Friday, February 24, 2012

Spotlight Author: JH Glaze

After an amazing donation to my Very First Giveaway from JH, I decided that the authors needed their very own day to say anything they wanted. Here is what JH had to say :)

JH Glaze

The only thing we have to fear…  is everything!
By JH Glaze

Last September I attended a large convention here in Atlanta called Dragon Con. This is an annual event for fans of Gaming, SciFi, Horror, Anime and the like. I was really there to promote my first book that had been printed and arrived two days before. I didn’t have a table, I was simply walking around handing out flyers and talking to people.

While I was there, I happened to attend a talk by a woman who called herself Paranormal Sarah. There was really nothing unusual about her. She wasn’t psychic or really even a ghost hunter or any of the labels we might put on someone with a name like that. She was just someone with a degree in Psychology who chose to focus her practice on fear and the occult.

Her presentation was based on the top ten fears that people generally suffer from. The fear of heights was one of mine, but the thing that impressed me about the talk was the fact that the things people fear most are not monsters. They fear normal everyday things. Things such as water, spiders, cats, balloons and believe it or not, even clowns.

I had often thought about fear in regards to my personal life. Things like trying to start a business, beginning a new relationship, buying a house for the first time, all stressful to most anyone, but all of that stress stemming from some type of fear.

As a writer of Horror/ Paranormal /Thrillers, my job is to take simple things or situations in your daily life and show you the terror that lies within them. If I can effectively do this, I can send those chills up your spine that you are looking for when you spend $12.95 on one of my paperback books.

My colleague, Stephen King is one of the masters at working with ordinary things and situations and turning them into objects of fear. For example when Cujo, a Saint Bernard contracts rabies, Mr. King took an animal that is associated with saving lives and turned it into a ruthless killer. Cujo was hell bent on killing innocent people. Or when the car, Christine, is possessed by demons and runs people over, you don’t expect to see that type of behavior in a classic car with no driver. Shit like that just doesn’t happen.

So I have decided to practice my SK skills and for a while, focus on writing very short stories about objects and situations that at once appear to be normal or the way we usually see them. I plan to put a twist on them to create something that you wouldn’t expect. I’m going to be posting these stories on my JH Glaze Facebook page for free, and you can follow along as I write them.  While you are reading them, keep in mind that I am not spending days or hours thinking about these. I’ll sit at my computer, write for 20 or 30 minutes and you will get to see the result.

I hope you will join me for this experiment, and let me know what you think of the daily story. This is your chance to really interact with the author immediately, from my mind to yours. In the process, I hope I can send those chills up your spine and entertain you with my imagination. Thanks for reading!

You can purchase JH Glaze's books here.
You can stalk JH at his Website or Facebook, where he has The Spirit Box and NorthWest

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Snake in the Water (Mark Miller's One, #6) by George Michael Loughmueller

Mark Miller's One-Volume 6- Snake in The Water


Synopsis:
100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World, a charitable organization where children with life-threatening illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacations. www.GKTW.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization.
Mark Miller’s One is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World.
Story Six, by best-selling author George Michael Loughmueller focuses on his life. The success of his Amish themed, short story series, Set Free: An Amish Journey, is based on the real life experiences of his grandfather. In Snake in the Water, Loughmueller shares a little bit about where his ideas come from and what makes him laugh.

My thoughts:
I loved this excerpt from the the author! It was a great way to get to know a little bit more about him and the driving force behind his series, Set Free - An Amish Journey. I'm glad to have been introduced to this short story and recommend this to all who want to know more about the author :) And I recommend that everyone buy it since the proceeds go to charity ;)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mark-millers-one-volume-6-snake-in-the-water-mark-miller/1108928144?ean=2940013956995
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Millers-Snake-Water-ebook/dp/B007AWTM7S

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/LaughingGeorge
http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/GeorgeMichaelLoughmueller?xg_source=activity

Set Free: An Amish Journey-Volume 4-Lost Son Found by George Michael Loughmueller

George Michael Loughmueller


Synopsis:
His last chance was their only hope.
In this new, best-selling, periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Waiting for the inevitable change, Allan tries to decide if it is for the best. He is visited by his friend Ben Abrim and the older man shares an awe-inspiring story of how Karsten Field came to be.
Allan’s wife Tina has made her decision, leaving Allan to start his first day as a teacher.

My thoughts:
I had mixed emotions about this section of the story. I have enjoyed following Allan and family through their journey into assimilation in Amish life. However, I was really disappointed in Tina's decision. I can't help but wonder what is going to happen in the next section! I recommend this book to all who like reading about Amish life :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Journey-Set-Free-Found-ebook/dp/B00789T2IW
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-amish-journey-set-free-volume-4-lost-son-found-george-michael-loughmueller/1108811124

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/LaughingGeorge
http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/GeorgeMichaelLoughmueller?xg_source=activity

The Dark Side of the Mirror by R.L. Austin

Dark Side Of The Mirror



Synopsis:
Emily has just turned fifteen when her family relocates from New York to San Francisco. She's not thrilled when they move in with her uncle to save money, but she's determined to cope. Her new life, however, quickly spirals out of control when her uncle turns out to be a creep, she can’t make any new friends, and her parents take her to a psychologist when she insists that voices are coming from the mirrors, voices only she can hear.

One of those voices belongs to a boy named Tyler. Emily feels drawn to him and decides to help, even after she discovers that her uncle imprisoned Tyler in the mirror. The decision sets her on a path of self-discovery, with new-found powers, a dark family secret, a cute boy she’s crazy about, parents who think she’s gone bonkers, and an uncle who wants to crush her.

Emily must find her inner strength before all her troubles come crashing down on top of her.

My thoughts:
Emily hears voices. On any other occasion I would be scared of her...but the author was able to take the character and actually make you feel sorry for her. Now with that said, I enjoyed this book :) The author very skillfully wrote the book so that the target age of 12 years could easily get "into" the book, but gave it enough substance that young adults, and older, could enjoy it as well. This is definitely a good "starter" book for children and young adults to start with if they think they might be interested in the fantasy genre. I recommend this book for all ages, since it is brilliantly told and can capture anyone's interest :)

You can purchase the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-Mirror-Emilys-ebook/dp/B005PQFD4C
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110392
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-side-of-the-mirror-rl-austin/1105949775

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/RL-Austin/142568345826646?sk=wall

Spotlight Author: Gillian Joy

This post is dedicated to the Lovely Gillian Joy. She was yet another one of the authors that donated to my Very First Giveaway!! I had a great time reading through what she had to say about herself and her books. First up...The books :)

Guardian
Available now at the websites listed below :)

Guardian Synopsis:
Headstrong and determined, Hannah always knew that she would become the Guardian. She was the keeper and the protector of all supernatural. What she didn't expect was that it would mean she would have to endure the agonising death of her mother first hand as their supernatural connection brings her to her knees, or that it would mean that she could never be with the man she loved.
Blond haired, blue eyed Gabriel was her handsome childhood friend, but would circumstances prevent her from ever being able to explore her true feelings for him?
Jesse, the dark alluring but incorrigible vampire would give anything to be with her, but as the guardian Hannah is forbidden to fall in love with the supernatural.
With her life in turmoil over her conflicting emotions about Gabriel and Jesse and her frustration at being unable to exact revenge for her mother’s horrific death, Hannah flees her life in an attempt to start over. But can we ever really escape from ourselves? 
There is no escaping destiny no matter how hard she might try and Hannah must learn to reconcile her commitment to her family with her responsibility as the Guardian and her duty to her heart.

Coming soon!! :)

Forever Synopsis:
Hannah’s life has never been easy, despite her strong willed determination and her extra “gifts”, it's still always been hard work keeping an entire world full of the supernatural under control, but having achieved a small semblance of control over most of the custas, Hannah was hoping to be able to slip back into her life of normalcy. Wishful thinking when you're the guardian of all supernatural. 
With all the issues she’d had to endure in her past, she'd never had to worry about the mermaids before, so why would they choose now to suddenly start haunting her dreams and her life. Then there are the fairies to contend with as well, just when she manages to get one aspect of the crudelitas under control, the others decide it’s time to start causing problems.
All Hannah wants is some quiet family time and a chance to reflect on her feelings for Gabriel but instead she's thrown back into the thick of the supernatural world, and this time it threatens to invade the quiet family life she has worked so hard to establish. There's no running away this time, she has to front the challenges head on, but forever can be a long time if you can't be with the one you love.


Now onto the Lovely Gillian Joy. She had some great things to say :)



About the Author:
I'm a 41 year old mother of two, who designs houses for a living and lives to write.
I grew up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, Australia as the eldest of five children. I had two younger brothers and two much younger sisters. I say had, because one of my brothers died when I was only nineteen. You can read about his story in "No Chance to Say Goodbye" when it is released. 
I once had a boss who told me I had had a hard life but I never actually saw it that way. Life is what it is, and I had food, clothes, a roof over my head and a family who loved me. What's so hard about that?
These days I live on the Mornington Peninsula, South East of Melbourne, Australia, where I spend as much spare time as I can either with my nose in a book or writing away on my phone. I love it here, there aren't too many places in the world that with less that a ten minute drive you can watch the sun rise over the water, or you can watch the sun set over the water. There's just something extra special about watching the sunset over the beach, something dreamy and romantic. I live with my husband, two beautiful but willfull kids, a few fish, and a very spoilt English Staffie named Cleo.
I'm sure you don't want my whole life story so that's about it in a nutshell. I suppose though I should add that I really am a proud Australian. I love bbq's, thongs and vegimite sandwiches and I even call my friends "mate". Oh and in winter I can't live without my "ugg" boots. That's about all for now. Thank you for spending time with me today.

~Gillian Joy


You can purchase Gillian's books here:

You can find more about Gillian here:



Monday, February 20, 2012

Fantasies of the Waking Dreamer by K.W. McCabe

Cover for 'Fantasies of the Waking Dreamer'


Synopsis:
A collection of poetry:
Rain
Dead Dreams
Happiness and Joy
Heart’s Dawn: The Death of Cupid
Liquid Star: Goodbye Earth
Pass the Birthday Cake
Looking Back

My thoughts:
This a great collection of poetry. I really enjoyed all of the poems, but Pass the Birthday Cake was my favorite. I do not read poetry all that much, but when I do I like to turn to this author for my enjoyment. She just has a way with words that speaks to my soul and gives me great enjoyment. I recommend this to pretty much everyone. The author has a way of writing to where everyone would enjoy the words :)

You can get this book for FREE here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/128965
http://www.amazon.com/Fantasies-Waking-Dreamer-ebook/dp/B0074RPN9U

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/ILOBP?sk=wall
http://networkedblogs.com/u6ClF

Dreams Both Real and Strange Part 2 By K.W. McCabe

Dreams Both Real and Strange II



Synopsis:
An anthology of fantastical tales:
1. Choices: The reaper must save his daughter from eternal bondage to Death.
2. Siren: A Short Story
3. Muse: A Short Story
4. Mourning: A Son’s Good-bye
5. Escape: A Short Story
6. Wraith: Anne, Wraith and Lena must find a way to break the curse before it destroys them all.
7. Extra Short Story! Fairy Foibles

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this anthology. My favorite stories were Choices and Wraith. The author brilliantly mixes the magical lines we were introduced to in Part 1 a bit more of the darkness. The lines are intense and thought provoking in parts, but gentle and easy to read in others. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read amazing stand-alone stories :)

You can purchase the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Both-Real-Strange-ebook/dp/B006U1FGUC/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1329771436&sr=8-2-fkmr1

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/ILOBP?sk=wall
http://networkedblogs.com/u6ClF

Madison's Life Lessons (The Road to Hell .5) by Gracen Miller

Madison's Life Lessons (The Road to Hell Series - prequel)



Synopsis:
Fate can mark one early for a particular future. 


Madison Wescott’s life is Hell on earth. Her father, a Baptist Preacher, convinces her she’s morally corrupt when men notice her blooming beauty. She strives to be unnoticeable, but nothing satisfies her condemning parents. 


And sometimes fate has nothing to do with one’s potential. 


Temptation rears its head when Micah Dominus visits her father’s church on Christmas morning, but she is unprepared for her physical reaction to him. Frightened by her own emotions, she is grateful she’ll never see him again. But when he shows up again at a friend’s funeral, and at other times in her life, she’s swayed by his charisma. Micah becomes her white knight through the good and bad, but can they create the perfect life together? Or has she just located the beginning of the Road to Hell? 


Supernatural forces more powerful than fate can claim one’s destiny…


My thoughts:
I love the story line and format of this book! The author very skillfully paired a sweet, innocent goody-two-shoes girl with an awesomely hot bad-boy (man!) and had no remorse about doing so! There are several parts where I'm fairly certain that my heart stopped in anticipation for the next scene. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Madison's transformation throughout this book and cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! I recommend this book to anyone who likes a little bad boy hottie action ;)


You can buy the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Madisons-Life-Lessons-Road-ebook/dp/B0067DC1UG
http://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/104749/2/madisons-life-lessons
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madisons-life-lessons-gracen-miller/1107759503


You can find out more about the author here:
http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Road-to-Hell-series/112564408814796

The Devil's Bait by Jeffrey J. Mariotte

The Devil's Bait

Synopsis:
Jessie Dawn Cutler is a rising star in the high-stakes banking world, as a relationship banker--someone who manages the accounts of the wealthiest clients. When her favorite customer turns out to be crooked and Jessie witnesses a savage crime, it'll take every resource she has--and the unlikeliest allies of all--to keep her alive. The Devil's Bait is a breakneck-paced thriller, brimming with exotic locations and nonstop action.


My thoughts:
This was yet another great thriller read from the author! There are so many twists and turns throughout this story that you get halfway through and realize that you have no idea what's going to happen! I thought I had the story figured out about a quarter of the way through, and was totally blown away with the way it turned out. As a normally perceptive person and should have picked up on what was going to happen, but somehow the author managed to twist it in a way that I never saw it coming! This is definitely a book that won't disappoint you! I recommend it to anyone that loves a good thriller :)


You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Devils-Bait-ebook/dp/B0058EU3TG
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70809
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devils-bait-jeff-mariotte/1104361133
http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-devils-bait/id451077516?mt=11


You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/JeffreyJMariotte
http://www.jeffmariotte.com/books.htm

Vultar's Tellianar Part 1 By Beth Wright

Cover for 'Vultar's Tellianar  Part 1'




Synopsis:
This is Vultar's Heart, Body and Soul Mate remade. It has lots more added to it, especially Vultar's thoughts. 
A young eighteen year old female gets kidnapped from her own home.
While off in another world Vultar plans to get himself captured to find her, his heart, body and soul mate. 
What will her reaction be to seeing her soul mate, who is not human at all. This is his biggest fear, once she sees him will she run in fear?
You must read to see all the action, love, humor and sweetness all rolled into this one series. 


My thoughts:
This is yet another wonderful short story by Beth. She definitely has a knack for writing additive series. Setiana is put under a spell, wakes up and finds herself in yet another dungeon of some sort. Only this time she is put in with one of the most beautiful women she has ever seen...but what she finds out about said woman will knock your socks off. Definitely a great read :) I can't wait to see what Beth comes up with next!!!


You can get this author's books here:
http://www.amazon.com/Beth-Wright/e/B005WKCZFG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/angelgates28
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/beth-wright


More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3974614.Beth_Wright

Stained (The Stained Series) by Ella James

Stained (The Stained Series)

Synopsis:
After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the monster responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.


My thoughts:
I loved reading this story. Julia's perseverance from beginning to end was inspiring. After dealing with everything imaginable she is thrust into the life of Cayne, where she learns things about herself that she never would have thought possible. Murder, suspense, action and a little bit of romance is what you will find if you choose to read this well written story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I recommend Stained to anyone that enjoys the paranormal action/romance genre :)


You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Stained-Series-ebook/dp/B005NAUQRY


You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stained/253109828060545

Set Free-An Amish Journey-Volume 3-The Barn Incident by George Michael Loughmueller

An Amish Journey- Set Free- Volume 3-The Barn Incident


Synposis:
His last chance was their only hope.
In this new, best-selling, periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Walking into a freezing river in January may not have been Allan’s best idea, but the consequences give his family time to make some choices of their own. Tina plays caregiver to her husband while their children learn about their new way of life. This proves to be challenging for Brett, a fourteen year old boy used to video games and internet. His decisions lead to The Barn Incident.

My thoughts:
This part of the story has more to do with the children and their ways of rebelling against the new rules. While their mother, Tina is caring for their father, Allan, Brett is off on his own doing something that he thought would do no harm. Little did he know... I enjoyed this part of the story and can't wait to see what happens in part 4. I recommend this short story to anyone who enjoys reading about the Amish :)

You can purchase this story here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/george-michael-loughmueller
http://www.amazon.com/George-Michael-Loughmueller/e/B006KCE52G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5375040.George_Michael_Loughmueller
http://www.facebook.com/LaughingGeorge?sk=wall

Set Free-An Amish Journey-Volume 2-The Hat on The Water by George Michael Loughmueller



An Amish Journey-Set Free-Volume 2-The Hat on The Water


Synopsis:
In this new periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Allan and his family are faced with many new changes on their first day. This creates instant friction with the children. Allan considers the offer to take his old teacher’s place at the schoolhouse. His decision leads to an unexpected event.


My thoughts:
I really loved this part of this short series. I admire Allan's courage and tenacity throughout this part of the story. Not many people I know would make the sacrifices that he has... I can't wait to see what happens in part 3. I recommend this to anyone interested in the Amish way of life :)


You can purchase this story here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/george-michael-loughmueller
http://www.amazon.com/George-Michael-Loughmueller/e/B006KCE52G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1


You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5375040.George_Michael_Loughmueller
http://www.facebook.com/LaughingGeorge?sk=wall

Set Free-An Amish Journey-Volume 1-Coming Home by George Michael Loughmueller



Set Free-An Amish Journey- Volume 1-Coming Home (Set Free- An Amish Journey)



Synopsis:
His last chance was their only hope.
In this new periodical short story series from Trestle Press, a man on the brink of self-destruction is given the opportunity to start over.
Allan Howarth is unhappy in work, in marriage, in family. He is stressed by finances and relationship problems. When a letter arrives from a long forgotten friend, Allan suddenly finds an opportunity to help himself, his wife and their two teenage children.
The letter presents Allan with a unique possibility which leads him on an Amish journey.


George Michael Loughmueller is a descendant of German heritage. Finding joy in being a husband and father, he is known by his friends as “Laughing George” because of his cheerful disposition and the pronunciation of his last name.
Born in the Midwest, George has spent time both in Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. He works in retail, but has long had the dream of being an author. With the support of family and friends, George decided to write a story inspired by his grandfather.
“Set Free: An Amish Journey” is a work of fiction. However, some of the events are based on facts and stories told by George’s late father about the unusual life of his grandfather. In George’s mind, the fictional church district of Karsten Field is set in the small communities of eastern Iowa.


My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this start to the story.  The author's writing style is easy to read and keeps you intrigued throughout the whole reading. I can't wait to read what happens to Allan and family in part 2. I recommend this short story to anyone interested in the Amish way of life :)


You can purchase this story here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/george-michael-loughmueller
http://www.amazon.com/George-Michael-Loughmueller/e/B006KCE52G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1




You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5375040.George_Michael_Loughmueller
http://www.facebook.com/LaughingGeorge?sk=wall

Saving Bobby by Crystal Cattabriga

Saving Bobby


Synopsis:
When Bobby's world came crashing down on his thirteenth birthday he knew his life would never be the same again. After losing most of his family before ever becoming a teenager. Bobby was determined not to lose the only person who had truly loved him and was always there for him; his mom. Struggling with the fear of losing his mother to cancer Bobby takes it upon himself running away in search for a way to save her. Along Bobby's journey, he meets Annie, a 'runaway.' Together, they embark on a road where they both find a friendship that will last forever and the true meaning of God. Will Bobby save his mother in time and will Annie go back to the life she had? Experience this journey with Bobby and Annie and feel the power of true determination, and what God can do if you just let him into your heart...

My thoughts:
Oh where to start with this book!? This book was beyond amazing for me! It had such a great story line/message and was one of those "hard to put down" books. I'm not one to tear up much while reading, but this one definitely had me in tears more than once. This book makes you think about more than just yourself. It is a great read and I will be purchasing it for several family members/friends. I recommend this book to anyone in general, as there is not one person that I can think of that wouldn't benefit from reading this story :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Bobby-ebook/dp/B006AIBL0O
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saving-bobby-crystal-cattabriga/1107528803
https://www.createspace.com/3684738

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.crystalcattabriga.com/giveaways.html
http://www.facebook.com/crystalcattabriga

KOI by Lavonia Reid

Koi


Synopsis:
This collection of poems shows all forms of love, from family to friends to significant other from the point of view of a high school student. This collection of poems show how over time life changes and our understanding of love also changes.

My thoughts:
This was a great collection of poetry focused on Love. It was a perfect read for the Valentine's Holiday :) I love the layout and format of the book. The author really made you sit down and think about what ideas she trying to get across to you in each poem. My favorite poem was "Love?" It really hit home for me. Each poem, though, was well written and conveyed the emotion that was intended, whether it was happy or sad. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the roller coaster ride that emotions can sometimes lead us through :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/koi-lavonia-reid/1107379226
http://www.amazon.com/Koi-Lavonia-Reid/dp/160047666X

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lavonia-Reid-Author/259210844136155

Shereen Travels Cheap by Shereen Rayle

Shereen Travels Cheap


Synopsis:
Are there places you want to go but never do because you think you can’t afford the travel costs? Do you plan your vacations on a budget, but find that your budget doesn’t get you very far from home? Shereen Travels Cheap was written for you! This entertaining book will teach you how to plan the vacations you have always dreamed of taking, but for a lot less money than you ever thought you would spend. Using a combination of proven tips and techniques and the best the Internet has to offer, Shereen shows you how a little effort can reap big savings and allows you to do more on your trips!

My thoughts:
I loved the easy to read layout of this book. There were several tips and tricks that the author presented that I hadn't thought of before. I'd like to think that I'm pretty "shop savvy" but the author has so many sources in one spot that it's hard not to recommend this book. I will definitely be using this as my "go to" book when planning my next vacation. There is just too much information in there to try to do it on my own. Whether you need help planning the vacation, or just some tips on how to pack lighter to avoid baggage fees, this book has it all. I recommend this book to anyone that is planning any sort of trip :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shereen-travels-cheap-shereen-rayle/1107485467
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/shereentravelscheap
http://www.amazon.com/Shereen-Travels-Cheap/dp/B003ZK57ZU
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/shereen-rayle/shereen-travels-cheap/_/R-400000000000000542401

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.shereentravelscheap.com/
http://www.facebook.com/shereentravelscheap
http://www.twitter.com/shereentrvlschp

The Vampire Hunter's Daughter: Collector's Edition Parts I, II and III by Jennifer Malone Wright


The Vampire Hunter's Daughter Collector's Edition Parts I, II and III


Synopsis:
In this special collector’s edition of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter, you will find the complete works of parts I, II, and III and you will discover the world of the vampire hunter’s which Chloe Kallistrate is unwillingly thrust into.
It all begins when fourteen-year-old Chloe witnesses her mother’s murder at the hands of a vampire. Before the vampire can kidnap her, there is an unexpected rescue by a group of vampire hunters. Overwhelmed by the feeling of safety, Chloe passes out and they whisk her away to their small community. When Chloe wakes, she comes face to face with the only other living relative, besides her mother, whom she has ever met: her grandfather.

Through her grandfather, she learns her mother was a vampire hunter. In fact, her entire family is descended from the powerful bloodlines of vampire hunters. Chloe agrees to join the family she has never known for one reason only: Chloe vows to kill the vampire responsible for her mother’s murder.

With vengeance in her soul, Chloe is even more determined to follow through on her vow when she discovers the true identity of her enemy and how he is connected to her.
So, she begins to train hard, mentored by Drew, the young hunter who saved her and lives with her grandfather. Although she is directly descended from ancient, powerful vampire hunters, the rigorous training schedule begins to break her down.

Chloe also experiences her first Christmas without her mother. As part of the grieving process she visits her mother’s grave for the first time and there, she is visited by Sostrate, the immortal demi-god from whom she is descended.

As she comes of age, Chloe is changing and developing the gifts unique to her heritage. She discovers a new power she must learn to use and control. During this emotionally chaotic time in her life, the community is attacked, her grandfather injured and hunters are killed. After almost losing her only remaining family, Chloe questions whether her continued presence in the community will sacrifice everyone she has come to care about.

My thoughts:
I absolutely love this series so far. Chloe is thrust into a world she never thought existed and comes out fighting like a champ! The adventure that has now become her life is an ever present force in her success in developing her gifts. The author has a way of hooking you from page one and keeping you addicted throughout the whole series. I can't wait to read the 4th installment to continue following Chloe in her quest for revenge. I recommend this series to all who love a good vampire/hunter story :)

You can purchase the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Hunters-Daughter-Collectors-ebook/dp/B006Y381OO/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_3
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/123510?ref=addall

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/thevampirehuntersdaughter
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Malone-Wright/196830580361271

The Vampire Hunter's Daughter: Part III by Jennifer Malone Wright

The Vampire Hunter's Daughter: Part III

Synopsis:
In the third installment of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter, Chloe Kallistrate's first Christmas without her mother is difficult. As part of the grieving process she visits her mother’s grave for the first time and there, she is visited by Sostrate, the immortal demi-god from whom she is descended.

As she comes of age, Chloe is changing and developing the gifts unique to her heritage. She discovers a new power she must learn to use and control, as if being a teenager wasn't difficult enough. During this emotionally chaotic time in her life, the community is attacked, her grandfather injured and hunters are killed. After almost losing her only remaining family, Chloe questions whether her continued presence in the community will sacrifice everyone she has come to care about.

My thoughts:
Chloe's adventures in this installment were something that I did not see coming! The author has hooked me yet again with the story line. I love the twists and turns that are incorporated throughout this series. This is definitely not your typical vampire/hunter story! I would recommend this series to all who like an original vampire/hunter story line :)

You can purchase this book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Hunters-Daughter-Part-ebook/dp/B006IW09GE
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/111755

You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Malone-Wright/196830580361271
http://www.facebook.com/thevampirehuntersdaughter

The Vampire Hunter's Daughter: Part II by Jennifer Malone Wright



The Vampire Hunter's Daughter: Part II


Synopsis:
In the second installment of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter, Chloe Kallistrate’s life has been turned upside down. After witnessing the vampire attack that left her mother dead, she's adopted by her grandfather into a community of vampire hunters. Although she is directly descended from ancient, powerful vampire hunters, the rigorous training schedule begins to break her down. All she wants, all she has ever wanted, is to be a normal teen.


Chloe finds renewed motivation from an unexpected encounter with a fledgling vampire, the first she has seen since her mother's death. Staring into the glowing red eyes of the vampire, Chloe freezes, forgetting all her training. After the vampire is vanquished by her friend and mentor, Drew, Chloe resolves to train harder, to be the best, and to kill the vampire who had her mother killed. Finally mourning her mother, Chloe allows her revenge to drive her, accepting that her life will never be normal.


This is a the second installment in the short story series The Vampire Hunter's Daughter by Jennifer Malone Wright.


My thoughts:
I loved this installment of The Vampire Hunter's Daughter. The author pulls you in and keeps you addicted to the story line with awesome twists and turns. This segment has all of the suspense and action that the first installment has, so if you're ready for some crazy fight scenes you have to check this series out! I can't wait to see what happens to Chloe in the 3rd installment! I recommend this story to anyone who likes a bit of a twist on the everyday vampire/hunter story line :)




You can purchase this book here:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90965
http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Hunters-Daughter-Part-ebook/dp/B005OS4X0G


You can find out more about the author here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Malone-Wright/196830580361271
http://www.facebook.com/thevampirehuntersdaughter