Shut up by Anne Tibbets

Synopsis:
Mary's older sister, Gwen, has royally screwed up her life. Not only is Gwen pregnant at seventeen, but she's also decided to marry The Creep who knocked her up.

Now Mary is powerless to stop her family from imploding. Her parents are freaking out, and to top it off The Creep has a gross fascination with Mary while Gwen enjoys teasing her to tears for sport.

Despite her brother's advice to shut up, Mary can't keep her trap closed and manages to piss off Mom so much it comes to blows.

Mary doesn't know what to do, and all her attempts to get help are rejected. When she finally plans her escape, she fails to consider how it could destroy them all.

My thoughts:
I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book. When presented with the opportunity to review "Shut Up" I just had to jump on it! I'm sure glad that I did! The author carefully weaves a tale from personal memories, adding in fictional details to round out the story. The characters are so well written and portrayed in a way that you can't help but relate with them in some of the events. This is such an emotional book that I was literally bawling my eyes out during several parts. I connected with one of the characters in such a way that memories from my past came flooding back. I love when I can get into a book THAT much! I can't wait to read more from this author! I recommend this book to anyone that isn't deterred by their emotional past. You will definitely connect with this book!!

About the Author:
Anne Tibbets is an SCBWI award-winning and Smashwords.com Best Selling author. Anne found her way to young adult fantasy by following what she loves: strong female characters, magic, sword fights and ferocious and cuddly animals. Anne is co-author of the middle grade time travel adventure, "The Amulet Chronicles," author of the young adult fantasy "The Beast Call," and YA contemporary "Shut Up."

She divides her time between writing, her family, and three furry creatures that she secretly believes are plotting her assassination.


You can stalk Anne on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and her Blog and Website.

You can purchase Anne's books at Amazon and B&N.

Population: One by Jerry Belitch Blog Tour Interview

Hello all!! I'm today's stop on Jerry's "Population: One" tour :) I have asked him a few questions, so sit back, relax, and get to know Jerry a little better :)

About the Book:
Give me the blurb for the book in 140 characters or less:

A satirical narrative that proves even when it comes to major political issues, everyone has their own secrets and hidden agendas.

Do you have a favorite character? Why is he your favorite?

My favorite character in the book would have to be Sven Hyek because I made him a hybrid of the most right-wing, “out there,” “it's all about me” journalists and in doing so, I was able to show how egotistical and entitled some people feel after being in the spotlight for an extended amount of time.

What do you hope readers will get from your book?

That politics has turned into a childish game where its players would rather ensure things get done to their liking instead of making compromises and doing what's best for the community.


About the Author:
What/Who inspires you?

I've been writing comedy for a little over a decade so my inspirations come from all over the place, but what's had the biggest impact on me in terms of my writing style and my comedic timing is the work of such people as “Weird Al” Yankovic, Jon Stewart, Stephen Lynch, and the duo behind South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Hardest aspect of writing? 

The hardest aspect of writing is needing to shut yourself away from the rest of the world while you sit hunched over a keyboard for hours on end and focus on the story you're trying to tell. I've always thought of it as one of those love/hate relationships because I love what I do, but I hate being so stationary while I'm doing it.

Best/Easiest? 

The best thing about writing is that when it comes to the world you're creating, you're 100% in control. Your characters can behave however you want them to and say whatever dialogue you want to have come out of their mouths. It's a blast for me to set myself loose within my own little world because the parameters are limitless.

Who is your writing hero?

It's a toss-up between John Grisham and Stephen King. Both of those authors are so immensely talented and every time I finish a book of theirs, I always find myself wanting more.


About the Future:
What’s next for you?

From books and screenplays to independent films and video projects, you name it, I'm working on it. I find it's always good to have something going on so the creative juices keep flowing.

One outrageous goal for the future?

I don't know if I would consider it outrageous, but I actually went to school to study film and multimedia so I would love to one day own and operate my own studio and production company.

Do you have any advice you'd like to share with other aspiring writers?

Never let the naysayers stand in your way. If writing is something you truly love to do, you should pursue it head-on and try to submit your work wherever and whenever you can. Today's technology has made it easier than ever for anyone's dream to become a reality.


Randomness:
Sweet or salty?

Definitely sweet. Sometimes something too salty just leaves a bitter or unwanted taste in my mouth.

Beach, plains or mountains?

Plains are too plain and too much time at the beach can give you a sunburn, but mountains are always beautiful.

Online, letters or in person?

I prefer to do things in person whenever possible, but sometimes there are extenuating circumstances where you have to resort to communicating online for the sake of convenience and efficiency.

Ebook or print?

While Ebooks are quickly becoming the way of the future, I still prefer holding a tangible product so I'm going to have to go with print. (Agreed!!)


You can stalk Jerry on Facebook here and here.

You can purchase Jerry's books on Amazon and B&N.

Lifting the Wheel of Karma by Paul H Magid Interview

I've had the amazing opportunity to read and review "Lifting the Wheel of Karma" for Paul. His work is incredible, so I just HAD to have him on my blog again ;) I've asked him a few questions, so sit back, relax, and get to know Paul a little better :)

About the Book:
Give me the blurb for the book in 140 characters or less:

A Tormented Boy Embarks on a Profound Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Enlightenment

Do you have a favorite character? Why is he your favorite?

The main character, Joseph, is by far my favorite. He is my favorite because he endures the weight of the world (and more) smothering him with unrelenting fury, yet he will not abandon the journey he must undertake, no matter how painful.

What do you hope readers will get from your book?

I greatly hope that in addition to an enjoyable adventure, that readers will find concepts to reflect on, to lead them to enjoying a more fulfilled life journey.


About the Author:
Who inspires you?

Everyone who never gives up the fight inspires me.

Hardest aspect of writing? Best/Easiest?

For me, the hardest aspect of writing is well, everything! But the easiest is dialogue and my characters voices –they come naturally.

Who is your writing hero?

That’s a tough one. I always think about the works of Theodore Dreiser.


About the Future:
What’s next for you?

Next is the companion, non-fiction book to this novel.

One outrageous goal for the future?

To direct the movie version of my novel.

Do you have any advice you'd like to share with other aspiring writers?

Never give up…it’s the only way to lose.


Randomness:
Sweet or salty?

Sweet for sure. I’m a sucker for sweets.

Beach, plains or mountains?

Beach, beach, beach.

Online, letters or in person?

In person.

Ebook or print?

Print. I still like to touch the paper and turn the pages. But e-books are every author’s best friend, that’s for sure!

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to share with your readers. (You're welcome to stop by ANYTIME :) )

You can stalk Paul on his Website, Goodreads, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

You can purchase his books on Amazon and B&N.

God Blessed the Broken Road Series #1 - Mariza by Crystal Cattabriga

Synopsis:
What if God could send you an Angel...

David had always felt at a young age he had a purpose in life. He believed that he could touch people’s hearts through love, compassion, and his faith in God; until one day when tragedy strikes leaving him heartbroken. Through time David’s life begins to spiral out of control. Feeling empty inside he turns to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping. As he quickly falls into a dark place in his life, his sister Mariza watches over him. Knowing David has Fallen from Grace, Mariza is determined to save him, but will it be too late?

This is the first short story in this series. In each book the main character will tie into the next book.

My thoughts:
In this introductory short story we are thrust into the world of David and Mariza. They have a seemingly normal brother/sister relationship that evolved from years of trials and tribulations in their faith, mainly David's. Little to they know that the trip they are about to embark on is going to change both of their lives forever. This fast paced story is easy to read and hard to put down. The author captures your attention with her vivid details, leaving you wanting to read more of her work. I would recommend this short story to anyone who likes to read inspirational stories :)

About the Author:
I was born and raised in Massachusetts and moved to Georgia in 2004. I'm the mother of three beautiful children, Zackary 18, Blayke 13, and Ema 10. I've been married for 10 years to a wonderful man who always seems to keep me grounded.

When I'm not writing novels, I enjoy reading, going to the movies with my children, walking through trails, and bowling. We have three dogs and several cats. Living my life as it is, I feel blessed, so I always remember to pay it forward to others.

I've been a Partner's in Hope member of St. Jude's Hospital since 2006 and give to my local community, The Sharing and Caring Place in GA.


You can stalk Crystal on Facebook and her Website.
You can buy Crystal's books Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Pulse of Heroes by AJ Sweeny Blog Tour Interview

Hello all!!! I'm today's stop on AJ's "Pulse of Heroes" Blog Tour :) I've had the opportunity to interview AJ, so sit back, relax, and get to know her a little better :)

About the Book: 

Give me the blurb for the book in 140 characters or less: 

Pulse Of Heroes is a suspenseful, passionate, paranormal romance that sweeps through the emotions of first love and heartache as it traverses centuries and continents.

Michelle used to feel like she was behind in everything, especially school and relationships. However, in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her, and most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for 'troubled' students, moves into her quiet neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town. After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.

Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. During a family trip to Europe, she has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

Do you have a favorite character? Why is he/she/it your favorite?

Elliot De Costa is obviously my muse and he also happens to be a combination of a few of my own personal heroes; fictional and historical. He even has some traits from previous characters I have written. I think that in him I created what is ideal for me in terms of a man. Luckily he seems to fit in with most of my readers’ ideals too, or close to them. Funny is that I have grown to care about Michelle as if she were my sister or my cousin.

What do you hope readers will get from your book?

I want to open their eyes to a brand new world that exists here, in the one they live in and yet is hidden by years of the future. I want to pique their interest in their surroundings, and I want them to realize that we still live in the ripples of things that have taken place before we were here. I want my readers to question everything and keep an open mind. The other thing I want my readers to take away from this story is the idea of love, commitment, friendship and of personal growth. All in all the human experience.


About the Author:
What/Who inspires you?

People; heroes in their everyday normal lives and also the big heroes of history. I am also inspired by nature and music and by other authors… And of course by my undying faith and naïve optimism.

Hardest aspect of writing? Best/Easiest?

Trying to convince people how hard it really is.

When the words just flow and you’re in the zone.

Who is your writing hero?

William Shakespeare


About the Future:
What’s next for you?

Pulse Genesis- the 3rd and final installment in The Pulse Myth series. Also to write many more shorts about our beloved heroes so they can be added to The Pulse Historia series. Touring and taking over the world with The Pulse!

One outrageous goal for the future?

Visit the ancient ziggurats in what is now modern day Iraq.

Do you have any advice you'd like to share with other aspiring writers?

Keep writing no matter what it is. Poems, shorts, journal entries and stories, BUT, don’t force something out. That special story will come to you, not the other way around.


Randomness:
Sweet or salty? 

 
I am sweet, but I prefer salty

Beach, plains or mountains?

Ocean! Gives me life.

Online, letters or in person?

All of the above-but I miss personal letters the most.

Ebook or print?

Print.

You can stalk AJ on Facebook, her Website, and Goodreads.

You can purchase her books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Comeback by Rick McDaniel

Synopsis:
On the field of life, we all experience setbacks—bad decisions, job loss, divorce, health problems. Even countries around the world have experienced an economic setback due to the recession. Though we all experience setbacks, no one wants to take a step back. The good news is that a comeback is possible for anyone. Rick McDaniel will show you causes for your setbacks and lessons you can learn from them. He will help you to get ready for your comeback and guide you to the components and steps needed to make it happen. Along the way, he will share many inspiring stories of comebacks. Too many people allow their setback to be a step back. McDaniel will teach you setbacks do not control your life. If you have experienced a setback and are ready for your comeback, then this is for you.

My Thoughts:
I wanted to review this book because I thought that some of the concepts behind it could be applied to my life. While this is a spiritual/religious book, it covers a wide range of problems and gives you techniques to use to overcome those issues. I liked the easy reading format of the book, and with the short length, was able to read it in one sitting. This isn't one of those really in depth Theology books, so it can inspire a wide range of readers :)

About the Author:
Rick McDaniel is the founder/senior pastor of Richmond Community Church in Richmond, Virginia. The church is known for its contemporary style and innovative services and has a worldwide reach through its Internet Campus (www.highimpactchurch.tv) Rick's messages are featured in video form on www.lightsource.com and in audio form on www.oneplace.com, as well as on Audible and Amazon. Rick has earned three degrees, including an advanced degree from Duke University. He has traveled and spoken on five continents and has authored three previous books. Rick has been married for twenty-nine years to his wife, Michelle, and they have two sons, Matt and Wes.

You can stalk Rick on Twitter and Goodreads.
You can purchase his books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Starlette Universe: 'CAT'astrophe by Kathy Johnson

Synopsis:
The core themes of STARLETTE UNIVERSE are good vs. evil, God vs. the devil, the Starlettes vs. Eva Deneval. When six Spruce Pine High students form a friendship club to fight injustice and wrong at their school, they meet the ultimate 'mean' girl, Eva the Evil, who has the ability to morph into a variety of monsters, be it a werewolf, zombie, vampire or undead head. Against all odds, the Starlettes, fun-loving beauties, emerge victorious and defeat Eva and her wicked forces from hell. Kathy Johnson, lawyer, author, and mother of Miss Vermont 1999 and Miss Vermont USA 2001, has just released the first in a series of ST ARLETTE UNNERSE books aimed at 'tween and teen girls, ages 10-16. Written in poetic rhyme and pun-filled prose, STARLETTE UNIVERSE books are serious, yet humorous, and full of life lessons for girls. There are several distinguishing characteristics: (l) 'Starlette-isms', or word play, give shine to the storyline. (2) 'Sparkles', or rules for living, aid the girls in making good decisions. (3) 'Unique-speak', or each girl's different talk, makes her personality glow. Dick Kulpa has successfully turned the six Starlettes into America's sweetarts' with his cover art and colorful illustrations. He is former publisher of Cracked Magazine, creator of Bat Boy, and a three-time syndicated newspaper comic strip cartoonist. The overriding premise of STARLETTE UNIVERSE is that evil and Eva are allowed to exist but that good and the Starlettes will ultimately prevail. After entering STARLETTE UNIVERSE, all readers are faced with a decision: Team GOOD? Or Team D.evil?

My thoughts:
I wanted to review this book because the concept behind it seemed very well thought out. The author does an excellent job illustrating the characters in a way that the intended age range would be able to relate to them very easily. However, the layout of the book is a bit distracting, which is an easy fix. I intended to give this to my nieces to read, but I do not believe they would be able to read it in the format it is presented in. As an adult I found it very hard to read. I absolutely loved the story line and concept thought, so with a few tweeks this has the potential to be THE next thing in building confident young ladies :)

You can stalk Kathy on her Website and Goodreads.
You can buy her books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Hollywood Celebrities by Sati Achath

Synopsis:
Discover a wealth of facts on Hollywood celebrities from the latest book by Sati Achath. This book contains tons of information that people have always wanted to know about celebrities. Readers will enjoy this book because, a book of this nature on Hollywood celebrities has never been published in the U.S. or anywhere in the world.

This book is the first volume, covering 55 Hollywood celebrities. Sati plans to write two more volumes, which will cover another 100 plus celebrities who are currently active in films.

Hollywood Celebrities is a great gift for movie buffs and Hollywood fans, with bios of 55 current Hollywood celebrities. Readers will discover interesting facts about celebrities before they were famous. For example, Brad Pitt was a limo chauffeur and Harrison Ford was a carpenter. Other facts include each one’s name at birth; nickname(s); date of birth; birth place; height; zodiac sign; education; family; awards; and interesting factoids. Each snapshot is accompanied by a caricature of the celebrity, drawn by the author himself.

My thoughts:
This is a great compilation of celebrities. While enjoyed the personalized caricatures of each person, the information is well known and could be found by doing a basic Google search. I would still buy this book, however, since it does present the information in a new and "different" way. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to keep up with celebrities and likes caricatures.

You can stalk him on his Website and Goodreads.

You can purchase his books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Shaala, Made of Stone by Marsheila Rockwell

Synopsis:
In a dark land of sand and sorcery, one woman takes up her staff to defy the dictates of tradition and break a terrible curse.

Shaalaraharrah was once the favored daughter of a sultan, trained in the art of martial dance. Then (the stories claim), she disobeyed her father and was transformed into a fountain as punishment, doomed to stand alone in his gardens forever, weeping for her folly. In truth, she has become simply Shaala, a warrior wandering the desert in search of a way to lift her curse–one that turned her not into literal stone, but which made her both impervious to pain and incapable of experiencing pleasure. In the land of the River People, she becomes embroiled in a dispute between desert tribes and meets a young man who might be able to break her curse at last–but at a terrible cost.

My thoughts:
The author had me hooked with the synopsis, so I could not help but want to review this book. The action and revenge have you intrigued throughout the short story, keeping you turning the pages until you find that you are at the last page. The author weaves such a mystically beautiful tale that you are left wanting more from her. Wonderful story with an awesome ending. I recommend this to anyone who likes a good "far away" read :)

About the Author:
Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell was born [redacted] years ago in America's Last, Best Place. A descendant of kings, pilgrims, Ojibwe hunters and possibly a witch or two, she spent the first few years of her life frolicking gleefully in a large backyard that is now part of one of the nation's largest Superfund sites. Perhaps that explains her early penchant for fantasy and horror - the first book she ever read (at the tender age of three) was Frank L. Baum's "Ozma of Oz."

Marcy sold her first short story to Marion Zimmer Bradley while in college and her first novel to Wizards of the Coast in 2005. She now lives in the desert in the shadow of an improbably green mountain with her Naval officer husband, their three sons, the requisite black lab, and far too many books. In odd moments stolen from her family and her writing, she can be found browsing eBay for Wonder Woman/Girl figures or Seabees…


You can stalk her on her Website, Facebook and Goodreads.
You can buy her books on Amazon and Musa.

Exiles (The John Swale Chronicles, #3) by David Pilling

Synopsis:
Can Sir John Swale keep his family together in the face of war, exile and the cruelty of nature...and does he have the will to do so?

Spring 1331: Swale and his wife Elizabeth are living as exiles in the English-held province of Gascony, but war with France is gathering on the horizon and their marriage is unhappy. Their only child, a daughter, appears to be hopelessly disabled, a cruel trick of God and nature that Swale has no way of fighting.

My thoughts:
In this segment of the John Swale Chronicles series, the author gives us insight into what 'really' happened during warring times of the Medieval Era. There is no "huff and puff" fluff like many stories written on the same topic. The author dives right into the guts and glory aspect and shows the gory side of war. And I LOVED it!! If you're into Medieval war and whatnot, this is a series for you!! As I inadvertently read the 3rd book first, I can't wait to get my hands the rest of the series!!

About the Author:
David Pilling is 32 years old and currently works in the Library and Archive at the Tate Gallery in London. Previous jobs included stints at The Royal Opera House and The School of Oriental and African Studies.

He has been writing fiction and non-fiction on a freelance basis for the past three years, and many of his non-fictional articles have appeared in various regional and national UK publications.

His fiction is inspired by his love of historical and science fiction and authors such as George McDonald Fraser, George R.R.Martin and Bernard Cornwell.

You can stalk him on his Website, Facebook and Goodreads.
You can purchase his books on Amazon, Musa, B&N and Smashwords.

The Silent Hills by Derek Thompson

Synopsis:
Everyone has a secret.

Peter Mayhew has spent his life living a lie. And when he finds himself in Harlsden, after accidentally looting a safe, all he wants to do is lay low and disappear. But a chance encounter, out by the lake, changes everything.

Soon he's thinking the impossible about all the things he's denied himself – stablity, love and a future. There's only one obstacle standing in his way – a husband who deserves no mercy.

When Evelyn Jarrowby offers him the spare room above her grocery store, Peter is drawn into a web of deceit and half-truths, and offered the chance to get closer to Sally Fletcher. But her husband, Dan Fletcher, is not the sort of man you can reason with: violence is the only language he understands.

Peter Mayhew's new life seems to be unravelling before it's even begun, unless he's willing to take cross the line. Maybe Evelyn's right when she says, “A man could drown in that lake and never be found; it’s that deep.”

And even if he could bring himself to do it, what about the other villagers - what secrets are they keeping from him?

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story. The author skillfully weaves a tale that, while leaving you wondering what is really happening, captures your attention to such a point that you're at the end before you even realize you turned page two. I loved the old-timey feel that the author paints the story into. The details were so vivid that I actually felt like I was there, right alongside the characters. I absolutely loved the ending...if you want to know what I'm talking about, you'll have to read it for yourself ;)

You can stalk the him at his Website, Blog, Facebook and Goodreads.
You can purchase his books at Amazon, Musa, B&N, and Smashwords.

Seven Minutes in Heaven by Dominique Eastwick

Synopsis:
Can spinning the bottle give you a chance at love.

When a silly game of Seven Minutes in Heaven gives Anya a chance with the one man she has always loved, will she take the chance or play it safe? Is seven minutes enough time to show him what he’s been missing?

My thoughts:
This short story has you reliving your Jr High/High School spin-the-bottle days ;) The scene is so well written that you can't help but hope that Anya gets her wish. I loved this short story and can't wait to see if the author expands on it :)

About the Author:
Dominique Eastwick grew up a US Navy Brat, so if there was a Naval base that was probably home. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two children, crazy lab and lazy cat.

Dominique's love of reading started when she was told to read TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in high school. A book that opened her eyes to the joys of reading and entering into the world of the author. To this day she ranks this book as her favorite.

You can stalk her on her Blog, Facebook and Goodreads.

You can purchase her books on Musa, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Sunset by Jay Caselberg

Synopsis:
In a far flung colony world, sometimes you have to survive any way you can.
They had their best hope on Benefis, but things don't always turn out the way they are supposed to.

My thoughts:
This short story intrigued me. Max and Sondra live in a world where genetic testing is performed, leaving the offspring as some mutant new super race. Most parents accept their young as their own, showing them off and taking care of them the best that they can. Others do not accept what is happening and take drastic measures to ensure their survival. The story is short with little said throughout the reading to let you know the exact details of what is going on. I liked this aspect, as it kept me wondering until everything was revealed in the end. I definitely could have had more of this story and hope that the author will expand it into a series :)

About the Author:
Jay Caselberg is an Australian author based in Europe. He has lived and worked in multiple countries around the world, at last count, around 70. He thinks of himself primarily as a short fiction writer and poet who also sometimes writes novels. His works span science fiction, fantasy, horror, literary and combinations of all of them.
He also writes under the pen name James A. Hartley.

You can stalk him on Goodreads.
You can purchase his books at Amazon, B&N and Musa.

The Jade and Honey Harlot (Tales of Sand and Sorcery #2) by Marsheila Rockwell

Synopsis:
In a dark land of rich sultans and scheming concubines, it takes a strong woman to rise to the throne - and something even stronger to keep her there.

Sumarkesh: City of Wonders, City of Lies, City of Secrets Star-writ in the Skies. City of Dreamers, City of Veils, City of Harlots and Satisfied Males. In this bastion of decadence, a courtesan spins a tale for her naive young client, a fantastic story about the woman who sits upon the Lotus Throne, elevated there not only by her own charms, but by the greed of a sultan’s son and the magic of his pet necromancer. But as the young man – too clever for his own good – begins to question the details of his veiled companion’s tale, he soon learns that in Sumarkesh, a harlot’s hungers extend far beyond the bedroom and spells cast in dark alleys often go disastrously awry….

My thoughts:
After reading "Shaala, Made of Stone", I couldn't help but be gravitated towards more of the author's works. In this second installment of her series, the author creates yet another world where the characters are still involving themselves in "far away" adventures. I'm really loving the main character, Shaala, and the tough girl attitude she portrays. It's refreshing to have a heroine that can hold her own! I can't wait to see the adventures that await Shaala! I recommend this short story to anyone who likes a good action and adventuresome read :)

About the Author:
Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell was born some years ago in America's Last, Best Place. A descendant of kings, pilgrims, Ojibwe hunters and possibly a witch or two, she spent the first few years of her life frolicking gleefully in a large backyard that is now part of one of the nation's largest Superfund sites. Perhaps that explains her early penchant for fantasy and horror - the first book she ever read (at the tender age of three) was Frank L. Baum's "Ozma of Oz."

Marcy sold her first short story to Marion Zimmer Bradley while in college and her first novel to Wizards of the Coast in 2005. She now lives in the desert in the shadow of an improbably green mountain with her Naval officer husband, their three sons, the requisite black lab, and far too many books. In odd moments stolen from her family and her writing, she can be found browsing eBay for Wonder Woman/Girl figures or Seabees sweetheart jewelry from WWII.

You can stalk her on her Website, Facebook and Goodreads.
You can buy her books on Amazon and Musa.

Homeless by Nely Cab

Synopsis:
Wiley has lived alone for many years without a home, without friends, and with the longing to find these, once again. Like Heaven sent, Wiley's path crosses with Emily, an endearing little girl who was homeless once, herself. A friendship between Wiley and Emily blossoms, but in the midst of this new bond, illness falls over little Emily, leaving Wiley, once more, alone.

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this short story that the author has weaved. Without saying too much and giving it away, all I can say is that homeless Wiley forms a irreplaceable friendship with Emily, who, in the end, helps him in a way that most "real" friends could not. I recommend this short story to anyone who likes a inspirational read with a twist :)


About the Author:
Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in South Texas most of her life. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting.

After her return to the U.S., she resumed her employment in banking and later transitioned to the field of Social Work.

Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home in South Texas, where she lives with her husband and son. Currently, Ms. Cab is working on the second installment in her debut series "Creatura".


You can stalk Nely on Facebook here and here, her Website and Goodreads.
You can purchase Nely's books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

600 Followers Giveaway Winners!!

And the winners are....





Jolene Allcock and Merisha Henderson-Abbott!!!

Congrats, ladies!!! I'll be emailing you with book options :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love in Bloom (Set Free: An Amish Journey, Volume 7) by George Loughmueller

Synopsis:
With spring in full swing, Allan learns to start working his farm. He has chickens in the barn and weeds in his field. His good friend Ben Abrim is there to lend a hand and share a helpful word.
The only thing that throws him off is Alice. She decides to make her intentions known regarding Sam Menlach.
Things end with a startling event at the schoolhouse.

My thoughts:

I really loved this part of the story. There is true compassion and understanding from some members of the community, and that makes up for the reservations from some. There are 2 events that happen, one that I saw coming, and one that completely threw me for a loop! I can't wait to see what happens next!! I recommend this series to anyone who loves a good Amish tale :)

You can stalk George on Goodreads, his Blog, his Publisher, and Facebook.
You can purchase George's books at Amazon and B&N.

He Is Risen (Set Free: An Amish Journey, Volume 6)

Synopsis:
The time has come for the Barn Raising. It is a time for celebration in more ways than one. The Easter Resurrection has come to Karsten Field bringing with it a surprise visitor. Allan has to face one more decision, but will it finally leave him set free?

My thoughts:This section of the series leaves you wondering how much more wonderful things can get for Allan. So much has happened since the beginning! It just goes to show that life is what you make of it :) I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good heart warming story :)

You can stalk George on Goodreads, his Blog, his Publisher, and Facebook.
You can purchase George's books at Amazon and B&N.

The Blue Door (Set Free: An Amish Journey, Volume 5) by George Loughmueller

Synopsis:
Outsiders have many myths about the Amish. It has been said that an Amish father will paint to door of his house blue when he has a daughter old enough to marry. Allan Howarth will learn first-hand if that myth is true.
In The Blue Door, Allan’s daughter Alice reveals her true motives for staying in Karsten Field. Meanwhile, Allan finds himself welcomed into the community, first through his new students and then by their parents.
To top it all, his friend Ben Abrim has a surprise announcement that Allan never expected.

My thoughts:
This section of this series had me giggling like a little school girl. There were quite a few parts where the interactions were just so "cute" that you couldn't help but sit back and say "Aww! I wish my guy was like that!" I absolutely love the traditions portrayed throughout this whole series! I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good traditional story :)


You can stalk George on Goodreads, his Blog, his Publisher, and Facebook.
You can purchase George's books at Amazon and B&N.

Trigger Bruiser by Michael Sweet Blog Tour Guest Post

Hello all :) I'm today's stop on Michael's "Trigger Bruiser" blog tour. He has stopped by and given us a little insight into his writing world. So sit back, relax, and get to know Michael a little better :)

No question is more difficult to answer than, "What is it that inspired you to write your book?"

     This is a deceptively simple question, one that is expected a simple answer from the asked. Trying to narrow down the reasons for writing a book is like trying to narrow your reasons for living into a neat little paragraph. Could you? If so, perhaps you need to see more of the world, but I assure you that you needn't go further than your own front door.

     I mean only that inspiriation is all around us; it is in everything that we encounter in a day in the life. My characters are based on people I know, surprising none of you. But would you be surprised to know that some of the most important characters in my book were not based on close friends, a family member, or even the love of my life, but rather perfect strangers who lent me nothing more than a smile?

     In the small, bare patch of yard where for some unknown reason grass will not grow, I have seen desert battles unfold on a miniature scale. Raising the forks on a power lift at work is like operating a loader on the deck of a spaceship in a science fiction story.

     My life provides the supplies I need to build my craft. Imagination does the rest. So, life + imagination = inspiration.

     Now, I realize this answer won't satisfy some of you. So, if you like, I could be a bit more direct. The world of Delve, where the Trigger Bruiser novel takes place, is nothing more than the backwoods of Kentucky, where I was born and raised. I've been all over this great nation, but the South calls me home time and time again. The protagonists Ben and Lily, are of course myself and my love, Lisa. **SPOILER ALERT** The fact that they end up with a son in the end, was inspired by the birth of my own son, which happened halfway through the writing process.

     Trigger Bruiser is a story about the strength of love, wether between a man and a woman, or between friends, surviving a cruel, dark world infested with evil. Obviously I have found the world a very difficult place for love, which makes it all the more necessary. Love, above all other things, inspires me not only in my writing, but in everything that I do.

     One last thing before I go: a writer of fiction is nothing more than a brilliant escape artist, but unlike most magicians, we pass our secrets on to you with each story we tell, helping you to escape as well. It is something we do willingly, and with much love.

     Thank you.

You can stalk Michael on his Website and Goodreads.
You can buy Michael's books on Amazon.