August 2013 | Miki's Hope

Book Review/Excerpt-The Seven Kingdoms, Darkening Lands-Harry G. Sherwin

Saturday, August 31, 2013

When I was asked by the author to read and review this book (I actually read an e-book version!) I was not sure what I was in for. I generally do not read fantasies, although I have been know to pick one up in occasion. I certainly did not expect to be drawn into this mythical novel about Elves, Goblins, Vampires, Werewolves. dragons and a couple of other mythical creatures all coming together to fight evil magicians! This is definitely a good vs evil book and there is a twist which may break your heart. All in all I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel--evil does not give up very easily!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

"For the first time in over a thousand years the Seven Kingdoms of Justava are at peace with each other. As age old tensions melt away, the people are able to rest easily in their homes, safe in the knowledge that war will trouble them no longer. But a new power is growing in the heart of Justava, an unseen malice that threatens to destroy the fragile peace and throw Justava back into chaos and war.
With the evil Necromancer Empire spreading to every corner of the Seven Kingdoms, it falls upon two young elves who lost everything to this new evil to make a stand. Together, Brenik and Nalia must overcome age old prejudices and travel deep into the wilds of Justava in order to raise their banner and ignite the fires of rebellion."


Excerpt: (from the e-book)

Prologue

A gentle summer breeze drifted lazily between the tall, grassy shoots of the vast, moonlit
meadow. Other than the soft rustling of the long stems the meadow was quiet, the tranquil
scene spreading out to the tall mountains that lay watchfully in the distance.
A small mouse suddenly sprang from between the grass and scurried excitedly
through the grasslands on its way home. There was something about the way the mouse
kept glancing back over its shoulder though, the way that his eyes were sat so wide in his
tiny head and how his ears were pressed against his body. The mouse was afraid.
The mouse's tiny legs pounded against his sides as he raced through the meadow,
dodging and weaving his way around sticks the size of fallen trees and stones the size of
boulders. His tiny heart raced in his chest as his pursuer hissed violently from behind him.
A hawk cried out as it circled watchfully overhead. The mouse glanced up, wishing
that it was only the hawk that was chasing him instead of these things, these monsters.
A thin ray of light suddenly penetrated the thick grass and the mouse squeaked in
triumph as he leapt from the tall shoots into the small, earthy clearing where his burrow
was dug. With one final, desperate push he jumped forward and dove into the safety of his
hole.
From outside there came a sharp hiss of disdain and what little moonlight that
entered the hole was suddenly blocked as a long, skeletal hand reached into the burrow
after the mouse. The mouse pressed himself against the back of the wall, his eyes wide in
terror as the pale hand probed the depths of his home, getting closer and closer. A series
of loud shouts suddenly filled the air and with an angry hiss the ragged hand slowly
withdrew back into the outside world.
The mouse breathed heavily, sucking in great lungfuls of air as the adrenaline that
had filled his body during the pursuit began to seep away. He could relax; the chase was
over; he was alive. But deep down in his tiny chest, the mouse knew that that was not the
case. For nestled away at the back of his small brain he knew what he had escaped.
The darkness was coming.


This book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Harry Sherwin was born in Southampton, England and raised not far away in the small village of Whiteparish. Harry has always had a keen interest in reading and writing and spent much of his childhood coming up with wild stories of dragons and knights. The idea of the Seven Kingdoms came to Harry whilst on holiday and at last he decided to pursue his passion and write his story down. Despite working on A levels at the same time, Harry persevered with help from his friends, family and teachers and at last produced the first book in what he hopes will be a series of successful novels.

To learn more about this author and his work please visit his website





I received an e-book version of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review-Freezing Point-Karen Dionne

Friday, August 30, 2013

This is another book that I purchased from Amazon. As some of you may realize I have an environmental science degree (with the emphasis on science rather then politics). So when I saw this book advertised by one of the great book bloggers out there I knew I just had to have it--

This is a fictional novel-but could easily happen. When corporate greed and "environmentalists" collide all hell can break loose with neither of them considering the total ramifications of their actions. This is a cautionary tale which it behooves everyone to paid heed to. Yes, you should read this-it is a fast reading book and I think you will actually enjoy it.

I think that I will be reading more of this author's work in the very near future!

About the E-Book (from Karen Dionnes Website)



The polar icecaps are melting – fast.

In a drowning, desperate world, the Soldyne Corporation sees an opportunity: Melt Antarctic icebergs into drinking water using their microwave satellite array, ship the water to thirsty nations around the globe, and make a fortune.

But deep within the ice waits an enemy more deadly than anyone could imagine—and an apocalyptic horror Earth may not survive.

Includes an excerpt from BOILING POINT by K. L. (Karen) Dionne.

This book can be purchased at Amazon


About the Author (from Karen Dionnes Website)


Detroit native Karen Dionne is the internationally published author of Boiling Point, an environmental thriller about an erupting volcano, a missing researcher, and a radical scheme to end global warming.

Karen’s first science thriller, Freezing Point, was nominated by RT Book Reviews as Best First Mystery of 2008. Freezing Point has been published in Germany and the Czech Republic, and both novels are available in audio from Audible.com. Her short story, “Calling the Shots,” appears in the short story anthology First Thrills edited by Lee Child.

Karen is cofounder of the online writers community Backspace, and organizes the Backspace Writers Conferences held in New York City every year. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the International Thriller Writers, where she serves on the board of directors as Vice President, Technology.

Karen has been honored by the Michigan Humanities Council as a Humanities Scholar for her body of work as an author, writer, and as co-founder of Backspace.

Karen blogs at The Huffington Post, and has written about the publishing industry from an author’s perspective for DailyFinance. She also reviews for The New York Journal of Books.

You can find out more about this author and her other books by going to her website



All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review-The Widows of Braxton County-Jess McConkey

Thursday, August 29, 2013

I won this book in a giveaway and was not really sure I would like it or not. I figured I would read it and that would be it. Turns out I liked it so much I decided to write a review on my blog.

This story starts in the 1800's when woman were treated as possessions by their husbands. They had no rights and were expected to stay home, take care of the chores, their families and if they happened to marry an abusive man--well that was their problem and was not to be spoken of. They had no recourse. The story of Hannah slowly is revealed through the marriage of Kate to Joe Krause in present times. They move to Joe's farmhouse where Kate finds her mother-in-law is living and will continue to live! The family that Kate marries into has a violent and hidden past which Kate ultimately has to figure out to save herself. Small towns have long memories and are still notorious for keeping secrets.

I know you will enjoy this book and just be thankful that the "sufferagettes" changed all that went before to what is now!


About the Book: (from the back of the book)

FAMILY SECRETS CAN BIND AND DESTROY

Kate is ready to put her nomadic, city-dwekking past behind her when she marries Joe Krause and moves with him to the Iowa farm that has been in his family for more than 140 years. But life on the farm isn't quite as idyllic as she'd hoped. It's filled with chores, judgemental neighbors, and her mother-in-law, who-- unbeknownst to Kate until after the wedding--will be living with them.

As Kate struggles to find her place in the small farming community, she begins to realize that her husband and his family are not who she thought they were. According to town gossip, the Krause family harbors a long-kept secret about a mysterious death that haunts Kate as a dangerous, unexplanable chain of events begins.

This Book can be purchased at Amazon

About the Author: (from the back of the book)

Jess McConkey, aka Shirley Damsgaard, is an award winning writer of short fiction and the author of Ophelia and Abby mysteries and Love Lies Bleeding. She lives in a small Iowa town, where she served as postmaster for more than twenty years.

Visit this authors Amazon Authors Page




I won this book in a giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review and Excerpt-Evan Burl and the Falling-Justin Blaney

Monday, August 26, 2013

I really can not wait till the next book in this series comes out!! For an Author who didn't want to be a writer he does one marvelous job at writing a fantasy about good and evil. Of course it is kind of difficult to ascertain who is really good and who will turn evil while reading this--- You all know how I feel about ebooks-well-guess who read this one straight through! I think that this book would be a great read for your teens, young adults and YOU.


About the Book (from Amazon)


Discover #1 bestselling novel, Evan Burl and the Falling
My father abandoned me when I was an infant.
My friends have turned against me.
My uncle beats me.
The most powerful men in the world want me dead.
They all have one thing in common.
They think I'm turning into a monster.

I'm starting to worry they're right.



An excerpt from Evan Burl and the Falling (from Amazon)


I found myself in a kingdom of stars and clouds. Endless. Deadly. And blue as blood.

Stretching without blemish from one side of the world to the other, the sky was perfect but for one single black speck.

If anyone was watching, they might have wondered whether I was merely napping on a pillow of thin air.

But it was nothing so pleasant.

This was a falling.

For what felt like hours, the whole world seemed frozen below me. Except for the wind, everything was silent. It seemed as if I could stay up there forever. It was beautiful really, whenever I managed for a few moments together to ignore the fact that I was hurtling toward the ground at about 214 miles-per-hour.

I didn't really even feel sick to my stomach.

Until the last thirty seconds.

First, the rolling mountains and hills, which always seemed so solid and unshakable, lumbered toward me like hulking bullies begging for a fight.

Then houses and barns. They popped out of the ground, like grasping hands from a fresh grave. Pulling me down. Into the earth, where I belong.

Ten seconds later, what seemed like a bit of lint stuck to my eyelash transformed into a living human. Then more. Dozens, hundreds of people. Working, eating, anything but looking up to see me plummeting through the sky like a shooting star.

Another ten seconds--far too soon--and the whole world was rushing up at a speed that turned my stomach to acid.

It was the last hundred feet that really tested what I was made of.

Gasping one last lung full of air, I realized in that moment that I was far less brave and far more foolish than I could possibly have imagined.

And right before the end, I closed my eyes.

Because no one can watch a falling.

This book can be purchased at Amazon or you can go to the authors webpage where there is a $250.00 giveaway and free copies of this book. (which is how I received this book) While you are signing up for the $250.00 you can also follow him on Twitter, Facebook etc! justinblaney.com


About the Author (from Amazon)


#1 bestselling author, Justin Blaney, was born in Los Angeles and began his writing career in Mrs. King's English class at the age of 6, but after a tragic accident involving a manual pencil sharpener he suddenly declared that writing was "not his thing."

Instead, he moved one state north to make his fortune in the organic meats industry.

After being named the Sausage Baron of Springfield, Justin grew tired of farming fame and moved yet another state north where he can venture into the meat department at Whole Foods without being pestered for the secret to one of his famous recipes.

Since then, Justin founded several companies, earned an MBA, began producing films, went parasailing, rode an elevator to the top of the Space Needle and decided to give writing one last shot, the result of which is a book about a shut-in named Evan Burl who never takes a bath. Evan Burl and the Falling, the first novel in a series that has very little to do with hygiene, reached #1 bestselling status in the suspense, fantasy and teen genres.

Justin lives with his wife and three daughters in Issaquah, a suburb of Bellevue which is a suburb of Seattle. You can find out more about Justin's exciting adventures by executing a search on the world wide internets or by visiting his "online web page" at justinblaney.com and enter to win a $250 GC and a free copy of this ebook!




I received a free ebook-not for review-just cause I entered to win! But I loved the book so much I decided to review it!! All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review - One More Dance - Valentine Cardinale

Friday, August 23, 2013

The ending of this book made me so happy that I felt a tear in my eye. Yes, this is a mystery/thriller but it is also about family dynamics and love. It is not a very long book but chock full of action. I strongly suggest you read this book and as for me--well I think I will be going to find the other 2 books this author wrote--


About the Book: (from the back of the book)


At a wedding in Italy, Julian Case, a realtor and widower, meets Alegra Rossini. a university professor and single mom, and is struck by her beauty, grace and playfulness as they dance the night away. On the plane back to the States, he's already making plans to see her again. But when Julian enters his home in New Jersey, he discovers his son has been savagely attacked and left for dead. Fearing that whoever beat the young man into a coma will return to finish the job, Julian puts his life on hold to join the investigation. Can a father unlock the secret connection and find his son's attacker? Will Julian lose his chance at new love? And what about Alegra? Will she let this promising relationship slip away? Can they weather the storm and let love into their lives for one more dance?


This book can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and independent bookstores and by contacting Outskirts Press (888-672-6657 or www.outskirtspress.com).

About the Author: (from the back of the book)


Valentine Cardinale, a graduate of Iona College and Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, enjoyed a successful career as the editor of leading magazines in the advertising and pharmacy fields before writing fiction. One More Dance is his third novel, following The West Side Kid (2009) and The Terranovas: A War Family (2005). Val lives in New Jersey.

To learn lots more about this author and his books visit his website! And I seriously think you will enjoy what he has written there!!





I received a PB edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 Amazon GC or PP-WW-Freya's Spell-Kathleen Ann Gallagher-Ends 8/30

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Join Kathleen Ann Gallagher, author of the paranormal/mystic romance novel, Freya's Spell, as she tours the blogosphere August 19 - 30 on her second Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Kathleen will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below and good luck! If you would like to host Kathleen, please email Tracee at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.

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ABOUT FREYA'S SPELL


FreyasSpell_LRG
The passionate, sex-starved witch, Freya Meyer is tired of wasting time with unsatisfying lovers. She’s in search of a man who can keep up with her. Prospects are slim in Bartlett, the sleepy little town in the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire.

A sultry stranger with a French accent behind the counter at the Country Store is new to town. Family commitment and an unsettled past leads Paul Marton back to his childhood roots. On the rebound from a scandalous romance, Paul tries to ignore Freya’s advances, and he doesn’t let on how he falls prey to her seductive ways.

When Paul ignores her advances, Freya knows what she must do. A love spell is bound to cast the shy stranger straight into her arms. With the help of the full moon, Freya’s wishes may come to fruition.

Can a lonely witch capture one night with her dream lover… walk away, and never look back? Is there a way to tame a wild witch’s heart?

Purchase your copy:

amazon2

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ABOUT KATHLEEN ANN GALLAGHER

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAKathleen lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two puppies. Her children are all grown, but her three grandsons keep her spirit energized. She is a registered nurse who works in an emergency room. Her passion for story telling began when she was a young girl. Since her father was a professional magician, she learned how to use her imagination while assisting him with his act. When Kathleen is not writing, her favorite place to relax is down the Jersey Shore. You might find her under an umbrella, wearing a straw hat, dreaming of a new story.

Visit her website at www.kathleengallagher.net

Visit her blog at http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com

 

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Pump Up Your Book and Kathleen Gallagher
are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins August 19 and ends August 30.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 3, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!


ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

book blast schedule

Monday, August 19

Romance with Flavor

Sapphyria's Book Reviews

Tuesday, August 20

Reading Through Life One Page at a Time

Wednesday, August 21

Margay Leah Justice

Thursday, August 22

Icefairy's Treasure Chest

Friday, August 23

Inside BJ's Head

Monday, August 26

Miki's Hope

Tuesday, August 27

The Phantom Paragrapher

Wednesday, August 28

Mary's Cup of Tea

Thursday, August 29

Dr. Pepper Diva

Friday, August 30

Celestial Reviews

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Pump Up Your Book

 





I received a twitter link for posting this book blast. All opinions expressed are those of Pump up Your Book. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Blast-Magnolia and Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyeism-Ian Haight

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Join Ian Haight, author of the poetry in translation/literature book, Magnolia and Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyeism, as he tours the blogosphere July 1 - August 30, 2013 on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

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Magnolia and LotusABOUT MAGNOLIA AND LOTUS: SELECTED POEMS OF HYESIM


Enlightenment as a process: what might it have been like for a Korean Buddhist monk who lived hundreds of years ago?

If enlightenment is an unfolding of wisdom, what progressive awareness is suggested by that unfolding?

Imagine, then, this same monk becoming the leader of the nation’s most important Buddhist Order: the Chogye. Magnolia and Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyesim suggests what Hyeim might have valued in life; as a monk; and as an early founder of Korea’s largest Buddhist sect.

Despite his achievements, this collection asks, did Hyesim eventually relinquish his position? If so, why? What were Hyesim’s thoughts in his final years?

Each of the translated poems, attentive to the nuances of Hyesim’s Buddhist and Confucian background as well as the landscape of Korea, posits the point of view of Hyesim, his voice, and his time.

 

Purchase your copy at AMAZON

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ABOUT IAN HAIGHT

Ian Haight was a co-organizer and translator for the UN's global poetry readings held annually in Pusan, Korea, from 2002-4. He has been awarded 5 translation grants from the Daesan Foundation, Korea Literature Translation Institute, and Baroboin Buddhist Foundation for the translation, editing, promotion, and publication of Korean literature. Ian is the editor of Zen Questions and Answers from Korea (2010), and along with T’ae-yŏng Hŏ, the translator of Borderland Roads: Selected Poems of Kyun Hŏ (2009) both from White Pine Press. Ian’s translations, essays, poems, and interviews have appeared in Prairie Schooner, Writer’s Chronicle, Barrow Street and Hyundae Buddhist News, among many other publications.

For more information, please visit ianhaight.com.

His latest book is Magnolia and Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyesim


Introduction to the book, Magnolia and Lotus: Selected Poems of Hyesim

Hyesim (1178-1234): second Patriarch of the Korean Buddhist Chogye Order and first Zen Master dedicated to poetry in Korea. The book’s title, Magnolia and Lotus, is taken from a poem within the book:


Magnolia, the Lotus of Trees

Observing leaves: at first, I doubt they are persimmon—
looking at the blossoms, I doubt they are lotus.
How fortunate there are no fixed forms—
this tree has no comparison.


I like this poem for a number of reasons, and, at the translator’s ever-present risk of presumption, believe it captures the voice of Hyesim. There resides so much Buddhism in these 4 simple lines: the non-judgmental doubting of what is observed, and how shifting perspective reveals different possibilities in assumptions; the idea of the blossoms themselves—both lotus flowers and magnolias as representations of wisdom, beauty, truth, and enlightenment; the appreciative acceptance of not knowing what a flower is because its fixed form cannot be determined, and how this understanding could be applied to everything comprehended by the mind; finally, a penetrating recognition: that there is nothing to compare with the singularity of what is observed—everything under the sun has uniqueness. A train of thought that is simultaneously paradoxical and circular couched in deceptive simplicity—yes, this poem feels very Buddhist. The poems in this collection present a world observed with reverence and admiration by a monk who lived more than 700 years ago. It feels natural to identify the collection as a unified voice of Hyesim.

Why title the book Magnolia and Lotus? The answer lies in the poem, “Magnolia, the Lotus of Trees.” Consider a poem as an image of perspective; or the idea that language-a poem-a translation is a shifting continuum, both having and lacking permanence. And yet, somewhere among these possibilities is a node that remains distinctive, if even for a moment—something we can give a title to, calling it a poem or perhaps even a book. Under this Buddhist way of thinking, naming the book after the poem, “Magnolia, the Lotus of Trees,” feels appropriate.

The poems in this book are built around an imagined life of Hyesim and his purpose for writing poems. What did Hyesim experience in meditation? How did his wisdom grow with progressive enlightenment? What did he place importance on in life; as a monk; as an early founder of Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, the Chogye Order? If he eventually relinquished this position, what did he then do? What were his thoughts in his final years? Each of the translated poems, attentive to the nuances of Hyesim’s Buddhist and Confucian background as well as the landscape of Korea, posits the point of view of Hyesim, his voice, and his time. My hope is that this collection—utilizing metaphor, rhythmic language and imagery—invites a reader into relaxed companionship with Hyesim and his life.






I received nothing for putting this up on my blog. All opinions expressed are the opinions of Pump Up Your Book. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 Amazon GC-Book Spotlight/Exerpt-The Portal’s Choice-KD Pryor-Ends 8/30

Tuesday, August 20, 2013



About the Book:


Journal, just in case . . .

I didn’t ask to meet ghosts. Shoot, I was fine without them in my life. Uncle Craig and Hannah were nasty to me, but at least I knew how to handle living pains in the butt. Now I have to figure out how to open and close a portal between the human and spirit worlds. And I have to find and return a bunch of angry ghosts through the gateway and lock them on their side. I don’t know why the portal chose me to do this, a fifteen-year-old kid with no ghost busting experience. But it did. And if I want a ghost-free night’s sleep anytime soon, I’d better figure out how to get the job done. Because I’ve about had it with murderous ghouls and their unpleasant agendas. “Signed Tallis Challinor”

After the death of her parents, Tallis Challinor and her brother Wyatt must move to the Midwest to live with their dead mother’s sister and her family. When Aunt Sandra dies three-and-a-half years later, Tallis and Wyatt find themselves moving yet again, this time to New Hampshire to live with their father’s sister, Aunt Gabbie, and her husband Noreis. Gabbie is young, pretty and fun. Tallis remembers being a little girl and playing with her Aunt at the family home in California, before her parents died. So Tallis is excited to re-locate and reconnect with Gabbie. But what should have been a happy reunion is plagued with problems when Noreis opens a portal between the spirit and human worlds located in the basement of the house.

Tallis is a practical kid. She doesn’t believe that ghosts exist. But she can’t deny what she sees with her own eyes and the two ghosts Tallis meets at Thanksgiving in the basement of her aunt’s house are definitely not figments of her imagination, although she wishes they were. Tallis is unwittingly drawn into the portal’s energy when one of the ghosts fixates on her and forces her to assist in the release of three particularly nasty spirits. As a final blow, the portal chooses Tallis as a temporary gatekeeper and she finds herself charged with the duty of returning the very ghouls she’s set free, plus a few of their buddies, back to the spirit realm.

As Tallis learns the secrets of the portal and begins to understand her newly acquired power, she formulates a plan to return the ghosts. Along the way, she receives help from many new friends who fill in the details about the identity of the escaped spirits, providing a possible motive for the outrageous actions of the escaped ghosts. Tallis must learn to trust herself and others as she taps into her inner courage to get the job done and save her town from the angry restless dead set.

This book can be purchased at Amazon


Book Excerpt:

April 29th, 2:30 in the morning

One week to go.

I feel it, the nearness of the spirits. The fact thateverything is aligning to some sort of conclusion. I hopeI’m ready. I hope I have the power to finish this thing. And, I hope that Gregory Millard calls soon.

The shrill ring of the phone pierced the late night silence ofthe house, startling me out of an exhausted sleep. My body jerkedto semi-awareness and I reached for it, knocking it to the floor inmy confusion. I reached down, patted the floor, and finally foundthe phone as it rang for the third time.

“Yeah?” I mumbled.

“Hello, can you hear me?” shouted a voice I didn’t recognize.

I was groggy with sleep and confused as to my exact location.The voice continued hollering at me, but I had trouble focusingon it as my sluggish brain worked to figure out why I wasn’t inmy bed. Finally, I remembered that I’d fallen asleep on the sofain the front room. Satisfied that I could place my body in space, Idirected my mind to the person who was calling. A glance at theclock on the wall said it was 2:00. In the morning.

“Who is this?” I asked, stretching my neck until I felt a loud,satisfying crack.

“My name is …” a male voice started, then abruptly stopped.The connection appeared to be lost.

“Hey, are you there?” I hollered back into the phone, assumingthat if the caller had to yell to be heard, he needed me to yell backat him.

“Tallis, what’s going on down there?” my aunt, Gabbie, calledto me. She hurried down the creaky, wooden staircase.

“Phone call,” I mumbled when she appeared in the doorway.“But I think the connection’s broken. It wasn’t too good to startwith.”

Gabbie moved to my side and looked down at me. Theflickering fire in the wood stove illuminated the paleness of herskin and amplified the heavy shadows under her eyes. She lookedawful, much older than her twenty-seven years.

“Do you think?” she began, and then swallowed. “Is it him?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know.”

The voice burst through the static. “Gregory Millard.” He was gone again.


About the Author:



KD Pryor started life in Missouri, where she read lots of books, even sneaking them into baseball games to the irritation of her father. Kelley graduated with a degree in International and Comparative Studies from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. After college and marriage to a great guy, she decided to pursue a law degree at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Her oldest son was born soon after law school, followed three years later by her daughter and a move to Kentucky. One more son, a move to Ohio and four years later, her family jumped on the opportunity to move to India. They lived in Bangalore, now Bengaluru, for four wonderfully chaotic years, traveling all over Asia, Australia and Europe.

Now, settled in New Hampshire with her family and herd of cats (only three), she can often be found in her office, working on the next installment of “The Gatekeepers of Em’pyrean” series, reading one of a dozen books she has started, and dreaming of her future travel destinations.

“The Portal’s Choice”, book one in “The Gatekeeper’s of Em’pyrean” series featuring Tallis Challinor, was released on May 6, 2013.

“The Forgotten Gate”, book two in the series, is scheduled for release in 2014.

Visit her website at www.kdpryor.com.
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Now on to the $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

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I received a twitter entry for posting this-nothing else was received. All opinions expressed are the opinions of Pump Up My Book. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review/Trailer-The Curse Giver-Dora Machado

Monday, August 19, 2013


This is one stop in the Pump Up Your Book Tour. Be sure to look for the other reviews, interviews for this really great Fantasy Novel!


This is a fantasy unlike any other I have read in a very long time. To give you an idea I read this entire book (all 414 pages) in ONE sitting. You may have noticed that I went missing one entire day--well this is what had me so occupied. I just could not put it down--my cat even tried to butt it out of my hands and at one point tried to bite the pages--it did not work! The story just keeps getting better every page you turn.

It is essentially the story of a baseborn healer and a cursed highborn who though adversaries throughout the book end up helping each other. Their adventures will have you gasping and in some cases praying for them. The ending kind of leaves you hanging which makes me HOPE that there will be a sequel to this one-I will be sure to get it!

I don't think you can actually purchase the book until October 2013 but the e-book is out! If you want to see if you would want to read this book I have put a link to twightlight times books so you can read the 1st 10 chapters. There is also a trailer which you really want to view down below as well.


About the Book: (From the back cover)


Lusielle's bleak but orderly life as a remedy mixer is shattered when her husband betrays her and the king's magistrate sentences her to die for a crime she didn't commit. She's on the pyre, about to be burned alive, when a stranger breaks through the crowd and rescues her from the flames.

Brennus, the embittered Lord of Laonia, is no white knight. He's trapped in a curse that has killed his kin and doomed his people. His only chance to defeat the curse is to find a woman bearing the Goddess's birthmark--and then kill her in the foulest of ways. Lusielle bears such a mark.

Stalked by intrigue and confounded by the forbidden passion floaring between them, predator and prey must come together to defeat not only the vile curse, but also the curse giver who has already conjured their demise.


This Book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and All Romance

Check out the first ten chapters of The Curse Giver at: Twilight Times Books!


View the Trailer Here



About the Author
: ( from her Website )


Dora Machado is the award winning author of the epic fantasy Stonewiser series. She holds a master's degree in business administration and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in history from Georgetown University. She was born in Michigan and grew up in the Dominican Republic, where she developed a bilingual fascination for writing, a preference for history, and a taste for Merengue. After a lifetime of straddling such compelling but different worlds, fantasy is a natural fit to her stories. She enjoys long and winding walks, traveling, and connecting with the amazingly clever readers who share in her mind's adventures. She lives in Florida with her indulging husband and three very opinionated cats.

To learn more about Dora Machado and her award winning novels, you can email her at Dora@doramachado.com, find her on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.



I received a paperback copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 Amazon GC or PP and Signed PB-Be Careful What You Wish For-R.K. Avery-Ends 8/30



About the Book:


Bunting Valley, North Dakota—a scenic and picturesque town where nothing dreadful ever happens—is a place where people feel safe leaving their front doors unlocked and their cars running in the driveways. So when beautiful, blue-eyed, three-year-old Maggie Taylor mysteriously vanishes, the Bunting Valley Police Department begins a kidnapping investigation that uncovers unthinkable crimes spanning many years—not only in Bunting Valley, but also in surrounding states and jurisdictions.

Bea Miller is a penniless widow, living a meager existence among the town’s residents with her four young, rambunctious boys. Her entire life she wished and dreamed of having a little girl of her own. When everything she did to have one of her own failed, Bea takes matters into her own hands and lives by the chilling words of her estranged father, “If you want something, take it.” She and the boys visit a local beach and find the little girl of her dreams. She snatches the girl and they disappear in seconds, only to leave the parents bewildered and devastated.

Through the handwritten journals of Bea Miller, she takes you on a journey into the deranged mind of an individual who believes you can make your own wishes come true—at any expense; and sadly, also at the expense of others.

Book Trailer:



This book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author


As a recent graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, R. K. Avery has written numerous, unpublished, children’s picture books, but her true passion is writing adult fiction.

“Having the ability to make people laugh or cry, just by using the written language, is a gift so powerful and I hope, one day, my name will be among those who possess it” ~ R.K. Avery

Be Careful What You Wish For is a psychological thriller. She calls it “works of fiction with truth sprinkled throughout” and is available for sale in both e-Book and paperback or wherever fine books are sold. Having been kidnapped from a beach as a small child, she has pondered time and time again what her life may have been like if her story didn’t have a happy ending. Now she wrote her own ending.

R. K. Avery lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She often jokes instead of a sign that says, "Don't let the dogs out,” she has a sign that says, "Don't let any more dogs in."

Visit her website
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The Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway









I received a twitter link on the rafflecopter for posting this book. All opinions expressed are the opinions of Pump Up Your Book. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Book Review - The CEO - Steve Bederman

Sunday, August 18, 2013

This is one f the Mitch Jacobs Corporate Thrillers written by Steve Bederman. It is the first one I have read. Admittedly it took me about three chapters to get into this book--but then I could not stop reading it. There are many twists and turns and things are not going to turn out the way you think they will--this I promise. Who can Mitch Jacobs trust?

I think I am going to have to purchase a couple more in this series and hopefully the ending which left me with a pit in my stomach will be expounded upon in the next book.




About the Book: (from the back cover)

Climbing the corporate ladder is murder.

Faced with the constant revelation of corporate and personal threats Mitch and his team of loyalists race against time to uncover a plot to expose a 200 year old secret between two of the world's most powerful countries. If revealed it could destroy the delicate balance of power, but if protected could crush all that Mitch Jacobs desires - including the woman he loves.

The CEO takes readers behind the scenes of back office meetings between corporations and countries where powerful business leaders are zealously protected by small corporate armies whose power will surprise. Being on top means always watching your back. Keep your friends close, and enemies closer.

This book can be purchased at Amazon (the e-book is currently .99 but I don't know for how long)


About the Author: (from the back of the book)


Steve Bederman, himself a long time international CEO, draws from his real life boardroom experience to blend believable corporate drama with international mystery and intrigue. He is the founder of Commerce for Peace, a non-profit international organization committed to overcoming cultural, ethnic, and religious differences by working together toward common business goals. Steve is a long time resident of Denver, Colorado where he lives with his wife Judy and daughter Tiffanie. When he is not busy putting Mitch Jacobs in mortal danger, Steve is CEO of an international technology company.

Steves Amazon Author's Page

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I received a PB edition of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

$25 GC to Rodan & Fields-Sweet Summer Giveaway Hop-US Only-Ends 8/31

Saturday, August 17, 2013

This contest is officially over. The winner out of 135 comments (thank you everyone) as picked at Random.org is #48

Amanda said... 48
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AUGUST 18, 2013 AT 10:21 PM

Congratulations Amanda! You are the winner of the $25.00 GC Towards Rodin & Fields products in the Sweet Summer Giveaway Hop at Miki's Hope. Now all you have to do is reply to the email I will be sending you in just a few minutes within 48 hours with the product you would like (up to $25.00) and your full name and mailing address and I will send it to the independent rep who will be shipping your winnings to you directly.


Welcome to the
Sweet Summer Giveaway Hop
hosted by
and

From August 17-31, you can visit all the participating blogs listed below and enter to win their wonderful prizes to top off your summer in a sweet way. Each blog is offering a giveaway prize of at least $25.00 and you might be lucky enough to win them all!


The makers of Proactiv Dr. Rodan & Dr. Fields, Dermatologists, have a great line of products to help you get your skin looking its best and to overcome many of the problems we all encounter at one time or another by combining over the counter ingredients with active cosmetic ingredients. Do you want to reverse the signs of aging? Rodan & Fields has products that will help with that as well.


Summer is about to end and we all look healthy and tan, but have we done damage to our skin? Have you ever forgotten to put on sunscreen before going out-every time? Are you using the right sunscreen? Read what the doctors have to say about the paradox of sunscreen:

Let’s Talk About the Paradox of Sunscreen…

When it comes to sun protection, in many ways we are much smarter than we were even 30 years ago … most of us understand the importance of sun protection. But in spite of this, skin continues to age and skin cancer rates have continued to rise. If sunscreen were effectively protecting us, this would not be the case.

And that’s where the "paradox of sunscreen" comes into play. Sunscreen provides most people with a false sense of security. A high-SPF sunscreen will prevent you from a UVB-induced sunburn, but a sunburn is nature’s way of letting you know that you have had too much sun for your skin type … a signal that it is time to seek the shade. So, thanks to your SPF 30, you are most likely spending three to four times longer in the sun. Since your sunscreen blocks mainly UVB light and to a much lesser extent UVA, you have just gotten three to four times more UVA light. The skinpact? Accelerated aging and an increased likelihood for melanoma.

On top of the false sense of security associated with high SPF products, there is a compliance issue too. Sunscreen ingredients are inherently oily by nature, and more sunscreen ingredients are necessary to achieve a higher SPF. So the greater the SPF, the more likely a sunscreen will be heavy, greasy and whitening on the skin. When sunscreen is applied correctly, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 99% of UVB rays. So we say worry less about the SPF value and more on whether you’ll use it properly. A cosmetically elegant SPF 15 or 30 used every day and reapplied every few hours is significantly more effective than an SPF 100 that you do not want to use.

There is so much good information on this site that I suggest you go visit yourself. You can also contact Jessica Chamberlain, independent Rep if you have any questions or want to know how you can become an independent representative for this amazing company.


Summer is about to end but that does not mean that your summer glow has to. Protect your skin the healthy way all while giving yourself a sun-kissed glow by using the ESSENTIALS Foaming Sunless Tanner. This product is lightweight, oil-free, and best of all mess free that applies quickly and easily. Drs. Rodan + Fields created this tanner to help you have the glow without the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Visit this link to even learn tips directly from the creators on how to apply it.


AND this company GIVES BACK


Giving Back

The Prescription for Change™ Foundation

The Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change™ Foundation is dedicated to supporting lives at risk.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization funded through Rodan & Fields, LLC and voluntary contributions by Rodan + Fields Consultants. The funding supports programs that prescribe a path to survival and healing for individuals and families who are at their most dire crossroads.

The Foundation provides funding to specific projects that meet the Foundation’s criteria for helping others change their lives in a meaningful manner. The criteria are as follows:
• The project must seek to improve self esteem;
• The project must provide supportive services that help establish a life of self-sufficiency; and
• The project must have a broad focus, including children, teens, adults and families.

The Foundation is committed to continually expanding our reach across the country, working with Rodan + Fields Consultants to identify opportunities to direct our efforts to programs that are aligned with the Foundation’s cause.



Thank you to Jessica Chamberlain, an independent rep for Rodan & Fields for sponsoring this giveaway. Jessica Chamberlain will be sending the winner the product. One lucky winner can choose up to $25.00 in the product of their choice (only you know what problem areas you have or product you would like to try.)

Mandatory: Go to Rodan & Field Website and tell me which product you would most like to try.

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Now hop along and see what all the other blogs have in store!!









All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.
 
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