Reviews!

I am still having a difficult time concentrating on reading a book, I hope to get back into it at some point. Still doing book promotions just not reviews Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. I appreciate all of you. Kathleen Kelly July 2024

09 August 2024

To Preserve, Protect, and Destroy by Matthew D. Saeman Book Spotlight, Excerpt and Guest Post! @Bookgal @therealbookgal


NASA Geologist Unearths Deadly Martian Stones: A Race Against Time to Thwart Catastrophic Mission and Save Millions from Imminent Disaster!


In To Preserve, Protect, and Destroy, we follow the gripping journey of Terrence Sullivan, a dedicated NASA geologist, as he is thrust into an unexpected mission of universal importance. Tasked with the perilous job of collecting volatile stones from the hostile terrain of Mars, Terrence is initially led to believe that his mission is purely for the safety of the universe. These are no ordinary stones, but the very same that caused the catastrophic end to the first terraforming mission on the red planet.


As the narrative unfolds, Terrence uncovers the chilling truth behind his mission's ultimate goal. The stakes are higher than he could have ever imagined, with the fate of his crew and millions of innocent lives hanging in the balance. The ship is set to return to Earth, but with a deadly cargo that could cause it to crash land in the Middle East, resulting in an unimaginable disaster.


Caught in a web of deceit and danger, Terrence must navigate the treacherous path of duty, morality, and survival. With time running out, he is forced to make decisions that will not only determine his fate but that of humanity itself. Will he be able to thwart the impending catastrophe and reveal the truth to the world, or will he become another casualty in this deadly game of power and control?


To Preserve, Protect and Destroy is a thrilling exploration of space travel, the fragility of life, and the lengths one man will go to protect it. It is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of truth in the face of overwhelming odds. This gripping tale is sure to captivate fans of space exploration and those who relish in seeing the mighty fall. Prepare for a journey that will take you to the edge of your seat and beyond, as you delve into the heart-stopping world of To Preserve, Protect and Destroy.


Guest Post

I’m fascinated that EVERYONE doesn’t love to write. The thought of crafting a story from scratch, developing the characters and plot in whatever form of outline works best, then writing one chapter after another until the book is finished makes me giddy! Being a High School teacher, it’s rare for students not to ask “How many sentences do we have to write?” when I give them a writing assignment. They make it sound as if the process were the equivalent of a root canal with no novocain, which is why I do my best to make it as interesting as possible. I first tell them there are NO wrong answers. I compare writing to painting, explaining that every artist sees things in their own way, then showing them how I do it and how much fun it can be. Does this procedure work with every student? Absolutely not. But it does allow their minds to open up just enough to get the work done, and for some, exposes a love for the written word they never knew they had.

In sixth grade, my teacher asked us to write a Halloween story. To this day, I still remember how cathartic it felt to craft that one-page piece. It’s something inside that can’t be defined but it truly exists. I do believe all of us possess this creative gift, yet most choose to ignore it. To each their own. I love writing. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of either the story I’m currently working on or the one I’d like to write next. I’m a dedicated soul, an attribute passed down from my parents. When I begin a project, no matter what kind, I finish it. When it comes to writing stories, completing them provides a sensation of pride from which I derive my optimistic outlook on life. I’m thankful every day that I’ve chosen this facet as my creative outlet, if for no other reason than it allows me an internal peace which, in these crazy times, seems so hard to come by for too many.



Matthew D. Saeman, a native of Orange County, CA, is a distinguished graduate of Cal State Fullerton. He has dedicated his life to shaping young minds as a Special Education teacher in San Diego. His personal life is as fulfilling as his professional one, being a loving husband and a doting father to one child. A proud owner of a Great Dane, Matthew's life is a blend of compassion and commitment. 


Instagram

@matthewsaeman


Amazon

https://amzn.to/4bdI0cZ


Goodreads

https://tinyurl.com/topreserveprotectdestroy


On writing:

 

How did you do research for your book?

The majority of the research I did was from the Geological perspective since I knew very little about that branch of science. That information was readily available online, as was everything I needed regarding NASA, the White House, and the President.

 

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

The hardest character to write was President Dowd since I’ve never met a U.S. president, especially one of his ilk. The easiest was Terrence Sullivan since I based most of his emotions after my own. 

 

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

I keep an open mind, and when an idea pops into my head I ask myself two important questions: Has it already been done and would it be fun to write?

 

What advice would you give budding writers?

Since I still consider myself one, my advice is something I tell myself every day: Trust your gut and write stories YOU think would be fun to read.

 

Do you have another profession besides writing?

I teach High School Special Education.


How long have you been writing?

As far as novels, only six or seven years. Prior to that I wrote screenplays and short stories.

 

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

I don’t believe in “writer’s block.” The only times I have difficulty progressing with a story are when the story has a fundamental flaw that must be fixed. Once it is, the “block” goes away.

 

What is your next project?

I have a friend who fell while rock climbing. She’s kind enough to allow me to use her experience in the story I’ll write… though I have no idea what that’ll be yet.

 

What genre do you write and why?

The majority of the stories I write are Suspense/Thrillers, mostly because there are so many fun ways to tell interesting stories in that genre.

 

What is the last great book you’ve read?

Legion by William Peter Blatty.

 

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?

The biggest reward was finishing it, the biggest challenge was having the patience not to start writing before the outline was solid.

 

Which authors inspired you to write?

Gordon McAlpine was a friend who inspired me to do what I love. 


On rituals:

 

Where do you write?

Resting comfortably on my couch.

 

Do you write every day?

If I’ve got a story that’s flowing well, I write every day. My goal is at least 1000 words a day.

 

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

Never. I write on my phone, it feels more personal. 

 

Fun stuff:

 

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

1700s USA. I’d love to see first hand how our founders worked together.

 

Favorite travel spot?

The Republic of Ireland

 

Favorite dessert?

Chocolate fudge cake… the richer the better.

 

What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you? The scariest? The strangest?

The funniest was when I ordered a lamb stew that had a hoof in it, the scariest was when I almost accidentally dumped Ray Bradbury out of his wheelchair, and the strangest was hearing a cat crying outside our house that sounded like a small child.

 

Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.

No real hobbies, but when watching a TV show or movie, I enjoy checking my phone to see how tall the actors are.

 

If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

I’m hysterically funny, despite what my wife and daughter would say.

 

What TV series are you currently binge watching?

I just finished Defending Jacob and am about to begin Billy the Kid.

 

What is your theme song?

“The Modern World” by The Jam

 

What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?

“22” by Taylor Swift. My daughter listens to her nonstop!

 

What is something that made you laugh recently?

A YouTube video where a guy is on the phone at work and his colleagues placed a tarantula on his shoulder. His reaction was priceless!

 

What is your go-to breakfast item?

An apple with reduced fat peanut butter.

 

What is the oldest item of clothing you own?

 A ratty t-shirt I refuse to throw away. It’s at least 20 years old.

 

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

Kathy Coleman who played Holly Marshall on Land of the Lost (the TV show).




 

CUL-DE-SAC by Liz Crowe Book Spotlight!


Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old money neighborhood, harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.

Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.

Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.

CW: Adult Content. Some borderline explicit sex, but only between married couples.


Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.


The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Regna Born Series: The Regna Sagas, Book One by Erick Holmberg New Release Blitz! @ninestarpress

Title:  Regna Born

Series: The Regna Sagas, Book One

Author: Erick Holmberg

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: 08/06/2024

Heat Level: 1 - No Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 86100

Genre: Fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, literature/general fiction, M/M, slow burn, murder mystery, magic, super powers, super humans, psychic abilities, culture war, action adventure, pets

Add to Goodreads

"Beneath the veneer of everyday life, a clandestine world thrives in the shadows, filled with powerful telepaths who call themselves adepts. These superbeings have guarded their secrets for millennia, but when a brilliant scientist, Joe Martin, maps and prepares to publish their genome in a famous medical journal, the adepts realize they can’t hide forever and further exposure to the human world threatens their existence.

Gabriel Kelly has his life turned upside down when someone murders Joe, his ex, and the race to find the genetic map begins. Gabriel, an average adept, enlists the help of his best friend Sellers, who has his own secrets, in exposing the killer and securing the map.

Gabriel finds himself caught between the human cops who think he killed Joe and don’t know about the map, and rival adepts who don’t care who killed Joe but want the map for their own ends. Will Gabriel be the key to preserving the secrecy of adept society, or will the revelation of their existence alter the course of history forever?"
Excerpt

Regna Born
Erick Holmberg © 2024
All Rights Reserved

Chapter One

adept / ˈæd.ɛpt/, /əˈdɛpt/

noun

The colloquial name of the human subspecies Homo sapiens psychica, born with enhanced senses, strength, and varying degrees of telepathy and telekinesis.
—National Intelligence Strategy White Paper: Top Secret (TS): Release of this document will cause severe damage to the security of the United States—Adept Assets

The rich green jungle could be the Garden of Eden. Too bad it’s just as full of snakes.

The journey was an endless cascade of rickety bridges and muddy craters, making travel in Myanmar dangerous, especially in remote areas. And this is the most remote of the remote areas.

Armies of mosquitoes cluster in clouds so thick they absorb the sunshine like miniature black holes. They stalk Gabriel in synchronized precision yet ignore the miners because the smorgasbord his unique blood presents is too enticing. A symphony of exotic birds and mournful crickets serenade predators and prey alike.

Which one is he?

He blocks the relentless sun with his hand and grins, recalling a quote from Rudyard Kipling: Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. His Londoner father would be a shocking lobster color by now.

Gabriel’s sense of smell, enhanced by the wolf bond, struggles to decipher the onslaught of sensations in the heart of the jungle. Rich chocolate from the wild orchids and the subtle honey of cherry blossoms suffuse the thick, humid air. The scent of metal and oil from the jaws of the mine conspire to wipe this sweet fragrance from the face of the earth.

As he draws nearer, the clamor of machinery drowns out the jungle’s orchestra. The air pressure drops, and the siren song of gemstones laden with ley energy rushes to Gabriel’s head. The tug grows stronger, threatening to pull him into the ground. He closes his mind because he can’t risk getting ley drunk. Finally, he emerges into a stadium-sized pit of ravaged earth.

A guard carrying an ancient rifle and a scowl stands under a crooked sign written in English. “Welcome to Ruby Land,” it proclaims in blood-red letters set against a white background. The mine is new, but the sign’s battered lettering silently flakes away.

Tall and taciturn, the foreman’s question-mark posture proves he lives in a world not made for the different. Eyes that refuse to meet Gabriel’s dart about looking for a safe harbor but find none.

“They’ll meet you at the shrine.” The foreman jerks his head to the north. “This way.”

He grunts past the guard and leads them down a narrow, rocky path. They walk in silence, broken only by Gabriel’s dog, Zuko, sneezing from the dust kicked up in the foreman’s wake. Zuko’s massive paws carry his lean one hundred pounds silently behind Gabriel, his snow-white coat oddly untouched by the dust and mud. Despite his size, Zuko’s floppy ears and Snoopy-like face put everyone at ease. But if he were to bare all the gleaming white teeth Gabriel dutifully brushes each day, no one would be at ease.

Gabriel wipes sweat away from his eyes and takes in his surroundings. “Has anyone else been here?”

“No,” comes the quick reply. “You’re the first.”

Gabriel smiles when he detects no lie in the foreman’s answer.

Flowers cover the Buddhist shrine where he’ll meet the latest warlord laying claim to this profitable hole in the earth. He’s led to an open vestibule with a bird’s-eye view of the vast countryside. If they have a bird’s-eye view of the countryside, who has a bird’s-eye view of them?

“Wait here,” the foreman says. “It won’t be long.”

The distant rumble of a convoy snaps the foreman’s head to attention. He reaches for his gun, and beads of sweat break out on his forehead. For a long moment, his ragged breathing joins the rhapsodizing birds and crickets.

“It’s them,” Gabriel says, smashing a mosquito against his forearm. Without a word of goodbye, the foreman turns and scurries away.

Deep in the outback, Gabriel expects a ragtag group fighting for independence, but a high-tech armada of bulletproof glass and modern weaponry barrels into view. They drive and park in that careless way that says they drive and park however they please. Like cops, and a shiver runs up his spine. In the middle of the caravan, the doors of a black four-door SUV open in synchronized precision, and the occupants, dressed all in black, march toward him with ramrod-straight posture.

Two men and one woman carry Kalashnikov rifles in the low-ready position and surround an older man in a protective cocoon. Behind them, two men carry a large wooden trunk. Their stance indicates a threat, so Gabriel sweeps the area. This highly trained squadron can’t be mercenaries because they radiate military precision. Their conspicuous lack of uniforms means that whatever happens here will vanish without a trace.

When the man in the center enters the shrine, he makes eye contact with a slight tilt of his head. He’s wiry and vascular in a way only triathletes and career military are. His gray hair is cut regulation short, and his teeth are shark white.

Gabriel wishes he didn’t sweat so easily. He gingerly perches on the small wooden chair the leader offers him. Given his size, it feels as if he’s stolen it from a six-year-old. Please, don’t let the fragile thing collapse. A rickety table adorned with a single bright yellow flower sits in the center.

The leader sits opposite him, reminding Gabriel of a king on a throne. At his nod, two of the soldiers open the trunk, revealing the freshly unearthed rubies Gabriel’s crossed the world to buy. Their jagged red edges tell the story of a violent ejection from the earth. Gabriel feels the urge to whisper them an apology.

“May I see one?” Gabriel’s Burmese is tinged with a British accent. He wants to throw them off their game, which appears to work when the four exchange furtive glances. He opens his mind to one of the soldiers and touches the language skills part of his brain. As long as Gabriel is within close proximity of the man, he’ll be able to speak Burmese.

The leader smiles. “Do you have the money?”

Purchase

NineStar Press | Books2Read

   

Erick grew up in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, where it was impossible to find fantasy novels with diverse characters and points of view. Erick lives in Boston with his husband and their dog, a giant Bernadoodle named Niko, and writes the books he always wanted to read and the lyrics he always wanted to hear. When he’s not writing, walking the dog, or making pasta, Erick is a vice president at an asset management firm. 

Regna Born is Erick’s debut novel with NineStar Publishing.

#bookaddiction #bookshelf #mustread #instabook #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #newbook #readersofinsta #tbrpile #whattoread #newbook #weekendreads #fantasy #DiverseReads #murdermystery, #magic

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a $50.00 NineStar Press Gift Code! 


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Cooking to Death: Stirring the Pot (The Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series) by Marcy Blesy!


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Cooking to Death: Stirring the Pot (The Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series)

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting - Michigan

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published (June 14, 2024)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 302 pages

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8323615087

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D21LBL3M


A Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series:

Twenty-four-year old Vivien Belcher--Ms. B, for obvious reasons--teaches a full class of kindergarten students in Southwest Michigan in a Lake Michigan beach town. Trying to maintain control of her overly enthusiastic students while managing life as a fully-fledged adult, Vivien's life is balancing as perfectly as a gymnast sticking her landing until the scale tips when she receives an unlikely and unwelcome text message from her ex-boyfriend…her dead ex-boyfriend.

Trapped in the Transitional World and having to atone for his many sins in life, Kasper must "make good" by helping to solve the murder of his beloved high school lunch lady. The problem? It's hard to solve a murder as a ghost. But Kasper doesn't count on Vivien's reluctance to help him, not to mention her doubt. And he really doesn't count on his reaction to Vivien moving on with relationships in her life that don't include him.

What ensues is hilarity and frustration as Kasper's time is running out to convince Vivien to help him. Being a ghost is hard. But so is being a new teacher.

Marcy Blesy is the author of The Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series which has sold thousands of books in the hilarious whodunit series.

About Marcy Blesy

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Marcy Blesy is the author of over thirty books including the popular cozy mystery series: The Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series. Her adult romance mystery series includes The Secret of Blue Lake and The Secret of Silver Beach, set in Michigan. Her children's books include the best selling Be the Vet series along with the following early chapter book series: Evie and the Volunteers, Niles and Bradford, Third Grade Outsider, and Hazel, the Clinic Cat.

Marcy enjoys searching for treasures along the shores of Lake Michigan. She's still waiting for the day when she finds a piece of red beach glass. By day she teaches creative writing virtually to amazing students around the world.

Marcy is a believer in love and enjoys nothing more than making her readers feel a book more than simply reading it.

Author Links

Website  www.marcyblesy.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550966870826&mibextid=kFxxJD

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcy_blesy?igsh=MXhlYXpibnhoeWkyNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211756265-cooking-to-death?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9iB56fL6mx&rank=1

Purchase Links - Amazon 

Book 2: Dribbling to Death (Taking His Shot) August 2024, Preorder Now!

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 30 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

July 30 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 31 - Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 1 - Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

August 1 - MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

August 2 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

August 2 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

August 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

August 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 5 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

August 6 – Ruff Drafts – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 7 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

August 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

August 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 8 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

August 9 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 10 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

August 11 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 12 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

3 Paperbacks of Cooking to Death (Stirring the Pot) by Marcy Blesy, one copy each for three separate people (US only please)


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