February 2014 | Miki's Hope

$100 Visa Cards (3 Winners)-Toll Free Forwarding-US/CAN-Ends 3/14

Friday, February 28, 2014



Would you like to win one of three (3) $100 Visa Gift Cards from Toll Free Forwardng? Here's your chance-3 lucky winners from the US/Can will each receive a $100.00 Gift Card. Just fill out the rafflecopter below! Why don't you check out Toll Forwarding on their Facebook Page.


a Rafflecopter 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.

Have I Stopped Accepting Books to Try To Catch Up?


I decided to join in a Book Blogger Hop at Beck Valley Books at least for this week!


This week's question is from Elizabeth at Silver's Reviews

Have you stopped accepting books from either authors or publishers to try to catch up? If not, do you think you would ever do that?

My Answer: There are times when I don't think I'll like the book that I will say no thank you to the author. That being said the authors, especially the Indy authors who contact me on their own, are getting to know which books I will accept and which I will not. Then of course there are the books that I see other book bloggers reviewing and decide that I just have to have that book! Once in a great while I even win a couple. My biggest problem comes in that I then feel obligated to review on my blog, put the review on Amazon and usually Goodreads every single book I read-and of course somehow notify the authors that I have done so.

Thankfully I am a very fast reader because I rarely say no--and as for catching up--why do I doubt that will ever happen? Somehow I do manage to keep up!!



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.

$75 PayPal + a Maxxable Phone Clip-Ends 3/20

Miki's Hope is so excited to join in this amazing Advertise with Bloggers event giving you the opportunity to enter to win an awesome prize package of $75.00 via PayPal and a Maxxable Phone Clip!

Maxxable in place of case

Not sure what a Maxxable clip is? Well, let me start by asking if YOU have ever dropped your cell phone? Well, I have and let me tell you it was expensive to replace it (I didn't have insurance) and took me days to find one I actually liked. Back when this happened I was still working 3 days a week a very long distance from home (1 1/2 hrs each way without traffic) plus I had clients of my own all the other days. I was getting out of my car and the phone started ringing-I managed to grab it out of my pocketbook and it slipped out of my hand down into one of those grates--it was lost forever!! What a fiasco that was!!!

This is where the Maxxable comes in handy; it is a clip that fits most top-selling phone that attaches to the back of the phone without covering it. It is sleek and clean-looking and the best part is that it comes fully assembled so it is easy to attach to your phone, with no messy adhesives. Once it is in place, this cool clip with allow you to hold your phone securely while walking or running, even in crowded areas where people can bump into you. You will no longer need a death grip to hold your phone, instead, you can just slide your fingers through the Maxxable and your phone is safe and sound in your hands.

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Plus, with the option of rotating 360 degrees you can hold your phone vertical or horizontal! I love that it is also ideal for anyone who may have grip issues or for anyone who just wants to protect their phone from being dropped or taken from their hand. When not in use, fold the rings down to stay flat for easy pocket or purse storage.

maxxable in place of a case

CLICK Here to watch a short video -

Want to watch a movie or Facetime someone? Maxxable can be used as a “kickstand” for the ultimate hands free experience for Facetime chats, or movie watching.

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Oh and it is is 100% produced and assembled in the USA (actual location is suburban Philadelphia). All in all, Maxxable really was created to solve a problem and it does just that.


Win it! A PayPal/Maxxable Giveaway!!!

maxxable PayPal GiveawayOne lucky reader will win your choice of Maxxable and $75.00 via PayPal!

This Giveaway:


  • This giveaway will run from February 28th-March 20th
  • Is opened to entrants 18 years of age and older and are located in the US
  • All entries must be in the entry form and will be verified
  • To see full disclosures, see the disclosures at the bottom of the entry form

**DISCLOSURE** Miki's Hope is acting as an advertisement for the Sponsor and is not responsible for prize. This event is brought to you by Blog with Mom and Adventures of 8 through Advertise with Bloggers! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please contact Advertise with Bloggers.

 






I received an entry on the Giveaway linky 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.

$25 PayPal GA-WW-Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop-Ends 3/7

Thursday, February 27, 2014


I would like to thank I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Jinky is Reading for putting together this hop again this year! There are a lot of us participating so make sure you go visit everyone. The list of participating bloggers is at the very bottom of this post.

There are so many great books that I have read and reviewed from so many wonderful authors that it is impossible for me to say read only this one or that one. Everyone has their own favorite genre, and only you know which books you want to read. I am forever being asked how many books I read--well I'll tell you--it depends on a couple of things. The length of the book definitely makes a difference as does the genre. I also happen to be a very fast reader and devour books like some people devour food!! I have been known to "zone" out and read 2 to 3 books in one day, feeding my cat but forgetting about me-but that is not too usual.

Yes, I am giving you the choice to pick whatever book you want (and I am hoping you do buy some books!)by offering for this giveaway a $25.00 PayPal to one lucky winner. As usual I will make it as simple as I can for anyone World Wide to enter for a chance to win. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now on to the list of other participating bloggers!!








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 - Robbing Mind - Chuck Collins

Wednesday, February 26, 2014


What an upbeat and inspiring book written by a stage 4 brain tumor survivor! I highly recommend that everyone read this book. This book was written as it was happening and gives the human touch to a medical horror. Chuck Collins recounts his past and the mistakes he made which by his strength of character he was able to overcome. Family is very important to him and we learn a bit about each of them. His attitude of "I'm going to beat this" even when fear threatened to overwhelm him (which is totally understandable) is phenomenal. If ever the power of positive thinking is questioned then this book should be handed to that person pronto. Chuck Collins is lucky that he has some of the best doctors in the field and a very supportive wife, extended family and friends as this is also very necessary to the healing process. He also tells of others who weren't quite as lucky as he is. It is the last paragraph in this short very true biography written by the author which will stay with me always. He adds it as a personal note.

"You will wake up some mornings in a fog of doubt. You will feel more and more irrelevant and wonder why fight one more day? When that happens, please remember this, even before you became ill, all you had was one day. But this day is special and it will not be complete until you add your spirit to it. Eat, move around, see the spark of life, of the divine in the smallest things, do what you can and this day will reward you with another just like it, only better! Chuck Collins"

About the Book: (from the back cover of the e-book)

A fate worse than death.

What would that be? Trapped in a broken body, unable to either express your thoughts or feelings, or process the world around you? For this 40-year veteran broadcaster and novelist that stark reality became a real possibility in a 4-month series of cascading events that eventually brought him to the hands of talented neurosurgeons and a delicate procedure that literally saved all that was Chuck Collins.

In these pages Chuck chronicles almost from the start the process and the choices made to take a very bad situation and turn it into the best possible scenario, not only for him and his family, but the hundreds of thousands who might find themselves in similar straits. It is not just for sufferers of brain tumors, but stroke victims and those with externally caused brain trauma.
This is for you, this is for us

(from Amazon)
In the summer of 2013, Mystery Writer and Radio Personality Chuck Collins was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer. This is the story of how he and a special community of professionals, friends and family made the best of a very bad situation. Portions of proceeds (60%) will go to aid families dealing with brain health issues. Go to RobbingMind.com for more information.

Read a bit of the book

Purchase the book HERE

About the Author: (from the e-book)


Chuck Collins is a 40-year veteran of broadcasting and media in Northeast Ohio, most recently in Akron, Ohio. He is currently operations director with Rubber City Radio Group, WAKR, WQMX, WONE, and has been on the WAKR air 10-3pm weekdays for the last 7 years. Chuck has written four novels and published hundreds of essays for online and other publications. He has supported the performing arts with leadership roles in the Greater Akron Musical Association and continues to work with alcoholics and recovery services as a trustee with IBH, Addiction Recovery Center. Chuck and his wife Monika are devoted to family and community and live in Hudson, Ohio. Good treatment and a good attitude will help me produce Robbing Mind 2: Recovery.

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I received an e-book version 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-An Imposition-Book 1 of the Monroe Chronicles-Bill Merten


First off I promised the author I would explain to everyone what a glove box is, at least in the context it is used in this book. You can find the actual use and description on his website. Have you ever seen a newborn ICU or at least a picture of one where the Mom has her hands in a pair of gloves so she can touch her baby inside the box--yup that is also a glove box of sorts--the glove boxes in this book are used to handle radioactive materials-and yes, a person does end up inside of one of them!

Working in a high security, top secret lab is far from easy--all the rules and who can know what and when. It is a prestigious job and when Ed Cotter gets hired he seems to fit right in, except for one co-worker who definitely has it in for Ed--but then things begin to happen--

This is the first in the series and the book will leave you hanging------guess I will just have to get the next two when they come out!! Yes, I enjoyed it that much.


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Henry Cross made a mistake; in fact he made two. The first was to spy for the Soviet Union inside a top-secret U.S. Department of Energy nuclear weapons laboratory. The second was to get caught. When the KGB finds out Henry Cross is a defector, it orders a second mole at Monroe Laboratory to kill Cross in a conspicuous manner. Other KGB agents need to be reminded that disloyalty will not be tolerated. Upon discovery of the murder, the DOE, FBI, and Monroe security conclude that another spy is operating at the site. Not wanting to reveal its intelligence to the mole or create a media circus at a top-secret lab, DOE covers up the murder.

Into this situation walks Ed Cotter, a newly recruited cold warrior. In a world where hyper-enforced federal regulations and their unintended consequences are the norm, Ed proves himself to be a positive addition to the staff. But one of his colleagues, Curtis Judd, is less than thrilled. Judd provokes Cotter in not so subtle ways, letting him know that he isn’t welcome at Monroe. But Ed Cotter isn’t leaving. In the meantime, the hunt for the spy continues, and Cotter gets drawn into it.
An Imposition is the first in a series of books based on events at the Department of Energy’s top-secret Monroe nuclear weapons laboratory during the boom years of the Reagan administration.

Read a couple of chapters here

Purchase the book here

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Bill Merten is a Ph.D. mechanical engineer with a love for the art and science of engineering. In the course of his career, he has worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter, the Cassini mission to Saturn, packages for the safe shipment of nuclear material from Russia to the U.S., and numerous weapons systems. Having worked in a nuclear weapons lab for eleven years during the cold war, he draws on his experience there to create the setting for his first novel.

The author lives with his wife, daughter, and dog in New York City.

For Lots of Interesting Information click here for the website




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.

I am Taking it EASY for a Couple of Days

Monday, February 24, 2014

Yes, I will still be around but I am fighting a cold and just do not have the energy to do all that I normally do! I will put up the daily threads on the FB groups I normally do that for. Plus I have some clients I have to go to this week, almost every day this week. I am still reading and the reviews are there-not live but they are there. One or two of them will be live during this week I hope! With some kind of luck I will be able to put them up for comments as they go live-and I may attempt to join in some re-tweet or G+ threads but no promises! I will try to put my giveaways on others linky's. -I also have got to get my taxes done-------Starting 2/28 there will be new giveaways, at least one a week-plus book reviews. I will try to keep the "What's Up at Miki's Hope" post updated during this week. Just click here to be taken there directly. Top all the above off and my computer is "sometimes" going slow as molasses! I need a slight break!!






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-Sailing Dangerous Waters-D. Andrew McChesney

Friday, February 21, 2014


This is a strange and interesting book about the travels of the HMS Island Expedition. This is the second in the series and I kind of wish I had read the first one before reading this. I think I might have caught on a lot quicker then I did. This is in part a historical novel of the time of the sailing ships in the 1800's I believe, at the time when England and France were fighting. This book begins in a parallel universe--one eerily similar to the one the HMS Island Expedition left behind. You can not miss the similarities! If you or someone you know is a history buff you will absolutely love this fictional novel with more then a grain of truth in it.

About the book: (from Amazon)

The Gallician frigate had come out of the fog from windward, and had fired its first devastating broadside into the Tritonish frigate from near point blank range. They paralleled each other, mere yards apart, and made no effort to alter course or maneuver for an advantage. With more sail set now, the schooner forged ahead and rapidly closed with the frigates. “Ready the port battery!”
“Aye aye, sir!”
“Helm, steer as to pass between them!”
“Aye aye, sir!”
“Sure madness, Edward!” warned Hotchkiss.
“But a method to it, Isaac! When I give word, we must put into the wind, and as our guns bear, concentrate fire on the Toad’s starboard quarter. Let us then fall off the wind and repeat with the starboard battery.”
“Aye!” Hotchkiss nodded with understanding.
Fully awake and alert, his senses at their sharpest, Pierce watched the battling frigates grow larger. The damp night air whipped past mingled with spray thrown up by Island Expedition’s hurried dash through the sea. Despite the apprehension in his gut, Pierce felt alive.

Sailing Home From Another World

Master and Commander Edward Pierce, captain of HMS Island Expedition, languishes with his ship and crew in a world both very like and unlike his own. A voyage of exploration has led him further afield than he would ever have imagined possible. As he works to convince the Tritonish Government that he is not a rebel pirate, Pierce is offered a unique opportunity to claim citizenship in this parallel world…but in doing so, will he breach his loyalty to King George III? Not knowing whether he will be able to sail back to England, Pierce navigates the uncertain course of diplomacy that allows Stone Island to become a official Land of Vespica…and allows him to be released to sail for home. But the voyage there is fraught with peril, and his welcome is uncertain. What will the Admiralty make of his incredible tale? And will Evangeline, his heart’s joy, still be waiting for him? Richly characterized and deftly plotted, Sailing Dangerous Waters is a thrilling sequel to Beyond the Ocean’s Edge , offering the same meticulously researched nautical lore, and exquisite attention to details of period language and society. Readers will be enchanted, and eager for the forthcoming third book in the Stone Island Sea Story series.

Read a couple of chapters here

Purchase the book here

There is a giveaway being held on the authors website through 2/28 - there is also a trailer you can view!!

About the Author: (from Amazon)


Since his grade school days, D. Andrew McChesney has been fascinated with the age of sail and the great sailing navies. He served in the modern US Navy as an aviation electronics technician. After completing a twenty-two year career, he revived a naval adventure story originally written in high school. The first two Stone Island Sea Stories are complete and the first, Beyond the Ocean's Edge, has been published. Sailing Dangerous Waters is complete and scheduled to be published within the next year. Dave, as he is most generally known, is making progress on the third book, Darnahsian Pirates.

Dave is President of Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers and a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. He has also had a near life long interest in the Chevrolet Corvair and belongs to the Corvair Society of America, Corvanatics, and the Inland Northwest Corvair Club. He serves as editor for the latter organization's newsletter, the Rear Engine Review.

He lives in Spokane with his wife, daughter, a quaker parrot, and a corn snake. Dave works in janitorial services for a local private club because his book(s) have yet to become best sellers, and he still hasn't won at Lotto.

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I received a paperback edition 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.

Signed Book GA (5 Winners)-A Prison of Lies-A Journey Through Madness-Thomas Duran-Ends 3/6

Thursday, February 20, 2014



This was a very difficult book to read. It alternately gripped me and wouldn't let go--and at other times I had to close it to take a breather from the pain that was obviously being felt and conveyed with singular clarity by the author. It is a glimpse into the hell that is depression and madness--one I sincerely hope I never have to travel nor cause anyone else to travel. That Tom was able to make his way back to sanity was a true miracle and proves the strength of the human psyche.

Almost without his notice, Tom had slipped from childhood through adolescence and then into young adulthood woefully unprepared for that transition. Both his childhood and his adolescence had been hells of isolation and rejection. And there had been no emotional support at home either. His only tranquility had been the wilderness, to which he escaped whenever possible.

But this is only the set up for the real hell which was to follow, coming in the guise of a beautiful and seemingly innocent young women named Mary. Schooled in etiquette, God, and discipline, she was equally skillful at secrecy and pretense. And unable to see behind her subtle facades, Tom mistakes her demure reserve for shyness and under that illusion, he tumbles into a deep, undying love, into which inexorably pour all of his pent up needs and desires. The delusion is only broken when Mary suddenly reveals a cold indifference to his emotions. Then upon dispatching him with sudden sly cruelty and consummate betrayal, she immediately vanishes behind a veil of silence.

In this explosive coming of age story we are taken down the rabbit hole of unrequited love and rejection, where in the depths of despair, Tom must wrestle with the devil of his darkest emotions and deny that devil his every temptation to commit heinous acts of evil. There is no rape or murder beyond the wild imaginings of Tom, who in the aftermath of Mary's brutality, goes completely psycho, in this nightmarish book of tragic love. In fact, it is almost miraculous that those atrocities do not happen, given the intensity of Tom's rage.

In witnessing Tom's struggle, however, we are brought to a better understanding of human sexuality, how people can be driven to violence, and why people sometimes die by suicide. As Tom makes a slow and arduous climb out of his abyss, we learn how to survive heartbreak and emotional abuse. Launching into psychotherapy, he begins the process of peeling back the onion to find his hidden demons. During this painful process he struggles with an inability to forgive himself for becoming a victim, and in equal part, an inability to forgive the ghost of Mary, for her profound cruelty and dishonesty. But with the scepter of suicide ever lurking, it becomes increasingly clear how much his very survival depends on his letting go of his anger and letting go of the past.

You may prefer to skip the foreword (written by and intended for professional therapists) and advance to the beginning of the story, which holds some of the books first cryptic poems that hint of lost love. They are descriptive of the struggle to come.

In order to come to terms with what has befallen him, Tom must first confront the reality of what had happened and thereby break the spell. To do this he must deeply examine every nuance and motivation of the personalities involved. Ultimately his quest for serenity will bring him to truths about human nature that are so simple and fundamental, they are perhaps universally understood by every fully formed adult. But to Tom's inner child, these truths have been consistently denied and unacknowledged.

A Prison of Lies is an unblinking look at the emotional development of a pathological mind. At times it is frightening and disturbing but it is also heroic and enlightening. It offers perhaps a unique Rosetta Stone for understanding many outcomes of mental illness with a clarity that can only be told by someone who has made that passage.

A Prison of Lies is a new kind of book on mental illness. Unlike many fictions which only use mental illness as a device to drive the plot, A Prison of lies plunges into the heart of the illness and keeps its focus there. And unlike nonfiction books on the topic, which tend to be dry and clinical, this book is a gripping read.


Buy the book from...
Author's Site,     Amazon.co.uk,     Amazon.com



About the Author
As this fiction is inspired by his own struggle with mental illness, Robert Thomas Doran is grateful to god for helping him recover from mental illness. Today he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife of fifteen years. A Prison of Lies was written as an act of faith and with the hope of helping others afflicted with mental illness.

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Website   Book's Facebook,    Author's Facebook,   Twitter,   Goodreads



"A Prison of Lies is a powerful and eye opening novel. In reading it, I was compelled to imagine myself and my loved ones in Thomas Doran's shoes. It was painful to experience his struggle to break free of the demons that engulfed him, and to witness that inner war, much of which was fought without any outside system of support. Having read this book, I hope to be more aware of my own words and actions. We are often unaware of how deeply our words and actions are impacting others. Definitely a good read for the soul." - Cheryl Snoha 

"Robert Doran has painted a gripping, detailed mural of the progression of mental health illness. He depicts a torn canvas of a damaged youth, the downward spiral that ended in a nervous breakdown during his early adulthood, and his courageous yet painstaking road to recovery. The dark world Doran portrays within the mind of the protagonist and about mental health illness will introduce people to ways of thinking that are rarely spoken of out loud. Moreover, the book promises the idea that such problems can be overcome."
- Chad Coren, PsyD



"I would recommend this book for anyone who has a loved one suffering from mental illness who would like to know what is going on. I would also hope that it could be offered to young people. If I had read this book at 18 I might have known what the signs were and had a better idea of how to offer help. I would have been better prepared for life and been of more use to people who were dear to me."
- Robert C. La Mont

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.




NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

5 LUCKY WINNERS will each receive a signed book from the author

Open Worldwide

Ending on Thursday 6th March at 11.59pm EST



Enter Below and Good Luck !!

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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-Less Than Three- Le-an Lai Lacaba

Wednesday, February 19, 2014



I have been reading Le-an's writing for a while. She is one of the bloggers who I have gotten to know through a facebook group. I kept telling her to get published-well she did and asked if I would read it and review it. Of course I said yes. Le-an attempted to send me a pdf copy but my computer would not read it-so I went in and bought the book! I recognized a couple of the short stories from the blog-others were brand new to me. I enjoyed reading them all. English is not Le-an's native tongue and there are quite a few grammatical errors but I was able to overlook them. These short stories tell of every kind of love and/or relationships that happen in life. I enjoyed reading these one at a time--I took my time on this book and let the stories sink into my soul! I love her disclaimer page!

"Everything in this book has been written entirely by the author, edited and reviewed by a lot of other people. All characters, places and time have been taken out of reality, though the stories are mostly fiction.   It should not be taken, quoted or extracted without the consent of the writer, as the law and karma would come back and haunt you and your great grandchildren.

You’ve been warned.   Some of these stories have been published to the author’s blog, dimperfectprincess.blogspot.com, but have been edited and rewritten plenty of times for this book.

For any violent reactions and negative actions you may want to do to this book, please do so as long as you bought it.   You can contact the writer through her email, lean.lacaba@ gmail.com. Or you could just throw your curses and rotten tomatoes to the wind where you won’t hurt anyone."



About the Book: (from Amazon)

Less than three is a collection of short stories, each made with less than three thousand words. Inspired by real life stories, they have been woven together to pull and tug heartstrings. Written by a young writer who isn't your everyday sappy romantic, Less than three offers delight and warmth, with a bit of the hard hitting realities of life.


You can read a story here

You can purchase the book here

About the Author: (from her blog)

Picture from Twitter

I am Le-an Lai A. Lacaba-yes my name has a dash. I was born on October 4,1995 (that makes her approx 18!) to my two loving parents, Leonardo Lacaba and Romana Lacaba. I am the eldest of four,-this is getting boring so let's make this interesting. Click the video! If you go to her blog and click the about me tab she has a really nice video!

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I purchased this book with mt own funds. 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 Reveiw-Irreparable Harm-Melissa F Miller

Tuesday, February 18, 2014


I actually read the 2nd book in the Sasha McCandless Legal Thriller series by Melissa F Miller. You can read my review of Inadvertent Disclosure here. I liked it so much that I actually went in and purchased Book 1 in the series, Irreparable Harm. I finally found the time to read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. Will I be purchasing and reading more in this series--you can bet on it!

Irreparable Harm is a tale of corporate greed which pits a lawyer from a high profile firm in a very strange situation. As we know client/attorney knowledge is sacrosanct--but what happens when the lawyer knows or suspects that lives are in danger? I wondered how Sasha met up with the federal air marshall--well, this book will explain all.

As of 2/16 the e-book is free on Kindle!! I don't know how long this will last!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

After eight long years, attorney Sasha McCandless is about to make partner at a prestigious law firm. All she has to do is keep her head down and her billable hours up.

When a plane operated by her client slams into the side of a mountain, killing everyone aboard, Sasha gears up to defend the inevitable civil lawsuits. She soon realizes the crash was no accident: a developer has created an application that can control a commercial plane's onboard computer from a smartphone.

Sasha joins forces with a federal air marshal, and they race to prevent another airline disaster. But when people close to the matter start turning up dead, Sasha must rely on both her legal skills and her Krav Maga training to stop the madman before he kills her.

Read a couple of chapters here

Find the entire Sasha McCandless legal thriller series here

About the Author: (from Goodreads)


I am a writer, mother, wife, and lawyer. I write crime fiction.

I have been writing since my fingers could grasp a pencil. (Note to mom: no need to dig those early works out of the attic!)

I have a degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania (with a double concentration in medieval literature and creative writing poetry).
After college, I worked as an editor for three years before attending law school.

I have a J.D. from Duquense Law School and have been a practicing litigation attorney since 1999. First in Pittsburgh, then in D.C.

In 2009, my lawyer-husband and I left our firms and moved to bucolic South Central Pennsylvania to open our own firm.

I have three fantastic children, two geriatric cats, an elderly dog, and the two largest goldfish I have ever seen.

Please visit me at www.melissafmiller.com and sign up for my e-mail newsletter to find out when new books are published.

Find the entire Sasha McCandless legal thriller series here: smarturl.it/sashaseries

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I purchased this book with my own funds. 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.

Signed Book GA (5 Winners)-Crazy In Paradise-Deborah Brown-US/CAN-Ends 2/27

Monday, February 17, 2014

crazyinparadise


I enjoyed reading this book so much! Madison Westin is one of those character's that will have you chuckling--then laughing out loud-and even shaking your head in disbelief at some of the scrapes she gets into. Zach, who walked into her house (literally) is a private detective bad boy who immediately decides that Madison is his girlfriend-whether she agrees or not. His cohorts all end up walking in as well and kind of take over Madison's life--as if she doesn't have enough trouble with a Mom who is, let's just say unusual and seems to want to set poor Madison up on a date--Madison's brother--well he is her Big brother after all. Actually I don't think there is one normal person in the book--except perhaps for Jazz, Madison's cat! There are some pretty nasty people in there as well who are out to steal Madison's inheritance (her recently deceased Aunt Elizabeth's motel) and things do get kind of dicey for a while.

In conclusion if you like a light and airy who done it or is going to possibly do it and you like humor along with a little romance, a little mystery and a little of everything in-between-I suggest you sit yourself down and read this book--it is a fast read and it definitely gets a 5 star from me!


Welcome to Tarpon Cove.

Dying in the Middle of Summer is Sweaty Business...

If you ever put yourself in trouble by picking up someone else's past, you have to meet Madison Westin, an honorary Trouble Queen.

Madison is a quirky motel owner, who recently inherited her aunt's beachfront motel in the Florida Keys. But that is NOT all she inherited, as the motel houses a slew of colorful tenant's - drunks, ex-cons, fugitives, and whatever bad guy you can think of.

How to solve this mess...? That is really not that difficult if you are Madison Westin.

Step 1: Take back control of YOUR motel

Step 2: Learn the ins and outs of blackmail, murder, and drugs
Step 3: If all fails, hope for the best...

Deborah Brown's Crazy in Paradise is packed with Action, Romance, Intrigue, Mystery and Suspense. Oh... did I forget to mention the humor makes for a fast and enjoyable read? This book will be difficult to put down!

GIVVER GO...... but ONLY if you want to be Crazy in Paradise!

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About the Author

My debut novel Crazy in Paradise, a Florida Keys mystery,  is full of fun and surprises, a 'laugh out loud, roller coaster ride'.

I've been writing, in one way or another for as long as I can remember; writing poetry, short stories, a romance novel secretly stashed under the bed and sappy love letters. Fiction should be fun. I wanted to create the perfect beach book, to make the reader laugh, cry and cheer... and then run out and tell their friends about it.

My love of reading began when I was seven, the day I opened the cover of my first Mrs. Piggle Wiggle book. Mrs. P gave lessons to other children in how to behave and to me I learned to love the written word. I live in South Florida, with my ungrateful animals, where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.



NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY
5 LUCKY WINNERS will each receive a signed book from the author
Open US/CA
Ending on Thursday 27th February at 11.59pm EST



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I received an ebook 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-No Cure for Murder-(Brier Hospital Series)-Lawrence W Gold, MD

Saturday, February 15, 2014


It is 3 AM--I received this book from Amazon yesterday (the kindle version is free from 2/14-2/16). I read half before I went to sleep and finished it just now. I can not say enough about Lawrence Gold, MD's books. You really have to read them to realize what a great writer he is and how he can keep you guessing up to, in the case of this book, nearly the very end.

Jacob Weizman is still practicing family medicine in his 80's and still making house calls! His wife, Lola is a psychotherapist who has downgraded her practice but still works with disturbed teenaged girls. NOTHING gets past Lola nor is there much she hasn't heard or seen and she makes sure the teens know this. Between the two of them they have helped and are still helping many.

Physicians do tend to be slightly egotistical (yes, I have worked in hospitals and done the books for many doctors) and Jacob, because he doesn't agree with some of the newer practices is forever getting into "discussions" with other practitioners, nurses, etc. Some think it is time for him to retire--not so! There is a hospital chaplain who he really does not trust or like and one nurse in particular who does not like him-ah the dynamics of the workplace. He takes on another physician in his practice at the behest of an old and dear friend.

If I say much more I will give it all away-so I guess I will just have to leave you all hanging again! Yup-another 5 Star and I think I better go get some more sleep now!


About the Book: (from Amazon)

Death at Brier Hospital is routine and provides the perfect opportunity to murder and get away with it. Jacob Weizman, a physician, and his wife, Lola, a psychotherapist, are holocaust survivors and need no proof of evil in this world. Jacob and Lola are unique protagonists. They’re octogenarians who take the fear out of getting old. Their intelligence, competence, humor, and sense of history make them appealing in a world that too often disdains the aged. After fifty-five years practicing medicine, Jacob is disappointed, but not surprised by several patients’ deaths, even the unexpected ones. Soon, however, it becomes clear that a killer is stalking the halls of Brier Hospital targeting Jacob’s patients. While Jacob has made enemies over the years, he finds it inconceivable that anyone would murder his patients for revenge. The killings mount even as the hospital and police increase security and pursue a vigorous investigation. Finally, unsatisfied with surrogates, the killer targets Jacob.


Read a Couple of Chapters HERE

Purchase the book HERE (remember the Kindle version is free from 2/14-2/16)

About the Author: (from Amazon)


I was born in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, moved to Queens, and then, as New Yorkers say, we ascended to the Island.
After graduating from Valley Stream Central High School, I went to Adelphi, a college then, a university now, and then to medical school in Chicago.

The war in Vietnam interrupted my postgraduate training with a year in Colorado Springs and another as a Battalion Surgeon in Vietnam. I spent seven months in the Central Highlands with the 4th Infantry and five months in an evacuation hospital in Long Binh outside Saigon where I ran the emergency room.

I returned intact in 1968 to complete my training in internal medicine and diseases of the kidney, nephrology.
I worked for twenty-three years in Berkeley, California in a hospital-based practice caring for patients with complicated illnesses often in ICU and served as Chief of Medicine.

My wife Dorlis and I retired in October 1995 and sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge for a life at sea in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Four years later, exhausted from repairing everything on board, (often many times) we sold the sailboat and within a year took the lazy man's out; we bought a Nordic Tug, a trawler. We motored around Florida, the Bahamas, the entire East Coast and completed two 'Circle trips' to Canada and back, eight months, the first time, five months, the second.
I wrote professionally as a physician to inform but rarely to entertain, at least not on purpose.

First, Do No Harm was published in April 2007. No Cure for Murder was released in August 2011. For the Love of God was published in January 2012 and The Sixth Sense in July 2012.

In the last two years, I've written three screenplays based on my novels and hope to see one or more produced for the screen. I submitted my screenplay, Rage to the 80th Annual Writer's Digest contest and won honorable mention (57 out of 11,000).
We live in beautiful Grass Valley with 13 year old Mike, a terrier mix and Bennie, a 7 year old purebred though enormous Yorkie.

Author's Website
Dr. Gold's Fiction and Medical News
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I was able to get the e-book free from Amazon. 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.

American Tea Room-$5.00 off Orders of $15.00-ends 2/28

Friday, February 14, 2014

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E-Books GA (3 Winners)-WW-Hearts at Play (Bradens #6)-Melissa Foster-Ends 3/6

Thursday, February 13, 2014

 

I love happy endings-I just wish tears wouldn't fall down my cheeks-and they certainly did with this one. Hugh Braden, the youngest of the Braden bunch has always lived on the fast track--both with women and in his profession-driving racing cars in competition. He was set up on a blind date and while waiting for her spots Brianna who is working in the bar. She is a single Mom who is bound and determined to stay away from any kind of relationship until her daughter turns 18--12 years from then! His date arrives and Hugh is so turned off by her that he takes her home and returns to try and talk more with Brianna who has definitely got his attention-but in a way that has never before happened to him.

This is definitely a love at first sight romance where Brianna is the one to hold back--until she doesn't. Hugh is so afraid of losing her that he is a gentleman to the nth---Besides Brianna is afraid that her daughter, Layla, will be upset. Huh--Mom's do not always know best! The trip to the alter is filled with doubts, tears, ups and downs--but always with love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the Remington's stories coming soon!


NEWLY RELEASED........

Book #6 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #9

Brianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be.

The last thing Capital Series Grand Prix racer Hugh Braden wants after dating media-hungry leggy models and money-hungry fan girls is a blind date. But how could he turn down a favor to one of his best friends? Hugh expected the date to go poorly, but he didn’t expect to be intensely attracted to the beautiful brown-eyed bartender who completely blows him off—and steals his every thought thereafter.

When Brianna’s perfectly orchestrated life turns upside down, Hugh is there to help, softening the turmoil, and maybe even rescuing her heart from the lonely place where it has been hiding. Can a man who doesn’t believe in fate and a woman who doesn’t believe in true love find happiness in each other’s arms forever? .

HEARTS AT PLAY is part of the Love in Bloom series.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**


Buy the book from...... 
Amazon.co.uk,     Amazon.com,     Barnes and Noble,     KOBO


About the Author

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of a number of International
bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Cafe. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.




Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child
Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape
Cod.


Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes
comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest
or her personal website.


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ALSO AVAILABLE 
Book #1 Snow Sisters, Love in Bloom Series 
Sisters In Love

DANICA SNOW has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life. 

BLAKE CARTER is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best. 

WHEN BLAKE walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free. 

Amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hearts-Play-Love-Bloom-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00HQSOB72/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390413286&sr=8-1&keywords=hearts+at+play+foster

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Play-Love-Bloom-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00HQSOB72/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390413386&sr=8-2&keywords=hearts+at+play+foster

Barnes and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hearts-at-play-melissa-foster/1117587255?ean=2940045450270

Kobo
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hearts-at-play-the-bradens-book-six-love-in-bloom-book-9-1

Book #2 Snow Sisters, Love in Bloom Series 
Sisters In Bloom
You loved Danica and Kaylie in SISTERS IN LOVE, find out what happens next with SISTERS IN BLOOM "

Kaylie Snow has always been the fun, flirty, pretty sister. Now her burgeoning baby bump, hormone-infused emotions, and faltering singing career are sending her into an unexpected identity crisis. Watching her older sister, Danica, glide through a major career change and a new relationship with the grace of a ballerina, Kaylie’s insecurities rise to the forefront—and her relationship with fiancé Chaz Crew is caught in the crossfire.

Chaz Crew has everything he’s ever wanted: a lovely fiancée, a baby on the way, and soon, the film festival he owns will host its biggest event ever. When he’s called away to woo the festival’s largest sponsor—and the lover he’s never admitted to having—secrets from his past turn his new life upside down.

With her baby shower around the corner and her fiancé’s big event looming, the pressure is on for Kaylie to pull herself together—and for Chaz to right his wrongs. In a few short weeks, the couple who had it all figured out will learn things about life and love that may change their minds—and their hearts.

Buy the book from Amazon.co.ukAmazon.com, Barnes and NobleKOBO

Book #3 Snow Sisters, Love in Bloom Series
Sisters In White

Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.


While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all.

Buy the book from Amazon.co.ukAmazon.comBarnes and NobleKOBO



Book #4 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series

Lovers at Heart


You met Treat Braden and Max Armstrong in Sisters in White, Book Three of the Snow Sisters (Love in Bloom Series). Now fall in love with Treat and Max all over again, and see where their hearts take them next.



Handsome, wealthy resort owner Treat Braden is used to getting what he wants. When Max Armstrong walked into his life six months earlier, he saw right through the efficient and capable façade she wore like a shield, to the sweet, sensual woman who lay beneath. She sparked an unfamiliar desire in him for more than a one-night stand, leaving his heart reeling and his blood boiling. But one mistake caused her to turn away, and now, after six months of longing for the one woman he cannot have, he’s going home to try to forget her all together.



Max Armstrong has a successful career, a comfortable lifestyle, and she’s never needed a man to help her find her way—until Treat Braden caught her attention at a wedding in Nassau, causing a surge of emotions too reminiscent of the painful past she’d spent years trying to forget. Max will do anything to avoid reliving that pain—including forgoing her toe-curling, heart-pounding desire for Treat.



When a chance encounter turns into a night of intense passion, Treat realizes that the mistake he made six months earlier may cause him to lose Max completely. He will do everything within his power to win her heart forever—and Max is forced to face her hurtful past head on for the man she cannot help but love.



Buy the book from Amazon.co.ukAmazon.comBarnes and NobleKOBO



Book #2 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #5
Destined for Love
You met Rex Braden in Lovers at Heart, Book One of the The Bradens (Love in Bloom Series). Jade Johnson is about to turn his comfortable rancher's life upside down. Don't miss this powerful love story.

Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship—and her veterinary practice in the process—Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is...until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.

Despite the angry family history, sparks fly between Rex and Jade, and attitudes follow. Fifteen years of stifled, forbidden love stirs a surge of passion too strong for either to deny—and the rebel in each of them rears its powerful head. Loyalties are tested, and relationships are strained. Rex and Jade are about to find out if true love really can conquer all.

Buy the book from Amazon.co.ukAmazon.comBarnes and NobleKOBO




Book #3 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #6

Friendship on Fire


You met Josh and Riley in Destined for Love (The Bradens, Book Two). Follow these two young lovers to New York and see what fate has in store for them.



Small-town overachiever Riley Banks has finally scored her big break—working in Manhattan as a fashion design assistant for her childhood crush, Josh Braden. She enters her new job hoping to make a name for herself and—just maybe—explore the romance that slipped through her fingers way back when. Josh Braden has models at his beck and call, a staff that never says never, and an elegant clothing line for the holiday season. When he hires Riley Banks, he expects her to learn the business from the ground up. But the girl next door turns out to be much more than he remembered. Josh and Riley’s friendship heats up. Every steamy kiss and every erotic caress stirs a love they cannot deny. But when Riley designs a wedding gown that would cause even the most jaded fashion editors to swoon, Riley’s mentor accuses her of stealing the design. Facing indisputable proof and the mistrust of her lover, Riley is not sure she can take the heat of life in the fast lane of the fashion industry—and Josh is forced to choose between the woman he loves and the career he adores.



Buy the book from Amazon.co.ukAmazon.comBarnes and NobleKOBO



Book #4 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #7

Sea of Love


You fell in love with Lacy Snow in Sisters in White (Snow Sisters, Book Three).  Follow her on her path to her forever love in Sea of Love.



Lacy Snow wasn’t looking for love when she met strikingly handsome and seductive Dane Braden. But how could she ignore the six-foot-three darkly handsome god who tagged and researched sharks for a living—and made every nerve in her body tangle into an overly sensitive knot? Even her fear of sharks could not suppress their intense attraction.



As founder of the Brave Foundation, Dane Braden travels from port to port, educating and advocating on behalf of the mammals he adores—and spends his nights finding solace in the arms of strangers. The last thing Dane was looking for when he met Lacy Snow was a relationship, and the last thing he expected was to fall in love.



Fifteen months—and hundreds of flirty emails, steamy phone calls, and sensual video chats—later, they reunite and take passion to a whole new level. But as Lacy’s phobia meets Dane’s past love life, their steamy romance is upended, and when tragedy strikes, Dane and Lacy are forced to face their deepest fears head-on as they try to navigate their own sea of love.



Buy the book from Amazon.co.uk,  Amazon.com,  Barnes and Noble,  KOBO



Book #5 The Bradens, Love in Bloom Series #8

Bursting with Love

After having her heart broken by a country music star, Savannah Braden has sworn off men. She takes a break from her fast-paced Manhattan lifestyle for a weekend at a survivor camp to rebuild her confidence and readjust her priorities. But when she meets the handsome guide, Jack Remington, she’s drawn to everything about him—from his powerful physique to his brooding stare—despite the big chip on his shoulder. Powerless to ignore the heated glances and mounting sexual tension, Savannah begins to reassess her hasty decision.



After losing his wife in a tragic accident, Jack Remington found solace in the mountains of Canada. This solitary existence allows him to wallow in his guilt and punish himself for having made a decision that he believes cost his wife her life. He never expected to want to return to the life he once knew—but then again, he never expected to meet gorgeous, stubborn, and competitive Savannah Braden.



One passionate kiss is all it takes to crack the walls the two have built to protect themselves, and allow love to slip in. While Jack fights his way through his guilt, and struggles to get back into the lives of those he left behind, Savannah is there to help him heal, and together they nurture hope that they’ve finally found their forever loves.



Buy the book from Amazon.co.uk,  Amazon.com,  Barnes and Noble,  KOBO




COMING SOON.....





NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

Three lucky winners will each receive ebooks for
Lovers at Heart (Bk 1 of The Bradens) & the very first book of the Love In Bloom Series, Sisters In Love (Bk1 of the Snow Sisters)
Ending on Thursday 6th March at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter 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.
 
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