The Pinkaboos Bitterly and the Giant Problem Spotlight and Giveaway!

Helping Children Fight ear Since May 2014!

Be Sure to Check out the Fearless Giveaway Below! Enter just by commenting!

(see details below this post)

This is going to be the best year ever for best friends Bitterly, Abyssma and Belladonna as they are starting a new school year at Fright School! As young frights they'll learn how to chase aware the fears of little human girls by entering their dreams and teaching them how to overcome nightmares. 

But when Bitterly, the most promising fright, is faced with a school bully and some nightmares of her own, she finds help from the last place she expected-the little girl whom she has sworn to protect. Pinkaboos is an empowering new chapter book series for girls and young readers (6-9) that presents the challenges of childhood through the thrilling and magical world of the Pinkaboos. 

Praise for the Pinkaboos chapter books from the author of Monster High: "Facing fears has never been so much fun. The Pinkaboos are ah-dorable!" -Lisi Harrison, author of The Clique, Alphas, Monster High, Pretenders.

(Chapter book for ages 6-9)

PURCHASE THE PINKABOOS

Amazon - Kindle

< div style="text-align: center;"> Amazon - Paperback

Barnes & Noble - Paperback

Itunes

Kobo

Laura Gosselin - After receiving her undergraduate degree in English from Cal State University Long Beach in California, Laura Gosselin completed her MFA at Stony Brook Southampton. She has since served as a reporter for a local newspaper in New York, an editor for a national magazine in Vancouver, Canada, as well as senior copywriter for a marketing firm. She currently lives in southern California with her husband and daughter where she works as a creative consultant for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

Jake Gosselin completed his undergraduate degree in Anthropology at the University of Toronto before heading to New York where he finished his MFA in English and Writing at Stony Brook/Southampton College of Long Island University. He currently lives in Southern California where he works as an author, freelance writer and website producer for FourSeasons.com.

Connect with The Pinkaboos Team at their:

< div style="text-align: left;"> Website

Facebook

Twitter

** AWESOME GIVEAWAY **

One lucky reader will win a Kindle along with a Kindle copy of The Pinkaboos!

For a chance to win the Kindle,  share your best anecdote on how your child overcame fear!

-We don't need a novel, just simply share how your little hero conquered their biggest fear or helped someone else conquer fear..-

In addition to the Kindle, each blog on tour will be giving away 5 copies of The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem just for leaving a general comment below!

And don't forget to leave a way for us to contact you if you win!

Books Aren't Just For Reading by Laina Turner Release Blitz!

Title: Books Aren’t Just For Reading
Author: Laina Turner

Genre: Cozy mystery/chick lit

Release Date: January 12, 2014

Release Blitz: July 16th

Blurb:

Trixie and her friends, Berklie and Sophie, are excited about the opening of Read/Wine their new business venture of a bookstore/wine bar. All is going well until they happen to find a dead body in the shop and that wasn’t part of the business plan. All signs pointed to Berklie since it was her ex-husbands lover who was murdered. Trixie knew Berklie hadn’t murdered Sylvia so who did?

Author’s Bio:

As a child Laina thought she would either be a truck driver (thanks to Jerry Reed in Smokey and the Bandit) or work at Taco Bell (her favorite restaurant as a child). As she grew older she realized her talents lay in academics and business and for the last several years has been a business consultant and college professor where she uses the analytical side of her brain and not the side that makes up stories.

Through all her career choices she has continued to have a passion for writing. This stemmed from childhood whereas an only child she developed a vivid imagination spending most of her time making things up and thinking the Incredible Hulk lived in her closet.

Proud of her vast experiences in life from barrel racing to being on the dance team for a semi pro basketball team to being a mom of 2 amazing kids, she tells her family and friends that no one is safe from their escapades slipping in to her books.

Taking the plunge to write books that she actually lets people read in 2010, she has worked her way up to having 5 fans (maybe 6 now). Her blog, The Art Of Living Fabulously, was launched to share the daily fun in the life of a Real Housewife of the Midwest along with the musing of other fabulous ladies.

Author's Website: www.lainaturner.com

http://www.lainaturner.com/books/books-arent-just-for-reading/

https://twitter.com/laina_turner

https://www.facebook.com/LainaTurner

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LainaTurner/posts

http://www.pinterest.com/lainaturner/

The Husband Maker by Karey WhiteBLog Tour!

Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next. Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed? When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

Get your copy of The Husband Maker for just $3.99!

Amazon * Kobo * iTunes * Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

I’d always heard the view from Top of the Mark was exceptional. When San Francisco Life listed the top ten places to view the skyline at night, Top of the Mark was ranked number three, so when the invitation to Harrison’s wedding arrived, I finally had an excuse to take in the view for myself.

Stupid, stupid me. I should have taken a cab up the steep hills to 999 California Street, hopped on the elevator to the nineteenth floor, and looked out the windows. I could have come with or without makeup, and I could have worn jeans and a t-shirt. If I’d brought Mia or Aleena with me, we could have had a nice dinner or dessert. If I’d brought Angus, we could have had both. Since Top of the Mark was built at the crest of Nob Hill, I could have snapped a jaw-dropping photo or two with my iPhone and made the sparkling skyline my screen saver.

But no. I had to come see it on the night my old boyfriend was marrying a 49ers cheerleader named Nicki, who’d had more remodeling than an episode of Property Brothers. She looked like a Who’s Who of Hollywood parts—Scarlett’s nose, Angelina’s lips, and Kim’s cheekbones. Her bias-cut dress clung to her other (ahem) purchased body parts and made me feel very un-girly in comparison.

“Nicki, this is Charlotte.” Harrison looked me level in the eye, and for the first time all evening, I felt an inch of relief that things hadn’t worked out between us. Five-eleven is pretty average for a guy, and Harrison towered over Nicki, even in her stilettos. But the only way he’d ever have been able to look down at me the way he’d looked down at Nicki when they’d exchanged their vows was if he’d stood on a stool. I know it’s not important, and it makes me sound completely shallow, but I read a romance once where the leading man “gazed down at his true love with tender eyes.” Someday, I’d like a guy to gaze down at me with tender eyes. And I’d rather not have to be standing in a hole for that to happen.

“It’s fabulous to finally meet you.” Nicki’s voice was chirpy, and her lips didn’t move quite right. “I want to thank you for breaking his heart”—she puckered up and baby-talked—“so I could put it back together.” She pulled him down by his tuxedo lapel to kiss his cheek, then wiped the red smear away with her acrylic-nailed thumb.

Well, this was awkward. And I wasn’t the only one feeling it. Harrison’s eyes begged me not to set the record straight.

You see, Harrison had broken up with me. “I’m not ready for the whole settling down with one woman thing,” he’d said four short months ago. “You’re ready to get married, and I won’t be ready for that scene for years.”

Maybe he’d meant dog years.

“Congratulations, you two. You make a much better couple than we ever did,” I said, although it stung to admit it.

“Did Will come? I saw Angus a little while ago,” Harrison said. Will is my twin brother. No, his name is not Wilbur, although we’ve been asked if our parents had a thing for Charlotte’s Web more times than I can count. His name is William, and he’s the reason I ended up dating Harrison in the first place.

Our families lived on the same street in Fairfield, but I barely remembered Harrison, who was two years older than us. Nearly a year ago, Will and Harrison had been at the same concert, and Harrison had asked Will if his little sister was still available. Will wasn’t sure if he meant me or McKayla, but since McKayla was already married, he gave Harrison my number. On our first date, Harrison admitted he hadn’t been asking about me, but he was decent enough to say he was glad for the mix-up. And the rest is history.

A short and tragic history, but history nonetheless.

“Will and his wife are in D.C. right now interviewing.” I stepped on my tiptoes and scanned the room over the groom’s head. “I didn’t know Angus was here.”

“I talked to him earlier, but he might have left already,” Harrison said.

“Aaahhh!”

I nearly knocked over a waiter as I jumped away from Nicki’s scream. “Look, Kitten. It’s Baxter Kensington. I didn’t think he’d actually come.”

Kitten? Did she really call him that? Harrison’s red face confirmed that yes, she had. “He plays for the 49ers,” he explained, and I nodded.

“I’d better go and make room for the celebrities,” I said, and Harrison grinned. He’d always appreciated my sarcasm, and his cute grin jabbed at my not-quite-healed heart.

“Thanks for coming.” He pulled me into a hug while his bride arranged her dress to best flatter her cleavage and patted the sides of her platinum fauxhawk. “Are things good with us?” he said quietly in my ear.

I pulled away. “Oh sure.”

“I was worried—”

“Nothing to worry about. Go. Be happy.”

“Thanks, Charlotte.”

I turned away, my eyes stinging, and nearly barreled into one of the most stunning specimens of athleticism I’d ever seen. His pale yellow shirt and silvery gray suit contrasted beautifully with his dark skin. No wonder the bride was swooning about someone other than the groom. Poor Harrison looked like a little boy in comparison.

Ah, one of the hazards of marrying a cheerleader.

Through slightly blurred vision, I saw Harrison put his arm around Nicki. Not too long ago, I’d thought that would be me, though the venue and guest list would have been drastically different.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes

The Husband Maker Blog Tour - July 21st to August 8th

Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

       

   $75 Book Blast Giveaway $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/8/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tentyrian Legacy by Elise Walters Spotlight!

Don't you just love this cover???

We are thrilled to announce today the release of the epic new vampire novel TENTYRIAN LEGACY by Permuted Press author Elise Walters! TENTYRIAN LEGACY is our first novel to be released in hardback edition and is currently available on Amazon (CLICK HERE). 

SYNOPSIS:

The legacy begins in the sands of Egypt in a time when an ancient city called Tentyris flourished. Its secretive people, ruled by the Council of the Zodiac, lived peacefully alongside humanity. That time was 53 B.C. More than two millennia later, the power of the Tentyrian people has been all but forgotten. The remnants of memory that live on have been turned into twisted folklore about vampires and astrology.

One girl on the cusp of womanhood is about to discover just how real that folklore is.

With telepathic powers that made her parents send her to a mental institution, Arianna Parker always knew she was different—but she never thought a job interview would lead to the discovery of her being a prophesied descendent of an ancient Egyptian vampire race. Nor for that matter did she think she would fall in love with Maximos Vasilliadis, a 2,225 year old vampire. Maximos is the creator of the Tentyrian Brotherhood—a secret order of warriors, pledged to prevent a catastrophic event predicted to wipe out Earth.

Maximos believes Arianna is a descendent of his kind—the Tentyrian vampires—and she has been destined to lead their cause in saving the world. With her 25th birthday approaching, an event that will change her forever, Arianna finds herself caught in the middle of warring vampires—some of whom intend to use her and her power of telepathy for evil.

From the manicured lawns of Connecticut, to the streets of New York City and an exotic island in the Ionian Sea, Arianna must learn to trust Maximos and her heart if she is to save the world, herself, and the Tentyrian legacy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elise Walters is a marketing executive with over seven years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry. Elise has helped articulate the value propositions for a wide array of products – from birth control to checking accounts. If her career has taught her one thing it is the importance of crafting a story, a skill she has translated into her debut novel Tentyrian Legacy. Elise graduated from Wake Forest University in 2007 with a B.A. in English. While her career led her into advertising, her passion for literature was one she continued to nurture as an avid reader. That passion began at the age of 12 when Elise ordered her first batch of romance novels from amazon.com. With titles by Catherine Coulter and Nora Roberts, she hid her books, embarrassed at their lack of age appropriateness and scholarly pedigree. However, it was those books that helped shape her teen years by offering an escape to the awkward time of adolescence. In college, Elise specialized in Victorian literature and well worn copies of Jane Eyre and Emma were never far from reach. However, teen romance favorites like the Twilight series also stacked the shelves. In creating Tentyrian Legacy, Elise sought to write a story for her own enjoyment and one that combined the elements she appreciates in a good book—romance, an evil plot that must be foiled, and vampires. Elise grew up in New Canaan, CT and now lives in Pound Ridge, NY with her husband Jonathan and son Jack.

For more information on Elise Walters visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elise.a.walters.

View an interview with Elise Walters at http://youtu.be/hXLegQHFYDY.

She is also running a very special contest today entitled "Walk Like an Egyptian Vampire". Find details about this event at https://www.facebook.com/events/264090810453137/.

Purchase TENTYRIAN LEGACY: http://tinyurl.com/TentyrianLegacyAmazon

Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes Review

Review

Stillwater Rising is a novel about a school shooting that leaves a community torn apart. Courtesy of Goodreads, the following is a synopsis of the novel:

After losing her son in an elementary school shooting that devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer Crowne finds herself unable to settle back into her role of perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, her best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together, and Charlotte's husband, the school principal, may not be the hero everyone thinks him to be.

As they try to heal from this irrevocable trauma, Jenn and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads within the town and within their friendship. For Jenn, broken and grieving, there is no going back, and she demands that the school be closed so that she can bury the past. Yet Charlotte is equally desperate to hold the town together, fighting the school closure and helping the shooter's mother regain her place in the community. Jenn and Charlotte's relationship is put to the ultimate test as each weighs her own interests against the bonds of their friendship.

Sounds controversial, but also intriguing, right? That’s what I thought was well. The beginning of the book was pretty powerful and left me confused as to whom I should have more sympathy for—the parents of the victims or the parent of the shooter. As the book progressed, it lost some of its original shock value. Writing about a school shooting is a very brave endeavor, as it will always be a sore spot in American history. Holmes does write a good story and she does it well; I personally just thought the book lost some luster and momentum about 3/4 into the story. I would have liked to see more about the mother of the shooter incorporated into the story from beginning to end.

There is what would be considered a surprise ending to some at the end of the book. As a writer myself, I am always trying to figure out the resolution before I even get halfway through the book. And I did, but that’s just me. It’s just what I do; it’s in my nature. If I had written this book, I would have done it from Julia’s perspective (the mother of the shooter), because that’s more of a difficult perspective to understand. How can you NOT blame the mother of a school shooter? Look at all the school shootings in America; it’s rare to feel sympathy for the parents of the “bad kids”.

Regardless, it was a very good book and an easy read. I never lost attention and I was able to read this book quickly without getting bored. The ending should be attractive to any reader who likes a twist at the end. Steena Holmes does an excellent job in creating interesting characters who have their own demons and she incorporates that perfectly into the plotline.

I have read three Steena Holmes novels to date (Finding Emma, The Memory Child, and Stillwater Rising) and out of the three, this is the best. I would highly recommend this story, if for anything but to see a glimpse into the lives of the victims of a school shooting. Even if it is a fictional story, it is based on these tragedies in America. An interesting fictional look at the lives of the victims on both sides of the shootings. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.

About the Author

NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author - Steena is the author of the heart wrenching Finding Emma series and the upcoming novel Stillwater Rising.

Steena Holmes grew up in a small town in Canada and holds a Bachelors degree in Theology.

In 2012 she received the Indie Excellence Award. Holmes was inspired to write Finding Emma after experiencing a brief moment of horror when she’d thought her youngest daughter was missing. 

She currently lives in Calgary with her husband and three daughters and loves to wake up to the Rocky Mountains each morning.
~
Novels in her Finding Emma series:
Finding Emma
Dear Jack
Emma's Secret
Dottie's Memories

The Memory Child

Stillwater Bay Series:
Before the Storm
Stillwater Rising

Kara Kelly, guest reviewer

A copy of this was provided by Netgalley and there was no monetary compensation for the review.

The Exit Man by Greg Levin Spotlight!

SYNOPSIS

Suicide should come with a warning label: “Do not try this alone.” 

If you truly need out and want the job done right, you should consider using an outside expert. 

Like Eli. 

Eli Edelmann never intended on making a living through mercy killing. After reluctantly taking over his family’s party supply store following his father’s death, he is approached by a terminally ill family friend who’s had enough. The friend, a retired policeman, has an intricate plan involving something Eli has ready access to – helium. Eli is initially shocked and repulsed by the proposal, but soon begins to soften his stance and, after much deliberation, eventually agrees to lend a hand. 

It was supposed to be a one-time thing. How could Eli have known euthanasia was his true calling? And how long can he keep his daring underground "exit" operation going before the police or his volatile new girlfriend get wise?

PURCHASE THE EXIT MAN

Amazon - Kindle

Amazon - Paperback

B&N Paperback

Add The Exit Man to your Goodreads Shelf

< b>About The Author

Greg's Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Having spent much of his life weaving intricate tales to get out of things like gym class and jury duty, Greg Levin is no stranger to fiction. Greg’s debut novel, Notes on an Orange Burial was published in November 2011 by Elixirist (now 48fourteen) and has sold over 11 copies to his immediate family. Greg's second book, The Exit Man (available Spring 2014), is already being hailed as one of the top two novels he has ever written.

Greg has been getting paid to put words together since 1994, working as a professional business journalist,

freelance writer and ghostwriter. He has written hundreds of feature articles, case studies and satire pieces, as well as a critically acclaimed business ebook.

When not busy writing, Greg enjoys thinking about writing, and spending time with his wife and daughter. He also enjoys cooking, traveling and exercising, as well as freestyle rapping for his friends even when they don’t do anything to deserve such mistreatment.

Greg was born in Huntington, New York in 1969, and then moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his family when he was six. He attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated summa cum laude in 1991 with a BA in Communication and a special concentration in Creative Writing.

Greg currently resides in Austin, Texas, where he is one of just 17 people who don’t play a musical instrument or write songs. He is currently wanted by Austin authorities for refusing to eat pork ribs or dance the two-step.

Follow the rest of The Exit Man Tour HERE

* This tour is brought to you by Worldwind Virtual Book Tours *

Elective Procedures by Merry Jones Review!

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense
Published by: Oceanview
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Number of Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1-60809-116-4
Note: Excessive strong language

Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

Elle Harrison has taken a leave of absence to mourn the death of her husband Charlie.
Her friend Becky takes her out to dinner to cheer her up and, on impulse, drags her into a fortune teller's shop. The fortune teller predicts that Elle will travel and meet a new man. She also says that Elle is surrounded by a dark aura that draws the dead to her.
Elle dismissed the predictions as hogwash. But then her friend Jen takes her, Becky and another friend, Susan, to Mexico where she is getting lost cost cosmetic surgery. Elle is attracted to and asked out by Jen's surgeon, Alain DuBois. And Elle finds a woman hanging onto the balcony next to hers by her fingertips. Elle tries to save her and fails, almost dying in the process.
All of the fortune teller's predictions have come true. And, as the week progresses, more of Alain DuBois' patients are gruesomely killed, Jen is attacked, Elle is nearly murdered, and the spirit of her dead husband Charlie keeps appearing to her.
Who is trying to kill Dr. DuBois' patients--And why? Who is trying to murder Elle? Why does she keep seeing Charlie--Is she nuts? Or is his spirit really trying to protect her?
ELECTIVE PROCEDURES makes a week in Mexico into a chilling page turner, full of twists and unexpected developments, as well as a face lift or two.

Read an excerpt:

Don't look down. Don't look down.
I kept repeating those three syllables, a singsong mantra to steady myself and get through time, pushing through seconds and minutes until it would be afterwards and this nightmare would be over.
Don't look down.
But I didn't have to look. I knew what was beneath me. I could picture what was lying six stories down on the concrete beside the kidney shaped swimming pool, near the mouth of the alligator water slide. Under the glowing light of sunrise, I imagined a widening crimson puddle. A clump of arms and legs. A shattered bone protruding through flesh. Tangled hair matted into a cracked skull.
Don't look down, I said again, and I didn't. Instead, I aimed my eyes straight ahead focusing not on the brick wall in front of me, but on the air surrounding my head. I stared into it, straining to see my aura, looking for stains, for splotches of darkness. Was it possible to see your own aura? Was there even such a thing? If there was, I couldn't see it, saw only inches of emptiness between me and the bricks, and, at the periphery of my vision, the railing. For the briefest moment, I had a lapse; I almost turned my head, almost looked down at my hand. Don't look, I chanted. Don't look. Looking would mean moving my head. And if I moved it--if I moved anything at all, I'd disrupt my balance and slip, and then, with a thud, there would be two blobs of bones planted beside the pool.
A pelican dive-bombed past me, the rush of air nearly knocking me over. I held my breath, holding steady. I called out again, hoping someone would wake up, but no one came. So I told myself to stay steady and thing of other things. Other times. I stared at the wall and repeated: Don't look down don't look down don't look down.

Author Bio:

Merry Jones has written the Elle Harrison suspense novels (THE TROUBLE WITH CHARLIE, ELECTIVE PROCEDURES), the Harper Jennings thrillers (SUMMER SESSION, BEHIND THE WALLS, WINTER BREAK, OUTSIDE EDEN, and this fall, IN THE WOODS), the Zoe Hays mysteries (THE NANNY MURDERS, THE RIVER KILLINGS, DEADLY NEIGHBORS, THE BORROWED AND BLUE MURDERS). She has also written humor (including I LOVE HIM, BUT...) and non-fiction (including BIRTHMOTHERS: Women who relinquished babies for adoption tell their stories). Jones taught college creative writing for fifteen years. Her work has been translated into seven languages, and appeared in many magazines, including GLAMOUR. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, The Authors Guild, International Thriller Writers, and The Philadelphia Liars Club. The mother of two grown daughters, she lives outside Philadelphia with her husband.

Catch Up With the Author:

My Thoughts:
Elle Harrison is still mourning the loss of her deceased husband Charlie. On a whim she sees a fortune teller who tells Elle that the dead seem to be attracted to her aura. She agrees to go on a trip with three of her friends to Mexico where one of the girls is getting some plastic surgery done in A Mexican resort, Nuevo Vallarta. The story opens with Elle hanging precariously from a balcony in their room after unsuccessfully trying to save a women from going over the edge to her death. The friends had planned to spend time just relaxing and being with each other, doesn't happen though as not only is there one dead woman, there is another one that Elle finds in the next door suite. Someone thinks that Elle knows too much and after a near drowning, she realized that her life is definitely in danger. Plus the fact that Charlie, her dead husband, seems to be appearing to her at certain moments. Does this mean he is trying to warn and protect her? 
Elective Procedures is the second book, the first being The Trouble With Charlie. I enjoy this authors writing and have loved both books. I hope there is a third. Past paced, suspenseful, humorous with a cast of characters that will draw you into the story. A great summer read!

I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.

Tour Participants:

Berezina by J.E.Van Embrden Spotlight!

Publication Date: May 26, 2014

Summary

December 1840 - When Napoleon’s ashes are returned to Paris for reinterment in Les Invalides, Cornelius Spijker is reminded of a battle he’s spent his life trying to forget. But as the crowds cheer the rebirth of a legend, he is forced to confront the brutal realities of his past.

November 1812 - In the final stages of the retreat from Moscow, soldiers from Europe’s least martial nation must build a bridge across the near impassable River Berezina. With little by way of equipment and material, it’s an almost impossible task, but if they fail, final annihilation awaits the remnants of Napoleon’s once mighty Grande Armée and the thousands of women and children who follow in its wake.

In the struggle to survive, three Dutchmen play very different roles – Spijker, risking his life and sanity to build the vital bridges; Piet Kral, a war weary veteran who, despite his best efforts, cannot escape the call to arms; and Guido Demelle, a ruthless careerist who will stop at nothing to achieve his own ends. 

Mighty Leaf and Amazon Giveaway Event!

Crafty Spices is hosting an event and is offering this Bloggers opp, sign up for this opportunity and grow while you help us promote this giveaway. . 

You get a free Twitter link with announcement. And the bloggers who brings in more referrals will get a Free Co-Host Spot. Read on to find out about the prize pack. 

Welcome... This event is sponsored by Mighty Leaf Tea, two winners will be selected: first one will win the Mighty Leaf Tea Prize Pack (4 15-pouches boxes of Mighty Leaf Tea and the Tea Top Brew Mug), second winner will get a $50 Amazon Gift Card (Code send via email). This giveaway will begin on Thursday, November 28th and will end on Thursday, December 12th.

To get HTML Code for this announcement Click Here.

Details:

• With announcement each blogger receives 1 free link (Twitter or Facebook)
• Additional Links can be purchased at $2 each. These links can be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or any link as long as you provide (Social network name, user name and your direct link). 
• Co-host spots are available for $5 each. This includes 3 links for the giveaway event, and a back link to your blog on the giveaway page. It also gives you the privilege to purchase additional links for just $1 each
• The giveaway html will be sent out at least 2 days before the giveaway goes live and you should post before midnight the day the giveaway starts. We will not be sending out reminder emails to bloggers who forget to post and report link, we will just remove from the giveaway. 

Payments 

• Payments should be made as Gift via Paypal to cj [at] craftyspices [dot] com 

If you post and Follow @CraftySpices you get 5 additional entries into the giveaway.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Please tell Jay @CraftySpices that Celticlady's Reviews sent you

If you have any questions or comments, contact Jay @Craftyspices

Donna Hatch's A Perfect Secret Grand Finale Blitz!

A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the THE REGENCY TOUR Grand Finale for
A Perfect Secret
by Donna Hatch

Did you miss any of these fabulous tour stops? Here are snippets from each of them:

Launch

What do you hope readers take with them when they read your book?

I hope they will believe that love is real and it can help us find the courage to do what we believe is right. I also hope they will question what they think they know about people and let go of prejudice, and even help them forgive those who have hurt them.

Cherry Mischievous - Excerpt

Six-year-old Christian Amesbury stood in the churchyard, trying not to crush the flowers he’d brought to put in front of the family crypt where they’d laid his brother to rest, the brother he loved, the brother he killed. Alone in every way, he stood, shaking, as his last taunting words to Jason echoed in his head. Christian had wanted to prove he was brave and strong. Instead, his brother, best friend, and advocate, was dead.

Kelly P's Blog - Historical Romance, the Perfect Escape

In a recent survey, 80% of people who called themselves avid readers listed historical novels as one of their top three favorite types of books to read. I wasn’t really surprised, since historical fiction, especially historical romance fiction, is my favorite genre. But it got me thinking; why the broad appeal?

I Am A Reader - Jane Austen's Influence

Who is the greatest fiction author of all time? That question would no doubt be greeted by a host of answers and responses, and would largely depend on the type of fiction each person enjoys reading. For many of us who enjoy historical romance novels, our resounding answer is: Jane Austen.

A Thousand Words A Million Books -  Review

"Historical romances are pretty much my favorite (type of romances) especially the ones that get it all right- from the rather formal language, to the courting and the calling upon and the mannerisms. You get the picture, right? Well, A Perfect Secret lived up to all of it!"

Bookworm Lisa - British Tea

I am a total history geek. I freely admit this. My geekiness started way back when I was a child pouring over the pages of the Little House series, both the books and the TV series, among other historical stories. Later, it grew out of necessity when I decided I wanted my stories to take place during Regency England. Obviously, this means copious amounts of research. But research has grown into an extreme fascination all its own.

Review

"The writing in this book is wonderful. Donna has done a wonderful job at pulling me in the story. Her characters are believable and I actually cared about what happened to them."

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I really, really enjoyed this book. It was an awesome escape from reality and I literally devoured this book in a day. I love when that happens."

Mel's Shelves - Review

"This is a clean read, but be prepared for serious issues rather than fluff. I loved it, though, and had a hard time putting it down. This is the third book in this series but I thought it worked well as a stand alone. You can tell there's history between the characters but it doesn't interfere with the storyline of this book. This is a series I plan to read from the beginning so I can get more of a feel for all the Amesbury siblings, their relationships with each other and how they each find their happy ending!"

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews - Regency Ladies Clothing

The Regency era brought dramatic changes in women's fashion. Those huge hoop skirts and pinched waistlines popular in the Elizabethan Era disappeared in favor of the Roman style gown with high waistlines and lighter fabrics.

The Written Adventure - Interview

6) What made you decide to write in the Regency England?
Honestly, when I write my first rough draft of a historical romance, I wasn’t sure what time period it should take place in. So I did some research into the manners and mores, the clothing and fashions, what was going on politically. I eventually narrowed it down to either the Regency or Victorian Era. But in the end, I chose Regency for two reasons. First, it was a good niche market. A lot of people know what Regency means, especially if I add, the time of Jane Austen. It’s sort of an instant “in.” Secondly, and probably most importantly, I love the people who lived in that time. The people who lived then were so driven by duty and honor. In Regency England, duty and honor were everything. If a man said he’d do something, especially if he gave his word, he meant it, and others could count him to follow through, even at great personal cost.

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - Excerpt

     “Let him stay,” Jason urged again. “He’s not bothering anyone.”
Grant let out a snort. “You’re too soft on him.”
     Cole, highest in the tree and holding a paper he’d rolled up into the shape of a spyglass, let out a long-suffering sigh. “You can be the cabin boy. Ahoy there!”

     A ship, today.
     From his perch on one of the lower tree limbs, Jason leaned down and held out a hand. “Come on up, Chris. I’ll help you.”
     Christian shook his head. “I can do it by myself.”

The Wonderings Of One Person - Interview

Can we expect to hear more from these characters in the near future?
There are four brothers in the Amesbury family, and three of them have stories already written so I have one more to go. I’ve actually started the fourth brother’s story and he’s really a tough nut. I still don’t know most of his secrets. He may or may not tell me very many of them by the end of the story. There are also two sisters in the family whose stories I have loosely planned.

Deal Sharing Aunt - Excerpt

     He’d done this. He’d torn apart the family. It was his fault. Mama cried constantly and some days didn’t get out of bed. Father never smiled. Two months later, Cole and Jared left for the sea. Jason was gone forever. Grant never spoke to him, only shot him murderous glares that left Christian constantly looking over his shoulder, half expecting to see a knife plunging toward his back.
     Christian squared his shoulders and strode with dignity he didn’t feel past gravestones and monuments. As he passed Grant at the gate, his brother spoke his first words to Christian in three months.
     “I wish you were the one who had died.”

I Love to Read and Review Books :) - Review

     "This book adds the twist of a jilted lover, turned rescuer, turned true love...OH. SO. GOOD!
     And what one woman will do to protect her family's name and reputation...becomes her own "perfect secret."
     Don't miss out on this one!"

Colorimetry - Marriage in Regency England

     Ah, the ringing of wedding bells! A lovely, romantic sound. It always conjures in my mind true love and happily ever after.
     The hope of a bright future awaiting the couple probably isn't much different now than it was centuries past. But the way people married has evolved over the years.
     In Regency England, a couple could get married one of three ways: they could marry in a church after the reading of the banns, they could obtain a common license, or they could marry by special license. They could also elope and go to Scotland, but that’s a topic for different post.

The Bookish Fairy - Excerpt

     From the moment she first saw Christian Amesbury, Genevieve knew she’d never love another man. It wasn’t merely the shy, sweet smile he gave when their eyes met across the room, or the intensity of his gaze as they were introduced, or even his stunning good looks akin to the mythical Adonis. No, there was something supremely familiar about him, and when he finally asked her to dance and she placed her hand in his, an almost audible click sounded from inside Genevieve, as if fate had placed a key piece into the puzzle of her life.

     By the end of the evening, she’d vowed she’d marry him and no other.

Wishful Endings - Review

"If you enjoy reading this genre, then I would recommend A Perfect Secret. It was sweet, engaging, intense, and included everything you would expect from a Regency romance."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I love the stories about these brothers!! I must admit, I was curious about the brother they always called "Perfectly Perfect Christian." I imagined him to be almost a saint and maybe destined to become a priest. However, I was surprised to learn that there are reasons for him to be the way he is and he's not as perfect as everyone thinks. He's still a great guy, but he's human and humans make mistakes and are often hard on themselves."

Mommynificent - Review

"The emotions the characters go through in the book are heart-wrenching and are extremely well-written. It was easy to immerse myself in the lives of the characters and really feel what they were feeling."

Pieces of Whimsy - REGENCY QUIZ

If you love to read Regency romance novels, you probably have picked up a few facts and some terminology along the way. But how much do you really know about the Regency Era? Take this quiz to find out. Email the answers to me and I'll enter you in a contest to win a free digital story you can read on your smart phone or ebook reader. Email your answers to donnahatch29@gmail.com.

Platypire Reviews - Review

"Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and the characters had a large part in that. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes clean regency romance or historical romance."

Book-Marks the Spot - Review

     "A Perfect Secret was romantic, scary, and an all around good book.
     I love a good historical romance especially when I know its going to be a good one. I’ve read Donna Hatch before and she doesn’t disappoint. I know that I’ll be attached to the characters, their will be tension between two lovers that will be steamy yet sweet, and a story that will stay with you forever."

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima - Excerpt

     “Of course it’s her concern.” Wickburgh began swinging his walking stick, narrowly missing a flower-filled vase atop a Chippendale side table. “You see my dear, your father was about to find the means by which to settle a debt with me.”
     Genevieve narrowed her gaze. “I doubt very much my father owes you a gambling debt since he seldom gambles.”
     “Oh, but he did, a wager of the worst kind—with fate.”

Southern Chelle - Review

"This was an excellent example of regency books without the risqué that is included in a lot of them. It was a quicker read a couple of days, reading an hour or so a day. The story will capture your heart and you will fall in love with Christian and Genevieve and the Amesbury family just like I did."

My Devotional Thoughts - Review

"From the moment I began reading this book, I was convinced that this was “my kind of book.” And indeed it is. There is no profanity nor bedrooms scenes–I am so grateful for that! It is set in the 1800′s in England, and it is a romance that includes all the elements that most readers would require in a historical romance in this vein."

A Perfect Secret
(Rogue Hearts #3)
by Donna Hatch
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, 348 Pages
December 14 2013              

Desperate to protect her father from trial and death, Genevieve breaks off her engagement with Christian Amesbury and marries a blackmailer. After a year of marriage, she flees her husband's violent domination only to have fate bring her back to Christian. Just when she thinks she's started a new life of safety and solitude, her husband tracks her down, stalks her, and threatens everyone she loves.

Still brokenhearted over Genevieve's betrayal a year ago, Christian can't believe she's come back into his life--and worse, that she's done it on the anniversary of his brother's death, a death that haunts him. Though tempted to throw her back into the river where he found her, he can't leave her at the mercy of the terrifying man she married.

When her husband torments Genevieve and puts his family in danger, Christian will do anything to protect those he loves...anything except give Genevieve another chance to break his heart.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Smashwords

About Donna Hatch

My passion for writing began at the tender age of 8 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Of course, I also wanted to be an actress and a ballerina, but one out of three isn’t bad, right?

In between caring for six children, (7 counting my husband), my day job, my free lance editing and copy writing, and my many volunteer positions, I manage to carve out time to indulge in my writing obsession. After all, it IS an obsession. My family is more patient and supportive than I deserve.

Website - Blog - Goodreads - Facebook - Amazon

Tour-Wide Giveaway

- Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and an ebook (INT) or print copy (US Only) of A Perfect Secret OR The Stranger She Married (winner's choice)
- 5 ebooks of A Perfect Secret
- Open Internationally
- Ends July 20th

a Rafflecopter giveaway