Blogger Opp: iCoffee Opus Giveaway Sponsored by: iCoffee Hosted by: My Silly Little Gang!

Blogger Opp: iCoffee Opus Giveaway

Sponsored by: iCoffee Hosted by: My Silly Little Gang

One lucky winner will receive their very own iCoffee Opus Single Serve Brewer!

The iCoffee Opus Single Serve Coffee Brewer has many features like: 75 ounce water reservoir Dial-a-Brew™ – from 4-12 ounces in 1/2 oz. increments Energy Saver mode and automatic shut-off Removable drip tray allows for larger mugs, including most travel mugs SafetyLock™ locks the single-serve brew head during the brewing process, protecting consumers Compatible with every K-Cup®, OneCup™, RealCup™ capsule, and all private label cups BONUS: Starter Pack includes 6 k-cups and an iCup Reusable

This single serve coffee brewer is equipped with Burrows’ patented SpinBrew™ Technology that spins, steams, and stirs inside the k-cup creating a mini French Press-like effect.

100% USDA Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder Extract by Matcha Organics #greentea

USED FOR LATTES | SMOOTHIES | BAKING | Fat Burner & Weight Loss Supplement

ALL DAY ENERGY WITH INCREASED FOCUSENERGY, MEMORY AND FOCUS ENHANCER

ENERGY, MEMORY AND FOCUS ENHANCER – Matcha has an organic Amino Acid called L-Theanine, which enhances mental clarity and focus for up to 6 hours. One bowl of Match can give you that all natural clean energy you’re looking for, without the jitter effect of coffee. The clean focus you get is excellent for intense studying or high focus jobs.

FAT BLOCKER / BURNER – Matcha is an all-natural metabolism booster that aids to burning fat up to 4X faster than average. Unlike other diet supplements, Matcha has no negative side-effects like hot flashes, increased heart rate or high blood pressure. It’s best to drink Matcha 15 – 30 min before a workout to enhance fat burning.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL – One bowl a day keeps the doctor away. Drinking this USDA Organic, Matcha Green Tea, regularly, will lower the levels of LDL (Bad) cholesterol while raising the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. This brand of tea is an excellent dieting supplement for your everyday nutrition.

HEALTHIER THAN BREWED GREEN TEA – USDA Organic Matcha green tea powder has over 1300 antioxidants in it, which is 137X more antioxidants than traditional brewed green tea Traditional green tea is just brewed from the leaf, with Matcha you are consuming the entire green tea leaf. This dramatically increases the amount of natural antioxidants and L-Theanine you consume.

FIGHTS CANCER – This Matcha contains a unique and potent antioxidant known as catechin EGCg. This antioxidant provides potent cancer-fighting properties that are not found in other foods. EGCg also counteracts the effects of free radicals from the likes of pollution, UV rays, radiation and chemicals that can lead to cell and DNA damage.

At Matcha Organics, we make sure that we provide the safest and the best-quality Matcha to our customers. It’s extremely important to us to make sure that our Matcha has been tested and certified before it reaches the customer. All the farms that we source from have been USDA organic approved, which means the farms have not been sprayed with pesticides or antibiotics. We also send samples of the Matcha off to 3rd party food testing facilities to make sure that our Matcha contains no contamination such as lead.

 #greentea
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Matcha-Green-Powder-Extract/dp/B00OJMI0CK

My Review
I have been drinking Matcha Green Tea for over a year now; I have baked with it, in muffins, cakes and even cookies. I have added the tea to smoothies but to get my daily intake, I blend one teaspoon of Matcha Green Powder into a glass of soy, almond or even a smoothie blend juice in a blender for my morning breakfast. I also like to do the same thing with soy milk but pour it over ice for a mid-afternoon snack. There are so many health benefits to drinking or consuming Matcha Green Tea that you do not have to look further to find a supplement. I would imagine that you could even get your own capsule and fill them with the matcha, just in case you are not crazy about the flavor.

I started out drinking the black matcha tea first; it definitely has a different taste than the green, kind of an earthy flavor but pleasant. In comparison, the green matcha has a decidedly grassy flavor that took me a bit to get used to. I find that now I prefer it. Now that the weather has turned cooler, I will start drinking it hot again, a great afternoon pick me up.

Organic Matcha Green Powder by Matcha Organics is a quality tea with a delightful taste, whether you like it plain or with rock sugar or honey, adding this tea into your daily intake can only help you! I love it!

I received the 4 oz package at a nominal cost for my honest review.

Nami Naturals Raw Shea Butter

Product Description

Size:16 oz organic

Now You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Skin...Easily And Naturally!

Are you tired of ineffective and expensive body care products filled with toxic chemicals?

Raw shea butter is the all natural solution you have been looking for! Help smooth wrinkles and erase blemishes. Reduce rashes, burns, chapping, and skin allergies. Moisturize your body without harmful side-effects. Indulge your skin with essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and vitamins. Cleanse your body with the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties of shea butter.

Unlock The Secret To Beautiful, Full-Bodied Hair

Shea butter also does wonders for you hair! Lock-in moisture without a greasy residue. Get soft, compliant curls. Repair and revitalize dry, brittle hair. Protect your hair from heat and harmful UV rays. Soothe your dry, itchy scalp.

Suggested uses for Nami Naturals Raw Shea Butter:

•     Treatment of dry skin, eczema, minor burns, and small cuts
•     Provides relief from rashes, insect bites, and skin allergies
•     Helps prevent stretch marks due to pregnancy
•     Protects your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, wind,         and cold weather
•     Helps eliminate blemishes, wrinkles, acne, and discoloration
•     Relieve aches and tension
•     As a daily moisturizer, body butter, and hair conditioner

My Review
I have recently started making my own body butter and lotions along with soap. I just do not like store bought items in this category. Everything is so expensive and most of the time does not work as stated in ads etc. Shea Butter is a wonderful alternative to chemically induced products. When you use Organic Shea Butter, you know you are getting the real thing. 

I received a jar of USDA Organic Shea Butter, along with the bonus ebook of recipes for review, and I hope to keep making and finding new recipes for the use of this product.

Shea Butter is also perfect to use right out of the jar, after a shower or anytime, on those problem areas. I also use the Shea butter on my feet and after I have been doing a lot of chores or cooking or baking as I always have my hands in water. 

Nami Naturals Organic Shea Butter is definitely a quality product that I will keep using for my DIY projects and of course on it's own. Living in Northern Wisconsin can be very hard on the skin. I received a jar of USDA Organic Shea Butter for review and was not monetarily compensated.

For more info, visit our website at www.naminaturals.com

Kolea, A Story of Hawai'i and Beyond by Russell Cahill Spotlight!

Kolea

By Russell Cahill

Genre: Historical Fiction
Book's Description:

The illegitimate child of Maui’s King is spirited away and raised in seclusion by a mysterious Hula Dancer and a blind warrior. Follow the child, Kolea, to Molokai where he is trained by the warrior and pursued by an evil half-brother. A daring escape in a voyaging canoe leads north, and the adventure continues as the Hawai’ian men and women warriors meet natives of the North American Coast. The voyagers join a community of Tlingit Indians, and Kolea grows in wisdom and courage. Thoughts and yearning draw the voyagers south and point their hearts and the bows of their canoe toward home.

Author Bio:

Russell Cahill, a retired park ranger, lives in a forest adjacent to a salmon stream near Olympia Washington. He is of Native Hawaiian ancestry and writes about the people of Hawaii and Western North America. Russell was born in San Francisco prior to World War Two and says he is old enough to have played American Football while wearing a leather helmet. He is married to Narda Pierce and is the father of three children, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mr. Cahill is a graduate of San Jose State College, (now University) with a degree in Biology. He has served in Yosemite, Glacier Bay, Katmai and Haleakala National Parks and has been the Director of the Alaska and California State Park Systems and the Deputy Director of Washington’s State Parks.

During the 1970s Russell with his late wife Susie took their children to a remote place in Alaska and built a cabin using only hand tools. He spends part of each summer at the cabin in Gustavus, Alaska. He and his wife Narda have kayaked in Alaska, Mainland United States and Western Australia. Since his retirement he has served as a member of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, State Parks Commission, and as a Community Services volunteer. Russell and his wife have travelled extensively based on the theory, “retire early and often.” The two of them once walked from Idaho to Seattle just for the heck of it. He claims his most interesting job was as a bouncer at a go-go club during college years.

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Koleaofmaui

Goodreads- http://bit.ly/1gQGCSX

Facebook- http://on.fb.me/1g8h8Aq

Blog- http://koleaofmaui.blogspot.com

Website- http://www. russellcahill.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1K5vxd1

B&N: http://bit.ly/1UZBStJ

The Path by Tawdra Kandle Release Day!!

Summer's almost over, but there's still time for #OneLastBeachRead. And you're in luck because the perfect way to end the summer is now live and available everywhere!

THE PATH

Abby Donavan came to the small beach community of Crystal Cove to start over. After a painful affair broke her heart and derailed her burgeoning career, taking over management for the just-opened bed-and-breakfast was the safe choice. In this sleepy town, Abby figured she could bury her memories and forget the pain. When the chance to have her own hotel falls into her lap, though, she can’t resist the temptation. Making the old 
Riverside Inn into the showplace she’s always dreamed of running offers the second chance she never expected. Abby didn’t expect another kind of second chance to land on her doorstep at the same time. Ryland Kent wants to help her bring the Riverside back to life, and his passion for restoration is irresistible. But as much as she wants to ignore it, she can’t help seeing another spark in his eyes . . . one that offers to reignite her own flame. Sometimes the path to a happily-ever-after is anything but smooth. Buy it now!

  iBooks/Amazon/All Romance Ebooks/Nook/Google Play/Kobo/Smashwords
And join us here today at the HUGE release party, featuring both Tawdra and author Olivia Hardin! 

If you haven't read the first two Crystal Cove Romances . . . now is the perfect time.

THE POSSE is free for a limited time only!

iBooks/Amazon/Google Play/Nook/Kobo "It is rare for characters to stay with me for weeks or months, but these are etched in my mind and heart." Amazon review  

And don't miss THE PLAN. Emmy and Cooper's story has both sizzle and heart.

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Google Play/Kobo "Real. That's all I can feel for this story. Real. Real life. Real love. Real emotion. Real characters. They stick with you from the first book, to this second one in the series." Amazon review  

 
Tawdra Kandle writes romance, in just about all its forms. She loves unlikely pairings, strong women, sexy guys, hot love scenes and just enough conflict to make it interesting. Her books include YA paranormal romance, NA paranormal and contemporary romance, and adult contemporary and paramystery romance. She lives in central Florida with a husband, kids, sweet pup and too many cats. And yeah, she rocks purple hair.

Follow Tawdra: Facebook/Twitter/Tsu/Pinterest/Instagram/Website/Newsletter/Amazon

The Hollow Ground by Natalie S. Harnett Winner of the 2015 John Gardner Fiction Book Award ! Spotlight and Giveaway!

“The Hollow Ground recalls nothing so much as the dark and powerful dramas of Eugene O’Neill.”—Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, Whiting Writer’s Award winner THE HOLLOW GROUND By Natalie S. Harnett 

Visit Natalie Harnett Here To Learn More

Thomas Dunne Books Griffin 

Trade Paperback * 

Fiction * ISBN: 1-250-06775-3 

Price: $14.99 * 

336 pages * 

On Sale: August 25, 2015

“A murder mystery, coming-of-age novel, and family saga all in one.”—San Diego Magazine, "

5 Books to Read This Month" A Library Journal’s Debuts with Buzz Selection

An Irish Echo Summer Reads Selection

“This cursed Irish-American clan will grab you by the brisket and not let go. Delicious reading!”--Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of Super Sad True Love Story

Inspired by the real-life deadly coal mine fires in now-infamous Centralia, Pennsylvania, and the equally devastated town of Carbondale, THE HOLLOW GROUND by Natalie S. Harnett is an extraordinary debut novel with an atmospheric, voice-driven narrative and an indelible sense of place. Already being compared to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and To Kill a Mockingbird, this evocative story about family and the nature of love between a parent and child introduces a stunning and powerful new voice in literary fiction.

 It’s 1961, and underground mine fires continue to ravage the small Pennsylvania coal town of Centrereach, where eleven-year-old Brigid Howley and her family live with her great-uncle’s wife, Auntie. Brigid’s father, Adrian, has been out of work ever since being injured in a mining disaster that also killed his brother, Frank. The family attributes the tragedy to the “curse” laid upon this proud Irish-American clan generations earlier by a priest who ran afoul of the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish coal miners. Although the family takes a strange pleasure in the curse because they believe it’s made them stronger, Auntie confides in Brigid that she believes the curse didn’t come from an outside source, but from within their own hearts.

When the fires cause their backyard to collapse, killing Auntie, the family is forced to seek refuge with Brigid’s estranged grandparents, the formidable Gram and the Black Lung stricken Gramp. Living with her mother-in-law is the last thing Brigid’s mother, Dolores, wants to do as she still holds a grudge against the woman for breaking a promise years ago. And Adrian must once again confront the fact that Frank was his parents’ favored son. As the mine fires continue to rumble under their feet, long held bitterness and hurt begin to erupt. While trying to keep peace within the family, Brigid finds a kindred spirit in new friend Marisol who introduces her to a happy distraction, the world of teenage boys. When Brigid and Marisol accompany the boys to a long abandoned bootleg mine shaft, Brigid makes a terrifying discovery that will prove more dangerous than anything the curse has produced so far.

Scroll Down for Giveaway

Praise for:

Filled with compelling characters, rich prose, engrossing historical detail, and an extraordinary sense of time and place, THE HOLLOW GROUND is exquisitely crafted and tells an unforgettable story that is certain to move readers.

“There's more than a hint of Eugene O'Neill in this atmospheric meditation on the legacy of a generational curse once pronounced by an Irish priest on a Pennsylvania mining community....an impressively nimble debut novel.”—Irish Central "

A grand achievement, a story fierce in its honesty about family love and betrayal.” —Maureen Howard, National Book Critics Circle Award winner "

. . .the flap copy. . . compare[s] the novel’s child narrator, Brigid Howley, to Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, and I have to say, Harnett earns the comparison. . . the most rounded, complete child narrator I’ve read in years."—Novel Historian 

“Ultimately The Hollow Ground is an unflinching portrait of familial struggle and a timeless examination of the treacherous elements that can both strengthen and relentlessly violate a family’s connection. At once contemplative and energetic, Harnett’s debut is a provocative and eerie novel of suspense, intricacy, and profound feeling.”—Literary Inklings, Notable New Releases 

“I enjoyed THE HOLLOW GROUND and found it to be an entertaining, and thought-provoking, novel. Highly recommended to fans of literary fiction and even mysteries.” —Booking Mama 

“To say this novel is a page-turner is an understatement. . . . A must read for both fans of historical fiction and mystery, The Hollow Ground has an intensity that will continue to burn within me like the abandoned coal mines that played such an integral role in our nation’s history. Highly, highly recommended.” —Jenn’s Bookshelves 

“Filled with compelling characters, rich prose, engrossing historical detail, and an extraordinary sense of time and place, THE HOLLOW GROUND is exquisitely crafted and tells an unforgettable story that is certain to move readers.” —Books and Needlepoint 

“This is very much a coming of age novel in the traditional sense, with a fascinating historical backdrop.” —Paperblog 

“The story is atmospheric, character driven and beautifully captures this period.” —Caffeinated Book Reviewer

 “The Hollow Ground is a heartfelt story of survival and embodies a sense of hope as its guiding light.” — Feathered Quill Book Reviews 

“. . .a story of resilience well-told. In Brigid Howley, the desperation is consuming.” —The Free LanceStar

 NATALIE S. HARNETT is an MFA graduate of Columbia University. Her writing has appeared in the Chicago Quarterly Review, The New York Times, The Madison Review, The MacGuffin and the Irish Echo. She has been awarded the John Gardner Fiction Book Award, an Edward Albee Fellowship, a Summer Literary Seminars Fellowship, and a Vermont Studio Center Writer's Grant. She was a finalist for the Mary McCarthy Prize, the Mid-List Press First Series Award for the Novel, the Glimmer Train Short Story Award for New Writers, and The Ray Bradbury Short Story Fellowship. She spent most of her childhood vacations visiting her grandfather’s home in the Wayne County area of Pennsylvania, where she became familiar with the nearby city of Carbondale. This is her first novel. She lives on Long Island and Northeastern PA with her husband and child.

The Hollow Ground by Natalie S. Harnett Giveaway

WonderVeg Slicer Tri Blade Spiralizer Review! #WonderVegSpiralizer

Product Description

This Vegetable Spiralizer has three stainless steel blades for versatility: 
1. Shredder: creates long, spaghetti-like spiral strands (zucchini noodles, vegetable spaghetti, curly fries); 
2. Chipper: creates long, thick spiral strands; 
3. Straight: creates long, ribbon-like strands (for making potato chips as snacks). 
This PREMIUM vegetable spiralizer has powerful suction feet for stability on your table. This makes it so easy to operate! The WonderVeg Spiral Slicer is made from high-quality BPA-free ABS stainless plastic frame. 

All Size Fruits and Vegetables
The BEST Zucchini Spaghetti Noodles Maker: Use this Spiral Slicer for all-size fruits or vegetables, from apples and pears to potatoes, carrots, cucumber, zucchini, beetroot and more. You can easily make zucchini noodles, curly fried potatoes, carrot noodles, apple spirals and they will taste deliciously!

BONUS : Spiralizer Mini-Recipe Book included for inspiration. 

Perfect GIFT
Are you an aesthetics enthusiast? Perfect! When you buy the WonderVeg Slicer, you will also discover our elegant PREMIUM packaging design. It is the perfect GIFT for your family and friends, from moms to college students, professional chefs, travelers, and healthy food enthusiast or food bloggers.

100% SAFE 
What is more important than SAFETY? The TriBlade Spiralizers are 100% SAFE, whilst the hourglass-shaped slicers have proven to be less safe. 
Here is a review of both type of vegetable spiral slicer made by Chef Jackie Ourman and after experimenting with both, her conclusion is this: "About the size of a counter-top mixer, the TriBlade Spiralizer is SAFER than other hand-held vegetable spiralizers because the vegetable is inserted into the machine and directed toward the cutting blades by the action of a turning crank-the cook's hands never get anywhere near the sharp surfaces."

http://www.amazon.com/WonderVeg-Spiralizer-Vegetable-Generation-Durability/dp/B00OA3K9G8

WonderVeg Slicer is the first ever TRIBLADE spiralizer that comes with a cleaning brush!
Enjoy PREMIUM QUALITY with this Complete Spiral Slicer Bundle:
The WonderVeg Spiral Slicer
 FREE Pink Cleaning Brush
+ Spiral Slicer Mini RECIPE Book
+ A Stylish PREMIUM PACKAGING Design, perfect for a GIFT

** The WonderVeg Vegetable Spiralizer is made from strong, high-quality BPA-free ABS plastic, from the latest generation of strong REINFORCED plastics providing long-lasting service
** You can create 1. Noodles/ Spaghetti, 2. Julienne Thick Spirals and 3. Ribbons.
Strong and resistant, you can switch the blades easily and you can even store them in the storing built-in compartment. 
**  It will give you healthy zucchini noodles, veggie spaghetti and ribbons within SECONDS!

Especially by replacing pasta with zucchini noodles, thanks to this spiralizer, we can really see great results in our weight loss mission and we can expect a better health.

But truly, with this spiralizer in your kitchen, the sky is the limit. Creativity gives you endless combinations of colours and tastes. 

My Thoughts

I received the WonderVeg Spiralizer Vegetable Spiralizer at no cost to me for my honest review. Honestly? I love it. This product is very well made and sturdy, with suction cups on the bottom to keep the spiralizer from sliding around the counter/table. I tried the product out with a zucchini, and it worked as stated, from one zucchini I must have gotten at least four cups of spiralized veggie. I then used in to make zucchini cake. I found the spiralizer easy to use and easy to clean up. This great kitchen gadget is not real small either. Very sturdy. Plus, you keep one of the blades in place and there is a storage spot on the spiralizer for the other two blades.

I have been dieting for about a year and I keep seeing recipes for pasta made with zucchini, curious to try some of these recipes. Now I can. I also absolutely hate to slice up onions and even some fruits like apples. With the slicing blade, this chore should be more enjoyable. I love to cook and hate tedious tasks. If you are like me and love the result rather than the prep work, get this amazing spiralizer. I give it 5 stars.

 #WonderVegSpiralizer

Spy Trade A Spycatcher Novella by Matthew Dunn Review!

About the Book

When a mission goes awry in Syria, senior CIA officer Bob Oakland is captured by aspiring members of ISIS, who demand the release of one of their own, Arzam Saud, in U.S. captivity. When their hands are tied by Washington's refusal to negotiate, the CIA turns to MI6 officer Will Cochrane to find out what's really going on. The threats are escalating quickly, and in order to save the CIA officer, Cochrane must uncover why Saud is truly so important . . .

About the Author
Matthew Dunn spent 5 years in the British Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, as a field operative. His role required him to recruit and run agents, coordinate and participate in special operations, and to operate in deep-cover roles throughout the world in order to collect secret intelligence to support the West’s ongoing fight against hostile and unpredictable regimes, state-sponsored terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. His missions required him to travel extensively and typically he operated in highly hostile environments where, if compromised and captured, he would have been executed.


Matthew was trained in all aspects of intelligence collection and direct action including agent running and debriefing, deep-cover deployments, small-arms, explosives, military unarmed combat, surveillance, anti-surveillance, counter-surveillance, advanced driving, infiltration and exfiltration techniques, and covert communications. His skills were widely deployed by him in the field. Matthew typically worked alone but he also had significant experience of working with highly-specialized units of the British SAS and SBS as well as joint-operations with MI5, GCHQ, the CIA, and BND.


Matthew was security cleared to the very highest level in Britain. Because of the nature of his work in MI6, Matthew is bound by a life-long pledge of secrecy regarding his methods of work, agents, missions and overall knowledge of the British Intelligence community and its allies. He remains in close contact with MI6 and will never breach its trust in him.

Medals are never awarded to modern MI6 officers, but Matthew was the recipient of a very rare personal commendation from the Secretary of State For Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs for work he did on one mission which was deemed so significant that it directly influenced the successful conclusion of a major international incident.

During his time in MI6, Matthew conducted approximately seventy missions. All of them were successful.

He is the author of the contemporary spy novel Spycatcher.

My Thoughts

Spy Trade is a Spycatcher novella and gives the reader a glimpse into the world of terrorism. spies, CIA, MI6, ISIS...everything that makes for a great spy novel, even though this book is a novella, there is enough action to keep the reader occupied until the end. 

A CIA officer is kidnapped along with his translator, the payoff? A group proclaiming to be ISIS wants one of their own, a man by the name of Arzam Saud released from prison, plus a ransom. Negotiators are tasked with finding out who this man is,why he is so important and it is a race against time to get these answers and get the victims released. 

This short story I found to be very exciting and if this is how Mr.Dunn writes, then I want more. This is the first I had read of Mr.Dunns work and I really enjoyed it, a fast and thrilling read. I will definitely have to check out more by this prolific author. You can definitely tell he knows his stuff, having been an MI6 operative. I would imagine he has a lot of great stories to tell. I love a well-crafted story that has lots of good guys, corrupt guys then this novella is for you. Five stars!!

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

Mind Over Bullies: A Mob Forms by D.K. Smith Spotlight!

  

New Novel Tackles Bullying, Bullycide Epidemic. Draws Comparisons to Hunger Games

YA author, D.K. Smith was shocked by the astounding rate of teen suicides resulting from bullying. Wanting to send a positive message to bullying victims wrapped in a cleverly told fictional tale, Smith may have created the next hot YA novel.

Preview the book here: http://www.mindoverbullies.com/book-p...

Margo is pretty, popular and unsympathetic to just how intense bullying can get. As a counterfeiting plot sweeps through the city of Oak View, life for Margo will change dramatically.

With a mystery unfolding, an unlikely group of heroes emerges. Bullied teens love them, the police hate them and bullies fear them. Together they will try to get to the bottom of the counterfeiting mystery while ingeniously teaching a few bullies a lesson or two along the way… that is, if the police don’t catch them first.

Los Angeles, California, USA – According to a 2014 U.S. High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey,  14.8% of students surveyed nationwide admit being electronically bullied (including through e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, or texting during the 12 months before the survey) as reported by anti-bullying website NoBullying.com.The act of bullycide (suicide resulting from bullying) has escalated as well, and at an alarming rate, with the trend expected to continue.

It was only four years ago that author D.K. Smith was awaiting the birth of his niece, Summer, the first grandchild of the family. Thoughts of a new addition spurred Smith to begin creating a children’s book series with characters created specifically for his niece to be. Now four years later the smith family boasts seven grandchildren, but with the joy of an expanding family came the realization that inevitably the little ones would grow up and be confronted with some of the ugly realities of life−bullying and bullycide in particular.

“It brought a measure of sadness actually,” Smith said, when asked about the possibility of his nieces and nephews being faced with bullying in its various forms. More investigation into the topic brought on more disturbing revelations. “One day I came across a story in the news about a young girl that jumped in front of a subway train after weeks of bullying. As I searched further, I was shocked at the number of similar stories I encountered. Bullycide, the news was calling it. It was happening with teens all over the world. I thought, wow, what if these young people had been shown that the pain of bullying can be handled without hurting themselves or someone else.”

The initial astonishment over the massive issue got the creative juices flowing. The result was a 108,000 word novel that has drawn comparisons by some to The Hunger Games. ‘Mind Over Bullies: A Mob Forms’ follows Margo Rios, a pretty and popular teen from Oak View High School, as she learns just how intense bullying can get. The comparisons to the wildly popular Suzanne Collins Hunger Games novel are likely born from the strong teen female lead character, robust cast of other multi-dimensional characters and the variety of engaging personalities that Mind Over Bullies puts presents.

The main character Margo, is followed closely in likeability by a group of unlikely heroes that set out to solve a citywide mystery and teach bullies a lesson in understanding through cleverly executed plans and cutting edge technology.

The story is ingeniously told with simultaneously unfolding plots−a mystery involving a counterfeiting ring and of course, that of bullying−that keep the plot moving and the pages turning at a steady pace. The story goes far beyond what a reader might imagine they would encounter in a story of this nature with twists and turns that are unexpected. US based book reviewer SPR Book Review called Mind Over Bullies “Suspenseful, shocking, and introspective,” following up with an alert to readers that the book is ”worth the time,” and carries an “overall message of overcoming adversity.” Advance copy reviewers are already in expectation of the sequel and even a cinematic adaptation of the novel.

Still, even with much positive feedback in advance of the August release of Mind Over Bullies, Smith has kept the original goal in mind. “I recognize that the characters and situations in the book may not represent every bullying situation and that realistically the book won’t change the world, but I do sincerely hope that it sends a subtle message about there being life after bullying. If just one young person can grasp that point from the story, I will be proud. We’ll just have to see how the public continues to receive it,” Smith said.

Go here to read an excerpt

Go here to learn more about the book and author!

http://www.mindoverbullies.com/

KHAMICOM

P U B L I S H I N G

Guardians of the Heart by Loree Lough Book Tout!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

We're sharing the Grand Finale for

Guardians of the Heart

By Loree Lough

Nell and Asa have guarded their hearts, but to let love in, they'll have to let go.

We hope you enjoyed finding out more about their story.
If you didn't get a chance to get to each stop, you can go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Interview

And how do you develop your deep POV?

I love living in the heads of my characters, and accomplish it (and avoid ‘head hopping’) by writing each scene from a specific character’s point of view. It’s almost as though I take up residence in their brains (like a parasite! LOL). When I’m thinking their thoughts, reacting to what other characters do and say, deep POV is a lot easier.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"Loree Lough has written this story in an easy to read voice. The pacing is excellent. She kept my attention and I really came to like the characters." 

Worthy2Read - Nonna's Authentic Spaghetti Sauce

As any ‘on a deadline’ author can tell you, we’re really, really good at procrastinating. We tidy drawers, organize closets, poke around in our flower beds. And we cook. One of my favorite recipes was handed down by my Italian grandmother’s family. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

Zerina Blossom's Books - They Called Her Shoog Guest Post

The summer I turned ten, a pretty little redheaded girl moved into the house on the corner. Her parents and older siblings called her Shoog…and it was Shoog who introduced the kids on our block to a whole new way to spend our summer days...

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"A sweet heartfelt romance that reminds us of the importance of forgiveness – of other people and especially of ourselves. With true, likable characters and a plot brimming with all the great elements of a story, Guardians of the Heart will gently refresh your soul."

Christy's Cozy Corners - A Promise to Jake, Part 1

When a mysterious package arrives shortly before Christmas, a wealthy author is forced to remember what’s truly important about the holy day…and about life.

Writing Pearls - Review

"This was a surprising out of bounds romance. It was clean, well-written, with strong characters that become a part of your reality."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

Regrettably, no one was hiring. Few things scared her more than the prospect of being homeless and destitute. Nell sat on the steps of the bank, held her head in her hands and tried to pray. She’d said countless prayers for others—in church, others on her knees before bed—but couldn’t remember the last time she’d prayed for herself. Did she remember how?

Mel's Shelves - Review

"I loved Asa and Nell! Asa puts on a rough front but does care about others while trying not to. He feels guilt for some things he did in the past and needs to learn to forgive himself. Nell was sweet from the beginning! What I loved about this book is that the author didn't just tell me; she showed me."

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Excerpt

Oh, what he wouldn’t give to go back in time to the little house on the outskirts of Denver that always smelled of fresh-baked bread, where he’d never gone hungry and never felt cold, thanks to his ma’s talent for turning scraps of cloth into warm quilts.

Babs Book Bistro - Review

"I could not put this book down it was wonderful. . . . A nice relaxing read that brings out the love and coziness."

Mommabears Book Blog - A Promise to Jake, Part 2

He stared at the blinking cursor. "I've let you down big time, Jake," he said, eyes on the blank white screen. Maybe telling his friend’s story would ease his conscience. Squaring his shoulders, Homer pulled out the keyboard drawer and gave his knuckles one last crack, and began to type:

Wishful Endings - A Promise to Jake, Part 3

FIVE YEARS LATER:

"Homer, schweetheart," Bobby said, "so what's up with your answering machine? I've been trying to get hold of you for days."

"Don't have one up here." Don't want one, don't need one.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Special Author Interview

Me: You are such a prolific writer! (5,000,000 copies in circulation – 108 books, 72 short stories, and over 2500 articles in print) Where do you get your inspiration for so many new plots and characters?

Loree: Inspiration is everywhere. Literally. I’ve come up with story ideas while reading a dog-eared old magazine in the doctor’s waiting room. At the grocery store. In the movie theater. Here at home, watching the TV news or reading the Sunday paper. Sitting on a bench at the soft ice cream parlor, listening to the conversation of patrons on the next bench. Talking to a neighbor over the back fence. While on hold to make corrections to a DirecTV statement. I could go on (and on!), but I think you get the idea!

Singing Librarian Books - Review (Author Interview here)

"Throughout the novel Loree has brought her characters to life in a true and heartwarming way. I would recommend this novel to Christian, historical fiction, romance readers."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

They carried their bowls to a nearby bench and sat down to enjoy the treat, and Asa realized immediately that they were facing the wrong direction. Fifty yards due north, he had a direct line of sight to where Gus and Nell sat, munching fried chicken, corn bread, and apple slices. Oughta be you sitting there, he thought.

Guardians of the Heart

(Secrets on Sterling Street, #2)
by Loree Lough
Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 272 pages
August 3rd 2015 by Whitaker House

Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather's barren gold mine that had taken the lives of her mother, father, and younger brother; even if there may still be hidden wealth inside. Instead, she went to Denver and took a job as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn.

Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him and his brothers to fight with Colonel John Chivington. But Asa refused to participate in the raid on the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe; and when the smoke cleared, his father and brother lay among the slaughtered. Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West for years before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he'd inherited. 

Together, Nell and Asa work hard to restore Stone Hill. But when disaster hits the inn, Asa retreats into despair and Nell is forced to return to her family's mine. Asa faces the hard fact: He'll never be the man Nell deserves. Can he overcome the dark secrets of his past? And will Nell still love him when she learns the truth?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository

The First Book in the Series

Currency of the Heart

(Secrets on Sterling Street, #1)
by Loree Lough
Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 pages
January 1st 2015 by Whitaker House

Young widow Shaina Sterling hates living a lie. Desperate to keep bill collectors from the door, she secretly sells valuable possessions piece by piece, and hopes Denver’s elite never discover that his lavish lifestyle left her a near pauper.

She’s unaware that as her husband lay dying, successful rancher Sloan Remington made him a promise. And Sloan guards her secrets
as carefully as he looks after her safety.

When fire devours Sterling Hall, leaving her homeless and penniless, he brings her to Remington Ranch to manage his household. His kindness makes Shaina beholden to him … and threatens to expose the secret that could destroy him.

Will trials and tragedies bring Sloan and Shaina together?
Or will secrets—and the cost of exposing them—drive them apart forever?

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository

Yes, it's true: Once upon a time, best-selling author Loree Lough (literally) sang for her supper, performing before packed audiences throughout the U.S. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two for the "grandorables," but mostly, she just writes. (And writes.) Over the years, her stories have earned nearly 100 industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 7 movie options, and over 80 4- and 5-star reviews.

There are more than 5,000,000 (yes, that's FIVE MILLION) copies of Loree's books in circulation, and in September of 2015, she'll have 108 books (fiction and non-fiction for kids and adults) 72 short stories, 2,500+ articles in print. To date, she has received 50,000+ letters from fans (a carton of books goes to Meredith P. in Joliet, IL -- which she has elected to donate to her local library --for writing the 50,000th letter)!

Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers' organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, college and high school writing programs both here and abroad.

A writer who believes in "giving back," Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers' Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and other worthwhile organizations.

She splits her time between her home in the Baltimore suburbs and a cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, and shares both with her real-life hero Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of lighthouses, wind chimes, and "wolf stuff."

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card
Print copy of Guardians of the Heart
Kindle copy of Guardians of the Heart (to be gifted through Amazon)
Open internationally
Ends August 29th
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