sullivan family connections force Special Agent Bobbie Leighton into an undercover operation with inactive Homicide Detective Joe Sullivan. Posing as a cattleman and his arm-candy wife the couple is assigned to infiltrate NY attorney Bradley Sterling’s illegal operation. Suspected of baby trafficking, Sterling maybe be connected with Joe’s brother, Jimmy Sullivan’s murder. How do Bobbie and Joe adhere to their professional code of conduct living under the same roof? Can they forget their personal history, ignore their volatile feelings for each other and ensnare their target when they might be next on Sterling’s victims list? About the Author K.M. Daughters is the multi-published writing team of sisters Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. Their author career began in January 2008 with contracts from The Wild Rose Press for an inspirational romance, Jewel of the Adriatic, and a

Author Guest Post - Joy Nash

Readers, please join me welcoming Author Joy Nash who will be guest blogging here today! Summer musings lead to a summer romance novel! By Joy Nash Summer has always been my favorite season of the year. I love the long days, the nice weather, the school’s-out feeling, the abundant flowers and vegetables growing in my garden, and the sense of limitless possibilities. And of course, the beach! Which, to me, is synonymous with the Jersey Shore. I met my first serious boyfriend one summer at the Jersey Shore, when I was sixteen. And while that kid is long gone, (I wonder what he’s doing now? Note to self: look him up on Facebook), the magic of a summer romance is a feeling that’s always stayed with me. I spent a lot of time at the shore as a kid--and I still manage to get back for at least a week every summer with my own kids. So it’s no wonder I’ve set my first contemporary romance, A Little Light Magic (Leisure Books, June 09), at the Jersey Shore. Nick Santangelo is a guy

Book Excerpt - The Pyewiz and the Amazing Mobile Phone by H. H. Jones

The Pyewiz and the Amazing Mobile Phone by H. H. Jones 532 p, YouWriteOn, ISBN: 9781849230278 ABOUT THE BOOK: Schoolboy Terry Mctrain thinks the new tenant in his parent’s guesthouse is strange. Stranger still is the reason why she is here. Then Terry learns about a twin brother he never knew he had, kidnapped by a pirate wizard years ago. Baffled by all this, Terry realizes there’s a mystery to be solved, and a secret to be uncovered. But when he discovers that the fate of the world is also in his hands, he wonders. Could this turn into the adventure of a lifetime? EXCERPT : “Ouch!” Terry McTrain screwed up his face in agony. The sharp point of the other boy’s cutlass nicked his shoulder, and blood oozed through the jagged tear in his shirt. His mum would go crazy! The boy he was fighting was a good swordsman. If Terry wasn’t careful he would end up with another wound. He swished his own weapon ambitiously through the air, but missed his opponent by a mile. It gave the str

Stunned: The New Generation ... - Excerpt and Giveaway!

*** Winner - Amanda (oheyoore@...) *** Stunned: The New Generation of Women Having Babies, Getting Angry, and Creating a Mothers' Movement ~ Karen Bridson  (246p, HCI Books, ISBN-10: 0757307833) About the Book : The 1970S' Feminist Movement changed a lot for women. It paved the way for a generation of girls who could largely do and be all that the boys could do and be. But now those girls are becoming mothers themselves and realizing things aren't so equal after all. In Stunned , journalist Karen Bridson explores how women today may have the right to achieve what their fathers achieved, but are expected to do it while doing most of what their mothers did too.As a result, women are angry about the inequality inside their homes and are beginning to see how sexism beyond the domestic realm has never really been fully erased at all. From grander-than-ever domestic and mothering standards to the financial and professional setback motherhood brings, there's a whole lot l

Father’s Day book Giveaway

Dads and Grads Book Giveaway: The Nine Lessons By Kevin Milne ISBN: 159995074X Do-Over! By Robin Hemley ISBN: 0316020605 The Man's Book By Thomas Fink ISBN: 0316033642 Ghostwriter By Travis Thrasher ISBN: 0446505587 An Honorable German By Charles McCain ISBN: 0446538981 The Richest Man in Town By W. Randall Jones ISBN: 0446537837 Lincoln on Leadership By Donald Phillips ISBN: 0446394599 Outliers By Malcolm Gladwell ISBN: 0316017922 One lucky reader will get all these books, courtesy our generous sponsor, Hachette Books ! Note : Sponsor will not mail to PO Boxes. To Enter Just leave a comment with your email address in the body of the comment itself telling me about a book you've given or received for Father's Day / Graduation gift. Don't forget to include your email address at the end of your comment so that you can be notified should you be chosen the lucky winner. Put it in the format abc AT xyz DOT com to evade spammers. For Extra Entries Please leave

Father's Day Book Recommendations - Part 3

Here's another round of Books for Dad! *****  *****  ***** A brilliant new novel about fathers and sons and the dangers of modern life by “one of the most literary of America’s crime writers” (Associated Press) is The Way Home by George Pelecanos. Christopher Flynn is trying to get it right. After years of trouble and rebellion that enraged his father and nearly cost him his life, he has a steady job in his father's company, he's seriously dating a woman he respects, and, aside from the distrust that lingers in his father's eyes, his mistakes are firmly in the past. ... more *****  *****  ***** An Honorable German by Charles McCain : In the tradition of Das Boot and The Hunt for Red October comes a sweeping saga of World War II, featuring a heroic and conflicted German U-Boat commander. When World War II begins, Max Brekendorf, a proud young German naval officer, fights for his country with honor and courage. With the unstoppable German war machine overrun

Blue Collar and Proud of It - Excerpt and Giveaway!

*** Winner - Joey (ajoebloe@...) *** Blue Collar and Proud of It : The All-in-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle by Joe Lamacchia  (420 p, HCI Books, ISBN-10: 075730778) About the Book : Joe Lamacchia found personal and professional success as the owner of a thriving landscaping company outside Boston. He created BlueCollarandProudofIt.com, a resource for people who want to find fulfilling work. Blue-collar workers build and maintain our bridges, keep our cars running, fix our plumbing, and provide vital services to every home—what Lamacchia calls “necessary jobs.” Blue Collar & Proud of It: The All-In-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle provides critical information needed to pursue a stable, enjoyable, well-paying job that makes a difference. Whether you’re just out of high school, have been a victim of downsizing, or are looking for a new direction, Lamacchia explains all t

Father's Day Book Recommendations - Part 2

More books for Dad/GrandDad, from a child's perspective!  *****  *****  ***** Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon -- and its skillful masters -- into stunningly sharp relief. Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place -- from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory. Swords: An Artist's Devotion by Ben Boos is a Children's Choice book award finalist. *****  *****  ***** In My Father the Dog , Dad pretends to be human, but the kids know otherwise.

Father's Day Book Recommendations - Part 1

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 21st. In these tough economic times, it may not be possible to get Dad an extravagant gift. That doesn't mean it can't be meaningful or special. From today till Sunday, I'll be posting some book recommendation for Dads. Remember - Books are friends who never judge ! ******  ******  ******  ******  Whether he admits it or not...Dad does not want another tie, so why not surprise him with something different this year! If your dad is a goof-ball, brainiac, domestic diva, overachiever, or simply likes to have fun then this book is the perfect gift for him. This Will Kill You: A Guide to the Ways in Which We Go (St. Martin's Griffin) by HP Newquist and Rich Maloof is sure to fascinate, repel, and knock the socks off dad! This book offers a light, humorous look at the many ways in which humans bite the dust. Explore the deathly detailed facts about what happens to the body when it's struck by lightening, slimed by a frog, or flung

Author Guest Post - Hazel Statham

Today I'm pleased to welcome Author Hazel Statham , author of Lizzie's Rake . Her guest post here today is part of this book's virtual tour, courtesy Pump Up Your Book Promotion . ********************* Regency Romance and Me By Hazel Statham I read my first Regency Romance, Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer, when I was seventeen and knew that at last I had found my era. I had been writing since I was fifteen but had mainly been influenced by authors like Austen, the Brontes and Sabatini, but Georgette Heyer opened up the romance and elegance of the eighteen and nineteenth century and I fell head over heels in love with it. I devoured her books in very quick succession and wanted nothing more than to recreate my own Regency world. History had always been my favorite subject at school and it was just one small step to recreate it in my work. However, despite today’s trend to produce ‘hotter’ novels, I write ‘traditional’ Regency Romance and close the door on my c

Book Feature - The Compass

The Compass By Tammy Kling and John Spencer Ellis Published by Vanguard Press Release date, June 2009 ISBN: 978-59315-542-1 The Compass is a life transformation novel that will guide you on a journey of self-discovery. At the core of The Compass   are specific life lessons about belief systems, authenticity, and understanding who you really are in order to live out your destiny. Jonathan, the main character, escapes his suburban life after a tragedy that alters his existence and plans for the future. Numb and paralyzed by grief, Jonathan decides to journey across the globe in an effort to realign his inner compass. He sets off with a backpack, leaving behind his career, friends, family, and home, to journey around the world. His travels begin in the dry desert of Nevada, and continue on to the pristine mountains of the Adirondacks, and then to a medieval village in Romania. In every destination Jonathan encounters one pivotal person who offers a major life lesson, and he begin

Giveaway - The Night Gardener By George Pelecanos

*** Winner - Lisa A. (lahlstedt@...) *** The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos From Publishers Weekly :  In 1985, the body of a 14-year-old girl turns up in a Washington, D.C., park, the latest in a series of murders by a killer the media dub "The Night Gardener." T.C. Cook, the aging detective on the case, works with a quiet, almost monomaniacal, focus. Also involved are two young uniformed cops, Gus Ramone, who's diligent, conscientious and unimpressed by heroics, and Dan "Doc" Holiday, an adrenaline junkie who's decidedly less straight. Fast forward 20 years. Detective Ramone, now married with kids of his own, investigates the murder of one of his teenage son's friends. The homicide closely resembles the earlier unsolved Night Gardener murders. Holiday, now an alcoholic chauffeur and bodyguard, follows the case on his own and tracks down Cook, long retired but still obsessed with the original murders. While the three work together toward a suspen