28 June 2016

The Lord of Ireland (The Fifth Knight, #3) by E.M. Powell Excerpt/Giveaway! @hfvbt @empowellauthor #TheLordofIrelandBlogTour #Historical #Thriller

02_The Lord of Ireland



Publication Date: April 5, 2016 
Thomas & Mercer Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook; 370 Pages 
Series: The Fifth Knight 
Genre: Historical Thriller

  Add to GR Button     

England, 1185. John is a prince without prospect of a crown. As the youngest son of Henry II, he has long borne the hated nickname ‘Lackland’. When warring tribes and an ambitious Anglo-Norman lord threaten Henry’s reign in Ireland, John believes his time has finally come. Henry is dispatching him there with a mighty force to impose order. Yet it is a thwarted young man who arrives on the troubled isle. John has not been granted its kingship—he is merely the Lord of Ireland, destined never to escape his father’s shadow. Unknown to John, Henry has also sent his right-hand man, Sir Benedict Palmer, to root out the traitors he fears are working to steal the land from him. But Palmer is horrified when John disregards Henry’s orders and embarks on a campaign of bloodshed that could destroy the kingdom. Now Palmer has to battle the increasingly powerful Lord of Ireland. Power, in John’s hands, is a murderous force—and he is only just beginning to wield it.

Praise for The Fifth Knight Series

"With her fast-paced mysteries set in the tumultuous reign of Henry II, E.M. Powell takes readers on enthralling, and unforgettable, journeys." -Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown “Both Fifth Novels are terrific. Benedict and Theodosia are not merely attractive characters: they are intensely real people.” -Historical Novels Review “From the get-go you know you are in an adventure when you enter the world of E.M. Powell's 12th century. Peril pins you down like a knight's lance to the chest”-Edward Ruadh Butler, author of Swordland

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Chapters

Context: Sir Benedict Palmer has arrived in Ireland amongst the ranks of John’s men. John has ordered castles to be built as part of his campaign, including one at Tibberaghny in Co. Kilkenny, where this scene takes place. Although John’s men have had an early victory, the threat of retaliation from the Irish has been growing by the day.

Chapter 11

Palmer climbed the mud-slicked steps of the wide ladder that led to the wooden watchtower above the bailey gate, careful of his step. The low clouds of the last few days had brought yet more rain, and the soaked treads might as well have been oiled.
A forlorn voice floated down to him. ‘The blessings of the feast of Saint John the Baptist to you, Sir Benedict.’
‘And to you, Simonson. How goes the watch?’ He climbed onto the planks of the floor of the tower as the younger man, hunched against the coolness of the damp, nodded a greeting.
‘All quiet, Palmer.’ He held a spear but used it as a leaning post. ‘Don’t think it’ll be like that at Ardfinnan Castle. The Lord John’s men looked out for more Irish blood when they left.’
‘That they did.’ Palmer had watched them depart earlier in an orderly formation, sent on their way by an excited John. No question of the Lord of Ireland joining them to swell the ranks at Ardfinnan. John remained secure behind walls as he always did, his fighting words never more than empty bluster.
‘I swear I regret not being picked to go with them. Or with Theobald Walter: he’s gone to claim his new lands in Munster.’ Simonson gave a wistful sigh. ‘Think of the glory they’ll bring.’
‘Glory? Not always the case, I’m afraid.’ But the call of battle had tugged at him too. The mailed knights, the keen horses, the shine of ready weapons, the gleam of polished shields: all brought an urge he’d thought behind him. No mind. His place was here.
‘Hard to believe it’s summer.’ Simonson stamped his feet, a long shiver passing through him. ‘Can’t wait to finish my watch. My belly’s empty. The only thing filling it is cold. Hot food and a warm tent. That’s what I need.’
Palmer caught back a smile at the wistful look on Simonson’s big face. So much for the man’s urge to go into battle. ‘You’ve only a couple of hours to go. And those fires aren’t cooking much at the moment.’ From where he stood on high, he could see each sulking pile of wood in the bailey, belching smoke into the wet air. Except for one. One that sent up a stronger plume. Behind a group of tents. He frowned. ‘Who’s built a fire so close to the wall?’
‘Oh. I don’t know.’
Of course you don’t. Palmer set off along the wall walk to get a better look, Simonson trailing behind him.
A movement in a huge, heavily leafed oak tree a few yards beyond the ditch caught his eye. A branch, moving abruptly, though the rest of the tree stayed still. Then he saw it. A man daubed in mud, his gaze locking on Palmer’s.
‘Down!’ Palmer dropped.
Too late.
A wooden dart flew through the air, its wicked point burying in Simonson’s shoulder.
Simonson squealed, his eyes wide in shock as his hands flew from his spear.
Palmer yanked him to the floor, as dart after dart whipped over the wall.
Screams and yells shrilled from the bailey below.
Tibberaghny was under attack.

About the Author

03_E.M. Powell

E.M. Powell’s medieval thrillers The Fifth Knight and The Blood of the Fifth Knight have been number-one Amazon bestsellers and on the Bild bestseller list in Germany. Born into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State) and raised in the Republic of Ireland, she lives in north-west England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She reviews fiction and non-fiction for the Historical Novel Society, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers’ The Big Thrill magazine.
Find more information at E.M. Powell's website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of The Lord of Ireland please leave a comment below and include your email address or alternate way to contact you should you win.

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, June 9 
Review at Impressions In Ink 
Friday, June 10 
Excerpt & Giveaway at Passages to the Past 
Monday, June 20 
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! 
Tuesday, June 21 
Interview at Layered Pages 
Friday, June 24 
Review at Dianne Ascroft's Blog 
Monday, June 27 
Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! T
uesday, June 28 
Excerpt & Giveaway at CelticLady's Reviews 
Wednesday, June 29 
Review at Book Nerd 
Thursday, June 30 
Guest Post at The Writing Desk 
Tuesday, July 5 
Excerpt at What Is That Book About 
Thursday, July 7 
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books 
Monday, July 11 
Review at A Book Geek 
Saturday, July 16 
Review at Bookramblings 
Monday, July 18 
Review at Just One More Chapter 
Friday, July 22 
Review at Broken Teepee 

04_The Lord of Ireland_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL

The Dragil: Broken Magic by Holly Barbo Release Blitz! @HBarboWriting @MoBPromo

27 June 2016

Summer Chips Giveaway Sponsored by Boulder Canyon Foods!

Summer Chips Giveaway 


Celticlady's Reviews is pleased to bring to you the Summer Chips Giveaway!


Summer is here! How will you make your summer entertainment memorable? Boulder Canyon offers unique chips that are perfect for summer entertaining and the new Backyard BBQ line is ideal for when you’re looking for BBQ flavors but don’t want to grill! See what Emilee at Pea of Sweetness thought of some of their unique chips in her Boulder Canyon Chips Review

Would you like to try Boulder Canyon Chips? Two winners will each receive three (3) full product value coupons for Boulder Canyon Chips. This giveaway runs through 7/10/16 at 11:59pm Eastern Time and is open to US residents ages 18+. 

Winners are subject to eligibility verification and will have 48 hours to confirm before a new winner will be drawn. 

For any questions/concerns please email emilee.roberts (at) peaofsweetness (dot) com (consider adding this email to your “Safe List” as winning email notification will be sent from this email). Please read the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools. 

By entering the giveaway you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

  Disclosure: Emilee at Pea of Sweetness received complimentary products to facilitate her review. No additional compensation was received. Pea of Sweetness is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. Any additional participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.  

My Pineapples Went to Houston by Lee Gaitan Book Blitz! @LGPineapple @lovingthebook



Lee Gaitan is a wife, mother, teacher, author and speaker, but above all she is passionately committed to overcoming life’s obstacles, surviving sometimes by the skin of her teeth, but always with humor and optimism. She shares her experience with anyone who will listen with the intent to encourage others to use humor to their benefit.

In the past twelve years Lee has had to deal with more than a healthy helping
of “are you kidding me?” moments. In 2002, she hit rock bottom. It was so bad shelovingly refers to it as a year of “shock and awfulness.” That year her father died,her mother was in the hospital, semi-comatose from grief, and her husband of 22 years lost every penny of their money BEFORE running off to Arizona with his girlfriend, who just happened to be a former stripper. 

That was just the beginning. She spent the next decade struggling with loss and challenges on every front, from finances and family to health and career.

While there have been many bounces up and down over the years, Lee has finally
bounced back and it was well worth the effort. She has happily remarried, working at a job she loves and has published her second book. She even has children on three continents and a granddaughter far too far away!
Connect with the Author here: 

Heartbreak, Humor and, ultimately, Hope
That’s the message that comes through loud and clear in My Pineapples Went to Houston,  Lee Gaitan’s personal and powerful tale of surviving a decade of relentless chaos and loss. The “shock and awfulness” began in 2002 when her father died, her mother teetered on the brink of a coma and her husband of 22 years secretly lost all their money and ran off with a stripper. And it was all downhill from there!   
 Then one day in the midst of all the chaos—somewhere between loud cursing and crying—she recalled an amusing anecdote she’d heard about pineapples that spoke to her circumstances in such an unexpectedly humorous way that she couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“That moment of laughter was a small epiphany for me. I realized that I had allowed my sense of humor, which had always mitigated the bad breaks in my life and enhanced the good ones, to fall victim to the machete my ex-husband had taken to my life. I determined right then and there that I could no longer permit that. I instinctively knew that humor was the most potent, and just about the only, protection I had at my disposal to survive the crises unfolding around me, and I vowed to keep it alive.”


Told with honesty and insight—and, of course, humor—My Pineapples Went to Houston both inspires and entertains readers and offers hope and encouragement to those struggling with their own “plans gone outrageously awry.”




Top Ten List:
1.       Peanut M & Ms
2.       Ice cream—I mean, I LOVE ice cream and if I could eat stracciatella gelato in Italy every day, I would be in paradise. I’d also be in an XL muu-muu!
3.       Massages—head, body, hands or feet and preferably all of those!
4.       DOGS!
5.       Music
6.       Sleeping in
7.       Movies, especially foreign films
8.       Eating outside
9.       Hart to Hart reruns on The Hallmark Channel, seriously.

10.   The Grilled Market Salad at Chik-fil-A—I’m kind of obsessed with it right now, actually. I ate it four times in one week and didn’t tell my husband.


To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Full of Wonderment: a novel By Josh Greenfield!



Full of Wonderment: a novel
By Josh Greenfield
Genre: Young Adult


Full of Wonderment: a novel, is a story of romance and adventure.  Jordan Fineman has completed his sophomore year at Cornell University, and resolves to set off for Alaska.  By the time he returns, in time for the fall semester, he is an experienced cannery worker, who has met travelers from around the world.  He has hiked through Denali Park and visited his girlfriend in Berkeley, California.  All the while mental illness is setting in.  It was a summer to remember.


Author Bio
Josh Greenfield is a graduate of both Phillips Andover Academy and Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds two masters degrees from the City University of New York, one in History and one in English Literature. He also completed the better part of a doctorate in English at Fordham University. His desire in writing is to tell an entertaining and engaging story, to look for laughs in dark places.



The Miracle Blanket Gift Set Giveaway ~ Ends 7/11



It is Celticlady's Reviews pleasure to bring to you The Miracle Blanket Gift Set Giveaway!

Tales From A Southern Mom is Hosting A Giveaway In Which One Lucky Winner Will Receive a Miracle Blanket Gift Set including a Miracle Blanket, A Serenity Blanket and 4 Miracle Muslin Swaddle Blankets $90 RV! Enter Today & Good Luck!

Read My Review HERE!

Sponsored By: Miracle Ware

Hosted By: Tales From A Southern Mom

PLUS a big shout out to all of the amazing bloggers helping to promote!

th (1)

And Now The Giveaway!!!

1 Lucky Winner Will Win a Miracle Blanket Gift Set of their own!

Giveaway Dates ~ 06/27 9PM PST until 07/11 11:59PM EST
Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.
Any Questions Email Me At julie.talesfromasouthernmom@gmail.com
This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,
Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only
in the United States and Canada. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.
This giveaway will end at 11:59PM (EST) on 07/11/2016.

Good Luck! Enter Below

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!

By Supporting Our Blogs Via Social Media You Are Helping Us To Provide Fabulous Prizes For Amazing Future Giveaways! Good Luck & Thank You!

Interlude to Sentimental Me by Michael B. Judkins Book Spotlight with Guest Post! @MJudkins2 @iReadBookTours


Guest Post
If I can go back in time, where would I go? by Michael B. Judkins
If I can go back in time, I would go to the era of 1970’s. I love the disco era and what that period represented. First, let’s talk about why I love the 70’s. I love the music of disco, the freedom of people being themselves and allowing the music to create their universal and movement in life. Also, I have to admit, I love the fashion which includes bell bottoms, big hair, platform shoes (I have a pair that I bought for a 70’s party) and the silk shirts with big buttons on them. I get chills when I talk about this disco music and just want to dance in the living room with my dog all night.
Now, let’s get serious, besides the culture of the music, the 70’s era also was a pivotal moment for society as a whole bringing a period of togetherness following the challenging and graphic period of the 60’s (Woodstock, ending of the civil rights movement and two prominent leaders' assassinations- John F Kennedy/ Martin Luther King Jr)

In addition to the classic song “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” from the Rolling Stones, I can list a number of important social events that occurred in the 1960’s, however, just a few to give you the feeling of why the 1970’s was a period in which I would love to go back to. It’s the period of liberation and a decade of beauty. In conclusion, I love the 70’s and I'm still dancing to “Staying Alive” from Saturday Night Fever.  

Book Details:

Book Title:  Interlude to Sentimental Me by Michael B. Judkins
Category:  Adult nonfiction, 54 pages
Genre:  Poetry
Publisher: Aois21publishing 
Release date:  May 31, 2016
Tour dates:  June 27 to July 8, 2016
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:

A collection of emotionally driven poetry that covers the story of pain, tribulations, happiness, self-esteem and self discovery through love and heartache. The Interlude will take readers on a journey of determination and imagery, which leads to the formation of
short stories and performance poetry. 

Meet the Author:

Michael Barry Judkins was born in the Bronx, New York, along with his four brothers and sisters. Michael’s childhood memories, although bittersweet, provided a rich foundation for him to draw upon later in life as an accomplished author.

Delightful memories of trips to the zoo or picking apples with his mother contrast greatly to daily reminders of what any hard-working family must battle in building a life in an urban setting. Domestic violence. Drugs. Gangs. All play their part in shaping a person – whether for good or bad is often an individual’s choice.

After spending years immersed in typical, reactive adolescent behaviors like skipping school, smoking and drinking, Michael began experimenting with other alternatives to developing new relationships and helping resolve social issues. As he took these first, proactive steps to be part of the solution, and not the problem, the germ of the idea for his first book – Sentimental Me – was born.

Graduating from high school a year early, and after a foray into the music business, Michael completed a BS degree in Human Services and MS in Mental Health Counseling. A daydreamer for as long as he can remember, Michael’s inability to forge a relationship with his beloved father before he passed when Michael was only two years old still haunts him today. His mother’s cherished memories of his father’s spirit and honored Armed Forces service, while providing some solace, also serve to make Michael wonder what might have been, if only…

Today, with several poetry collections and short stories in the works, Michael’s first release – Sentimental Me – displays his ability to wrest good from bad, to display the courage to dig deep within himself to help others. Through an inspired melding of his unique voice and inspiring photographic images of nature, Michael provides the reader with a unique perspective of the human condition, inspiring others to follow their own creative paths without boundaries.

Michael now resides in Allentown, P.A., and welcomes all readers to feel free to contact him at judkins_michal@yahoo.com to discuss your reaction to his work, or learn more about upcoming releases.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook 

A Sprint to His Heart by Lyla Bardan Reveal Post! @LylaBardan @XpressoReads


A Sprint to His Heart
Lyla Bardan
Publication date: July 13th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance
An ordinary young woman with a dream to be a professional cyclist falls for an extraordinary young man who thinks she’s anything but ordinary.
Bailey Meyers doesn’t have time for distractions, much less a boyfriend, so why does she agree to date the drop-dead sexy Fae artist who loves to watch her race? Because for once, she’d like to take a risk off the racecourse, even after her coach’s reminder of his no dating policy. A policy that puts her racing career in jeopardy when she’s kicked off the team, as if a concussion from a crash and an accusation of doping with dark Fae blood wasn’t enough.
She can’t stay away from the enchanting Piran of Sava…until she discovers he’s not who she thought he was. Can their love stay on course when Bailey joins a cycling team a thousand miles away and Piran is promised to a Fae princess?
Pre Order Link 
*Are you a reviewer? You can request an ARC of A Sprint to His Heart here!


Author Bio:
Lyla Bardan wrote her first romance in fifth grade and was horrified when her male teacher read it aloud in class. She wrote her second romance in the seventh grade after seeing two great horned owls engage in a rather fascinating courtship dance. As the male hooted, danced, and bobbed for the female, Lyla knew there was a story to be told. This discovery of passion in the animal world led to a lifelong interest in science, other worldly creatures, and their love stories.
While in college, Lyla joined a sci-fi/fantasy acting group, where she and others made puppets and produced plays for fellow students. Her favorite part was not creating the overly detailed and ornate puppets of fairies, demons, and dragons, but writing romance bits into every script.
It wasn’t until years into an unfulfilling scientific research career that Lyla came back to her roots of writing. Reaching into her dreams and fantasies, she left the research behind and now stays busy writing from the comfort of her home office, overlooking her well-maintained fairy garden, fruit bearing trees, and a number of birdhouses. There she can relax and remember that it was two birds that originally sparked her interest in love stories just begging to be told.
Note: Bits of this fascinating biography (written by Lyla’s daughter) are actually true!

XBTBanner1

26 June 2016

Hue by Regan Ure Blog Tour @ReganUre @starange13


 Title: Hue
Series: Archaic #2
By: Regan Ure
Publication Date: June 25, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations
You know her name. You know her story. You know her secret. She isn't like any other girl, not anymore. Jared Walker complicated everything; he told her his secret, stole her heart and showed her a whole new world. She knew then that she'd never be the same again. Ava Delaney is no longer human - she doesn't know what she is. She should probably figure it out. But there is much more important stuff that she needs to learn first: how to keep her new secret, how to fight and most importantly... how to survive a war that's older than time. She's not like any other girl, not anymore.
Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/ztvo1y
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/I27dXb

Archaic Series #1
Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/6s7p2n
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/pdWn67
Regan is a South African who is married to an IT specialist. She is also mom to a daughter and son. She discovered the joy of writing at the tender age of twelve. Her first two novels were teen fiction romance. She then got sidetracked into the world of computer programming and travelled extensively visiting twenty-seven countries. A few years ago after her son’s birth she stayed home and took another trip into the world of writing. After writing nine stories on a free writing website, winning an award and becoming a featured writer the next step was to publish her stories. If she isn’t writing her next novel you will find her reading soppy romance novels, shopping like an adrenaline junkie or watching too much television.

25 June 2016

Sweet Dreams & Decor Giveaway (3 Winners!) $105 RV ~ Ends 7/20

sweetdreams111111


Deliciously Savvy is hosting a giveaway in which 3 Lucky Winners will receive an Afton Essentials Premium Bed Canopy Mosquito Net for use in their home bedding decor! $35 RV for each winner for a total of $105 RV Overall! Enter Today & Good Luck!

Check Out My Review HERE!

Want To Purchase One Now? Save 10% Off ~ Use Coupon Code AECANOPY at the checkout HERE!

Sponsored By: Afton Essentials

Hosted By: Deliciously Savvy

Co-Hosted By:

Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews // Heartfully Heather // Oh My Heartsie Girl // IMHO Views, Reviews and Giveaways // My Silly Little Gang // Heartbeats~ Soul Stains // Mommy Makes Time // Michigan Saving and More // Capri's Coupons // PaulaMS' Giveaways, Reviews, & Freebies

PLUS a Big Thank You To All Of The Fabulous Bloggers Helping To Promote This Giveaway! Thank You!

The Details:

3 Lucky Winners will receive an Afton Essentials Premium Bed Canopy Mosquito Net! $35 RV Each ~ Total Value $105!

And Now The Giveaway!!!

Giveaway Dates ~ 06/25 9AM EST until 07/20 11:59PM EST
Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US residents only.
Any Questions Email Me At mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,
Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only
in the United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.
This giveaway will end at 11:59PM (EST) on 07/20/2016.

Good Luck! Enter Below

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!

By Supporting Our Blogs Via Social Media You Are Helping Us To Provide Fabulous Prizes For Amazing Future Giveaways! Good Luck & Thank You!

An Altered Course by R.A Carter-Squire Re Release Tour!


                         .`•.¸.•´ ★

                     ¸.•´.•´¨) ¸.•¨)

(¸.•´(¸.•´ (¸.•¨¯`*.¸¸. ..Re-Release.. .¸¸. .`•.¸.•´ ★

banner.jpg

coverA.jpg

Book Blurb - When a friend is in trouble, no barrier is too great; not even decades.

Driven to unravel his best friend’s disappearance, Michael Eldridge is on the verge of a discovery that will enable him to finally solve the mystery; time travel. He has worked out the equation, and is testing his theory, ready to leap into the past to find the missing link.

While in the process of ensuring a safe and successful trip, Michael’s life explodes around him. A competing company will stop at nothing to get their hands on his technology, and his father’s health is deteriorating rapidly. When the woman of his dreams suddenly announces she’s interested in a relationship, he realizes this could be the worst timing ever; things are coming to a head faster than he can cope with them.

Will he find the truth, get the girl, and save his father, or will he be swept away on An Altered Course….


wtmo buy links.jpg


teaser4.jpg

teaser5.jpg

teaser6.jpg

WTMO author bio.jpg

Author Bio - Mr. Carter-Squire likes to write what he enjoys reading...thriller/mystery/horror. He's had the pleasure of reading most authors in these genres, from Doyle to Grisham, from Poe to King and everyone in between. The story is what compels him to read and continue reading. That's his plan when he writes and continues to develop his abilities to give you the reader, the best possible story to entertain you. Mr. Carter-Squire has achieved a top ten placement in the Horror Fans Fiction Appreciation competition. Competed in the World's Best Fiction competition and received a top 200 placing. Rick's work is supported by his amazing wife and family, because they are his first audience.


Does this picture prove that time travel exists? You be the judge!


wTMO hostedby.jpg

View My Stats!

View My Stats

Pageviews past week

SNIPPET_HTML_V2.TXT
Tweet