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Scandalous Redemption by Amanda Mariel Blog Tour & Excerpt

5/31/2016

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Scandalous Redemption
By
Amanda Mariel
Blog Tour
May 31 to June 4, 2016
Title: Scandalous Redemption
Author: Amanda Mariel
Release date: May 31, 2016
Heat Rating: 3
She never wanted him…
Ruined by scandal, Claudia Akford survived years of marriage to a cruel brute. Widowed, she is determined to regain her standing in society, but Lord Shillington personifies temptation. Kind and gentle, yet masculine and sinfully handsome, he would make the perfect lover, but he wants more than she is willing to give.
He needed her…
While Henry Shillington knows a little of the beautiful but notorious Lady Claudia Akford, he is struck by her kindhearted, accomplished, and witty demeanor. The more time he spends in her company, the more he dreams of a future with her. But the lady resists his honorable overtures, and a mistress will never do for him.
Can two wary people overcome past hurts, an old scandal, and social strictures to embrace true love?
Lord Henry Shillington strode across the music room of Lord and Lady Morse’s country estate intent on locating his sister. The force of someone bumping into him sent him stumbling backward. He whirled around, auburn curls catching his gaze as he reached out to steady her. “Excuse me.” He offered a slight bow but did not release his hold on her.
The lady peered at him through narrowed, fierce green eyes the color of emeralds. “You should watch your step. Kindly unhand me.”
Henry met her icy glare. She radiated the sweet scent of champagne. It clung to the air around her filling his senses as if she had used it for perfume. “Good God, you’re foxed.”
Her earbobs danced and sparkled as she leaned in close, the fire in her eyes growing more intense. “My state is not your concern.” She jerked free of his hold and took a step back. Her blue jewel-toned gown swooshed with the sudden movement.
He grabbed her arm, halting her. His pulse pounded through his veins. “You cannot stay here in your condition. You will cause a scandal for yourself and our hosts.”
“What concern is it of yours?” She rounded on him.
He had to prevent her from causing a scene. “Allow me to escort you outside. We can stroll through the garden.” Part of him worried for their hosts, Lord and Lady Wexil were dear friends, but, if he were being honest, he would have to admit he wished to know more about this beauty. Something about her captivated him. Perhaps her unusual eyes or the misery he saw in them.
A slow smile spread across her full lips. “Very well.”
She swayed and clung to his arm as he led her out through the veranda doors and into the country air. What would compel a lady to become foxed so early in the evening? The sun had yet to give way to the moon’s glow. And who was she? Surely, they had never met before.
He turned her down a path lined with flowers and green foliage. The details of who she was and why she’d overindulged did not signify. She was clearly in distress, and he intended to help if he could. He studied the profile of her delicate face.
“Might we sit...what is your name?” Her exhilarating laughter floated through the empty space.
He had never heard a sweeter sound. “Lord Shillington. And yours?” He stopped in front of a cast iron bench. He couldn’t look away as she lowered herself onto the seat in a flutter of skirts. She was a mystery he wished to solve.
“Do sit with me, Lord Shillington.” She patted the bench next to her.
Henry positioned himself near her, but not too close. Being out here with an unchaperoned lady was scandalous enough. It was not his desire to compromise her--or himself. Given her state, he had no choice but to remove her from the gathering. However, he also had a responsibility to control the propriety of his own behavior.
A cool breeze ruffled her elegant skirts, drawing his attention to her body. Heat fanned through him as he studied her. She was tall and lithe, yet she possessed curves in all the right places. He offered a polite smile. “Your name, my lady?”
She looked at him through hooded lashes. “Lady Claudia Akford.”
His heart skipped a beat as his throat tightened. The notorious Lady Claudia Akford.
Amazon
Also available in Kindle Unlimited
 Bestselling, Amazon All Star author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.
Amanda lives along the Lake Huron shoreline in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a long-standing love affair with sugary junk food.
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Dad, Wanna Be Our Manager? by J.B. Errico Blog Tour

5/27/2016

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About the Book

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TITLE: Dad, Wanna Be Our Manager?
RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2016
AUTHOR: J.B. Errico 
PAGE COUNT: 558 
ISBN: 978-1530111275 
IMPRINT: Black Hawk
GENRE: Sports/Family Saga 
SYNOPSIS: Bernie Endino is an accountant and a baseball fan.  His life is about to change; making baseball a bigger part of his family’s life than he ever dreamed was possible.  His dream turned reality will give him the opportunity to give others second chances in their lives too.
 
A warehouse manager, five childhood friends, and a former superstar pitcher embark on a journey with their coaches and teammates to turn a failing minor league franchise into a playoff contender.   They’ll dig deep inside themselves to bring their very best to the top.  It’ll be difficult and a hard-headed young star in the making and meddlesome pizza mogul keeping a watchful eye on them won’t make things any easier.
 
Laughs will be shared, tears will be shed and life lessons will be learned along the way.  It’ll be a memorable season both on and off the field as Bernie asks, “Dad, wanna be our manager?”
 
BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/canyoubeourmanagerdad.html

About the Author

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J.B. lives in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Elaine, and two children, Maria and Abby. He continues to enjoy baseball and hopes someday that the Atlanta Braves will win another World Series.
 
EMAIL: johnnybee1843@gmail.com
 
AUTHOR LINKS: http://www.twitter.com/JBTWEETNOTHINGS
https://www.facebook.com/john.errico.52
 
AMAZON US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C2CM2AO
 
AMAZON UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01C2CM2AO

KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/dad-wanna-be-our-manager
 
GOOGLE PLAY:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_B_Errico_Dad_Wanna_Be_Our_Manager?id=zu2bCwAAQBAJ&hl=en
 
iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dad-wanna-be-our-manager/id1086515177?mt=11
 
CREATESPACE:
https://www.createspace.com/6080393

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The Thruway Killers by Harvey Havel Excerpt and Blog Tour

5/27/2016

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About the Book

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Fiction 
Date Published: 2015

Droogan McPhee is the son of a wealthy entrepreneur who owns several liquor stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. His step-mother is roughly Droogan's same age. Together they plot to kill his wealthy father for the inheritance money, until Droogan shoots his step-mother instead by mistake. What follows is an odyssey along the New York Thruway, as the police will stop everything to make sure that the fleeing Droogan is captured and brought to justice. 

Read an Excerpt

Droogan couldn’t deny that at times he felt a strong connection to his father, though most of the time it hid under the surface of their lives. Murdering him would forever negate this, and at the moment, the idea seemed preposterous to him, like some ages-old B-movie plot that had been recycled to look a bit a differently, but would end in a similar fashion. Perhaps, Droogan thought, when a man was born, when he first entered the light of this world, perhaps he came equipped to one day kill his father and marry his mother. It became clear that every son desired this, at least on a subconscious level, in the early stages of development. Fathers became angrier and more stubborn as they aged, while mothers cried for their sons wanting to save their lives before the father could murder the son. Such a psychology seemed very real to Droogan, and so maybe God would let him off the hook for killing his father, considering that such a murder lay at the heart of every young man’s desire anyway. Killing his father, at least in Droogan’s mind became a compassionate act. Perhaps God, he thought, would overlook this unpardonable sin, after all, since mice were able to eat their young when hungry, then sons deserved the right to defend against their fathers and fight back with a murder plot as well. It was only natural, or so Droogan’s thinking and justifications for the murder went.

His first order of business, involved finding a pawn shop. Felix, his driver happened to know of a pawn shop in Danbury, and confirmed that guns could be found there. The following afternoon they drove to the poorer part of the city in the limousine. Droogan made Felix promise that he would keep all of this gun-shopping a closely guarded secret – especially from his father’s curiosities. Felix agreed, although did so after much badgering and lobbying by Droogan who now saw divine purpose in his plan.

About the Author

Harvey Havel is a freelance writer and novelist. His first novel, Noble McCloud, A Novel, was published in November of 1999. His second novel, The Imam, A Novel,was published in 2000. 
In 2006, Havel published his third novel, Freedom of Association.  He has just published his eighth novel, Charlie Zero’s Last-Ditch Attempt, and his ninth, The Orphan of Mecca, which has just been released.  His new novel, The Thruway Killers is his latest work.

He is formerly a writing instructor at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey.  He also taught writing at the College of St. Rose.  Currently, he teaches literature at the University of Albany (SUNY).  
​

If you can’t buy one of his books here, copies of his books and short stories, both new and used, may be purchased at www.barnesandnoble.com,www.amazon.com, and by special order at other fine bookstores.  ​

Purchase Links
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Thruway-Killers-Literary-Pocket/dp/163508038X/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1458572061&sr=8-10&keywords=harvey+havel
 
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thruway-killers-harvey-havel/1121992916;jsessionid=B03794F9C1D6BB094F5856C9DC0B99DC.prodny_store02-atgap10?ean=9781635080384
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Born to Die by George A. Bernstein Excerpt and Blog Tour

5/27/2016

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About the Book

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Suspense
Date Published: November 2015
Too many infant boys of Palm Beach gentry are dying of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Only obstetrics nurse, Casey Jansson, is suspicious.
Al Warner, crack Miami Homicide detective, is inactive, languishing on medical leave after a deadly shootout with a serial killer, “The Angel of Death.”  He’s in the best physical condition of his life, but is struggling to convince the Department’s shrink he is not suffering from PTSD.
Warner meets Casey at a local pub. They are attracted to each other, but misreading the other’s body language, remain reserved.  Learning of the SIDS deaths from Casey, Warner concedes it sounds more than coincidental, but can find no obvious Motive or Opportunity. However, he agrees to help investigate, hoping romance develops later. 
Casey’s obsession eventually tangles her in mortal danger. Only Warner can save her, if he can figure out where she went, and get there in time.

Read an Excerpt

“John.” She turned toward the door, her infant son clutched against her breast.
“John!”
She stumbled from the room, hurrying for their study, where her neurosurgeon husband was reviewing files. He would know what to do.
“Shellie, what is it?” He stood in the doorway, a cup of coffee in his hand.
“It’s Stevie. Oh, God, it’s Stevie.
“He’s not breathing!”

About the Author

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George A. Bernstein is the retired President of a Chicago small appliance company, now living in south Florida. Born to Die is the 2nd in his Detective Al Warner Suspense series, following Death’s Angel, a 5-Star reviewed novel. Two more are already in the works. Bernstein’s first novel, Trapped, was a winner in a publisher’s “Next Great American Novel” contest, and has gained mostly 5-Star reviews at Amazon and Goodreads while becoming an Amazon Top 100 Novel. His 2nd novel,  A 3rd Time to Die (A paranormal Romantic Suspense), also has almost all 5-Star Reviews, with one reader likening him to the best, less “spooky” works of Dean Koontz & Stephen King.
​

He’s also a “World-class” fly-fisherman, recently catching his 13th fly rod IGFA World Records, and has published Toothy Critters Love Flies  (www.pikeflyguy.com), the complete book on fly-fishing for pike & musky. 

Contact Links
Website: http://suspenseguy.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/georgeabernstein
Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebernstein
Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/georgeabernstein 

Purchase Link
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016V6P7EK

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Silver Apples of the Moon by Rebecca James Book Review

5/26/2016

3 Comments

 

About the Book

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Title: Silver Apples of the Moon
Author: Rebecca James
Publication Date: March 16, 2013
Genre: Romance
Number of Pages: 317
Synopsis: It is a few days before Peyton Worthington’s wedding in 1994 when a mysterious package arrives from Australia. Peyton’s mother, Angela, is visibly moved by its contents, a first edition of W.B. Yeats’s poetry with evocative bookplate. 

Set in a Pennsylvania steel town, "Silver Apples of the Moon" focuses on the universal themes of love and loss embodied in Yeats’s radiant poem, "The Song of Wandering Aengus," from which the title comes. At its center is the love affair of Angela D’Agnese and Steve Ryle and the lasting ripple effect his fateful tour in Vietnam has on their lives. 

The action in this epic family saga, spans thirty years, beginning in working class Millmont and moving on, as the plot unfolds, to detail both life on an elegant family estate before taking the reader on a journey to such diverse destinations as New York, Australia and the mysterious Villa Indochine.



My Review

Silver Apples of the Moon is the beautiful, yet tragic love story of Steve Ryle and Angela D'Agnese that will have your heart skipping a beat one moment and breaking in two the next.

As Angela begins her junior year she is immediately draw to the handsome captain of the football team, Steve Ryle. It isn't long before Steve is smitten too. The pair are inseparable and seem to have their whole future planned: a big house, lots of children, and a happily ever after. But, that all changes when Steve ships out for Vietnam. 

In an effort to cope with her breaking heart Angela marries the kind and loving, Henry Worthington. Even with the happy life she has created: a caring husband, a wonderful daughter, and an elegant lifestyle, Angela is still deeply in love with Steve. The mention of Steve's name at Henry's 50th birthday celebration turns Angela's world upside down. Will Angela risk it all for her one true love?

Silver Apples of the Moon really is a captivating love story. The characters are vibrant and alive which made me care deeply for all of them. Steve and Angela's love affair made my heart happy, but when tragedy strikes my heart sank and I kept hoping it wasn't true. The book is a little slow to start, but once I was about 1/4 of the way in I flew through the pages, reading way into the night until the very end. The writing is solid and the authors use expressive detail to pull readers into the world they create.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Silver Apples of the Moon.

About the Author: Rebecca James

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"Silver Apples of the Moon" by Rebecca James, was co-authored by sisters, Felicity Blundon and Sarah Sargent. Their pseudonym is a combination of their parents' names, and the book a tribute to them.

​Facebook | Goodreads

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Heroes of Arcania by Liz Long Cover Reveal

5/26/2016

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SuperNova (HoA #1), Fortune’s Favor (HoA #2), Unbreakable (HoA #3)
Heroes of Arcania Trilogy
COVER REVEAL
May 26th, 2016

HOA_FINAL-ebooksm

The streets of Arcania are overrun with crime, deteriorating as a madman named Fortune makes himself at home. He shows no mercy, striking down anyone in his path – including Nova Benson’s little sister. Devastated, Nova vows to seek justice for her family, but aside from her freak strength and impenetrable skin, how is she supposed to stop a monster like Fortune?  

Cole Warner wants to help people. Entrusted to keep his family’s secret, he’s also frustrated at having to hide his gift. He knows he could do more to help in the fight against Fortune. If he could convince his sister Penelope to join him, they might even have a chance at beating him. When Cole meets Nova, he realizes his whole world is about to change. And he’s going to welcome it with open arms.

Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan.

Then again, neither was becoming a superhero.

PREORDER ON AMAZON

Fortunes Favor_FINAL-ebooksm

Nova will learn it takes more than sheer strength to be a superhero. Her world implodes when Fortune strikes back for all the trouble she’s caused. His dangerous games put everyone around her at risk, especially when he decides to turn Arcania against its precious Heroes. Nova wants to protect Arcania, but how does she save a city that doesn’t want her help?

Cole has no idea how to deal with his sister Penelope, especially now that she’s learned the truth about their family secret. Thanks to Fortune, she’s headed down a dark path, one with no return. Torn between helping Nova and protecting his sister, Cole will be forced to make a choice. Tensions rise as Cole and Nova discover war will come to Arcania if they don’t get Fortune off the streets…or preferably six feet under.

Nova and Cole might have each other, but will they lose everything else in their mission to save Arcania?

PREORDER ON AMAZON

Unbreakable_FINAL-ebooks,

Nova started the fight against Fortune for simple revenge, but now it’s turned into something much bigger. Arcania’s criminals are at each other’s throats, putting the city right in the middle of a warzone. She’ll have to work with a few unlikely allies to end Fortune’s games once and for all. Nova thought she understood what it meant to be a superhero, but will she have to lose herself to truly defeat Fortune?

Fortune has given Cole a choice, one with unbearable consequences. When Cole takes matters into his own hands to save his sister Penelope, he realizes too late he’s another pawn in Fortune’s games. Fortune will use Cole’s gift against his enemies…including Nova. Cole will have to become the hero he always wanted to be if he’s going to protect the love of his life.

Nova and Cole could finally save Arcania from Fortune’s deadly games, but are they willing to sacrifice each other?

PREORDER ON AMAZON

~*~ABOUT LIZ~*~

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Liz Long is a proud graduate of Longwood University. Her inspiration comes from action and thriller genres and she spends entirely too much time watching superhero movies. Her day job includes writing for a magazine publisher in Roanoke, VA.

The Donovan Circus series has best been described as "X-Men meets the circus." Adult horror story Witch Hearts tells the tale of a serial killer hunting witches for their powers. New Adult PNR A Reaper Made is about a teen Reaper who gets caught between falling in love or saving her sister's soul. All titles are available for paperback or ebook on Amazon.

To learn more about Liz (including more information on her books, plus writing, marketing, and social media tips), visit her website: http://lizclong.com.
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Saved by Grace by Natasha C. Pointer Book Blast

5/26/2016

1 Comment

 
Genre: Poetry/ Christian/Autobiography
Book Title: Saved By Grace
Author: Natasha C. Pointer
About The Author
Author | Motivational Speaker | Entrepreneur
Born and raised in Fort Myers, FL, Natasha C. Pointer, shares her stories of faith and encouragement through poetry. She serves in ministry at Destiny Life Ministries. Saved by Grace is her first published work and is currently working on her next book Expressions. She is the owner/founder of Mysteri Message-In-A-Bottle.
About The Book
Saved By Grace is an Autobiography told thru poetry about her life, the hardships she faced, but most importantly how she overcame it all through prayer, faith, and steadfastness.
Poetry to touch the lives of others, to inspire someone, to encourage, and to bring joy in someone’s life. This book is filled with great hope for those facing life’s most challenging moments. 
As a storyteller, Natasha shares where she found her greatest strengths through prayer, faith and her steadfastness. 
Blessed
From the day you were born,
you were a blessing.
You were a comfort and
inspiration to those around you.
You suffered enormous tragedies
and faced many challenges.
You suffered a great deal
and life as you saw it was over.
Each day seemed like an eternity—
every moment seemed everlasting.
You went in with your eyes closed,
but came out with them wide open.
You fell to your knees and asked,
why, why me?
Not realizing that your trials
would prepare you for your future.
Not knowing you were a blessed child
and you were called for a purpose.
Many obstacles came your way
and the enemy tried to bring you down.
He never wanted you to succeed,
let alone see the light of day.
Your cries reached up to God.
He said, You are my child.
No matter where you go,
I will be with you.
You are blessed.
Blessed you shall be,
and blessed you shall continue to be;
not only to yourself, but to others.
Website            Facebook
www.wnlbooktours.com
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$25 Book Blast Sign Ups: Raising Sleeping Stones by P.H.T. Bennet

5/24/2016

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BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade fantasy written by P.H.T. Bennet, Raising Sleeping Stones (The Orora Crona Chronicles, Book One). The blast will run June 20 - June 22, 2016.
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Details About the Blast
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​I will provide you with all the HTML for the Book Blast post that will be very similar to this post, but will include a code for a shared Rafflecopter giveaway (Open WW). You will be able to edit the post to suit your personal style. You may post any time between 12:00 am (EST), June 20 - June 22, 2016.
​
In exchange for posting in the Book Blast, you will earn a spot (Twitter or Facebook) on a shared Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 Amazon gift card (or PayPal cash prize).

About the Book

Title: Raising Sleeping Stones (The Orora Crona Chronicles, Book One) | Author: P.H.T. Bennet
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Number of Pages: 364 | Publisher: DreamKeeper Publishing Publication Date:
 December 4, 2014
Book Description: ***Winner of a 2013 Newbury Comics Award!***
 

When sisters Kiva and DeeDee Stone discover a mysterious plot that threatens them and everything they care about, they have to take a crash course in the ancient art of DreamKeeping to survive. As two elder DreamKeepers lead them up the Varruvyen river to the Eyle of Return, they show the girls how to gain dream powers greater than anything they had ever imagined. But can they become strong enough to face the monsters that haunt their dreams at night, strong enough to fight the enemies that draw nearer each day? The answer lies somewhere in the broken history of Orora Crona, the Valley of Dreams lost centuries ago, and whoever can piece it together first will rule for centuries to come.


Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iBooks
​
Kobo * Smashwords * 
Goodreads

​Watch the book video...
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​What others have to say...​
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"Raising Sleeping Stones is a beautiful visual/musical tale about confidence and creative thinking." - Stephanie R. (Amazon)

"Great adventure tale that is both coming-of-age story and testimony to the power of dreams." - Thomas G. (Amazon)

"I was enthralled by this book from beginning to end. Truly connected with the intent and purpose behind the story, as well as the strong concept of dealing with dreams. I would definitely recommend this app..." - Amazon Reviewer

"Both allegorically and psychologically the author deftly explores the richness of young people's emotional lives. I read this story both in its app form and on Kindle. The book is beautifully illustrated and in its app form adds a great sound track. A wonderful book!" - Edward D. (Amazon)


About the Author: P.H.T. Bennet

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P.H.T. Bennet began exploring the world of the dreams when he was a child and never bothered to stop when he grew up. He had the good luck to have two daughters, Juliette and Paola, who not only served as the inspirations for his characters DeeDee and Kiva, but also shared their dreams and helped him turn their family dreamwork sessions into this book. His lucky streak grew when he married his lovely wife, Mim, who tolerates his turning on a light in the middle of the night to write down ever-crazier dreams and talking about them in the morning as long as he lets her sleep in, first. 

Though flying dreams are his favorite, he also loves the challenge of rewinding, replaying, and revising nightmares until they have much more interesting (and less brutal) endings, the thrill of breathing and swimming at high speeds underwater, the surprise of creating new works of art, the dangers in meeting, battling, and learning from his Shadow as it changes forms, the delight of returning to Paris, where he lived for 5 years, for delicious meals, and the peacefulness he gets from dream visits with his father, who passed away four years ago. He can’t wait to hear what your favorite dreams are and what dream skills you hope the book will develop. You can either share them with him at phtbennet@raisingstones.com or on Twitter at @phtbennet.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Sign-Up for the Raising Sleeping Stones Book Blast

​* By submitting this form you are agreeing to post the HTML (to be provided to you)
​between June 20 and June 22, 2016. * 
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Cryptogram Chaos by Linda Covella Blog Tour Kick-Off & $25 Giveaway

5/23/2016

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​BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade virtual reality adventure Cryptogram Chaos written by Linda Covella. The tour will run from May 23 - June 13, 2016
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About the Book

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​Title: Cryptogram Chaos | Author: Linda Covella | Publisher: IngramSpark | Publication Date: March 9, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Adventure | Number of Pages: 197 
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​Book Description:


What if you were 8, or 11, or 14, and you could race cars at 150 mph, bungee jump, fly, eat all the ice cream and candy you wanted, or become powerful avatars such as Robobug, Kulshedra the dragon, and Altai, the gryphon avatar?
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All this and more is possible in the ultimate virtual reality game The Cryptogram Connection created by 14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle. To advance to different levels in the game, players must solve cryptograms, or secret codes. (Readers also get to solve the cryptograms.)

They create their game to be used with the latest VR technology developed by local game manufacturer NuVision Games–a headset with biosensors that transmit signals to the brain, fooling it into tasting, hearing, feeling, seeing, and smelling what was programmed into the game. The games are as close to reality as reality itself.

The game becomes every kids’ virtual dream, and Cody, Nicole, and Kerry, besides becoming national celebrities, make more money than they ever imagined. But The Cryptogram Connection turns into “cryptogram chaos” when an evil presence inhabits Zazar, the laser avatar and the most powerful, and takes control of the game. It’s up to the three partners to enter the game and fight Zazar to save the gamers from virtual—and real—disaster.

​Take a look inside the book...
Cryptogram Connection: Level One
Cryptogram Connection: Level Two
Cryptogram Connection: Level Three

​Read an excerpt...
I followed my brother Brad down the long hallway. Video displays flush with the walls flashed scenes from NuVision’s games: Androids fighting with laser swords, transformer-type machines battling it out on desert planets, and alien assassins targeting places and people on Earth.
 
“So where are we going?” I asked.
 
“The lab,” Brad said.
 
“Cool.” I’d only been in the lab one other time. Having a brother who worked at the number one computer game manufacturer had its advantages. He’d started his afterschool job at NuVision as a sophomore. In just two years, he’d made it into the inner sanctum, which is what I called the lab.
 
 He stopped in front of the elevator and pushed the “down” button. Jamming his hands in his pockets, he practically bounced on his toes.
 
 “What are you so amped about?” I asked.
 
He just grinned. I picked at my name tag. Something was up, and my legs suddenly tensed like coiled springs: I couldn’t wait to get to the lab.​

About the Author

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Linda Covella’s varied background and education (an AA degree in art, an AS degree in mechanical drafting & design, and a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing.

Her first official publication was a restaurant review column for a local newspaper. But when she published articles for various children’s magazines, she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She hopes to bring to children the feelings books gave her when she was a child: the worlds they opened, the things they taught, the feelings they expressed.

She has published one young adult historical romance Yakimali’s Gift, and, besides Cryptogram Chaos, two other middle grade novels in The Ghost Whisperer Series: The Castle Blues Quake and The Ghosts of Pebble Brook Lodge.

She is a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She lives in Santa Cruz with her husband, Charlie, and dog, Ginger.

No matter what new paths Linda may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment.
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Learn more about Linda and her writing at http://lindacovella.com/
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Pieces Like Pottery: Stories of Loss and Redemption by Dan Buri Book Review

5/21/2016

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About the Book

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Title: Pieces Like Pottery
Author: Dan Buri
Genre: Short Stories
Number of Pages: 179
Synopsis: AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER. The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery, announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption. 

Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love mirroring themes from each of the five Sorrowful Mysteries. In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father's rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him. 

In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike's marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right—that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident—but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son's blog. 

Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them. 

A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of places.

My Review

Pieces Like Pottery is a thought-provoking and moving collection of short stories that takes readers on an emotional roller coaster as they experience loss, regret, and ultimately atonement.

I don't often read short stories and wasn't sure what to expect, but the first story, The Gravesite, immediately captured my attention and I was hooked. With my oldest son ready to graduate from high school and head out into the world, I felt a connection with the parents and my heart ached for them. When the blog posts began to appear I yearned for their son to be alive and experienced the anguish when it became apparent their son wouldn't be coming home.

I think my very favorite story was Twenty-Two. I kept thinking the man was going to reveal his burden and find peace, but the man's sorrow stems from an event I never would have imagined and his heart is finally set free in a way I didn't predict. I don't want to reveal too much as the surprise in this story is the best part.

Expect Dragons is another wonderful story that reminds us how it only takes one person to make a difference in someone's life.

I found each story to be well written and compelling. I believe the author succeeds and eliciting an emotional response from his readers. I definitely recommend picking up a copy of Pieces Like Pottery.

About the Author

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Dan Buri's first collection of short fiction, Pieces Like Pottery, is an exploration of heartbreak and has spent time at #1 on multiple bestseller lists, including for inspirational short stories and inspirational fiction. The writing is uniquely heartfelt and explores the depths of the human struggle and the human search for meaning in life. 
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Mr. Buri's non-fiction works have been distributed online and in print, including publications in Pundit Press, Tree, Summit Avenue Review, and TC Huddle. The defunct and very well regarded Buris On The Couch, was a He-Says/She-Says blog musing on the ups and downs of marriage with his wife.

Mr. Buri is an active attorney in the Pacific Northwest and has been recognized by Intellectual Asset Magazine as one of the World's Top 300 Intellectual Property Strategists every year since 2010. He lives in Oregon with his wife and two-year-old daughter.

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