October 2013 | Miki's Hope

So-Where have I been? OVERWHELMED is where!!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

I have been partially among the missing this last week--no blog posts for people to read or comment on--just about managing to join in the re tweet groups and of course set up what I promised I would every morning. It's just been one of those weeks where either I was running around with my Mom, working late at bookkeeping clients or attempting to read so I could get a blog post or two up! On and off all week I have been attempting to get my health insurance which will expire on Dec 31st to a new one under the NY Health. To say their website leaves a LOT to be desired is putting it mildly!!!!! I finally got someone on the phone today who took pity on me and filled it out (the part that just would not show up on the screen). Of course the log on still doesn't always work and although I told them which insurance I wanted-the woman left it open just in case. I won't go into the fact that what I was told originally about the insurance from the insurance company itself was not exactly correct!!



But at least I know I will be getting a tax credit. Then I received a letter that I had to go online and re register for the property tax credit---NY State again--I called and begged and they did it for me over the phone. 5 hours later---yup that is what it took today--I started reading and fell asleep!!

I am truly trying to get back to my book posts and I am pretty certain there will be a new giveaway up I think on Nov 7th--

So just be patient with me and I will be back to normal (?) soon!!!!



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/PP-WW-Book Blast-Polyxena: A Story of Troy-H. Allenger-Ends 11/1

Tuesday, October 29, 2013


Join H. Allenger, author of the historical fiction novel, Polyxena: A Story of Troy, as he tours the blogosphere October 21 – November 1 on his first book blast with Pump Up Your Book! He will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form.

About the Book: (from IUniverse)




After Polyxena, daughter of King Priam of Troy, is chosen as Neoptolemus’s love interest, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads to a surprising conclusion about her destiny.

Troy has just fallen, leaving the city in ruins and at the mercy of the Greeks. Neoptolemus has claimed the daughter of the now-deceased King Priam of Troy as his love prize. After she rejects his advances, he angrily contrives a story that dooms the ill-fated Polyxena. She knows what she must do to survive, but unfortunately, she cannot change her destiny.

Polyxena is mortified that Neoptolemus has fallen in love with her, for this means she must die at the commemoration rites for his father. As Polyxena prepares for the inevitable, she reflects over the past year, relating her thoughts to Aphrodite, the goddess she believes is responsible for orchestrating the events that have beleaguered her. As she tries to make sense of it all, Polyxena converses with all the well-known personages associated with the Trojan myth—Achilles, Agamemnon, Cassandra, Helen, and many others—while seeking solace in the hope that her existence has not been futile.

In this moving story of forbidden love, a young woman unwittingly becomes intertwined in the romantic legacy surrounding Troy, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to a surprising conclusion about the life she has lived.

Read a Free Preview here

This book can be purchased at IUniverse and Amazon

About the Author: (from IUniverse)

H. Allenger earned a BA in public administration and an MA in international relations. After thirty-one years with the Seattle School District, he is now retired and pursuing his true passions, which include mythology, archaeology, and writing. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington, and enjoys traveling the world.

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 October 21 – November 1. Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday November 2, 2013. Winner has 48 hours to reply.

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ENTER TO WIN!




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 - Dark Lullaby - Mayra Calvani

Monday, October 28, 2013


You can find the tour page at Pump Up Your Book HERE


This book scared the daylights out of me! It is certainly not for the faint of heart. It is hard to believe that a writer of children's books could write this supernatural psychological thriller and do it phenomenally well. You won't even realize you are frightened as you read it--it sort of creeps up on you, slowly insidiously until you feel your heart beating just slightly harder, the hairs on your arms raising up and the ending won't make you feel much better. I am glad I read it and the way it ended--there may be a second one coming but the author makes no mention of it. Would I read the second one? Yes I would--I'll just make sure that I read it in the daytime with lots of daylight shining into my apartment!



About the Book: (from the author's website )


At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated by her beauty as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. Soon, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her–her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience.

The young woman, Kamilah, invites him to Rize, Turkey, where she claims her family owns a cottage in the woods. In spite of his heavy workload and the disturbing visions and nightmares about his sister’s baby that is due to be born soon, Gabriel agrees to go with her.

But nothing, not even the stunning splendor of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of her nature. In a place where death dwells and illusion and reality seem as one, Gabriel must now come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister’s unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul…

Now on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94529

And Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lullaby-ebook/dp/B005UI7FOG/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320131387&sr=1-2



About the Author: (from the author's website )


Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. Represented by Serendipity Literary.

For her children’s books, visit www.MayrasSecretBookcase.com.

Mayra is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/mcalvani

Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888?created




I received a pdf version of this book from Smashwords for review purposes only. 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.

Giveaway from NappyKind--Baby & Toddler Apparel and Leggings! - Ends 11/30

Saturday, October 26, 2013


I'm sure you have seen me posting about the NappyKind site. If you have somehow missed it you can my review here. NappyKinds has the cutest baby apparel items and from what a lot of comments on the review said--many people are looking for leggings-well this site has them and not only for infants. There are several items that will make great baby shower gifts. At any rate when NappyKind asked me if I would do a giveaway for them on my site, I said YES!

So what are they giving to one lucky winner? A Winter Gift Set which will include (gift wrapped)

A pair of baby leg warmers/ leggings/ tights (depending on gender)


cute socks



a soft cotton bandana bib.


The winner can have their choice of design

Now on to the Giveaway--Good Luck everyone!

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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.

$100 Visa GC Giveaway-Security Technology-US & CAN-Ends 11/14

Friday, October 25, 2013



Security is so important these days. There are many items that can be purchased to help you attain security for yourself, your loved ones and your personal property. Safety Technology can not only help you find the right product for your needs-it can help you possibly attain financial freedom as well!

And to help you get a start Safety Technology is holding a contest! Enter for your chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! As always remember to #StaySafe!!

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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.

And the winner of the NuNatural's Contest is......

This contest is officially over. The winning number as picked at Random.org is #29

Lynn said... 29

I would really like to try the orange drops!
Lynn B.
October 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM

Congratulations Lynn! I will be sending you an email in a few minutes which you have to reply to within 48 hours. You will need to send me your full name and mailing address so that I can forward it to the sponsor who will be sending you all this sweet goodness directly!

Thank you everyone for visiting and entering this contest and I hope to see you all back real soon--lots of giveaways still in progress and lots more to come!




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/PP-WW-Run With the Wolves-Vol 1-The Pack-T c Tombs-Ends 11/1


Pump Up Your Book Presents Run With the Wolves-Vol 1-The Pack Book Blast & Win a $25 Gift Card!


About the Book: (from IUniverse)


It is the fifteenth century, and three kingdoms are caught up in the dire conflicts of their time. As the possibility of a peaceful resolution provides hope that a decade-long war will finally end, no one realizes that dark forces are waiting to invoke chaos as a full moon rises.

On a farm nestled beneath the Euralene Mountains along the western border of Medinia, young Willie works for the Smythes as a serf. One moonlit evening when the Smythes are gone to a neighbouring village, Willie hears the terrified cries of animals in the pastures. When he goes to investigate, he discovers that this wolf pack attack is like no other. Badly injured during the raid, he survives—but now he is afflicted by the full-moon madness that will soon transform him into one of the wolf creatures he dreads. With his life seemingly warped forever, Willie must face the prospect of a lifelong descent into horror.

In a time of witchcraft, superstitious folk lore, and fearsome creatures roaming the night, Willie struggles with an uncertain destiny and must seek help from the one man he holds most responsible for the dark fate that awaits him during the next full moon cycle.

Free Preview of this book (from IUniverse)

The Pack waited with stoic patience, not for a signal from their leader, which would come in due time, but for the moon. It would be the third and final night of the full-moon cycle of late July. This particular full moon was known as the Thunder Moon in this part of the world. With a familiar feeling of pins and needles coursing through their bodies, the Pack waited to greet the Goddess of the Moon. They were her children, after all.

The Pack waited for the return of ‘Diana’.


This book can be purchased at IUniverse and Amazon

About the Author: (from IUniverse)

T c TOMBS earned degrees from Trent University and Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. Like many Canadians, he loves hockey and golf, and he has a passion for medieval history, folk lore, literature, film, and music. Terry and his wife, Sandra, live in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada, where they have raised five daughters.

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 October 21 – November 1. Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday November 2, 2013. Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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I received an entry in the rafflecopter for posting this. 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.

The Witch's Salvation-Signed Book Giveaway - 5 Winners - WW -11/10

My Review of this book can be found here!! You really do not want to miss reading this one!!

SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY!!
 
5 LUCKY WINNERS !!
This fantastic giveaway has been brought to you by 

author of The Witch's Salvation Francesca Pelaccia
5 Winners !!
Open Worldwide !!
Ending on Sunday 10th November at 11.59pm EST

A witch who demands humanity.

The immortal families who denied her of it.

Two mortals commanded to right the wrong.

That is the fate of the urban princess Anasztasia and the renegade prince Matthias, born shockingly mortal to two immortal families. If they go back in time and restore the witch’s humanity, she will grant them immortality. She will also break a 550 year-old curse that imprisons Matthias’s family in their ancestral homeland and exiles Anasztasia’s family from it.

But to make their lives their own, the heirs must return to the most dangerous day in their families’ past, Easter Sunday, 1457. This is the day Vlad III, aka Dracula, massacred all nobles and their families involved in the death of his father and older brother. 

How can Anasztasia and Matthias reverse the past when their families will not speak of their wrongs? How can they refuse when the witch owns their lives?

The Witch’s Salvation is a time-travel fantasy weaved around myth, historical fact, and a whole lot of creative license.




Enter Below and Good Luck !!




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-Book Spotlight/GA-Curse of the Holidays-Joshua C Fuller-Ends 11/1

Thursday, October 24, 2013


Join Joshua C. Fuller, author of the paranormal suspense novel, Curse of the Holidays Volume 1: Dead Snow, as he tours the blogosphere October 21 – November 1 on his first book blast with Pump Up Your Book! Joshua will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form

About the Book:


Donovan VonBreak, demon god, thinks he will destroy the world of light when he cheats his way into power. But something unexpected happens: Vampires and angels find that they have many characteristics in common, and they make peace. An angel and a vampire even fall in love, leading to the birth of Cloud, who is half angel, half vampire. This turn of events infuriates VonBreak, and for fifty years, he studies vampires and angels, trying to find out how he can destroy light and usher in a new era of darkness.

By corrupting Cloud’s brother, he gets closer to his goal. And when he banishes Cloud to a new world, he can almost taste victory. Cloud must now fight his inner darkness and the chaos engulfing this new world if he has any hope of saving his own. Join him as he battles demons and fights for peace in the first volume of Curse of the Holidays.

Purchase your copy:

Title: Curse of the Holidays Volume 1: Dead Snow
Author: Joshua Fuller
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Pages: 116
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-44013-768-6

Purchase at iUniverse

About the Author:

Joshua C. Fuller is an accomplished artist who has always been fascinated by fantastic stories, including the works of J.R.R. Tolkein, J.K. Rowling and George Lucas. He hopes to one day create movies and video games.

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I received a rafflecopter entry for posting this book spotlight. 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.

My Cousin Survived Breast Cancer--Attitude is Everything

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

My cousin, Sharon, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 1 1/2 years ago. Well I have to say from day one her attitude was marvelous! She was going to do what she had to do, go where she had to go and beat it. And nothing was going to get her down. She even went on a trip in between the radiation and the chemo sessions. Now this is the cousin who is always saying she wants to grow up to be like my Mom (Sharon is a couple of years older then I am, my Mom is a young 91!). She definitely did it--she is now cancer free and does not have to go back to get checked for another 6 months.

She was so up and positive about everything that the people at Beth Isreal actually have asked her to help other cancer patients-talk to them, etc. AND they asked her to speak at the "Get Pinkd" annual fund raiser in NYC for the Beth Israel Appel-Venet Comprehensive Breast Center.

Here she is speaking to the crowd!


From the "Get Pinkd" donation card: An incredible organization, the Beth Israel Appel-Venet Comprehensive Breast Center is one of the largest breast cancer programs in NYC and serves thousands of patients and their families. Proceeds from Get Pink'd support clinical trials and research in new surgical techniques, innovations in medical therapy and improvements in early detection of breast cancer.

Sharon's personal addition: Please consider donating today - no amount is too small. www.getpinkd.org. Thank you.

This link will take you to the event so don't get scared by the amounts shown up top! Really any donation is appreciated and if you scroll down there is a place to donate whatever amount you feel you can afford.




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 GA (3) -Mental Health Recovery Boosters: How to Sustain Your Mental Wellness - Carol A. Kivler-Ends 11/16


When I was asked to do a giveaway for one of Carol Kivler's books I said -of course. I did a review/giveaway of her book the ABC's of Recovery a while back-you can see my review here- and know she really is a great writer, with some pretty phenomenal ideas!

If you click here then click on the book (Amazon) you will be able to read four of the essays in the book before you decide whether you want to purchase the book. Of course 3 of these books are up for grabs to 3 lucky winners as well! Just enter via the Rafflecopter below.

About the Book: (from Amazon)

Mental Health Recovery Boosters is a book of inspiration and reflection designed to move readers from mental illness to mental wellness. The 68 short but powerful essays stand alone with messages of encouragement and personal accountability. Based on lessons the author learned during her journey out of mental illness, the essays encourage readers to reflect on daily choices and mental habits that affect their mental wellness. The author discovered during her own journey that what she needed was an attitude shift - a shift from illness to wellness in order to sustain her recovery.

“What I have learned over the years is the power of one's beliefs. We have all heard of the self-fulfilling prophecy - if you think you can or you think you can't, you prove yourself right on either side. Why? You build your reality upon thoughts you agree are true. Also, you have it within your power to tap into two universal laws: The Laws of Intention and Attraction. Once you set your intention to mental wellness, providence takes over and you attract experiences and opportunities to live the life you created with your intentions. “
- Carol A. Kivler, Author

Readers are encouraged to thumb through the book until they feel the urge to stop and read. Each thought-provoking essay is accompanied by a question that encourages readers to look more deeply into patterns that may be affecting their recovery from mental illness. Space is provided to jot down important insights. Attention to wellness can make a big difference in dealing with a mental illness, and answering the questions helps transfer the commitment of wellness into one's own life.

This powerful book will inspire you to hold yourself accountable for your own mental wellness. When you take the time to reflect on the essays and questions, you will be setting your wellness intentions out into the universe to manifest the life you were meant to live.

This book can be purchased at Amazon


About the Author: (from Amazon)


Carol A. Kivler, MS, CSP, President of Kivler Communications, is a speaker, motivator, training consultant, executive coach, and author. Her company provides customized corporate training and executive coaching to a wide range of corporations, organizations, government agencies, and school systems. She has conducted more than 2,500 corporate programs and motivational speeches.

Carol is also the founder of Courageous Recovery, through which she speaks to individuals, their loved ones and health care professionals to raise awareness, instill hope and combat stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses and treatments. She shares her journey of recovery from four bouts of medication-resistant depression and her positive experience with life-saving ECT (shock therapy) through speeches, her books and her blog. Carol was the first non-mental health professional on the Board of Directors of NAMI-Mercer, NJ and continues to be actively involved in its mission. In 2008 she was the recipient of the Garden State Seeds of Hope Award presented by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. This award honors exceptional people who go to extraordinary lengths to help and give hope to others.

Carol received a BS in business education from The College of New Jersey and a MS in human resource education from Fordham University.

You can connect with Carol:

Her Website

Facebook

Twitter

Courageous Recovery.com

Goodreads

Now on to the Giveaway!

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I did not receive anything for posting this. I did add my links into the rafflecopter. 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 - Grounded - Angela Correll

Tuesday, October 22, 2013


This is one of those books to which you can relate. When Annie is "grounded" because the airline she works for is sold to another airline and she finds that her then boyfriend who she just moved in with was not kidding when he said he would never commit---well the only thing a body can do is go home. In this case home is Kentucky with her grandmother who she does not get along with very well.

Definitely a story of healing and learning who you really are and where you truly belong. Another book that kept me awake long into the night even though I generally stay away from "Christian Contemporary Romance" which I believe this is. I recommend this book to anyone who truly loves a good storyline and happy endings.


About the book:
(from Amazon)

New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is grounded, putting a halt to weekends in Rome and her jet-setting lifestyle. Soon her noncommittal boyfriend’s true nature is revealed, and to top it all off, she loses her apartment.
With nowhere else to go, Annie leaves the city for the family farm in Kentucky, a place she’s avoided for years. She finds a shotgun-wielding grandmother, a farm in disrepair, and a suspicious stranger renting the old stone house.
The country quiet haunts Annie with reminders of a past that can’t be changed. She tries persuading her grandmother to sell the farm, but is met with stubborn refusal? Yet in the midst of her crashing life, Annie sees a glimmer of hope for a second chance.
Jake Wilder is contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to follow his passion for sustainable farming. He’s almost ready to propose to Camille, a girl who wants more, not less. Annie believes Jake is about to make a terrible mistake, but does she have the right to tell him?
As the summer heats up, so do Annie’s unexpected feelings for Jake and her interest in the land. When a sudden phone call comes from New York, Annie is forced to choose between coming to terms with her past or leaving it all behind.

View the Book Trailer HERE

This book can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes & Noble



About the Author: (from Amazon)


Angela Correll is a seventh generation Kentuckian. She has written over fifty columns for local newspapers about life, family, and farming. She is co-owner of a farm-to-table restaurant, promoting local food produced in a humane and natural way. She also owns a shop selling handcrafted goat milk soap and other Kentucky products. Correll lives on a farm with her husband Jess and an assortment of cattle, horses, goats and chickens. This is her debut novel.

Visit the author's website
Twitter
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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.

And the winner of the $25 GC to Danville Candles is.......

Monday, October 21, 2013

This contest is officially ended. There were 186 comments and Random.org came up with #83 as the winner of the $25.00 to Danville Candles in the Fall Harvest Hop.

Marms said... 83

I'd love to win this for my home.
October 3, 2013 at 6:15 PM

Congratulations! Now all the winner has to do is respond to the email I am about to send with their email address which I will forward to the sponsor who will take care of sending the gift certificate directly.

Thank you again everyone for visiting Miki's Hope and entering my contests! Hope to see you all again soon!





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/PP-WW-Trudy-C.S. Ross-Ends 11/1



Join C.S. Ross, author of the noir novel, Trudy, as she tours the blogosphere October 21 – November 1 on her first book blast with Pump Up Your Book! She will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form


About the Book: (from Amazon)

This is a story of a washed - up detective who can't resist trying to solve a mystery. In spite of trying to stay out of other people's business, this character always manages to get tangled up anyway. Without trying the detective gets involved in the life of a little girl who just happens to be the sole hair to her family fortune. And, where there's a lot of money involved, there's always some sleazy characters trying to get their hands on it. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns as our hero tries to remain unnoticed by the press and his former associates. Follow our hero through unexpected events and unwanted danger. Sometimes you'll laugh, sometimes you'll cry but you won't have time to get bored. In this story, each day's a chapter and each chapter's another mess out hero manages to fall into.

For a free preview of this book go to IUniverse

This book can be purchased at Amazon and IUniverse

About the Author: (from Amazon)

The author was born and raised in the hills of Pennsylvania. Graduated High School and moved to Ohio. Married, two children. Taught Ballroom dance and gymnastics. Moved to Michigan, graduated from Eastern Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications. Worked for a cable television station before turning to writing novels.

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 October 21 – November 1. Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday November 2, 2013. Winner has 48 hours to reply. Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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I received a link in the rafflecopter for posting this. 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 - Guardian of Deceit - William H. Coles

Saturday, October 19, 2013


Heavens, there are so many doctors retiring from medicine these days and writing fiction novels! Medical mysteries, suspense,etc has always been a favorite of mine so I am kind of happy----just wondering if there will be any doctors left to take care of the sick. The money for research is tight and this story delves a bit into what really goes on to get the grants needed to help find cures when there is little potential for the big pharmaceutical to make money down the line.

This is the story of a genuinely nice young man who only wants to be a doctor. He is sent to live with his cousin-a football star who has a less then stellar personality, who has his own ideas about how boys should be raised. His cousin has him earning his allowance by driving him around to poker games and other nefarious activities. Luckily for Darwin some of the other inhabitants of the mansion he now lives in take an interest in him. He wants to go to the best private schools and is introduced to some of the ultra rich who live in the neighborhood. A doctor takes Darwin under his wing and makes sure he gets what he needs, mentor and otherwise to succeed as a doctor. Unfortunately this particular family is not what it appears and Darwin finds that out the hard way. He also discovers that money does not necessarily equate with happiness.

I did enjoy reading this book, although it made me a little sad.


About the book: (from Amazon)

Darwin Hastings is seventeen and his dying aunt sends him from Pittsburgh to New York to a new guardian, a famous wealthy football player. He is excited and afraid; he wants to recapture the love he knew with his parents before they died and become a doctor like his father. But in his new home of celebrities, crooks, untrustworthiness, and excessively wealthy deviants, lust and want thwart his search for selfless caring love, and in his quest to become a doctor, he discovers the altruism of health care and scientific discovery riddled with profit motivation and deficient moral standards.

Book Trailer

This book can be purchased at Amazon

About the Author: (from Promotional material)


William H. Coles, MD, MS, FACS has an extensive medical history including being a department chairman, international lecturer, regent for the American College of Surgeons, and president of The Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology. He has spent the last 15 years cultivating his writing and creating his owned and operated website www.storyinliteraryfiction.com . His website brings traffic in the millions and promotes quality in fiction. He teaches how to write fiction to over 26,000 students per year in online courses. He has received over 36 awards between his four novels, two collections of short stories, three books on writing, and over 30 essays.

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I received a paperback 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.

Book Review - Colette - Michelina Vinter

Thursday, October 17, 2013


What a really well written book. It held my interest from page one all the way to the end. Life for women was much different back then from what we experience today and this lovely fictional novel showcases it perfectly. It also shows the strength of the women during WWII and what they had to endure to survive without the men around to take up the slack.

When Colette meets and quickly marries an American intelligence spy and leaves her home and close knit family in France to live with her new husband in America she finds out quickly that her Papa was correct--this is not the man she thought he was. She has a child that her husband does not want and things go downhill quickly from there. Meanwhile she meets a handsome young neighbor, John Wu, an Oriental--there is an instant attraction but she is a married woman and he respects that. They become close friends and it is John who is always there for her and makes sure she has a way to support and protect herself and her son.

Meanwhile WWll is on and Colettes whole family back in France is involved in the Resistance movement. When her brother is taken prisoner by the Germans, her husband offers her services to help free him. Well she does! Then once home in America again she gets a letter telling her that her husband is divorcing her and marrying someone else.

John, who truly loves Colette jumps at the chance to marry her and to be a father to her son. His family tries to intervene--in the most despicable ways. The last couple of sentences of this marvelous novel tell me that just maybe there will be a sequel--I hope so--Michelina Vinter is one of those writers who can get a grip on you and never let go! Do not miss reading this book!!!

"But as Colette drew near, her sister-in-law pulled her closer and whispered, "I have a message from my mother. she asked me to tell you that you may have won this battle...but not the war.""


About the Book: (from Amazon)

In 1938, Colette, an eighteen-year-old Parisian girl, falls for American professor Adam Walker. Within weeks, the young couple married and moving back to the United States, and Colette must say goodbye to the only home she’s ever known. After traveling to New York and eventually to her new home in Berkeley, Colette discovers that she’s expecting, and life doesn’t seem like it could get any better.

Colette soon discovers, however, that Adam isn’t the man she thinks. Forced to endure an abusive husband and a lonely pregnancy, the only solace she can find is with her neighbor, John Wu. A devoted friend, John proves to be the shoulder she can cry on, and the man she can depend on to take care of her. But as time goes by and war draws nearer, life begins to take a dramatic turn. As the world begins to change around her, Colette’s fantastic story will take her around the world and back in defense of her family, her child, and her love. Packed to the brim with dramatic twists and turns, this exhilarating story follows one woman’s incredible journey through life, love, and war.

Colette is an exciting new romantic thriller by Michelina Vinter filled with fast-paced emotions and gripping suspense. Exploring the constraints of life and family, this captivating novel uses romance, action, and intrigue to draw readers in while showing them something more. An enthralling romantic thriller, the novel is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys leisurely reading. From action aficionados to romance junkies, this book is perfect for readers of all backgrounds and interests and will keep them hooked until the very last word.

A delicious blend of action, adventure, and romance, Colette is a one-of-a-kind story that follows one woman’s fantastic journey through life. Encountering everything from first love and domestic abuse to the Gestapo and even a kidnapping plot, Colette’s life proves to be as exciting as it is dramatic and a truly remarkable story to experience. Keeping readers guessing until the last sentence, this tremendous novel will stick with readers long after they’ve put the book down.

Book trailer: Click here


This book can be purchased at Amazon

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Michelina Vinter is a practicing acupuncturist and herbalist residing in the San Francisco Bay area with her two children, her husband, and a sweet shadow, her son's Havanese. Possessing a vivid imagination since she was a child, she often was told to get to the point--which led to her career as an acupuncturist. Born in France, she left her family and moved to the United States when she was twelve years old. With firsthand experiences in hard goodbyes and long conversations with a grandmother who was born in 1920, Vinter's wisdom beyond her years has led to a fulfilling writing career covering multiple genres.


Visit Michelina's Website and download the first 5 chapter chapters for free

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I received a paperback 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.

Book Review - Daughter of Sherwood - Laura Strickland

Wednesday, October 16, 2013


Daughter of Sherwood is book one of The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy. Published by The Wild Rose Press

You all remember Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and Sherwood forest don't you? Not too many people don't remember the guy who "took from the rich to give to the poor". Well this historical romance takes that legend one step further. It seems that Robin Hood and Maid Marion had a daughter. This is her story. Well, hers and the two men who form the magical triad. The Sheriff of Nottingham is replaced by another dastardly Sheriff. Sherwood Forest is still where this book takes place, there or the castle--and Robin Hood himself makes a couple of appearances, along with some of the other merry men of his time. Did I mention that there is a magical component to this story?

If you loved Robin Hood--you will also love the story of his daughter. I know I did and now I want to continue reading but will have to wait for books 2 and 3!!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Raised in the kitchens of Nottingham Castle, Wren has no idea she is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood until she is summoned to Sherwood Forest. Since Robin's death many years before, the resistance against Norman tyranny has been upheld by a magical triad, but now one of the guardians has died. With two young men, Sparrow and Martin, Wren must form a new triad with a bond strong enough to defend Sherwood's magic. To one of them, she will also give her heart.

From the moment Wren bursts into his life, Sparrow loves her. But he knows she may choose his lifelong rival, Martin, as her mate. Martin wants Wren also, but Sparrow fears Martin is driven not by love but by ambition. When Martin is captured and held at Nottingham Castle, will the conflict between love and duty destroy the triad?

This book will not be released until Nov 1st-however you can get the e-book right now at Amazon


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


Born and raised in Western New York, Laura Strickland has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. Embracing her mother's heritage, she pursues a lifelong interest in Celtic lore, legend, and music, all reflected in her writing. She has made pilgrimages to both Newfoundland and Scotland in the company of her daughter, but is usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario, with her husband and her “fur” child, a rescue dog. She practices gratitude every day.

You can connect with the author on her:

Website

Goodreads





I received an e-book 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.

Book Review - Hidden: A Novel of Suspense - Thomas Hall

Tuesday, October 15, 2013


Jonathan's wife had been killed just a few short months before this story begins. Jonathan is just beginning to realize that Eric, his son is also grieving and that he must somehow get himself together to help his son. Jonathan drops Eric off to school, leaves and goes home. The phone rings-----Eric has be abducted. Let the suspense begin!!

Can the local detective and the FBI agent assigned to the case ultimately find where Eric has been HIDDEN? They follow clues from the definitely seedier parts of town-that part which thankfully few of us have ever had occasion to visit; ruthless mobsters, child pornography and child slavery rings. And NO I am not telling you more because I want you to read this one-it will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. There will be a sequel--if the Epilogue is to be believed. I give this book a 5 star rating and am looking forward to the next installment!


About the book (from the back of the book)

Six-year-old Eric Allen vanishes into thin air one rainy morning after his dad drops him off at school. Detective Dave Munoz and FBI agent Craig Walker are called in to solve the case. But how can they even know where to begin, without a single witness or a shred of evidence?

As they increasingly become convinced that the bright, handsome youngster has been kidnapped, the two lawmen also come to realize that it’s not only Eric’s life that hangs in the balance, but also that of the boy’s distraught father. Jonathan Allen is still grieving the mysterious death of his wife a few months earlier; now, the disappearance of his son threatens to destroy what’s left of his world.

Munoz and Walker grimly and painstakingly piece together a complex puzzle. Their investigation draws them into a tangled web of dark secrets and sinister activity that seems to stretch from some of New England’s seamiest neighborhoods to some of its most posh addresses.

As the days pass, the likelihood of finding Eric alive rapidly diminishes. And it seems that the people who might have helpful information about the child’s disappearance keep turning up dead. Can the two lawmen crack the case before it’s too late? Can they find where little Eric Allen has been hidden?

Hidden takes readers on a tour through New England’s roads less traveled, including its red-light districts, quiet suburban neighborhoods, and even its hallowed halls of justice. Along the way, Hall pauses periodically to pull back the picture-postcard facades and reveal startling secrets behind closed doors in the lives of seemingly ordinary citizens.

This book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and whereever fine books are sold.

About the Author: (from the book)


Thomas Hall is a former English teacher and middle school and high school principal. Two of the schools where he was the principal received national recognition for their academic excellence. He and his wife Marcia live in Central Massachusetts. They have three adult children.

Mr. Hall was born on Long Island, New York and loved there for the first seventeen years of his life before his family moved to Massachusetts. After graduating from high school he received a full athletic scholarship to Northeastern University for track. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Northeastern.

Although writing has always been a passion, he limited his efforts to short stories and non-fiction articles until after he retired and had sufficient time to tackle a novel.

When Mr. Hall is not writing, he enjoys reading, going to the movies, jogging, and playing softball. Over the past several years he has participated in numerous Senior Softball tournaments throughout the United States and Canada.

He is currently working on his next novel







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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