Friday, June 29, 2018

Gardenlust

Gardenlust by Christopher Woods
   published by Timber Press


MY REVIEW:

This is most certainly full of gardens every plant lover would lust after. It could be awarded 5 stars just for the photography alone but that isn’t all of its content. This great book is divided into 8 parts of the world and the beautiful gardens in them. Christopher Woods has chosen them well.

This book seems to be a table top book so I don’t think it is something you’d want to curl up with to read. However, it is not only full of beautiful pictures. It’s filled with history. The history of some of the plants, the gardens, even the science of how some of the plants grow in certain climates. 

It’s such a beautiful book and so educational at the same time that I was really delighted to be able to read it.

***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Sons of Charlotte

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions

The authors will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



How many secrets can the Queen City conceal?

Charlotte, NC - 1966

After a head injury on the basketball court, Tony Malone, a firefighter, confides in his best friend and captain, Steve, about a strange dream he had while unconscious. It was as if he were living a different life. Steve brushes it off as related to his injury, but Tony begins to experience more phenomena with these new memories, unbeknownst to his wife, Lana. Tony struggles to live with his secret until a fire opens up a whole new world.

Charlotte, NC - 1996
Chuck Thomas began his ascent to greatness at a graphic design firm headed by Elizabeth Wheaton, the battle-ax of the Queen City corporate scene. A series of Chuck’s immoral decisions leaves the very powerful Wheaton with a raging vendetta. The playboy eventually meets Valerie Meyers, a shy girl with a complicated past, and the two marry. Their idyllic life is halted by a suspicious brush with death leaving Valerie once again picking up the pieces.

Two Souls, Too Many Questions

Literally torn between two worlds, Valerie must once again deal with the loss of her husband and come to terms with what happened to Chuck Thomas and who Tony Malone really was.

Read an Excerpt:

Brushing just a few final strokes of gold wisps across the cheekbones of her heart-shaped face, Tony sat back on his stool and stared at his work. Her periwinkle eyes almost hauntingly seemed to pop off the canvas and pierce through him. A sense of panic rushed through his veins. He dropped the paintbrush in the old coffee can at his feet and stood up looking at the face staring back at him.

I must be going insane, he thought to himself. He grabbed the canvas off the easel and made his way into the kitchen. After rummaging under the kitchen sink, he found a large black trash bag and dumped the painting into the bag. Throwing it over his shoulder, he made his way down to the apartment incinerator. Sweat was creeping up his neck as he realized Lana would be back from the store soon. He threw his masterpiece into the incinerator and hobbled back upstairs.

The effects of the stroke left Tony restless and bored, especially when the boys were in school. Lana had encouraged him to find a hobby to occupy his time and keep him out of her hair. After several failed attempts at common “manly” hobbies, he was drawn to painting and sketching and surprised his family with his talent, even selling a few at a local corner shop. He surprised himself with what he had just painted and pitched down the incinerator.


About the Authors: Along with being a successful writer and editor, AnnaMarie Cantrell is a self-made entrepreneur, starting her first consultation firm at the age of 18. She is Co-Founder and Vice President of Captive Ink Media, a literary consulting firm offering expertise to authors at all stages in their careers, and providing clients national exposure in media outlets such as The Chicago Times, Reader’s Digest, and Bustle. Her work with veterans was recently featured on the CW.


Dr. Matthew Chavis is an accomplished author and speaker. His works have been featured through a plethora of avenues. His inaugural book Old Highway 316 offers readers a glimpse into his life, as he loosely based this fiction novel on his testimony and was recently featured on the 700 Club. Many of his stories encompass the best aspects of romance, drama, paranormal and suspense/thrillers.


Through her own unique marketing plan, Dana Lynn transformed a self-published book into a serious work garnering national attention and bestseller status (under the pen name Katharine DeBrecht). She has appeared on every national cable news network numerous times and on over 500 radio shows across the country, repeatedly requested for additional appearances. As a self-syndicated writer, her opinion-editorials have appeared in major newspapers throughout the United States and across the globe.



http://www.SonsofCharlotte.com

https://www.facebook.com/SonsofCharlotteTORN

http://twitter.com/SonsofCharlotte

http://www.CaptiveInkMedia.com



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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Death and a Pot of Chowder


Death and a Pot of Chowder by Cornelia Kidd
  published by Crooked Lane Books


MY REVIEW

This is a really fun read set right in Maine. Not just in Maine but right on the docks with all of the lobster boats. The setting is Quarry Island Maine and if you aren’t from the Island you are “from away” and are very unlikely to ever become what is referred to as a local. This is a story about everyday people, living close to one another, trying to make a living, and knowing each other’s business. Just like in every other small town.


One thing I absolutely love about this book is that each chapter begins with a paragraph of a helpful hint each from a truly existing book or letter or newspaper column although maybe from 100+ years ago. A hint for cooking or a hint to cure an illness, or curing a pig, or how to save meat through the hot summer, or how to set the table, or even to keep your husband happy. Well you get my drift. Do not skip a one of them; they are hilarious. Even more so since people thought they were all true at one time. They just add to the scene and sense of place she writes about so well.  

Cornelia Kidd does such a great job at descriptive writing that you almost live on Quarry Island yourself or at least you sure want to. Her characters are down home and yet sophisticated in their own way all at the same time and her writing makes you a part of all of them. Don’t for a minute think you’ll figure the bad guy out at the beginning. There are plenty of twists and turns in this fun book.

This is Book 1 of a series titled “Maine Murder Mystery”. I may be assuming this is going to be a series but I am really hoping Book 2 will pop up soon.

***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Widow's Wreath



Widow's Wreath by Cynthia Wriggs
      published by Crooked Lane Books

MY REVIEW

A murder mystery where the groom is so horrid everyone wants to kill him.  This is a fun read about two greedy and very poor people thinking the other is rich and determining to marry one another. Penny is penniless (I could not resist writing that) and her soon to be betrothed, Rocco, has been cut off by his father. They just don’t quite know it yet. The joke is on both of them but only one is the nasty, selfish, self-centered person almost everyone on the island wants to do away with.  It seems the wedding is planned and everyone begins to show up at the house of Penny’s elderly, sweet, very wise cousin, Victoria Trumbull.  


There were a lot of characters in this story and sometimes that can confuse the storyline or the reader for that matter. This didn’t seem to be the case with Rigg’s story. Each character had a very distinct personality making it easy to keep track of who was who so to speak. The same is true of the description of Victoria Trumbull’s beautiful home. I wanted to visit it. As I said, I enjoyed this story and it kept me interested enough to keep the pages turning fairly fast.

This is book 14 of a series titled Martha’s Vinyard Mysteries. They seem to all have good reviews so should be worth the time checking out.

**This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Heart of a Seal

They’re brothers in arms, Navy SEALS
Romantic Suspense
 risking their lives for their country . . . and the women they 
love.

This is Luke Harding’s story.

Six months in a desert hellhole taught Navy SEAL Luke Harding things he never wanted to learn about life and death. Only tender memories of the beautiful brunette he met a few weeks before his deployment helped get him through the torturous days and nights. Back in the States after a perilous rescue, physically and emotionally damaged, Luke’s about to plunge into a new kind of war. In a seemingly bucolic Idaho town, Sally Duncan faces real—and unpredictable—danger.

All Sally ever wanted was a safe place to raise her nine-year-old daughter. Her identity hidden behind a façade of secrets and lies, can she trust Luke—a man she barely knows—with the truth? Even as they give in to long-denied passion, a killer with a personal vendetta is setting an ambush that will leave them praying for a miracle and fighting for the future they may not live to see.

EXCERPT
Luke stepped from the shower and made quick work of drying off before wrapping the towel around his waist. Sandy-colored clumps of wet hair stuck out every which way as his image stared back at him from the mirror. He raked his fingers through the strands, in serious need of a haircut, and called it good. Grabbing the shaving cream from his kit, he applied it evenly to his whiskered face and dragged the razor down his rough skin, systematically shaving from right to left. He paused for a heartbeat when he heard a knock.

“Be right out.” Luke turned the water on as hot as he could get it and let it run. Jen probably had to use the bathroom. He’d throw on some clothes and finish up in here later. A smile formed beneath what was left of the shaving cream. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for that little girl.

An instant later the door opened behind him, and the razor went still in his hand.

He stared at Sally’s reflection in the steamed-over mirror. Her in that damn shirt of his, leaning against the bathroom door, both hands behind her back. A good deal of shapely thigh led his gaze to well-toned calves. He followed them down to pretty pink toenails on bare feet. Did she know what coming in here like that would do to him? He took the last two swipes of shaving cream off with the razor, rinsed his face in the hot, running water and patted it dry. Barely able to swallow and momentarily unable to form an articulate sentence, he turned slowly.

Her blue eyes went wide as her gaze dropped below his waist, immediately answering his unspoken question. Evidently, she could see the hard-on he sported beneath the form-fitting towel that hugged his hips.

He took a step toward her. “Sally?” That was all he managed to force from his mouth. It sounded more like a command than the question with which he’d intended to rule out the possibility something was wrong.

A secretive smile played on her lips as she brought one hand up and raised it in front of her with a dismissive shake of her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. This can wait till you’re finished.” Her gaze dipped once again to the towel draped around his hips, and she swiveled with a hand on the doorknob.

Oh no. Hell no. He wasn’t letting her escape that easily. He was damn sure she’d stepped out of her comfort zone for a reason and her baby blues were daring him to find out why. He closed the gap and caught the door as she opened it a sliver. Peering through the opening, he saw Jen, still intent on her game. A glance toward the motel room door confirmed that the dead bolt was thrown and locked. They could have a few minutes of privacy.


Click HERE to read a great interview with Dixie Lee Brown



AUTHOR Bio and Links:  Dixie will be awarding $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (see below).

Dixie Lee Brown lives and writes in Central Oregon, inspired by gorgeous scenery and at least three hundred sunny days a year. Having moved from South Dakota as a child to Washington, Montana and then to Oregon, she feels at home in the west. She resides with
two dogs and a cat, who are currently all the responsibility she can handle. Dixie works fulltime as a bookkeeper. When she's not writing or working, she loves to read, enjoys movies, and if it were possible, she’d spend all of her time at the beach. She is also the author of the Trust No One romantic suspense series, published by Avon Impulse.

Please visit her website: www.dixiebrown.com

Order today at:

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/2EpY38y
Google Play - http://bit.ly/2n5CpPT
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2DCARY2


















Sunday, June 10, 2018

Make Me a Match

Fantasy

Widower Mark Cage is rusty at relationships. He owns the micro-brewery that supplies
the restaurant and bar at St. Augustine's premiere spa resort, Essence, with its award
winning local craft beer. And he’s been focused on building his business and raising
his teenage daughter ever since his wife died ten years ago. Nothing else.

When he runs into a sweet kindergarten teacher who is vacationing in St. Augustine
and staying at Essence everything changes. A sudden, inexplicable encounter with a mystical tree
known for its legend of bringing lovers together, convinces Mark the schoolteacher is
his destined match. However, his encounters are disastrous.

His only hope of persuading the woman he wants to even consider a date with him is
working with Essence’s on-site relationship guru, Athena Sullivan. A reknowned relationship coach, Athena is the opposite of everything Mark wants in a woman. She’s feisty,
independent, and challenges him at every turn. Sparks fly between the two from their
first meeting and flare into a blazing inferno as Athena helps him navigate the dating scene.

After a series of too-perfect, mis-queued dates, Mark realizes maybe the woman of his
dreams is not a sweet schoolteacher after all. Maybe she’s a feisty, independent, sexy relationship coach who stands up to him and is everything he’s always wanted or needed in a woman.

If he opens himself up to true love, he might just find second chances at love are possible and that his perfect soul mate is closer than he thinks.

MY REVIEW
Not a totally unrealistic story about a widowed guy with his young daughter.  She’s ready to go to college and very worried about him being alone. He hasn’t dated in the 10 years since his wife died and his daughter buys him three sessions with a “relationship coach”. Basically I’ll define a “relationship coach” as someone to help him learn how to socialize again and definitely move him out of the caveman age. And of course, she hopes he’ll meet a match. The outcome is not only funny but also entertaining to read. This has a little of the paranormal included as his wife communicates with him a bit; at least he thinks she does. His mother seems to have a second sense but some might argue all mothers do. There is a lot of humor here and the characters are well defined. 
I was going to say that I thought the sex was a little more explicit than I would normally be comfortable reading.  However…I can’t even find a way to define why I felt this way. So, I’m going to explain it another way. I’m not sure that this romance had any more sexual content than any other. Since I can’t even define what this means, you could say that Lucas is very good at scene description. Making readers feel any emotion with mere words on a page is what I’d call real writing. The characters were definitely made to come alive through Lucas’ descriptions and the whole story was well-rounded. I think the humor lightened certain parts of the story too. Anyway you define it, it is a story about life aspects many of us go through.

While I might have been a little uncomfortable reading about the sex here, I didn’t miss a page of the book.  Read it and see what you think. Come back and let us know what you thought.
**This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Mackenzie Lucas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. (see below)

EXCERPT

Two days later Jamie came bounding into his office at Ancient City Brewery. “Hey, Daddy-o.”

“Uh oh. She wants something,” Mark commented to no one in particular as he pushed away the stack of invoices in front of him. Running a brewery was work he didn’t usually mind. Today, though, his focus was shot. “What do you need now, dollface?”

“Nope. I don’t want anything. I’ve got something for you. It’s a surprise.” She waved a folder in his face.

He went to grab for it and she snatched it back. “Hold on. Not so fast.”

Mark settled back into his chair and laced his hands behind his head, prepared to wait for the reveal. “Okay, so what’s this all about?”

“Weeeeeeeell. It’s good for you, but you’re not gonna like it.”

“Sounds like what I used to tell you about eating your Brussel sprouts and broccoli.”

“Eww.” Her face comically contorted. “You don’t need to get nasty.”

Amazing. The girl still hated broccoli and Brussel sprouts to this day.

“It’s in no way as bad as Brussel sprouts.” She blessed him with one of her brightest smiles. He was in so much trouble.

“This is going to be bad.” He groaned. “Out with it. What is it? College is ten grand more? You want to go to school in the Grand Caymans?”

“Can I? Is that a possibility?”

“Ah, no, not even a chance. You’ve been accepted into the University of Virginia. That’s where you’re going.”

She pretended to pout for a few moments, then smiled. “Okay. Charlottesville it is, then. Sooooo. Ready for your surprise?”

“Girl, you better share before you burst.”

She studied him warily. “All right. So. Here’s the deal. I bought something . . .”

“This never ends well for a man.” Mark sighed and pulled at his ear. “How much did you spend?”

“For me, what is a mini-fortune.”

Mark groaned. “How much?”

“A thousand dollars.”

His front chair legs slammed to the concrete floor. “You what?”

“Now, listen. It’s a good cause.” Her face started to get red. “And, well, I spent my own money.”

“Jamie, what money?”

“I work part-time.”

“Yes, and you were saving your money for school. Books and such.”

“Right.” Her gaze skittered away. “I’ll get by. Most of the books are online anyway these days.”

“What did you spend the money on?”

“I told you, I spent it on you.”

This was like pulling teeth. “How?”

“Aight. Remember the part I said would be good for you, but you wouldn’t like?”

“Yep.”

“That’s this part . . . I purchased a three-session package for you to meet with a relationship coach to help you with your dating skills.” The words rushed out in a tumble, then she held her breath.

He didn’t like it. Not one bit.

When he didn’t say anything after a few seconds, she blew the breath out.

“What the hell is a relationship coach? And why do I need one?”

“Come on, seriously, Dad? I don’t see women beating down your door.” She cleared her throat. “And it’s important to me to know you’re settled before I move away to school.”

“What the fuck?”

“Language,” she reprimanded.

“Who’s the daughter here? And who’s the parent?”

“Not my fault if you act so immature and cuss all the time.”

“I’m an adult. I’m allowed.” He frowned. “You didn’t answer my question, what is a relationship coach? And why did you waste a grand on one?”

“Someone who helps you navigate dates and meet new women. Kind of like a matchmaker in the old days.”

“I’ve already met the woman I want to date. Daphne.”

“Yes, but she ran away.”

“She did not. Why is everyone saying she ran? I did not scare her away. She was whisked away by Jezebel.”

“Jezebel who? I don’t know a Jezebel.”

The sexy blonde at the bar with the big boobs who’d been hanging on Jason, propositioning him while his fiancé chatted out in the lobby with Daphne. That Jezebel, that’s who. But Mark wasn’t about to say those words to his daughter. “Never mind.”

“So, you’ll have to meet with her. She’s agreed to help you through three dates, and the aftermath.”

“Aftermath? You make it sound like PTSD.”

“Well, might be a little shell-shock on her part. You’re not the easiest man to deal with these days.” Jamie crossed her arms over her chest. “Just saying.”

He growled, “Why does everyone say I’m not easy? I’m the pleasantest man in St. Augustine.” It was not lost on Mark that he was glaring at his daughter while he asserted his amiability. Damn.

“Because you growl a lot?” She contemplated him, an expression etched on her face that declared him deranged. Or stupid. “And you scowl.” She came around the desk to place the folder in front of him. Then she smoothed his forehead, her thumbs manually flattening his brows. “There, that’s better. You need to practice. You seem a little scary to outsiders. Only those of us who love you know differently.”

He hugged her around the waist, burying his cheek in her belly for a second before he let her go. “You’re all that counts.”

“No, you need to get a woman to love you. Not your family, who must love you no matter what.”

He gave her the stink-eye.

“There you go again. Stop it.” She swatted him. “Meanie. You need help to lighten up and I have just the person.” She tapped the folder. “She’ll be great for you.”

He opened the folder to find a brochure describing the services provided, the mission of the counselor or coach, and a checklist of what to bring to the first session. Shit. He couldn’t do this. He tossed the brochure onto the desk. “I’ll get your money back.”

“Nope. No can do. It’s non-refundable.” She crossed her arms defiantly.

“You’re under eighteen. It’s not legal for them to take your money. They have to give it back.” He grabbed his keys. “I’ll go now.” He picked up the brochure to find the address. “Where did you say they’re located?”

“She’s based at Essence. But Dad, you’re not getting my money back. Gabby signed for me. Besides, you need to do this. Please. I can’t leave for college in the fall if you’re not settled, or at least on your way to making better inroads with the female population.”

“Wait a second. What do you mean?”

Her mouth firmed. “I mean I won’t go. Period. I see how lonely you are. Once I’m gone, it will only be worse. I can’t leave you all alone, knowing how handicapped you are in the relationship department.” She shoved the brochure he held toward him. “It’s only three sessions. It will be good for you and it’ll give your daughter peace of mind. Please do it. For me.” Her eyes filled with tears.

Dammit. He didn’t do tears.

Mark sucked in a deep breath through his nose, slumping in defeat. “All right. Whatever. I’ll do it.” He shook his finger at her. “But you are leaving for school come August twenty-fifth.”

Jamie squealed and launched herself at him, arms tight around his neck. She kissed him on the cheek and let him go. “Thank you. Your first session is tomorrow. You won’t be sorry, I promise.”

She waved as she departed.

Mark sat back down in his chair and flipped through the brochure. On the back page, the picture of the relationship coach jumped out at him.

Jezebel.

He was already sorry for his promise.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Mackenzie Lucas is an avid reader of genre fiction. She writes contemporary and paranormal romance, and listens to an eclectic mix of music. She loves a good story, whether it’s an erotic short, a full-length romance novel, or the narrative slice-of-life found in country music. In any story, emotional integrity and authenticity are most important to her as well as a big dose of romping hot sexual tension. She enjoys smart-mouthed, sexy heroines, hunky alpha heroes who know how to take care of their women, and plot twists that surprise her, but most of all, she just wants to experience the satisfying emotional arc of a character falling in love and finding what he or she needs most in life.

Mac is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within spitting distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author for Soul Mate Publishing and is represented by Otis and Mackintosh Literary Agency.
With Mackenzie Lucas—whether you’re reading her light paranormal romance or her small-town-based contemporary romance—you’ll always find a heart-warming love story about connectedness, community, and emotional authenticity. And, no, it doesn’t hurt that all her heroes are panty-melting gorgeous alphas and all their sexy, sensually aware heroines know how to stand up to them, give no quarter, and love them just as they are.
Watch for new titles by Mackenzie Lucas.
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Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Beachboy Murder

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



Just as travel agent turned reluctant sleuth Gabby LeClair is starting to gain some of the Aloha spirit, a business consortium from Chicago breezes into the Aloha Lagoon resort and offers to buy her business. The offer is tempting...but so is hot helicopter pilot Rick Dawson, making it a difficult decision. One that becomes even more complicated when a dead body is discovered in Gabby's backyard, and she's suddenly thrust in the middle of a murder investigation!

The dead man is a former beachboy attendant from the island. With a trail of broken hearts—not to mention jealous rivals—leading up to the beachboy, Gabby tries to uncover just who had it in for the late lothario. Is the female of the species really more deadly than the male? Or has the beachboy scorned one too many women for some other man's liking?
MY REVIEW
One of the first things I’ll say about this book is the authors were most certainly good at describing a setting. This book is not full of descriptions of the island of Hawaii. Most of the talk is about island breezes and sweet scents of flowers but it was so good, they sure had me sitting at a beautiful outdoor bar with fruit in my drink and flowers around my neck. At least in my mind they did. This is a fun story with likable characters. Just a really good feel in your heart kind of book. It has your good guys and your bad guys; your wild chases and your cop that’s always mad at the amateur sleuth for butting in. That amateur sleuth is named Gabby this time and she and her flyboy guy and her other friends are those likable, well-defined friends I mentioned.

Almost every book in this series is written by a different author. That’s something I might question about the flow or constancy of the storyline. However, every book has good ratings so obviously that has not been a feeling of future readers.

This is Book 11 in the series titled “Aloha Lagoon Mysteries”.  While this can definitely be a stand-alone read, it sure might be worth checking out Book 1 thru 10 too.


***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Read an Excerpt:

Mele's sudden cry was audible all the way across the lobby. "Oh my gosh. It's him!" She gawked.

Ona turned to see, and her mouth dropped open, which caused the rest of us to follow her stare.

Striding through the front entrance was a tall, well-built man. He moved with swagger, the sexy confidence of a man who knew that everyone in the room had turned to watch him. And we all had.

He was gloriously tanned. The short, curly style of his dark hair looked like one of those haircuts he'd have spent some serious bucks on. My ex, Steve, used to frequent those man-salons—hairstyling, massage, skin, nails, the whole works—the kind of place where the cost of services wasn't even listed. If a guy asked how much, he probably wasn't the sort vain enough to spend that kind of money on his appearance. This guy's pale blue board shorts exposed strong, tanned legs, and he carried off the leather sandals in a macho way that few men could in my opinion.

As Mele blurred past the great-looking man, he stopped dead in his tracks, dropping the handle of his carry-on. He looked as if he'd just seen a ghost.

Ona moved then, rushing out after Mele, stopping in front of the new arrival for a few brief seconds to give him a look of complete and utter hatred.


About the Author:

The USA Today best-selling writing team of Sally J. Smith (right brain) and Jean Steffens (left brain) make up equal halves of one totally functional writer’s mind. Creative and intuitive and organized and systematic? What could be better than that?

The two desert dwellers work together side-by-side, literally finishing each other’s sentences, putting together their novels faster and more efficiently than they ever could individually.

When their heads aren’t together over a manuscript, you’ll find them with their families, at a movie, the mall, or out-to-lunch—in the food sense, not the spaced-out sense, well…most of the time. Their current series include Jordan Welsh Mysteries, Mystic Isle Mysteries, Danger Cove Pet Sitter Mysteries, Aloha Lagoon Gabby LeClair Mysteries, and Digby Sloan Mysteries.

http://www//smithandsteffens.com(sign up for their newsletter to receive a free short story)

mailto:smithandsteffens@cox.net


Buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/Beachboy-Murder-LeClair-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07B9H9HV7 or http://www.gemmahalliday.com/Halliday_Publishing/ourauthors/Sally_Jean/

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Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Nothing is Predictable

Autobiographical Novel - Memoir - AutoFiction

Zara is eight years old, her father, in a drunken rampage, accidentally shoots himself dead.
 
Her childhood memories leave her struggling with romantic attachments and hinder her from developing healthy relationships.

Seeking answers, She meets a monk for wisdom, and a gypsy for insight.
The journeys Adalina Mae takes us on are interspersed with heartbreaking moments as well as hilarious escapades.

This is life and nothing is predictable. The story keeps you on your toes and offers mysteries to solve.

Why does Zara have recurrent nightmares of her last night with her father?

Why does she struggle with love?


EXCERPT
“Run sweetheart, hurry, run! We will hide in the neighbor’s storeroom, he can’t find us there,” Mom whispered as we ran for our lives away from home hoping Dad would not find us. We entered the storeroom beside our neighbor’s old cottage. It was dark and moldy and infested with rats. From a distance, we could hear him following us and approaching.

I cried silently with my eyes shut, fearful about what was going to happen. That dreadful monster is back, what damage is he going to cause tonight?

“Shhh, don’t cry, he won’t find us here, we’ll be okay darling, don’t worry,” Mom whispered as she held me tight to comfort me, yet I could see in her eyes she was not convinced.

“Where are you? You think you can hide from me! I’ll show you who the man of the house is! You’re taking my daughter away from me, I’ll show you woman!” Dad shouted, his voice approaching closer and closer.

He was so drunk he didn’t realize Mom was only running to safety. He thought she was taking me away from him. How on earth do you come to that conclusion? His footsteps stomped louder, as he walked toward the storeroom where we were hiding.

“Where are you? How dare you run away!” his voice projected from outside the room.

And then, BANG! The wooden door was flung open and it bounced off the wall.

“Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” I screamed so loudly I can still hear the echo of my voice.

I was eight years old.


AUTHOR Bio and Links:  Adalina Mae will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Adalina Mae is the author of the published novel Nothing Is Predictable and soon to be released Nothing Can Last Forever.

After leaving the corporate world of management, she decided to pursue her lifelong
passion to write.

She's also a lover of movies and hopes that her novels become a motion picture.

Adalina wrote Nothing Is Predictable to inspire optimism and positive thoughts, reminding us we are strong and can overcome life’s challenges. Particularly those who suffered childhood trauma like she has.

She is determined to spread the inspirational message of her story.
Her life's incidents have taught her that,

Nothing Is Predictable and Nothing Can Last Forever.


Book stores Link: http://bit.ly/bookstoreslink







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