Monday, July 22, 2013

Upcoming Review Sneak Peek

About the Author

Born in 1976, Jay Phillips graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in English Lit. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, two children, and a golden retriever named Shippo. A lifelong lover of comic books. Star Wars, Doctor Who, and everything else from the nerd culture, he prides himself on writing fiction that crosses boundaries.

About the Book

Years ago, a gene virus ran rampant across the planet, leaving a small percentage of people gifted/cursed with extraordinary abilities and humanity itself forever changed. Suddenly, there were people with super strength and speed, people who could read minds, people who could teleport themselves from place to place with but a single thought.
Several of these people joined together to form The Seven, the most powerful group of supers the world had ever known. Led by the enigmatic Agent America, The Seven kept the country safe from threats both foreign and internal. The is until the United States government decided the threat of the supers outweighed any protection they could offer.
"They were supposed to be invincible; they were supposed to be our heroes."
After a war between the super powered and the "normals" (as non-powered humans are now referred). The Seven have placed themselves as the nation's rulers, controlling the country through fear and intimidation. But now, someone or something is murdering The Seven one-by-one, singe handedly attempting to make them pay for all the sins they have committed.
To stop a killer, The Seven turn to a man who hates them as much as anyone. An imprisoned many known only as The Detective finds himself in the unenviable position of helping the people he despises in exchange for his freedom.
"A noir detective mystery wrapped around the superhero myth, Kingdom of Heroes is a character driven novel that will leave you guessing and entertained until the very end."

Links

Jay Phillips Amazon Author Page
Become a fan on Goodreads

Buy the Book

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Upcoming Review Sneak Peek

About the Author

Check out his "grill"
Nocomus Columbus lives in Saint Louis "I'll probably die in Saint Louis" the author states on his Amazon author page. He reveres Roberto Bolano as "the shit" and while he is writing short stories about whatever he feels like currently, he states that "someday [he'll] be able to write a novel."
"I'm trying to sell books so I can buy a new grill." (Nocomus Columbus)

About the Book

"A friend of mine read this book and called it a cry for help. He called it disturbing. Filth. Really the book is about how different people deal with grief differently. Pain can cause some to go crazy. It causes other to write. Some will medicate. A few will murder. 7,000 words is all you'll find... but maybe you'll find more than that. Who knows?"

Fates intertwine by an unsettling shared even from the past; a troubled solder, a vengeful dreamer, an outcast, and a writer. Each person deals with the pain in their own way; sex, drugs, art, and death. Follow them on their self-discovery and loss.

Links

Become a fan on Goodreads

Buy the Book

Other Works by Nocomus Columbus

Friday, July 19, 2013

GWR: Sidekick Chronicles II: A Pirate's Tale by Stacey Rourke

About the Author

Stacey Rourke lives in Michigan with her husband and two beautiful daughters that she knows are nothing short of a blessing from Heaven. She took a break from working on her young adult fantasy Gryphon Series to share her story of infertility with the world. To learn more about her or her other available titles please visit: www.staceyrourke.com

About the Book

The call of the sea.
The promise of adventure. 
For Rowan Wade, the need to return to his swashbuckling ways is enough to betray the only woman he's cared for in over three hundred years.
With vengeance in his heart, he's determined to exact his revenge on those that mutinied against his father.
The arrival of an unlikely ally challenges Rowan's plans. Her goal isn't to stop him, but to lead him on a journey of self discovery to unravel the mysteries of the twisted path that led him to the Dark Army.
Will it be enough to make the pirate shift course? Or will he be lost forever in a rum-induced haze? Hoist ye colors and prepare to set sail with the Gryphon Series' favorite pirate!

Links

Official Website: www.staceyrourke.com
Connect with the author on Facebook
Tweet on Twitter @Rourkewrites Join the party today (July 19th) at 2:00 PM #PiratesTale

Buy the Book


Other Titles Available

Enter the Giveaway

Disclaimer: A GWR Publicity event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. Giveaway is sponsored by the author who is responsible for the delivery of prize. What Shall We Blog About Today? received no compensation for this post.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

GWR: Devoted Tour Excerpt 1

 Excerpt from "Devoted" by Katherine Polillo

"I stared down into the musty, dust-covered bouquet of artificial white roses.  It smelled vaguely of basement, and was slightly squished on one side.  I still couldn’t believe I was standing here and my stomach rolled with anxiety just to reiterate that fact.  What was I thinking?  My breathing sped and I felt a trickle of sweat roll down my back.  Actually I knew exactly how I got here, and I should have known he had ulterior motives. 
            We had been somewhere in Oklahoma driving though the beauty that was the grasslands of the Great Plains, enormous wind turbines slowly turning in the distance.  I found myself as infatuated with Gabriel’s beauty as I was with the scenery around us.  The top of the convertible was down and his dark curls blew wildly in the breeze.  He caught me staring and shot a heart-stopping smile back in my direction as he reached over to turn down the music playing from the radio. 
            “So I was thinking,” he began.
I interrupted because I never let the opportunity for a bad joke pass me by, “Aww you don’t have to do that, just look pretty.” 
            He rewarded my terrible joke with a flash of perfectly white teeth and a brilliant smile.  “No really, “ he continued.  “I was thinking that we drive past Colorado and Utah, and visit Vegas.”  He again turned to me eyebrows raised with question. 
            “I told Cami and my Mom we would be there to see them tomorrow.”  I racked my brain for the reason for his little change in plans. 
“So call and tell them we’ll be a few more days,” he replied matter of fact with a shoulder shrug. 
            “Why Vegas?” I asked as I shifted in my seat.  I was going to have some serious tan lines from my shorts and the way the sun was beating down on the car. 
            “From what I hear, Vegas is like nothing else around.  I’ve seen a lot of the world, but I’ve never been to Vegas. “
The answer seemed simple enough, of course looking back; the dark sunglasses he wore made it difficult to read his face.  But I had given in, mostly because I never wanted to tell him no, but also because I liked the juxtaposition of a former Archangel in Sin City. 
Now here I stood in cut off denim shorts, a white peasant top, flip-flops with feet covered in desert dust staring into a wedding bouquet.  If I didn’t stop my rapid breathing and hammering of my heart I was going to throw-up.  No one in their right mind did things like this.  I wasn’t an inebriated pop star or a Hilton sister, and I was stone cold sober.   At that moment something seemed terribly wrong with 18 not being old enough to drink in Vegas, but plenty old enough to get married. 
Here I stood at the Little White Wedding Chapel with a sign out front boasting a 24 hour drive up window and the place where Michael Jordan and Joan Collins tied the knot, not to each other of course.  For the low-low price of $55 we were about to make it official.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved him and couldn’t picture a world without him in my life, but marriage at 18 seemed like a crazy idea.  So why than did I agree to this when he asked?  Honestly my heart spoke before my brain had a chance to chime in.  I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, and yes I’m aware how many 18 year olds make that same proclamation, but to our defense we had a little more going on than your typical high school romance.   He and I had been through more together than most people would ever have to deal with, and he had taught me that I needn’t fight all my battles alone.  I wanted to make him mine forever, it was the getting from point a to point b that I was having a little trouble with." (Excerpt 1 from Devoted by Katherine Polillo)

About The Author

Katherine Polillo originally planned to grow-up and become an archaeologist. Unfortunately, the desert air dried out her skin, the dirt was impossible to get from under her fingernails, and she just could not pull off a fedora like the iconic Harrison Ford character Indiana Jones. So - instead, she pursued a career in education. She courageously teaches high school history and special education. Which, from first hand experience I can contest, is not for the faint of heart.
In her free time she creates these fictional stories that has received numerous awards (listed below). She never really outgrew her imaginary friends stage, and instead has created lives and stories for the creations of her imagination to live in. When she is present in reality ad not off on an adventure with her imaginary friends, she lives in a small, New Jersey town with her husband, the man to which all fictional leading men are compared, and their two spoiled rotten, ungrateful cats.

About The Book

Devoted is the second book in The Water's Trilogy and asks the crucial decision, can love conquer all? 

Michelle has managed to survive high school against all odds, but now she finds herself floating adrift in "the real world". With two horsemen defeated, there are still two unaccounted for, and surely they are plotting her immediate demise. Michelle leaves her small New Jersey town behind to venture off west. Barely able to comprehend her role as humanity's savior she now has to grapple with some new roles and identities. With her Watcher, Gabriel, by her side she must again face the evils of Hell and attempt to keep her family safe. Will love conquer all or will 'till death do us part come too soon?

Links

Buy Links

Buy The Book


Other Titles By Katherine Polillo


Giveaway Dates: 12:01 am July 8th through midnight July 31st

Devoted Tour

Book Tour Schedule (open dates may be filled)

July 9th - Twitter Party 8 pm (EST) #Devoted
July 10th - Playing For Sweeps (Review)
July 11th - Ali's Bookshelf (Guest Post)
July 12th - A.B.Shepherd (Author Guest Post)
July 13th - Rayborn Rambles (Review)
July 14th - Aria Glazki Writes (Author Guest Post)
July 15th - R&M Fab Book Reviews (Review & Top 10)
July 16th - Into the Land of Books (Author Interview)
July 17th - Lindsay and Janes Views and Reviews (Review & Character Guest Post)
July 18th - What Shall We Blog About Today? (Excerpt)
July 19th (open)
July 20th - Book Dream Land (Review & Author Guest Post)
July 21st (Open)
July 22nd - Girl Who Reads (Author Interview)
July 23rd - Cabin Goddess (Review & Character Guest Post)
July 24th - Our New Generation for Reading (Review & Excerpt)
July 25th - Karen Pokras Toz (Author Interview)
July 26th (open)
July 27th - Lubs Book Chatter (Review & Character Interview)
July 28th (open)
July 29th - Al That's Written (Character Guest Post) 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Upcoming Review Sneak Peek

About the Author

Growing up in London, +Michelle Abbott love to read all genres of romance and decided to try her hand at writing. In April, 2013 she self-published "In Chains" from her computer, where she clicks away at her keyboard with no letters upon the keys "because they've all worn off." Michelle also enjoys traveling and seeing new places and occasionally she knits.
"I enjoy writing romance with heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl." (Michelle Abbott)

About the Book

A dystopian-contemporary romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.

Savannah, feeling a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother's country farmhouse. It's there that she meets Kayden; her brother's slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that's about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother's property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Links

Become a fan on Goodreads
Add to your circles on Google+

Make a video of your own at Animoto.

Buy the Book

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Upcoming Review Sneak Peak: The Sand Bluff Murders by C. M. Albrecht

About the Author

"People say I've got attitude. Attitude they don't like. I get that a lot. The cops and me? We work toward the same end, but we're like water and electricity. They think I cramp their style. They hat that I don't have to play by their rules."
"I usually end up needing a lawyer. I had one. He fell off the back of an ambulance full of mesothelioma patients and got run over by a speeding Cooper. I'm alone and on my own. It's a mean life. I'm used to it."

This is part of the charm that C. M. Albrecht embodies, a clever wit that is actually mild-mannered who loves his mysteries and detectives. He not only writes mysteries, he's a private eye in real life. "When my casebook's empty - and it's empty a lot - I write books."
He sits at his desk and drinks coffee and daydreams. 
He lives in Sacramento, CA where he proclaims to "wear a dark fedora and trench coat even when it's a hundred and five" outside." Mr. Albrecht is happily married to his beautiful wife Irma since 1967. While his head may be in the clouds, she helps keep his feet firmly on ground. (http://www.cmalbrecht.com/)

About the Book

When Jonas McCleary gets the opportunity to join the force in sleepy Sand Bluff, he jumps at it. A cushy job in a little town where nothing ever happens. He can relax and enjoy life, and since Jonas is getting onto thirty, he's hoping with a little luck, to meet Miss Right.
But on his third day in Sand Bluff, another officer, Ackers, finds a body in an alley. Now the only bright things about Harold Ackers is his badge. Ackers thought the guy was drunk and only after he managed to get him to headquarters did someone inform Ackers that his drunk was dead. Albert Mohr, cocky and mouthy, isn't much better, and probably not much brighter, so Chief Raymond Castillo is depending on Jonas, his only real cop with any previous training, to solve this mystery and bring a killer to justice.
Jonas just wishes he had the confidence his chief places in him. But he's going to give it his best shot. As he goes around town talking to people, he meets some strange residents, especially little person, Lester/Jessica, trailer court operator and dog trainer. Lester/Jessica is also a transvestite with a mammoth bodybuilder boyfriend, and of course, there's Larry Peters, the town insurance agent and his wife, town hussy, Twyla. Twyla's got quite a reputation. Jonas also meets Roxie Jenkins whose father runs the local newspaper. Could she just be Miss Right? 

Links

The Sand Bluff Murders Blog: http://cmalbrecht.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmalbrecht @cmalbrecht

Acclaim for "The Sand Bluff Murders"

"An old-fashioned page turner." (I. Reitmann, Cleveland Courier)

"I highly recommend this book... The Sand Bluff Murders - with its witty narration, charming protagonist and solid mystery plot - is definitely worth the read." (Cafe' Reads, www.cafereads.blogspot.com)

Buy the Book

Other Titles Available by C. M. Albrecht

(Not in chronological order)

Monday, July 15, 2013

Vote for Mrs. Maryland Fabulous Faces Contest


About Mrs. Maryland


Vote On-line - +Heather Ziehl  - Mrs. Maryland America 2013, was born and raised in Maryland, growing up was fairly typical; school, family and friends. In 2010 she married her sweetheart, Michael, and form their blended family with his daughter Brianna. Heather has learned that part of being a wife and step=mother means more than just serving those who you love so dearly.
"The beauty of today's married woman is that her influence can not only be felt within the walls of her home, but also in the lives of so many others."
Although Heather's true happiness incorporates her family and friends, "life becomes so much more fulfilling when you're able to impact the lives of others as well!" She has a passion for being engaged in the community through volunteering, charity and civic involvement. Her dedication has established a tremendous following and has made quite the impression on local media where she's been featured in TV, Radio, Newspapers and Magazines. In 2011, heather was chosen as one of Startup Nation's "2011 Leading Mom's In Business Competition" winners and her natural on-camera presence and charisma landed her a spot of the cover of Harford Style Magazine. (Excerpt from www.heatherziehl.com)

Spread the Word

Join Mrs. Maryland's Facebook event with The Mrs. America organization and their "Fabulous Face Contest" they want to know who your choice is for Mrs. America 2013. The winner of the contest will automatically be placed as a Semi-Finalist as "America's Choice" at the Mrs. America Pageant in Tucson, AZ on August 28th, 2013.
Please help #teamziehl by voting for Mrs. Maryland and help Heather continue on her quest to be a positive influence in so many lives. Join her on Facebook and benefit from her daily motivational posts. Help Mrs. Maryland automatically get to the Mrs. America 2013 Semi Finals. Please click the link to vote for Mrs. Maryland America 2013 - Heather Ziehl.

Connect With Mrs. Maryland

Follow on Twitter@Heather_Ziehl

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Savoring Summer

  My 10 Favorite Things About Summertime in Maryland


10.) My new favorite thing these days is a new cider - Redd's Apple Ale - produced and brewed by Budweiser Company. It is brewed like a beer but tastes like cider. My first cider that I fell in love with was Cider Jack. Then, from supply and demand (what was available) I reverted to Woodchuck, and enjoyed the pear cider. I've tried other ciders such as K, Longbow, and Angry Orchard. But, after someone introduced us to Redd's Apple Ale, I was sold. Since it's produced and distributed by one of the largest manufacturing companies, I expect this should be available everywhere. So, if you like an alcoholic cider, definitely try Redd's Apple Ale.
9.) Evenings Outback - the great thing about spring and summer are great evenings outside with the people you choose to be with. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have cousins that lived on the same street. We would get together and start games of volleyball, softball, or just riding bikes. These nights consist of some of my most precious memories. This year, new memories were made with my boyfriend +Justin Barnhill, either tossing the (make-shift) frizbee or kicking the soccer ball around. I say 'make-shift' frizbee because we lost ours over the fence. So, I took an tupperware container top - believe it or not, it actually works better!
8.) Something that I never took value in before - planting - growing up, being forced to do the outside weeding or mowing created my distaste for horticulture.  This year, it created a stress relief barrier for me. We have been under more stress then normal, so escaping outside to cultivate seeds and seeing their green life emerge has been something that has brought me joy. It's much healthier than smoking, I use to smoke to relieve stress and stopped about five months ago. Since it seems that we are able to get less and less groceries, planting produce is a great option - why not grow your own! 
7.) Corn on the cob - Along with other fresh veggies - corn on the cob is great during cook-outs along with the cheeseburgers, hotdogs, and other staples of the American celebratory get-together's. Here are some tips for making the perfect corn-on-the-cob. When you are boiling your cobs, add some sugar to the water, it makes for a sweet crunchy corn and healthier than smearing all that butter and salt on it. Another great tip, you can grill the corn, don't husk it - just put it on the grill husk and all (make sure to cut one end off before you put it on the grill). Once it's finished, the cob will slide right out and after a little cool-down, will be ready for your munching enjoyment.
6.) Swimming - my favorite activity (other than the above mentioned) is to submerge myself into a cool, water filled, swimming pool. Since I was young, it was always like a special treat to get to go swimming. We use to belong to the local Bren Mar Swim Club before it closed. Then, my sister (who is several years older than me) was a lifeguard and I was lucky enough to get to bum along with her and spend the day at the pool. In high school, my best friend's relatives had a pool that we went to a couple times. It's a perfect activity to stay cool during those blistering summer days.
5.) Baltimore Orioles Games - If you didn't know me, then you didn't know that I am a home-grown lady. I love my O's and Raven's (Baltimore Maryland sport teams). In supporting them, going to their games, or watching the games on t.v. while having a drink in my hand, is damn near blissful. These last two years have been even better because they have been doing pretty well. This year, following #19 Chris Davis - he is just crushing it!
4.) Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream - after overdosing on Old Bay with your Maryland crabs, it is a great treat to follow-up with a couple scoops of your favorite ice cream. I love a sweet sugar waffle cone with the delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream and topped with chocolate sprinkles (or jimmies, depending on where you are from). I read on one of the containers that mint chocolate chip is actually a healthier choice, so it makes me feel a little better. I've been wanting to get a local creamery chocolate ice cream, it tastes like frozen churned fudge!
3.) Watermelon (fresh fruit) - I have always loved fruit. When I go to the grocery store I usually pick up a couple containers of raspberries, blueberries, blackberries along with grapes and whatever else I can get my hand on (or afford!) But, especially during the summer, when there are displays of watermelon, I can't resist. It's cool and refreshing. I think because of the high quality of hydration, it is great for your skin too (along with cucumbers). I also love to go outside late summer and pick my big purple grapes off of our vine. 
2.) Maryland Crabs - I haven't had them yet this season (I desperately would love to though) but crabs is a Maryland tradition. The spice most commonly used is Old Bay, although many places have their own signature blends. It's spicy, it's messy, it's time consuming - but, it's so worth it. I have been with different people when they are trying them for the first time. If you haven't tried them I can see how it can be intimidating (and even disgusting) but when you've grown-up with it, it's a staple and a symbol of Maryland tradition. A great tip - put some of your picked meat aside and save it for in the morning. Make an omelette using the crab meat, with the spices, it's a great and tasty treat.
1.) Smells - the great smells of summer include the smell of rain, fresh cut grass, and the various smells from flowers, bushes, and trees. A favorite is always honeysuckle, sweet and pleasant, doesn't last too long though. One of my favorite summer smells includes the different sunscreens, especially if it smells like it has coconut in it. The smells from the beach, the salty ocean air, always reminds me of being on the east coast (Ocean City). 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

GWR: Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law Excerpt

"Cell Phone"

"The thug had thrown the cell phone into the street half a block
down. Please don’t let it have been run over, she thought, please.
She arrived panting. It was there. It was lying in the street, a
little off the centerline. It hadn’t been run over yet. The traffic was
heavy here; how could she reach it? She waited impatiently for a break
in the cars. She was two lanes from it. It was sixteen feet away and she
couldn’t reach it. Every car that passed she marked the space between
the wheels and the phone. One foot, six inches, three. ‘The toad
beneath the harrow knows/where every separate tooth point goes.’
The cars were coming too fast. If she stepped out they wouldn’t stop in
time.
And now the phone was ringing – ringing as it lay in the street. It
must be Darek. Only Darek called her. There was a slight opening
between the cars. She leapt off the sidewalk, and swung towards the
centerline. The phone was there, she was dropping her crutch,
reaching for it, holding it up to her ear as the cars went by on either
side, horns shrieking. She couldn’t hear. A text message. She stared at
the screen: ‘this is ERA with a promotional offer for your cell phone
account…’ It was an advertisement. She had risked her life for an
advertisement."

About The Author
Michelle Granas was born in Alaska; but currently divides her time between Oregon and Poland. She has degrees in philosophy and comparative literature, but now works s a translator. Over the past dozen years she has translated for many of Poland's major politicians and writers, including short pieces for the Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesa and Nobel Prize nominee Ryszard Kapuscinski.

About The Book

In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth.
Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.

Links

Buy The Book

Enter The Giveaway


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

GWR: Bloggers Wanted

Bloggers Wanted: Zaremba Book Blast - July 10

Bloggers are wanted for a book blast on July 10

Participants will have the choice of 6 excerpts to post on their blog.

Prize: Paperback of Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law (international giveaway)



In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth. 

Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.





A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by the author.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

GWR: Zaremba, or Love and the Rule of Law by Michelle Granas

About The Author

Michelle Granas was born in Alaska; but currently divides her time between Oregon and Poland. She has degrees in philosophy and comparative literature, but now works s a translator. Over the past dozen years she has translated for many of Poland's major politicians and writers, including short pieces for the Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesa and Nobel Prize nominee Ryszard Kapuscinski.

About The Book

In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth.
Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.

Links

Buy The Book

Enter The Giveaway

GWR: Devoted Giveaway & Book Tour

About The Author

Katherine Polillo originally planned to grow-up and become an archaeologist. Unfortunately, the desert air dried out her skin, the dirt was impossible to get from under her fingernails, and she just could not pull off a fedora like the iconic Harrison Ford character Indiana Jones. So - instead, she pursued a career in education. She courageously teaches high school history and special education. Which, from first hand experience I can contest, is not for the faint of heart.
In her free time she creates these fictional stories that has received numerous awards (listed below). She never really outgrew her imaginary friends stage, and instead has created lives and stories for the creations of her imagination to live in. When she is present in reality ad not off on an adventure with her imaginary friends, she lives in a small, New Jersey town with her husband, the man to which all fictional leading men are compared, and their two spoiled rotten, ungrateful cats.

About The Book

Devoted is the second book in The Water's Trilogy 
and asks the crucial decision, can love conquer all?

Michelle has managed to survive high school against all odds, but now she finds herself floating adrift in "the real world". With two horsemen defeated, there are still two unaccounted for, and surely they are plotting her immediate demise. Michelle leaves her small New Jersey town behind to venture off west. Barely able to comprehend her role as humanity's savior she now has to grapple with some new roles and identities. With her Watcher, Gabriel, by her side she must again face the evils of Hell and attempt to keep her family safe. Will love conquer all or will 'till death do us part come too soon?

Links

Buy Links

Buy The Book


Other Titles By Katherine Polillo


Giveaway Dates: 12:01 am July 8th through midnight July 31st

Devoted Tour

Book Tour Schedule (open dates may be filled)

July 9th - Twitter Party 8 pm (EST) #Devoted
July 10th - Playing For Sweeps (Review)
July 11th - Ali's Bookshelf (Guest Post)
July 12th - A.B.Shepherd (Author Guest Post)
July 13th - Rayborn Rambles (Review)
July 14th - Aria Glazki Writes (Author Guest Post)
July 15th - R&M Fab Book Reviews (Review & Top 10)
July 16th - Into the Land of Books (Author Interview)
July 17th - Lindsay and Janes Views and Reviews (Review & Character Guest Post)
July 18th - What Shall We Blog About Today? (Excerpt)
July 19th (open)
July 20th - Book Dream Land (Review & Author Guest Post)
July 21st (Open)
July 22nd - Girl Who Reads (Author Interview)
July 23rd - Cabin Goddess (Review & Character Guest Post)
July 24th - Our New Generation for Reading (Review & Excerpt)
July 25th - Karen Pokras Toz (Author Interview)
July 26th (open)
July 27th - Lubs Book Chatter (Review & Character Interview)
July 28th (open)
July 29th - Al That's Written (Character Guest Post)

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Book Tours: "The Scent of Roses" by Charlene Raddon

Join the Book Tour - SIGN UP HERE
The Book Tour is scheduled to run from August through September. Published this past May, the romantic western is over 300 pages long. An interesting factoid is that the title was originally published in 1999 under a different pen name (Racheal Summers). According to the Author's Note in the beginning of the book, this version has been spruced up for today's target readers.

About The Author

Charlene Raddon began her fiction career in the third grade when she got up and told her class that a little sister she didn't have died of a black widow bite. Many years later, a particularly vivid dream drove her to drag out a portable typewriter and go to work on her first novel. In 1990 her second completed book, Tender Touch, brought her a first place win in a writing contest and the following year became a Golden Heart Finalist. She has five romance novels set in the American West, published by Kensington, one, The Scent of Roses, under the pseudonym Rachel Summers. Her book shave placed or won other contests and one, Forever Mine, received a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award nomination. Charlene has always loved the Old West and her novels reflect that emotion in their depth and vividness.

About The Book

A Woman's Smile

Rosalyn Delaney's husband, Josiah, had vanished six year ago. Following a private detective's lead, Rosalyn leaves Salt Lake City and boards a train heading to the mining town of Whiskey Ridge, Arizona. She arrives at Rose House, an old mansion reputed to be haunted, only to discover her missing husband has been killed, and his business partner, Whip Kincade, is wanted for his murder. Determined to uncover the secrets surrounding Josiah and his death, Rosalyn decides to stay-even when she begins to receive nightly visits from a charming "ghost".

A Ghost's Kiss

Escaping a troubled past, Whip Kincade had hoped he could make a fresh start by coming to Whiskey Ridge and opening a saloon with his friend, Josiah. Now as a murder suspect hiding in his own house, Whip's future looks bleak indeed... unless he can find the real culprit. But the unexpected intrusion of Rosalyn ruins his plans of sneaking out at night to investigate. Scaring her away is the first step in clearing his name, but Rosalyn doesn't rattle easily. And Whip isn't sure he wants the lovely widow to walk out of his life - especially when she would take his heart with her.

Links

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Charlene Raddon's Other Books


Book Tours: "Did I Say That Out Loud?" by Kelly Harman


Book Tour Begins August 26th - SIGN UP HERE

"Did I Say That Out Loud? Conversations About Life, published June 26th, 2013 is a "lough out loud" humorous memoir. You can get a sense of Harman's humor in her Author's Notes in the beginning of her book, where she proclaims that about 87% of the book is true, the other 13% of the events are contributed to her Irish heritage. Reading about her first self-waxing experience asked the question "how hard can it be?" We soon learn that, eventhought we have all good intentions and  try multi-task, some things just don't work out. However, in Harmon's case, it gives us a good romp to read and laugh along with (especially since most of us women can relate to the first-time waxing fiasco).

About The Author


Kelly Harmon was born in Asmara, Ethiopia in 1962 and has waked the road less traveled ever since. Her childhood was spend overseas, living in eight different countries before she came to the U.S. at the age of 16. This experience inspired an adventurous streak and disregard for convention which has yielded a rich life, overflowing with great story material. Her experiences range from celebrating her ninth birthday at India's Taj Mahal to being evacuated with her family in the midst of a civil war in East Pakistan, single motherhood to serial entrepreneur, and Burning Man devotee to self-made marketing maven. Most recently Kelly came full circle back to the continent of her birthplace, celebrating her 50th birthday at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Kelly live in Manassas, Virginia with Bob, her husband and true love of 23 years. When she isn't writing about her adventures, Kelly loves spending time with her friends and family, but especially with her three grandchildren, teaching them the value of reckless honesty and unhindered fun, which in my opinion are rare gems to possess.

About The Book

We've all had it - the "uh-oh" of wishing we could take back the comment that somehow escaped the filter between our brains and our mouths. Did I Say That Out Loud? is the tell-all account of the author's misadventures in the daily experience that is life. Told in the tone of a coffee-klatch gathering with your best girlfriends - you know, the ones you can share anything and everything with - the author holds nothing back as she recounts the trials and tribulations of life as Kelly Harman.

Thinking of braving Botox or plastic surgery? Get the real scoop from Kelly, including pre-procedure husband prep. Need help when your cat catches on fire? Ask Kelly how to extinguish the flames without spilling your wine. Survival tips for when a 300 pound man falls on you? Ask Kelly, who lived to tell the tale.

Kelly captures those "you can't make this stuff up" dramas and takes them one step further. She shows us that by reveling in the inevitable mess of the moments we wish we could take back, we may discover that sharing our stories is in face healing, unifying, and often outrageously funny.

Bad for the laugh lines but good for the abs, some of these stories will hit close to home, others will stray far, far from your average woman on the street. But all are unified by the inimitable candor and hilarity that her friends agree is uniquely Kelly. Read'em and weep.

Links


Did I Say That Out Loud? On Amazon
Kelly McDermott Harman Amazon Author Page
Kelly Harman Official Site
Follow Kelly On Twitter
Friend Kelly McDermott Harman On Facebook
Follow Kelly Harmon On Pinterest
Add To Your Google+ Circles
Discover Kelly Harman On Goodreads

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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!!



First, let me say that I hope that everyone has a wonderful and safe day. If you are drinking today, please be responsible! I think this is part of the reason we wanted to host an 4th of July cook-out, so that we can drink at home and not worry about driving or having to be responsible. We deserve a day to let-go and have some fun!

There has always been something special, to me, about the 4th of July. People gathering to celebrate what our ancestors and strangers died to serve and protect. I know some people do not respect the servitude or discipline that the military practices. But, those people that wear the uniforms, have sweet, bled, and have sacrificed so much for you, someone they don't even know. Don't you think that deserves respect?

Wipe away the political crap! I do not agree with a lot of what the "Government" portrays within their deceitful wars. The primary fact, and what we should remember (instead of how disgusted we are with our current 'leaders') consider July 4th, 1776. Commemorating the adoption of the Deceleration of Independence. This is an excerpt from Wikipedia, that touched me and thought it would be appropriate to share here:

"The Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the 13 American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. Instead they formed a union that would become a new nation - the United States of America." (Wikipedia.org - United States Declaration of Independence)


If you could change one thing about the Government, what would it be?
There is a desperate need for the change that was promised a few years ago, that we still have not received. Let me revise that, I am referring to positive change. Something that American's can be proud of, that can unify the nation, not tear us apart. This country was founded with independent individuals trying to escape tyranny. What is upsetting, Government officials and associates, are suppose to serve and protect the people of the United States of America. When did this stop and we started sending our people to serve and protect other nations (that don't even want US there!?) It just doesn't make sense to me, but then again - I'm just a mere mortal - "puny human" (in my best Hulk voice).

Cook-Outs, Parties, and Parades

Of course, most holiday's people are typically nice (or are trying to be on better behavior, so they may seem nice - not everyone of course) either way, I'll take it! It's a day for friends and family to gather, to enjoy each other's company, laugh and love. I don't take this for granted. There are people that do not have such blessings in their life. I cherish the time that I get to spend with the people I love. This is why I love any time, or any celebration, where we all can get together. What I love the most about the 4th of July are the fresh products that are available by this time of the year. We're making cucumber and tomato salad, sweet zucchini and onion family dish, grilling corn on the cob, watermelon and other fruits. It makes my mouth water just thinking of it. This is my first year I am attempting to make the infamous Independence Day Cake, a white cake with Cool Whip icing, and topped with blueberries and strawberries to form the appearance of the American Flag. We'll see how it goes (I'll be posting pictures on Facebook).


I stopped going to firework demonstrations because it always made me cry. Just thinking of the brave people that have suffered and died so that we can enjoy our way of living, always brings tears to my eyes. I don't think this is something that should be taken granted for, I definitely don't. From 1776 (actually 1754, within the Albany Congress, the American Revolution began by demanding rights - I believe) until now - how many have perished, how many have sacrificed, so that we can sleep soundly at night, so that we can have parties and get-together's, so that we can have freedom of speech and the right to practice our own religion. I thank God for those people, I pray that God keeps the one's still enlisted safe, and that even though the nation continues to attempt to keep Him out, that He knows how desperately we need Him - One Nation Under God