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Principal Sam and the Calendar Confusion by Paul Semendinger, Ed.D Blog Tour & eBook Giveaway

4/29/2017

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About the Book

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TITLE: Principal Sam and the Calendar Confusion
RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2017
AUTHOR: Paul Semendinger, Ed.D
PAGE COUNT: 32
ISBN: 978-1542790963
IMPRINT: Sunquills 
GENRE: Children’s Books/Holidays
SYNOPSIS: Sometimes Principal Sam can't remember.. what day it is!
 
When Principal Sam starts to mix up the holidays, it’s up to the schoolchildren to help him out!
 
How will Principal Sam learn to keep his holidays straight? Find out inside!

​Amazon 
 
 



About the Author

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Dr. Semendinger has been a passionate child-centered educator for almost 30 years. He first enjoyed a successful career as a middle school history earning numerous awards including “Teacher of the Year” and the prestigious “A+For Kids” grant before moving on to administration. Dr. Semendinger has served as a high school vice principal, a middle school principal, and is currently the principal of the most wonderful elementary school in the whole world!
 
Dr. Semendinger has enjoyed working in various professional organizations including serving as the President of the New Jersey Middle School Association. In addition to the above, Dr. Semendinger has worked for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and he has served as an adjunct college professor at both Ramapo College and William Paterson University.
 
An enthusiastic presenter, Dr. Semendinger brings his passion for children to his positive, happy, and engaging presentations.  As an accomplished public speaker, Dr. Semendinger has successfully presented workshops at many conferences including those run by the New England League of Middle Schools, STEMCON, the New Jersey Middle School Association, the Madison Institute, local ASCD Chapters, and many others. 
 
Dr. Semendinger is also an accomplished writer. His first book of motivational passages, “Impossible is an Illusion” will be released in June 2017 by Ravenswood Publishing.  Dr. Semendinger’s first novel, “Scattering the Ashes” will be released in August 2017 also from Ravenswood. In addition, Dr. Semendinger writes picture books.  His first picture book for children “Principal Sam and the Calendar Confusion” is currently in post-production and should have a 2017 release date.  Dr. Semendinger’s original and unique history of the New York Yankees “The Least Among Them,” is also currently in editorial review.  In additional to his (soon to be) published writing, Dr. Semendinger also frequently publishes on eduTopia and on his highly successful blog.
 
Dr. Semendinger leads an active life. He enjoys running and, to date, has completed twenty marathons including the New York City Marathon five times.  Dr. Semendinger also plays competitive men’s softball and enjoys backpacking and hiking. He also plays the saxophone and piano (but wishes his skills in those areas were much (much) better.)  (He’s working on it.)  In his free time, Dr. Semendinger enjoys reading, travel, and passionately rooting for the New York Yankees. 
 
Dr. Semendinger volunteers his time in many ways.  Dr. Semendinger was a three-sport coach (baseball, basketball, and soccer) for sixteen years as his children grew up and was also active in the Boy Scouts where he designed and led outings to historical sites that included Gettysburg, Washington’s Crossing, Valley Forge, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York’s Central Park.  Dr. Semendinger has also successfully led two Boy Scout crews through the two-week backpacking experience at Philmont Scout Ranch hiking treks of more than 90-miles. 
 
Dr. Semendinger also is a daily contributor to the Radio Home Visitor (88.5 FM – Wilkes-Barre, PA) run through King’s College.  The Radio Home Visitor brings news to shut-ins in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley.  Most often Dr. Semendinger reads the daily health column and contributes an inspirational passage as well.
 
More than all of this, a family man, Dr. Semendinger enjoys and greatly values the time he can spend as a husband and “Dad” with his wife and three sons.  There is nothing he is prouder of than the fact that he is a good dad and husband

Website | Twitter 
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Principal Sam eBook Giveaway

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RABT Book Tours 5th Anniversary Giveaway

4/29/2017

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RABT Book Tours is Officially 5 Years Old! 


We are celebrating by offering our Biggest Discount to Authors + a Reader Giveaway!

Book Your Tour by May 6th and Receive 50% Off any Tour by using the Discount: Code RABT50 ! 
Tours can take place anytime between June - September!

Blitzes are 20% Off All Summer Long!
Any Blitz Booked and Taking Place between May-September! Use Code: SummerBlitz


You can find out more about our services, read testimonials, and see current tours at our website www.readingaddictionvbt.com






Are you an Author who has a FREE novel this Summer or a novel on Kindle Unlimited? 

We are running a Mega Blast Promotion for Free and KU reads this June! 

This Blitz will take place June 7th and your novel will need to be free at that time. 

FIND OUT MORE HERE





Help us celebrate and enter the Giveaway! 

Signed Novels + $50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Retribution by Roger Rapel Blog Tour

4/28/2017

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About the Author

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TITLE: Retribution
RELEASE DATE: March 30, 2017
AUTHOR: Roger Rapel
PAGE COUNT: 258
ISBN: 978-1542865258
IMPRINT: Black Hawk
CATEGORIES: Crime/Thriller
SYNOPSIS: Detective Sergeant Jim Broadbent was having a bad day with everything going wrong. Then to cap his day off the phone rang just as he was going home. He was directed to a local shopping parade where the body of a badly beaten man had been discovered in a commercial waste bin.
 
So another investigation began, but a wall of silence was evident as he was falsely led from one scenario to another. The body was unidentified as no one had reported him missing. No clues and nothing to pin point where he was from.
 
Then a missing person enquiry landed on his desk as the incident room on the murder was closing without a satisfactory result. Broadbent discovered he was crossing another MI5 investigation. But the secrecy of the Secret Services was hindering him, then he was told to back off.
 
Broadbent was being used again by MI5 as the deputy head was mole hunting with the assistance of the CIA.
 
That was not the way Broadbent worked so he carried on. What he found was extremely disturbing; then he discovered Tanya who was seeking retribution on many who had crossed her. She was devious using her looks and body to lure those into her lair. Who was she really?
 
This is a fast moving intriguing read with twists and turns; it is provocative with adult sexual encounters. It also sets the mind thinking, is it true or could it be true?


About the Author​

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Born in the late 40’s only a few years after the second world finished with all the hardships of rationing, cold houses windows running with condensation with frost forming on the inside as well as the outside, living in one room for heat. Growing up in the 50’s with little or none of the modern comforts of today’s modern world, my brother and sister were happy well as happy as you could be. I worked in various organizations including PO as a steward on cruise liners (I must write about that) then on the buildings picking bits of skills here and there and became a jack of all trades certainly master of none. Then joined the police stayed for 30 years mainly as a detective Sergeant dealing with all manner of criminal cases including child abuse rape cases and murder.


Amazon | Publisher's Book Page
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Sense to Believe by Elizabeth G. Honaker Book Tour

4/25/2017

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Write Now Literary is pleased to announce The Sense to Believe, a Christian Drama Play by Elizabeth G. Honaker, April 24-28, 2017.     
 
Genre: Christian Drama Play
ISBN-10: 1508655707
ISBN-13: 978-1508655701
Author the Author                                                          
Elizabeth Golibart Honaker hails from Sparta, Tennessee, where she teaches writing support and English at Motlow Community College. Her undergraduate degree is in Liberal Arts, and her first MA is in Theology. This has given her the breadth and scope to write over fifteen full-length passion plays in the last twenty years – seven of which are in print with others being prepared for publication – as well as dozens of shorter scripts, short stories, and poems on Christian topics. Her first historical fiction novel, Come Before Winter, was published in 2014. In that same year, she completed her second MA in English and Creative Writing (Fiction) at Southern New Hampshire University.
When she is not writing or tutoring, she spends her time devising new home projects for Allen, her husband of 45 years. She also enjoys communicating with her two wonderful grown children and buying (and making) trinkets for her four lively grandchildren. She is passionate about sharing Christ, missional activities, and her local church. She also loves gardening, sewing, piano playing, and Star Trek as time permits.
                                                                               
 About The Book
The subject of light is a theme found throughout the Bible: God created light on the fourth day of Creation; Moses’ first revelation of God came through a burning bush; several of the prophets reported encountering beings of light who delivered messages from God; and then there is the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. As with any dramatist, I wanted to explore my chosen subject in a fresh way. I “lit” on the miracle of the Jerusalemite who was healed in a wondrous way by the Master Healer Himself. As I read and reread portions of John’s Gospel that contains this story, I was fascinated by the new insights I “saw”: the yearning of a blind man who knew his need; the disdain of the religious leaders who already believed they “saw”; the amazement of people who witnessed a decaying corpse infused with abundant, new life. I saw that these are much more than a string of stories, somehow related because of the area in which they occurred. Instead, they are a Grand Theme designed by a Father of Light who wants all to see Love in action.
Social Links:
Website
Facebook
Purchase Link Amazon
Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours
Click here to follow the tour 
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Magelica's Journey to the Land of the Fairies by Louise Courey Nadeau Book Review

4/25/2017

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About the Book

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Title: Magelica's Voyage to the Land of the Fairies
Author: Louise Courey Nadeau
Illustrator: Nathan Heinze
Publication Date: April 2017
Publisher: Magelica Inc.
Number of Pages: 35
Recommended Ages: 5 to 10
Summary: Five Star Readers Favourite and Story Monster approved!  New Magelica's Voyage to the Land of the Fairies is finally out! Its the third children's book in the Magelica trilogy. Put on your magical necklace and join Magelica and her friends as they discover that fairies are real and that love is the most powerful magic of all!In this very special adventure, rainbows light up the sky as Magelica and Prince Will embark on an extraordinary voyage to uncover the mystery of her past. Empowered on her quest by her chosen mother, Magelica and her friends follow the secret scroll to the Land of the Fairies. As they make their way through the forest, fear gets in the way and their courage is tested.


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My Review

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Magelica's Voyage to the Land of the Fairies takes readers on Magelica's most beautiful journey yet as she discovers just how magical love can be. 

Prince Will, Goldy, and Odin arrive on Earth and are joyously welcomed by Magelica, Tris, and Gri. To Magelica's delight, Prince Will brings word that Magelica has been granted an audience with the Fairy Chiefs. Eager to discover the secrets of her past Magelica and the others set out for the Land of the Fairies. 

Magelica's Voyage to the Land of the Fairies is an endearing tale of love. When Magelica learns about her mother and the sacrifice she made to ensure her daughter's happiness, Magelica is overjoyed and as a reader my heart smiled. I found the imaginative characters appealing and Magelica's adventure exciting as I am sure young readers will as well.

I highly recommend picking up a copy. Be sure to check out the rest of the series too!

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About the Author

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Louise Courey Nadeau, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, wife and mother to two girls and two boys is the creator and author of Magelica’s Voyage, Magelica’s Voyage: The Rescue and Magelica’s Voyage to the Land of the Fairies; an adventure/fantasy trilogy about a young girl on Earth who suddenly grows wings at the age of 12 and sets out on a voyage to discover who she is and where she comes from. Empowered by her Chosen Mother to follow her heart, Magelica and her fun and wacky friends learn that following your dreams is no easy task! Called upon to connect peoples and worlds, and bring balance and harmony, Magelica discovers that the greatest enemy is fear, but realizes that it is no match for courage, believing in herself, and love, the most powerful magic of all.

 Author, mother, wife, Founder and CEO of Magelica Inc., former marketing and advertising executive, a tireless fundraiser for many charities, a painter, and gardener, Louise’s passions keep growing. Louise's dream is to create a bond with children and their caregivers around the globe, and make a real difference by entertaining them with exciting stories that stimulate their imagination, and help them discover the power of their own magic.  Books are just the beginning. She is simply getting started!

 "Through life's trials and tribulations, I always believed I could. With the Magelica book series, my own beliefs, courage, determination and resolve have been tested over and over. Believing I can, has kept me going!  My goal is for young girls to be empowered to grow up strong, positive and powerful, and for young boys to have the self-confidence to support girls in their goals, thereby creating a new gender balance for a new generation. "The children of today, will grow up to be the parents of tomorrow. By inspiring them now, the ripple effect will eventually change the world."

"Magelica's Voyage is inspired by my life, my family, and the special people and places I love", says Courey Nadeau. "All of the characters in the story, including Magelica are reflections of the person I am- the wacky part, the funny part, the philosopher, the teacher, the caretaker, the chosen mom, the giver, and of course the dreamer. What would Magelica do, I often ask, and I get the answer. When you fly with Magelica, the possibilities are endless and there is magic all around."

 To learn more about Louise Courey Nadeau please visit Magelica's Voyage website at Magelica.com. You can also follow Magelica on FB, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Magelica books and necklaces are available on amazon.com and at selected retailers.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
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Initiation: Sky Raider Academy by Kirstin Pulioff Blog Tour Wrap-Up and My Review

4/24/2017

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As the Initiation: Sky Raider Academy Blog Tour comes to a close I want to take a moment and recap the tour and highlight what reviewers have said about Kirstin Pulioff's newest middle grade book. You can also read my review below.

If you missed any of the tour stops visit the Initiation: Sky Raider Academy tour page
 for a complete list of participating blogs. 
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About the Book

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​Title: Initiation: Sky Raider Academy Book One | Author: Kirstin Pulioff | Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Number of Pages: 176 | Publication Date: March 27, 2017

​Summary: Tommy feels lost after his father’s death. To make matters worse, his mom moves him to a new town where he doesn't have any friends, and he quickly becomes a punching bag for the school bully. He can’t win. So, when a mysterious visitor approaches him with the promise of adventure, Tommy jumps at the opportunity.


Whisked away to a school in the sky where magic rules and storms are forged by an elite group of Sky Raiders, Tommy learns that the world’s problems are much larger than his own.

When the weather spirals out of control and a rogue Raider’s diabolical plans surface, Tommy must decide how much he is willing to risk to save the world.
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Tour Recap

Promotional posts were shared by:

Tales of a Wanna Be SuperHero Mom
Java John Z
Raising Kids of Gratitude
Nothing But Books

Bound to Escape

15 Bloggers posted reviews!

Here's what they had to say...


"It is a perfect length for reluctant readers in this (middle grade) age group. 4.5/5 stars" - Paper Dragon Wings

"This was a fun read, which tackles many things middle grade readers will easily relate to while wrapping it in an exciting adventure." - Bookworm for Kids 

"I like this book because it will easily grab the interest of kids..." - Amanda's Books and More

"I really enjoyed this story and simply couldn’t put it down. I loved how this book twists and turns in both predictable and unexpected ways." - Desperate Homeschoolers

"This middle-grade book is just the kind of book I enjoy. It has a mysterious school and twisted plots. The characters are well developed." - Reading Authors

"Pulioff’s new middle grade fantasy series will have young readers itching to attend Sky Raider Academy as well.  A compelling series that will draw kids in from the beginning." - Adalinc to Life

"Great characters readers can connect with. I look forward to reading book 2." - Kay LaLone I Love Books

"Middle grade students who like fantasy, adventure, mystery and magic will enjoy this first book in a new series. Well suited to the issues facing this age bracket, the book will inform, entertain and inspire the reader. Can’t wait to see what adventures emerge in Book 2." - Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

"This was an exciting story with creative ideas! I was curious at the end of each chapter, wanting to start the next chapter right away. (...) I would definitely recommend this to children 8+." - Writer, Reader, Cautious Adventurer

"A charming story that fills the need for adventure and fantasy and belief in the impossible can be possible." - Domestic Chanteuse

"This enchanting book is great for anyone who enjoys a magical-filled fantasy and I highly recommend checking it out." - Where Connor and JT Go

"Overall, Initiation was a fun read featuring an exciting adventure, a sympathetic main character, and just the right amount of intrigue.  I’m excited for this new series by one of my favorite middle grade Indie authors, Kirstin Pulioff and I can’t wait to see how the story continues in Book 2.  I recommend this book to children ages 8 to 12." - Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"This was such a fun read for children ages 8 to 10. At 170 pages it is the perfect length for book enthusiasts and reluctant readers. Middle grade readers easily can relate to many of the struggles Tommy goes through while fully immersing themselves into an exciting adventure." - Blooming Brilliant

"Author Kirsten Pulioff’s middle grade book, Initiation, tackles issues that children have to deal with and often struggle to cope with adequately (death, bereavement, moving, leaving friends behind, new school, bullying), as well as infusing a real world with a parallel world of fantasy, adventure, heroism, and more." - Word Magic: All About Books​

"Initiation is a great middle years book. It’s full of adventure and mystery. It is very different to other stories and will be enjoyed by many." - Stitch Says
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My Review

Initiation: Sky Raider Academy is a creatively written fantasy complete with magic and mystery that is certain to captivate readers until the end.

After his dad's death, Tommy and his mom move from California to Colorado to live with Tommy's Uncle Joe. Devastated by the loss of his dad and having to move away from his friends, Tommy reluctantly enters his new school. He is welcomed by friendly, yet eccentric teachers and staff, but it's the school bully that makes the biggest impression and leaves Tommy longing for the life he had when his dad was alive.

However, the night Tommy is catapulted to an amazing school in the sky, known as Sky Raider Academy, he has no doubt his life will never be the same. Here Tommy finally fits in and easily makes friends. He begins to find joy in life and experiences a sense of belonging. Tommy also learns that his father was part of Sky Raider Academy too and his death is far more sinister than Tommy realized. He also discovers the Academy is in terrible danger. Now, it is up to Tommy and his fellow Sky Raiders to not only save the Academy, but ultimately the world.

I found Initiation: Sky Raider Academy to be a very satisfying read. The author develops a wonderful array of characters that add to the entertainment and the intriguing plot easily captures imaginations young and old. The author also incorporates a bit of learning as Tommy and others at the Academy study clouds and weather patterns. Best of all middle grade readers will be able to identify with many aspects of the book through personal experiences which will help them feel a connection and leave them yearning for more. 

Initiation: Sky Raider Academy is a great start for a book series that is sure to become a favorite among children and parents alike. A perfect addition to any homeschool or classroom library as well.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.​

About the Author

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Kirstin Pulioff dreams big, wishes on stars, searches for rainbows, finds treasure in everyday blessings, and lives life to its fullest... Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in the foothills of Colorado. When she’s not writing an adventure, she’s busy living one.
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She loves to hear from fans.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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On the Edge of Death by Ciara Ballintyne Book Blitz

4/22/2017

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Epic Fantasy
Date Published: 22 April 2017
Publisher: Evolved publishing

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All the Left Hand of Death wants is something to call her own, but is the price too high?

Ellaeva, the fated avatar of the death goddess, is desperate to track down her missing family but the trail is decades old. Instead, she discovers her battered and bloodied sister priestesses driven across the Jerreki border on pain of death. Ellaeva must turn aside from her personal quest to investigate the murders, only to find her parents have been taken into the heart of the conflict.

Lyram Aharris, favoured son of the royal line of Ahlleyn, is the only living person she trusts to help her infiltrate the enemy stronghold and uproot the horror they find there, but their chequered past threatens the mission. Accompanying him is his crown prince, the one man Lyram wants dead above all others.

Now Ellaeva must face down the darkness in her soul before a dark god is brought into the world.

At the boundary of life and death, all oaths will be tested. 



EXCERPT

Lyram leaned on the window casement, scouring the bustling courtyard of the royal palace of Ahlleyn below. Servants in the black and purple livery of the clan Gaylbrath strode confidently about their tasks, and his gaze skipped over them, looking for someone obviously out of place—looking for the crow amongst the sparrows. From this high, picking individual faces out of the crowd was impossible, but that didn’t stop him searching. He didn’t need a face to find the person he sought.
Despite his failure to note anyone out of place, he knew there was at least one person in the palace who shouldn’t be there. He could feel it in his bones.
“Lyram, you’re not listening to me.”
Sighing, he turned, leaning back against the wall with his arms folded over his plaid. He regarded the duchess. “No, Narrawen, I’m not. I do apologise. What were you saying?”
The Duchess of Kinrothen narrowed pale-blue eyes at him. She stood in the centre of his sitting room, an inner sanctum furnished by his late wife, and a place of solitude and reflection where he’d usually not permit the duchess. But, short of his bedchamber, this was the only room in his suite with a window. He needed to see the courtyard, and she’d insisted on speaking with him.
“Never mind. You clearly have something else on your mind.” Then her voice grew teasing. “Perhaps something I could help with?“
Lyram swallowed a long-suffering sigh. Narrawen, standing with her head cocked and one hand on a hip, was a fine figure of a woman, but she was also a schemer. Her kirtle, though made of expensive linen, was woven in the red, yellow and green tartan of her clan; she took every opportunity to wear it, as though reminding everyone she was their clan leader. Though women were accepted as equals in Ahlleyn, a woman heading a large warrior clan could experience certain… troublesome elements, and she carried a bow slung over her shoulder. A woman who would lead warriors must be a warrior, and she had the temperament to match the flaming red hair tumbling down her shoulders in unruly curls. Everything she did was calculated and planned, and there was no way he’d be sharing what was on his mind.
“It’s nothing to trouble yourself over,” he said.
“Oh, it would be no trouble to take a burden from your shoulders.” She stepped forward, closing the distance between them to place a hand on his arm.
The heady aroma of eastern tuberose assaulted his nostrils, rich and sensual. She was tall, the top of her head on a level with his nose, and her breath tickled his clean-shaven chin. Her gaze held the resolute intensity of a woman accustomed to getting her way, sooner or later. She was beautiful, and in a way that went beyond her face and figure: she was fierce, determined, and intelligent.
But when he looked at her, he saw only Ellaeva.
Her brow pinched, as if reading something in his face, and he smoothed his expression.
“You’ve been too long a widower,” she said.
He started. “Eighteen months! That’s hardly too long.”
She met his gaze with an intense expression, ignoring his protest. “And I’ve never married. We both need heirs.”
He shook his head and tried to draw away, but she had him pinned between her wide skirts and the window. “You would merge two of the kingdom’s most powerful and influential duchies into one? The aristocracy will never stand for it. You already know my answer, Narrawen. I’m not interested in marrying—you or anyone else. It’s not personal, you understand?”
She snorted in a most unladylike fashion and tossed her hair, like a wild horse tossing its mane. “You pay too little attention, Lyram. You’d be surprised what the aristocracy will allow now, after the fall of Traeburhn. Everyone’s been made nervous by his treason, especially the stripping of lands and titles. Besides, we need not merge the duchies. We could agree on a division of heirs.”
“The risk of civil war—”
She leaned closer, until only inches separated their faces. The heady smell of her perfume was almost intoxicating.
“There are any number of men in this kingdom, and without, who would marry me,” she said. “Most for the wrong reasons. Few of them have my respect and admiration, but you do. What I need is a husband. What I want is you.”
The door burst open, thumping against the wall.
Narrawen jumped back, her bow clattering against the side table. A faint blush stained her cheeks.
Lyram’s pulse quickened. This was it, the moment he’d been waiting for.
Everard stood framed by the sitting room’s doorway, his posture perfectly erect as he folded his hands neatly in front of his sporran. As always, he was clad in scrupulous court attire, his rank pinned to the shoulder of his white shirt and his kilt falling in perfect pleats. His thinning grey hair had been meticulously combed, and his wire-framed glasses perched precariously on his nose. He kept his face blank, but a small twitch beside his eye betrayed his displeasure at the duchess’s presence. “Sir.”
Though Everard’s tone was even, Lyram read the tension and urgency in him. “I know, Everard. I’ll come.”
“A prior engagement, Lyram?” Narrawen said. “Whatever it is, reschedule it. We’re not done.”
Lyram opened his mouth to countermand the order—though she outranked him, how dare she presume to order his aide-de-camp?
But Everard’s gaze flickered to her with that same inscrutability, and in his perfectly deadpan aide’s voice he said, “Is Your Grace still chasing a husband? Perchance I can suggest a better hunting ground.”
Narrawen grew rigid, and Lyram suppressed a grin.
“The duchess and I can finish our conversation later,” Lyram said. “I’ll come, Everard.”
“No, sir—” Everard blinked, jerking aside as though pinched, and Ellaeva stepped into the room.
The shock of seeing her thrilled through him, like the mixed pleasure of an unexpectedly warm spring day, tainted by fording a stream running with snowmelt. Though he’d felt her jump suddenly from the far east to well within Ahlleyn borders several days ago, though he’d felt her drawing nearer by the day, he hadn’t realised she was here, outside the room. And no amount of time could have prepared him for this moment.
Their gazes locked. Her black eyes were flat and cold. In his head, the sense of her abruptly clenched into the hard glass ball that said she was trying to control or hide her feelings. That connection was the unintended legacy of his resurrection at her hand, but she’d grown better at controlling it. Then her gaze flickered to Narrawen, standing so close alongside him, and the glass ball shattered into a thousand shards with an impact so visceral he gasped and sat down. The chill in the air deepened.
She switched her stare back to Lyram. Finally, she spoke, in a voice cold as iron. “I have come to see Alagondar.”


About the Author

Ciara Ballintyne grew up on a steady diet of adult epic fantasy from the age of nine, leaving her with a rather confused outlook on life – she believes the good guys should always win, but knows they often don’t. She is an oxymoron; an idealistic cynic. Her debut work is Confronting the Demon, and In the Company of the Dead is her first book to be published with Evolved Publishing. She holds degrees in law and accounting, and is a practising financial services lawyer. In her spare time, she speculates about taking over the world.

Contact Links

Twitter: @CiaraBallintyne
Facebook
Website


Purchase Links

iBooks (Pre-Order)

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Murder is Just the Beginning by Carol Kravetz Blog Tour, Guest Post & eBook Giveaway

4/21/2017

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About the Book

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TITLE: Murder Is Just the Beginning
RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2017
AUTHOR: Carol Kravetz
PAGE COUNT: 466
ISBN: 978-1542809917
IMPRINT: Sly Fox
GENRE: Crime/Romance
SYNOPSIS: Four murders of staff who work in the same seedy nightclub, a shady nightclub owner and no clues as to who the murderer is. Detective David Andrews and Detective Paul Cameron are thrust together with two recruits from the United Kingdom, Cathy Edwards and Krista Nolan, to solve the murders and bring to justice whoever was responsible for them. Personality clashes and strong physical attractions ensue between the four but they always maintain their strong professionalism. During the investigation, yet another member of staff is found murdered but the evidence is gathering and soon the guilty one is caught. But the case doesn’t end there. By the time the court hearing comes around, the accused has already devised a getaway plan. And the hunt is on….


How I Became a Writer
​Guest Post by Carol Kravetz
My interest in writing started when I was a young girl going through English Language and English Literature classes in school. Although I was never one to enjoy poetry or the classics, I was always, even at an early age, intrigued by a good plot. When my parents would put me to bed, more often than not it was with the plea to read “just one more page please” and, unless it was really late I was usually granted that wish. Reading was my hobby and, although still expected to do household chores, more often than not my parents would find me in a quiet corner with my nose in a book, engrossed in what I was reading and oblivious to the rest of the world.
 
As an adult, my interest in reading never waned. Eventually, I began to dream that if anyone like Danielle Steel or Stephen King could write a book, then so could I. I often paraphrased sentences with “I’m going to put this in my book” or, “I’m going to put that in my book” until I was advised quite strongly to stop procrastinating and just start writing. So that’s what I did.
 
My characters were dreamed up long before I had a solid storyline. I had always wanted to be a Police Officer but back in the late ‘70s, the Northern Ireland Police Service, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), now known as  the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) had a height restriction of 5’4” for a policewoman. Unfortunately, I didn’t grow any taller than 5’2”. The older I became, the more disheartened I was at not being able to follow my childhood wishes of being a police officer and eventually I came up with the plan that if I couldn’t be one, then I could at least write about one. Or, in my case, I could write about two policemen and two policewomen.
 
I had a vague idea of what I wanted to write, but, because it was before the advent of the internet, I had no real means of doing proper research and working full time as a medical secretary didn’t exactly give me the time to make phone calls or go to the local library anytime I wanted. I persevered with whatever knowledge I had, or could find in bookstores and, eventually, I sat down and started writing in long hand the bare bones for the first book.  I only had a clear idea on how the story was going to end. The beginning and the middle had to be carefully thought out so that it could all tie in.
 
Needless to say, my first book went through many changes before it became the novel it is today. However, the storyline remained more or less the same and the characters were exactly the same as they had been at the very beginning of my writing adventure. I learned quite quickly to develop my characters and wanted to make them likeable, have them be the sort of people readers could respect, and root for, and feel for when life threw them all curve balls.

About the Author

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I was born and raised in Northern Ireland, near Belfast. I emigrated to Canada in my mid 20’s and while there, started writing. My day time job was as a medical secretary to various health care professionals but my spare time was dedicated to my writing. I lived in Canada for 12 years and during that time had almost completed seven novels in a series. After living at home for a year, I moved to the United States and continued my career as a medical secretary. My writing was shelved for just a little while during my time in the States but, since my return to Northern Ireland upon my husband’s retirement five years ago, I have been able to resume my hobby and complete the seventh novel.  I currently work full time within the Education Authority and dedicate as much time as possible to my family and my writing. 

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Soul of Toledo by Dward D. Webster Book Blitz

4/21/2017

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Historical Fiction 
Date Published:  January 2016

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Thirty years before the Spanish Inquisition, the seeds of hatred have sprouted in Castile. Suspicions fester. Rage churns beneath the surface. Viçente Pérez—a man who wields enviable power but harbors a shameful past—is the only one who can keep the tension from exploding out of control.

As the Christian son of secret Jews, Viçente is in a hopeless position—charged with keeping the peace, but always suspected by the city’s Old Christians, unwilling but duty-bound to help the increasingly persecuted Jews, and to aid his king whose rule is threatened.

When Viçente crosses the ruthless, power-hungry lawyer Marcos García de Mora, he makes a formidable enemy. García’s plan: to rally the common men, attack Jews, and purify Toledo by purging suspected heretics—the Christian descendants of Jews, converts like Viçente.

As war breaks out between the king and his cousins, and García and his madmen rise to power in Toledo, Viçente falls in love with the mysterious Francesca and finds himself faced with impossible choices: love or duty, respect or intolerance, reverence or disdain for his ancestry.

From the courts of kings in Naples and Castile to the chambers of Pope Nicholas and the torture cellars of Toledo, this gripping novel brings to life an era of little-known history in fifteenth-century Spain, a time when a rogue inquisition threatened to destroy the very soul of Toledo.



About the Author


Edward D. Webster has had an eclectic mixture of careers, ranging from teaching Navajo students to managing transit operations. And he’s the author of a diverse collection of books. Webster admits to a fascination with unique, quirky and bizarre human behavior, and he doesn’t exempt himself from the mix. His acclaimed memoir, A Year of Sundays (Taking the Plunge and our Cat to Explore Europe) shares the eccentric tale of his yearlong adventure in Europe with his spirited blind wife and headstrong, deaf sixteen-year-old cat. His historical novel, Soul of Toledo recounts a diabolical moment in history, when madmen took over the City of Toledo and tortured suspected Jews, 30 years before the Spanish Inquisition. And his 2014 novel, The Gentle Bomber’s Melody, explores what might happen if a nutty woman, bearing a stolen baby, landed on the doorstep of a fugitive bomber hiding from the FBI. The result: irresistible insanity. From the happily unusual of A Year of Sundays to the cruelly perverse in Soul of Toledo, Edward D. Webster shines a light on offbeat aspects of human nature. Webster lives in Southern California with his divine wife and two amazing cats.

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Helping Helper by Tara C. Alred Book Blitz

4/20/2017

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Romance, Women’s Fiction
Date Published: 3/23/2017

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"He’s not a friend, he’s my husband. And he’s gone.” 
En route to Salt Lake City, intending to start over, their car breaks down near the struggling mining town of Helper, Utah—and then Tony leaves Kora behind.
Alone, broken and angry, especially that her family was right in their judgment against Tony, Kora decides to stay in Helper and aid in it’s art-centered transformation.
But in working to save her new home, Kora learns first love only happens once.
For a second chance at love, a much greater risk is required.




Excerpt


Chapter One
    

A cloud of smoke billowed over the hood of the old 1984 Buick causing Kora, after three hours of silence, to finally speak. “Tony! What’s going on?”

“Oh no!” With his long fingers, Tony gripped the steering wheel and leaned forward. The engine went quiet. Suddenly, the car was coasting. Tony steered it to a halt along the dirt shoulder. Smoke poured out above them.

“What is it, Tony?” Past the windshield, Kora stared at the stream of white caught between them and the green mile marker ahead. “Is the car on fire?”

“No,” he said. But there was fear in his tone.  Quickly, he masked it with a calmer assurance. “It’s just overheated.”

The fear transferred to Kora’s voice. “You said you got that fixed!”

With two hours before they reached Salt Lake, and six hours of tension behind them, Tony finally faced her. “I did,” he said calmly. “I replaced the radiator hoses and cap, and it’s fixed.”

She kept her eyes on him, glaring as she pulled her dark blonde hair into a hasty bun. “Then what is it?”

He shrugged, but Kora caught the alarm surfacing in his eyes before he turned to the door.

As soon as he lifted the hood, the full force of steam released itself, tumbling out toward the blue sky.

She opened the passenger door. The hot desert air greeted her. She slipped on her old heavy sandals and approached the hood to find Tony clutching his forehead, his lips moving, hot words streaming out. But when she got close, his speech ceased.

“So what are we going to do?” she asked.

Like a poorly-choreographed dance, he slipped past her, making his way nearly the entire circumference of the car before sliding back into the driver’s seat.

Kora stepped toward the engine, steam hitting her face. She shifted away. Warmth from the sun hit her back. Another step and she watched Tony turning the key in the ignition.

Nothing happened.

Another attempt.

Tony banged his fist against the steering wheel. “No!”

She approached the driver’s side to catch Tony’s cheek spasm. “I’ll walk to the nearest town,” he said. “I think the last sign we passed said it’s five miles ahead.”

“Okay.”

He shifted from the driver’s seat, causing Kora to step back.

“I just got to see how far a garage is.” He marched over to the hood. “Get some help towing this in.”  He released the hood prop, then slammed it shut.

“Does the car need to cool off more?” she asked.

“Doesn’t matter,” he said gruffly.

“Should I come with?” she tried to sound sweet, but an edge from hours before lingered there.

“Just wait in the car.”

“Its a hundred degrees out here,” the tension was back. “What if I fry?”

A sad smile twisted across Tony’s face. “What do you want me to say? If this town doesn’t have what we need, we might be walking for miles.”

“Then let’s walk.” Kora grabbed her purse and looked back to see Tony studying her thick wooden sandals.

When he looked up at her, his face remained tight. “You sure?”

“Yes!”

He shrugged then turned back to the driver’s door, retrieved the keys, locked the Buick doors, and began their march toward help.

Gravel crunched under Kora’s sandals. With each step, she listened to the shifting of rocks under her small frame. Where most couples gain weight after marriage, often both she and Tony had lost pounds during their six years.

With the back of her hand, she swiped away sweat drops running down her face, only to feel more accumulating at her hairline. The sun’s rays seemed to beat in anger, lashing vengeance on Kora for her unkind words to Tony.

At the start of their journey, she hadn’t meant to be so harsh. But the words had just come, one after the other. Spite building on each beating word. 

Now she watched him walk, his hot boots tromping down on the gravel in front of her. His crunch louder than hers.

“How much further?” she called out to him.

At first there was no response. Then he shrugged.

She shrugged back, sharing hers with no one except the wrath of the sun.

While her feet carried on their rhythmic crunch, Kora looked up in defiance at the sky. Then for a moment, she closed her eyes and let the flaming air greet her face. She sensed the sun challenging her, pushing her until she begged for relief, but she would carry on. Her father had blamed her for such intense commitment, such loyalty inside her. He had seen it as her weakness. She saw it as her strength.

And with that strength, she’d get through this, she’d find a breeze of hope, a sweetness in this life Tony had promised her. A fulfilment that was long overdue.

By the year 2000, which was only four months away, Kora would have the future she wanted, the earnest desires of her heart. 

She opened her eyes to see a pillow of cloud, a bright, white cloud, shifting toward the sun, the promise of temporary relief. Once the sun was covered, she saw the radiant blueness, set against the red desert hills that surrounded them. She also saw the road, the long highway that stretched out into the hills in front of them.

Then she spotted it, a structure, a building of sorts, followed by another. She extended her stride, just as Tony did. The town was coming.

   Soon the green highway sign welcomed them to Helper. And they followed the descending road until Kora spotted Speedy Lou’s, a fast food joint, which although run down, seemed able to offer some form of refreshment.

Tony arrived before her, pausing in front of the entrance, as if Kora’s slow steps had spoken to him. “Do you want to stop here?” he called out.

She hated to admit it, but tears were burning in her eyes. The promise of water, a spot to sit down, a break from a growing blister and the blazing sun, she bit her lip and nodded.  Then she tried to walk the final steps calmly, keeping her face stoic. As soon as she was inside, she collapsed into a nearby booth. With a bit of effort, she dug into a pocket of her jean cutoffs while scanning the menu. “Do you want something?”

He stood near her. “No.”

She dropped a nickel followed by a dollar bill onto the table. It wouldn’t go far, but it was something. “You sure?” she said, looking at her offering with a slight laugh. Then she glanced up, catching his look, a softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there in weeks. He added a dollar to the humble pile.

“Yeah. I’ll keep going, see what kind of help’s here.” Then he slipped out the door. But before Kora could manage the strength to stand, the door’s entrance bell rang, and there he was again standing above her.

“Here.” He set down a small stack of folded bills.

“Tony!” Kora found herself laughing at the ten-dollar bill that looked up at her. “I don’t need that much.”

His hand slid over hers, and the touch surprised her, as did the tenderness in his voice. “No. It’s for you. Just don’t go overboard on your hamburger fixings.” Then he kissed her forehead, a gesture he hadn’t made in days, before slipping back out the door.

Kora unfolded the bills to find along with the ten, two fives, and a twenty-dollar bill. She stood up and looked out the window, but he was gone.


About the Author

TARA C. ALLRED is an award-winning author, instructional designer, and educator. She has been recognized as a California Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing and is a recipient of the Howey awards for Best Adult Book and Best Adult Author. She lives in Utah with her husband.
Her other published works include Sanders' Starfish, Unauthored Letters, and The Other Side of Quiet, a 2015 Kindle Book Award Finalist and Whitney Award Winner.
To learn more about the author, visit www.taracallred.net.

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