The kick off to Featured Books Friday was awesome last time! Thank you to all who participated and purchased books. Please check it out if you want by clicking HERE.
I will be doing the same thing this week.
In the comments put the title, your name, genre, and purchase link along with a blurb or scene from your book under 500 words. (please no erotica or over the top violence)
Here’s mine:
Broken Smiles by Tara Mayoros. Women’s contemporary romance. http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Smiles-Tara-Mayoros-ebook/dp/B00NU69UMU/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429659605&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=broken+smils
****
Taking her first look at the doctor, Laidan shrank in her seat.
Quickly assessing her appearance, she groaned, thinking about her reflection in the mirror earlier that morning.
Standing at the front of the room, he held the audience captive. He stood tall and fit like an unyielding tree. It grounded Laidan, and for some reason she thought of roots climbing up her legs, holding her captive. An air of confidence swam about him. His brown hair fell long enough to reveal a small wave. Her heart that had skipped a beat moments earlier, was all but pounding now.
The doctor’s voice rang confidant and clear as he spoke. “And that is why I have visited a few hospitals here in the States. The fact of the matter is — I need funding. These kids need your support.” His hand came to his face and rubbed his cheek as if he wasn’t used to its smoothness. Looking up to the slideshow, Laidan noticed how his eyes softened at the sight of the children standing in front of the humble building made of concrete and rocks. The dense backdrop of banana trees and hanging vines seemed to warm the hospital chill around her. The children made funny faces at the camera, and she smiled, imagining the relationship the doctor had with his patients.
He turned to the audience, eyes scanning the room, as if he dared anyone to not help out. His brown eyes passed over her dismissively. Her heart dropped.
Then, very pointedly, his eyes shot back to hers. They held her gaze in a comfortable moment. A shot of butterflies injected straight to her stomach. Her eyes perused his face. His brow showed poise, his easy presence filled the entire room, and his returning smile disclosed a small tease. She didn’t think about how she looked or that she had bloodshot eyes — she knew in that moment he saw beyond her appearance. A blush rose to her face and tickled at her ears.
She felt her friend shaking her rather aggressively.
Andi whispered impatiently in her ear. “I said, are you cold? Do you want my jacket?”
“No, why?”
“Well, your arms are completely covered in goose bumps.”
****
Thanks for stopping by –
Tara
taramayoros.wordpress.com 
The Ruse by Felicia Rogers, Clean Regency Romance
FREE until May 3rd! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTZPFHI
Luke Andrews, Baron of Stockport, is in trouble. He needs a wealthy bride to secure future funds for his financially shaky estate, but the belle of the London season is a spoiled terror with an arrogant father. They’d try the nerves of a saint and Luke can’t quite bring himself to make an offer he knows he’d regret.
Meanwhile, Luke’s half-brother Chadwick never could resist a good game of Faro, or anything else, for that matter. With the baron away, Chadwick will play — gambling the estate’s remaining funds into oblivion. He needs to devise his own scheme to replace the money he’s lost, before his brother returns.
In Stockport village, Brigitta Blackburn doesn’t have two sticks to rub together — literally. With the estate in financial distress and rents high, food and wood are scarce. When she sneaks onto the baron’s land to steal some firewood, she’s caught, hauled before the play-acting “baron,” Chadwick, and offered a solution to her plight… and his.
But Chadwick’s ruse embroils them all. How can Brigitta accept what she thinks to be true, when she really yearns to follow her heart?
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Heir of Deceit by Jan M. Martin–clean women’s fiction $2.99 at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=heir%20of%20deceit&sprefix=heir+%2Caps
I attempted to appear confident as I strode from my hiding place toward the porch.
The grizzled old man jumped from his grill and shouted at me. “Don’t come no closer!” He threw his cigarette into the grill.
“I’m looking for Fergus Starks,” I said.
“He ain’t here,” said the man.
“I’m Lacey Roberts. My mother was Caroline Starks.”
“Dagnabbit woman! Leave me be,” the man said. “I’ve nothin’ to do with y’all. Stick to yer own bizness and leave me t’ mine.”
Despite his denial, I was certain I’d found Fergus Starks. “I’ve spoken to Ruthella.” I stretched the truth a bit. “She suggested you had answers to my questions.”
“Don’t know nothin’, ain’t sayin’ nothin’. Don’t know who you are. Don’t care.”
Friendly lot, these mountain people. “What happened to my grandfather?”
“Missy, yer messin’ where y’ ought not be messin’. Let it rest and git out.”
“I want to find out about my family. I think I have a right to know.”
“Ya don’t. Let it lay.”
“Fergus. Listen. I’m being married, and I need to know if I carry something in my genes—something that makes the women kill their husbands. I need to know what has happened to all the men in this family.”
Fergus came down the steps. He looked menacing, bow legged and holding the long-handled fork. “If yer kin o’ theirs, then yer no kin o’ mine.” Fergus stopped short and sniffed the air with a wrinkled nose. “Dag blame it! Ya made me burn m’ dinner.”
Fergus ran up the stairs and stabbed the meat with the fork, then flipped it on the grill. As he poked the potato, a rumble of thunder grew deep.
Shouting and swearing, Fergus ran into his house. Waves of panic rose up my spine. I remembered the story about the moonshiner hiding his still under his house, and I knew—
“Fergus, get out!” I dashed up the porch steps and through the door. “Fergus!”
Fergus turned and pushed me backward through the door. I landed on the porch on my backside. I scrambled to my feet and retreated down the steps, stumbling, falling. I sprang to my feet and ran from the house toward the path.
I didn’t make it. An explosive force pushed me forward onto my face. A ball of flames flew above my head with a thunderous roar. I couldn’t hear. The pressure on my ears filled my head with confusion. Stunned, I lay there for . . . how long?
“Fergus!” Panic-driven adrenalin pulled me upright and drove my feet toward the flame-engulfed house. Fergus lay face up on the porch, unconscious, flames licking close to him.
I dashed up the steps and grabbed Fergus under the arms. “Come on, Fergus, get up!” I received no response. I dragged him backward down the steps, hefting his head and shoulders near my knees while his boots slammed against each step, until, with my asthma seizing my chest, and my lungs about to burst, I could go no farther.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My next sensation was that of being lifted upward in strong arms. I was either dead, or dreaming.
“Oxygen, stat!”
Good. I wasn’t dead. I felt an oxygen mask being clapped over my face. Fergus! What happened to Fergus?
“Git that blamed thing offa my face! Nobody toldja t’ save me.”
Obviously, Fergus was fine.
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FROM THE ASHES by Janet W. Butler. Contemporary romance.
http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Janet-W-Butler-ebook/dp/B00NUMLWDY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430436308&sr=1-1&keywords=From+the+Ashes+Janet+Butler
=====
If this were a horror movie, she thought wryly, the audience
would be sitting there muttering, “Don’t open that door.” Half of
her wanted to laugh out loud at that thought, but the other half
couldn’t help being chilled by the absolute silence. She needed to
know what had happened to still the room so completely. Grasping
the knob, she turned it and pushed.
Had she not seen the top of James’s head, she might have
missed him in here, too, but she could see him over the edge of the
straight Windsor chair fronting the studio window. Without
meaning to, she felt a twinge; he was sitting in her Professor’s
“thinking” chair, the place Dr. von Steuben had always gone when
he needed to unravel a problem or had a rough faculty meeting.
When Melody had been disqualified on a technicality from a major
competition in her junior year, he’d sat there to break the news to
her. And after the verbal beating James had given them both four
years earlier…
Her eyes misted. James didn’t know he’d usurped a special
place. Heaven knew his grandfather wouldn’t have considered it a
problem. She shouldn’t, either. But he was quiet. Too quiet.
“James,” she said softly, “I — was wondering where you
were. Anything wrong?”
He didn’t answer, didn’t so much as turn around. Only the
subtle sound of his breathing met her ears.
“I wanted to tell you…that music…it’s wonderful.” She
despised acting perky, but she found herself verging on it in an
effort to cover her awkwardness. “I truly enjoyed playing it. Thank
you.”
He didn’t answer that, either, and Melody paused before
taking another step. Once she moved closer, he would no longer be
hidden, and she wondered if his action was a way to tell her he just
needed space.
Then she heard it. A small variation in his breathing pattern,
a catch. Unable to restrain herself, she stepped forward, and with
the first clear glimpse of him, her heart skipped a beat.
. . . He was bent slightly, elbows on knees, hands
clasped before him; a long moment passed before he seemed aware
that she was present. He looked up, light from the window casting
across his face, and she saw tiny lines of strain there, tiny workings
of feeling behind the masklike, angular features. She sensed he
wasn’t fully taking in the details of his surroundings, that he sat
unseeing the sunlit green before him. James’s body was present,
but as for his soul…
On an instinct stronger than reason, she brought one hand
up to touch his shoulder. Lightly. Just once, with a quick squeeze. . . .
Then she started to go — only to be stopped in her tracks at
what she saw next.
Nothing she had heard or read or imagined about James
Michael Goodwin could have prepared her for the way he
responded to her touch. It was a simple, quiet reply, wordless but
eloquent: two tears, tears he didn’t know he cried, welling in those
dark, troubled eyes and falling unheeded onto his folded hands.
=========
Thanks for this chance!
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The Ghostess and Mister Muir
By J. L. Salter
The Heart of Magnolia Series
No self-respecting Southern girl takes second place to a spook.
Hook:
Despite not believing in spirits, it takes only one haunting for Levi Muir to become entranced with the beautiful ghostess. But will his real-life girlfriend take second place to a spook?
Blurb:
Though he doesn’t even believe in spirits, it takes only one haunting for Levi Muir to become entranced with the beautiful ghostess.
A young veteran recovering from a wrecked relationship, Muir moves to Magnolia for his first year teaching high school English and resides in the renovated old hotel, which everyone knows is haunted.
Despite his skepticism, Muir senses a presence, then smells a unique perfume. Later, he locates an old portrait of beautiful Danielle Gregg, who lived in that suite a century ago, but experienced a tragic death.
His lovely new colleague, Lucy – science teacher and dedicated Spirit-Chaser – tries to convince Muir that the supernatural is real… and not to be taken lightly. Though Muir has been attracted to Lucy since the first day he spotted her, something begins to jam his thoughts whenever she enters his mind.
Intrigued by the beauty and sensuality of the mysterious woman in the portrait, Muir tries to learn more about the ghostess and her untimely demise. Though still skeptical of ghosts and hauntings, Muir can’t shake the feeling there could be more to Danielle’s mysterious 1914 death than the locals believe.
The more Muir encounters the lovely ghostess, the stronger his desire for even more contact! But Lucy’s willing to fight for Levi’s heart, because no self-respecting Southern girl takes second place to a spook.
http://tinyurl.com/JLS-G-MM
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Tainted Dreams, by Christi Corbett. A Historical Western Romance about settlers who survived the 1843 Oregon Trail, and now face new problems as they stake claims in Oregon Territory
Excerpt begins just as Kate and Jake meet Theodore, a ruthless man from Jake’s past. (William and Margaret are travelers who joined Kate and Jake at the end of the trail)
***********************************
Theodore straightened and eyed the lobby doorway, where Kate still waited with Jake at her back. His smile faded. “William, you mentioned trouble earlier, a fact that doesn’t surprise me now that I see who you kept company with on the trail.”
Kate’s mouth dropped open. What had she or Jake done to offend this man?
“The return to civilization can be a tough adjustment.” Theodore motioned to William’s bare head, then to his hat clutched against his leg. “I’m pleased to see you haven’t forgotten the formalities of polite society.”
Kate’s cheeks flamed. Propriety had been ingrained in her since birth, but she’d only been wearing a man’s hat since July—her father’s hat, willed to her on his deathbed. While she had no intention of replacing it with a bonnet any time soon, she did intend to do her best to act according to society’s conventions. She quickly pulled off the hat and ran her free hand from her forehead to her collar several times in a futile attempt to tame her wild curls.
Sighting Theodore’s slack-jawed astonishment, Kate bit her tongue to stifle a laugh. He likely regretted his pointed words; she didn’t need to further add to his embarrassment.
“Seems your companion has better manners than you.” Theodore nodded toward Jake, who, to Kate’s surprise, still hadn’t removed his hat.
“Seems so,” Jake replied, slowly pushing up the brim with one finger.
Kate kept quiet, but wondered what would possess Jake to purposely be so rude to someone he’d just met. Especially a prominent business owner, one that could potentially serve as an ally if she ran into trouble with her future plans.
“William,” Theodore said, smoothly turning to address his nephew again, “who is this beautiful creature hiding beneath those ill-fitting clothes?”
William glanced at Jake and gave a nearly imperceptible shrug of apology, then focused again on his uncle. “I’m pleased to introduce Katherine Davis—”
“And the infamous trail guide, Jake Fitzpatrick,” Theodore finished.
“You know each other?” William asked, his tone mirroring Kate’s own surprise.
Jake gave a curt nod. “We’ve met.”
“And then some.” Theodore’s laugh seemed more smug than jovial. “We came across the trail together a few years ago.”
Margaret clapped her hands together in delight. “Isn’t that something? Two friends meet again after all this time.”
“Friend isn’t a word I’d use to describe him,” Jake said, removing his hat and stepping beside Kate in one fluid move.
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The Duke Conspiracy – Clean Regency Romance
by Wendy May Andrews
http://amzn.to/18YsbHK
Their eyes met across the crowded ballroom. Rose’s stomach tumbled and she was swept with a wave of heat as she took in his rugged handsomeness. He had changed since she saw him last, three years ago. She had always thought Alex’s beautiful sea-green eyes were his best feature but the sight of them had never caused goose bumps to march up her spine as they did now. Previous to this it had always been her opinion that girls who sighed over handsome men were silly widgets but now she had an unforeseen empathy for them. The air of maturity that emanated from him suited him, she thought absently as she struggled to breathe through the uncharacteristic fluttering of her heart.
He had not yet descended the stairs so he was clearly visible, but she was surprised that he would even notice her tucked away in the corner of obscurity such as she was. Her surprise turned to shock when she recognized the look of appreciation warming his eyes as his gaze remained on her for what felt like eons but was undoubtedly a couple of seconds. She was torn with a maelstrom of conflicted feelings. A part of her preened under the admiration of the handsome nobleman while another part bristled with indignation that he would even dare to look at her, considering their history. She could feel her mother’s indignation smoldering behind her but she was unable to tear her eyes away. She almost wished she could go back to how she had been feeling just a couple moments before.
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What God Brings Together by Melissa Wardwell- Christian Romance/Fiction
http://amzn.com/B00QJIT9V8
Though Emma has never lost her faith in Providence, the pain of tragedy, rejection, heartache and loneliness have plagued her for eight long years. Just when she thinks she has found her path, a return to her hometown brings past hurts rushing back into her life. Can Emma learn to finally release the hardships of the past and rely on the goodness of God’s plans for her future?
Eight years after a disfiguring accident, self-torment and life in the shadows keep David from all that he holds dear. When a chance encounter stirs him to hope again, he battles the voice inside that tells him he doesn’t deserve his second chance. Can he accept the gift of restoration God is offering him? Or will he allow self-doubt to rob him of his greatest love and the family he longs to embrace?
This is great! Thank You, Tara, for opening your blog for this.
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Secrets of Fathara – A YA Epic Fantasy only $2.99 http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Fathara-Azetha-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00NYM1XD4/ref=sr_1_2_twi_2_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1430491790&sr=8-2&keywords=secrets+of+fathara
Tika felt Baalhar’s gaze still on her. Her mind raced. Should she say something? What should she say. Her heart raced, pounding loudly in her chest.
He spoke first. “You can use your reflection in the water to see the leaves. There are several caught in your hair.” His finger pointed to a few places around her head. “And there is a streak of dirt across your left cheek and down your chin.”
Her face fell. “Uh. Thank you,” she managed to choke out. Tika turned her back to him. Her face was on fire now.
“You are more than welcome.”
The ambassador’s footsteps retreated and Tika was left alone at the edge of the stream. Her feelings turned from embarrassment into anger — at herself. She called herself stupid, idiot and a few other names. Of course Baalhar would not say something nice and romantic when she sat there covered in forest.
Focusing on the water, Tika wished she could dive in and wash away all of her aches and pains — not to mention get rid of her terrible smell. She settled for dipping her hands into the stream and bringing the cool fresh water to her mouth.
As the rippling water settled, it reflected back to her the image of girl with wild hair decorated with leaves and a face streaked with dirt. She plucked out the leaves and splashed some water on her face. It dribbled down her neck and she felt some of the dirt and sweat slide off.
Tika put her hand back into the stream to wash off more of the offending dirt when what looked like an arm made solely of water reached out of the stream, wound around her arm twice and tugged her forward.
She lost her balance and fell, splashing face first into the stream. The water closed over her head and something forced her face toward the rocky bottom. She couldn’t seem to get her hands and feet underneath her and her hands slipped off the slimy rocks time and again.
She opened her eyes and saw what appeared to be a face made of water, almost nose to nose with hers. The mouth of the water face opened and bubbles escaped. Tika thought she heard it say, “Mortan —”
Her body screamed to her to suck in life-giving air, but only water surrounded her. And as her lungs began to burn with the effort of holding her breath, she panicked and struggled further against the pressure holding her down. Whatever the watery face said was lost in her kicking and thrashing to get back to the surface. All she could do was hope for help.
****
Hope you enjoy this epic adventure!
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Thanks for this great opportunity to feature my YA/A Fantasy novel on you blog. Here is the link to, “The Singing Stones of Rendor.”
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Singing-Stones-Rendor-Eidolon-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00PUS83WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430492303&sr=1-1&keywords=neils+knudsen
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-singing-stones-of-rendor-mr-neils-w-knudsen/1120866722?ean=9781496129727
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502978
Endowed with a magical ability not seen since the ancient Rendor Empire, life for K’Las just turned dangerous—and he’s not even born yet.
His parents hide him in plain sight for several years until they learn of a plot to seize an heirloom and enslave the powerful magical voices that blend with the family treasure. The family manages to escape the clutches of cold-blooded zealots from the Grand Peer that chases them to one of Rendor’s mysterious great henges.
A wild and shrewd wizard who hides within the henge, learns of the family’s secret treasure and vanquishes one of the zealots, but not out of altruism. He too is covetous of the powerful treasure the family holds dear.
Trapped between a ruthless killer and a crazed wizard, K’Las must quickly learn to control his nascent skills to help his parents best their foes. If he can’t, it won’t matter which of their foes wins—his family will surely die. Even if he does succeed, the hostile and unstable world order will not permit such unrestrained magic.
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From bestselling author of Lulu’s Cafe.
Some mistakes create accidental blessings.
Jillian (Jewels) Whitman lives with her mistakes and tries to move past the biggest one of her life – Dillon Bleu – Rocker and once best friend.
After saying goodbye to the lakeside trailer park of his youth, Dillon sets out to make something of himself only to discover all he needs is his Jewel. After hitting it big in the music industry, Dillon heads back to ask for a second chance.
Only… Nothing is ever as easy as it seems…
A southern tale of rags to riches where a man’s worth is ultimately found in his heart.
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Twenty-one-year-old Emma Matthews lost the song in her heart the same night she lost her dad. With an unfulfilled promise and an ultimatum shadowing her junior year of college, maybe it’s better that way. You can’t hurt if you can’t feel.
But when the reflection she sees in musician Riley Preston’s eyes borders dangerously close to the one she’s spent the last five years searching for, Emma discovers her walls can’t guard her heart from its fiercest desire. Terrified of what she’s experiencing, and even more afraid of what she might lose, Emma grapples for the courage to hold on to one dream without abandoning the promise of another.
Contemporary Inspirational Romance novel Eyes Unveiled lets you relive those heartfelt moments when you don’t know how you’d survive a day without your best friend, when you’re trying to figure out who you are and what you’re supposed to do with your life, and when falling in love changes everything.
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WORLD OF PANGEA: PATH OF THE WARRIOR – Epic Fantasy http://theworldofpangea.com/product/the-world-of-pangea-path-of-the-warrior/
WHAT CAN ONE MAN DO AGAINST THE GODS?
“Where the sacred rivers meet,
Beneath the shelter of the Keeper of all things.
There lies the hall of the beginning,
The ruler of the world before the Kings.”
Pangea is shaken. The past has become the present. Ancient myth has awakened, and legends walk amongst the living. Idris has always known the path of the warrior was his to choose. Now, as war strikes at the heart of Pangea, he must wrestle as a mortal thrust into the wars of immortals. It will take more than his training to face the chaos as darkness strikes deep into the life of his people, and Idris’s own inner demons threaten to destroy him before the battle even truly begins.
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Here’s an excerpt from NOWHERE FOR CHRISTMAS, an inspirational romantic comedy.
“I’m going to have to go get the other one out of the attic,” she said with a sigh, hoping her son would volunteer to climb up in there and retrieve it for her.
Instead, he nodded and asked, “You want me to pull the ladder down for you?” She grinned to herself as she nodded. They had a regular battle about the attic. Neither of them liked going up there. Since he’d gone up to retrieve all the Christmas decorations earlier in the month, she’d let him have the victory this time.
After Avery scaled the creaky ladder up into the attic, she scanned the web-dusted contents, quickly locating the suitcase she needed. It was older and more faded than the green one, and it had a rust-and-mustard-colored seventies floral pattern on it. At least no one would try to steal it.
As she dragged the suitcase with its one broken wheel across the attic floor, a cloud of who-knew-what gently puffed up into the air around her. Then she got a mouthful of it and started coughing, which led to more grime and dust billowing into the air. That, of course, led to more coughing.
Avery lost her balance and started to fall out of the attic opening, but the suitcase blocked her way enough to pause her descent, giving her time to reach out and grab the back of an old chair that had been in the attic longer than they’d lived in the house. The suitcase wasn’t so lucky. It fell zipper-over-wheel down the attic ladder and landed with a loud thud on the carpeted floor below.
By the time Avery pulled herself back to her feet and made her way down the ladder, she expected to find Eli standing there wondering where his dinner was. Alas, her teen was blissfully unaware of her near-death-by-attic experience. He was in his room listening to his MP3 player. It was for the best. She wouldn’t want him to pull a muscle laughing at her.
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Here’s the Amazon link to The Fragrance of Geraniums: http://amzn.com/B00P4PB7W6
And the blurb:
Told from multiple perspectives, this is a powerful story of three women – of the threads of mercy that connect them – and of heart-wrenching sorrows alchemized by the Heavenly Father’s overwhelming redeeming grace.
Rhode Island – 1934
A GIRL
Grace Picoletti has nothing going for her – but she’s determined to succeed in life, nonetheless. Born to severe destitution, she claws her way up from the pit of family shame and secrets. She avoids close friendships – even with the likable, persistent Paulie Giorgi…
A WOMAN
Despite her own agonizing emotional pain, childless Emmeline Kinner reaches out to a young woman so far beneath her. She could never have known whom else God would set in her path through her friendship with Grace…
A MOTHER
Long ago, Sarah Picoletti resigned herself to a loveless, abusive life – and she believes that her daughter Grace must inherit the same fate. Yet Sarah’s own soul cries out for the blessed peace and hope of which the radio minister speaks…
A multi-generational Christian women’s novel set during the U.S. Great Depression of the 1930s. (Also appropriate for older teens.)
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Daddy, am I dead?” His hand on my shoulder immediately relieved my fears.
“No, Katie. Certainly not. But we who have passed can pretty much move about as we wish where you living folk cannot. So, we have come to take you with us for a while. There is something we simply must share with you—a Perfect Place that is really quite wonderful and where you may find the answer to your problem.” My father’s articulation rang true in my mind—a voice for which he was well-known before Parkinson’s disease robbed his body of strength and mobility—eventually even taking his voice. It was quite easy to accept he knew of Craig’s illness and wanted to help. Accepting he and the others were real wasn’t as effortless.
The three familiar beings who now had genuine identities moved with me toward a window. “With me” isn’t exactly right. My body was gently propelled along with them; yet, once again my feet did not make contact with the surface of the floor. The window was some type of slider installed high up on the outside wall. In a basement as this seemed to be, one would expect to be looking out such an opening directly onto the rain-soaked sidewalk. But as we drew closer, a totally unexpected scene appeared.
Like one of those marvelously clear, High Definition televisions, the window displayed a sky of an unimaginable blue with a mere scattering of white, wispy clouds. More of the scene was revealed as we moved toward the window. Tall, magnificent trees with full green canopies rose above fields of the greenest of grasses as far as could be seen. It was a picture in 3-D, but infinitely more real. It was real.
Patrick’s small, soft hand grasped mine, and my father squeezed my shoulder with encouragement. I felt the concrete floor under my boots just before my childhood friend did his Jackie Gleason impersonation. “And awaaaaay we go!” Dennis tilted his head toward the window scene. Suddenly, the three forms shimmered into various colored lights, flashing happily, taking me with them. We again became one, soaring up and through the window like the last bit of a milkshake being pulled from the bottom of a cup through a straw. Then we, or rather I, was standing alone on that field of very green grass. They were gone. Those familiar and loved personas so recently reclaimed had vanished.
But curiously, the protection and guidance they had provided had been replaced. Turning my attention inward to give myself a thorough scan, the analysis quickly revealed all was well and unharmed. Focusing that attention to the air and area around me quickly allowed a determination that the general ambiance was contentment and knowledge. Also, goodness and love surrounded me. I began walking—taking normal steps, as apparently I was under my own power, and there was no need to hurry. The essence of the place permeated my skin—was taken in with my breathing and lifted my spirit. I wanted to see more…and did.
Come join in this cool adventure!
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The Warmest Winter(A James Gordon Mystery) by International Award Winning Author G.P.A.
That was when the telephone rang. It was
Miles Livingston calling to say his wife and two
children had been brutally murdered. Now, at a
little past three in the morning, as I pulled back
the sheet on my side of the bed and slid in
beside Amanda, my only wish was that she
would not wake up. I was exhausted, I was
numb, I didn’t know what I was feeling or
thinking.
There was a white patrol car parked at the
curb outside the house. Its dome lights and
headlights were out. The street at one AM was
silent, the neighbors asleep. I pulled in behind
the car, cut the engine, and started walking to
where Miles stood in the moonlight, talking to a
uniformed policeman.
Alone with Miles, I said, “I’m going to ask
you again what I asked you on the phone…”
“I didn’t do it,” he replied at once.
“Tell me the truth, Miles.”
“That’s the truth.”
“Because if you did, I want to know right this
minute.”
“I didn’t
“All right, do you have any idea who might
have done it?”
“No, James, I don’t.”
“Why’d you call me instead of the police?”
“I don’t know why. I guess…you’re my
lawyer, James, I guess I thought…something like
this. I don’t know.”
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What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know by Rachelle J. Christensen & Connie E. Sokol. Nonfiction for Moms & Daughters, parenting, tween issues
# 1 Bestseller in Parenting Teens! Celebrate with us by picking up your ebook for 99 cents today!
Is your daughter asking questions about friends, peer pressure, school, and even her weight?
As a mom, are you wondering how to answer them?
Welcome to the club.
But you can relax. Because we’ve asked real sixth-grade girls to dish on their top secret questions. And, we’ve provided time-tested real-life answers that work.
Add to that an enjoyable format. The “Just for Girls” section speaks right to your daughter in words and ways she understands. The “Just for Moms” section talks straight to moms, giving you information, resources, and easy-to-share answers. We include tips for how to start, handle, and enjoy the conversations no matter the situation.
Create connected conversations with your daughter as you explore these life questions together. Get plain facts and jumpstart questions. Discuss the provided scenarios so she can practice responses to use in real-time. Download decorative cards with positive statements and fun fill-in sentences.
Use What Every Girl Needs to Know About 6th Grade to make it happen. Together, answer questions and create connection.
You got this.
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Beggar Magic, a YA Steampunk Fantasy
In Gelia City, magic is music: a constant ever-changing melody known as the Strains. Hereditary ability to use the Strains divides the city into two classes: the wealthy Highmost, who can access the full potential of the Strains, and the Common tradesmen, who are limited to mundane spells, known as beggar magic.
With the help of the Strains, Common teen Leilani rescues and befriends a gifted Highmost girl, Zebedy. The girls’ friendship opens Leilani’s eyes to the world of the Highmost. She’s intrigued by Zeb’s close relationship with the Strains, and longs to know them as she does. Zeb, in turn, comes to depend on Leilani’s strength and intelligence, making them an inseparable team, ready to take on anything with the Strains at their back.
As their unlikely friendship strengthens and endures, Zeb draws Leilani further into the Highmosts’ intrigues. Beneath the polished, academic facade of the Highmost manors lurks a threat to the Strains. An unknown force consumes their music, leaving only heart-rending silence behind.
Leilani and Zeb will do anything to save their beloved Strains, but as the silence grows, they face danger their previously sheltered lives could never prepare them for. Whoever is behind the death of the Strains is willing to kill to keep their secret safe. To preserve the Strains, the girls may have to sacrifice their friendship, or even their lives.
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Love the cover!
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A Husband for Danna
by Christina Lorenzen
Shielding his eyes from the sun with one hand, he walked
over to the waiting driver. “ʺI have a bit of a problem,”ʺ he began.
“ʺShe…my, um, companion needs a cab, but isn’ʹt quite ready to
leave yet, so if you…”ʺ
The driver’ʹs face seemed swallowed up by a dirty baseball
cap and dark glasses. He waved a stubby hand holding an unlit
cigar at Eric. “ʺLook, buddy, I don’ʹt know what trouble you’ʹve
gotten yourself into.”ʺ Lowering the dark glasses, he took in Eric’ʹs
tuxedo. “ʺBut I don’ʹt have time to wait for your bride.”ʺ
Eric clutched the taxi door and cut him off. “ʺShe isn’ʹt my
bride. I just need to get her on her way,”ʺ he explained.
The cabbie laughed and a gust of smoky breath blasted Eric’ʹs
face. Disgusted, he backed away as the cabbie broke into a fit of
racking coughs. “ʺHey, you’ʹre not the first guy to enjoy himself a
little too much the night before the big day. I just can’ʹt wait while
you get yourself out of a jam. If she’ʹs riding, she’ʹs leaving now.”ʺ
Eric glanced up at the plate-‐‑glass windows of Cat’ʹs Café. The
bright morning sun showed smudges and water spots, but made it
difficult to spot Danna inside. He thought about running in and
convincing her to get into the cab. Of course considering the way
she had acted in the car, he figured she would make a scene.
Seeing folks seated by the windows already turning to look
at him, he decided the last thing he wanted was any more attention.
It was bad enough he was stuck walking around in a penguin suit
and shiny shoes. They hadn’ʹt been his choice. If it had been up to
him, it would have been a wedding on the beach. A small,
meaningful wedding with a handful of friends and family. But first
there had to be a meaningful relationship. Allison wanted the
fairytale wedding, and his mother had been all too happy to
orchestrate it, including footing the bill.
“ʺMeter starts ticking now, pal.”ʺ The cabbie coughed.
Letting out a deep breath, Eric shook his head and waved
him on. He was anxious to get her home, but he couldn’ʹt just leave
her stranded. With all that poof and fluff, she at least would need a
change of clothes.
How on earth had she thought she’ʹd get anywhere without a
car and a plan? Probably by counting on him or some other guy to
take care of her. Frowning, he stared at the café windows. A typical
woman, he thought. An image of Allison niggled at him. He shook
his head.
He was done taking care of needy women. It was time to get
back to business. As soon as he straightened out this mess. He
refused to think about his mother. He headed for the door of Cat’ʹs
Café.
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Spell Check, Book 1, The Teen Wytche Saga by Ariella Moon
Excerpt:
About ten minutes into class, while Mr. Esenberg wrote on the board, I heard Jordan slide his feet under my desk. My breath wedged in my throat as the tips of his size nine high-performance sneakers nudged the heels of my shoes. Could the girl in front of me hear my heart thudding? Should I move my feet forward?
My feet tingled and refused to move. A blush blazed across my cheeks. I struggled to pay attention to Mr. Esenberg without making eye contact. Forty minutes passed, the bell blared, and I had no idea what had transpired. Hopefully, my notes will make sense. I think I took notes.
Jordan slid his feet back and thudded his book closed. We both bent down and reached for our backpacks. His leaned against mine. Our hands brushed and our heads were so close I could smell his herbal shampoo.
Students walked past us. I’m sure some of them were talking to each other or flipping open their cell phones. But it all faded away along with the smell of chalk, highlighters, and sweat. Everything receded except the warmth of Jordan’s skin, his cinnamon gum-scented breath, and the heart-stopping rush sprinting up my arm.
“Evie?”
We jerked apart. Seeing Parvani in the doorway looking hurt and shocked snapped my senses into hyper focus. Conversations sounded extra loud. Colors seemed too bright. It felt like a movie had started, full blast, in a hushed theater.
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The first book in my Children of Angels series is free on all e-reader platforms.
http://amazon.com/dp/B00A4CUM1Q
When Alexandria Grace Groaban was a child, she learned she was very different from other children and adults she encountered. She saw and heard things that no child should ever be witness to. She knew details of things and people long since passed, and she could hear voices and repeat them in whatever language she heard during the scenes which played out before her young and impressionable eyes.
Through an encounter with someone she thought to be her guardian angel, Alexandria was given a reprieve so that she might know some normalcy in her childhood. But at the age of twenty-one, Alexandria returned home to her family’s small estate outside Oxford, England for Christmas, and learned the hard way that her grace period was about to come to an abrupt and vicious end.
Now, whether for better or worse, she will find herself on the edge of a great precipice. One that will call her into action and into a world that she could never have fathomed existed. For Alexandria to know who and what she truly is, she will have to rise to the challenge of a battle that has been waged for millennia by beings first spoken of in Genesis, and embrace that which has lay dormant within her since she was a child.
See http://nataliedwilson.com/my-books for other links.
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King’s Warrior: book one of the Minstrel’s Song
YA Fantasy
When Dark Warriors invade her country, it is up to Princess Kamarie to seek out the legendary king’s warrior and request his aid. The feisty princess has spent her life dreaming of adventure and is thrilled to be tasked with such a quest. There’s only one thing that can dampen the princess’s excitement: Oraeyn. The squire views his task of protecting the princess on her journey as an inglorious assignment and makes no attempt to hide his disappointment.
Despite a rocky start to their journey – in which Oraeyn throws the obnoxious princess in a river just to get her to call him by name – the travelers soon learn that they must depend upon one another if they are to locate the man they have been sent to find.
The adventure merely begins when they meet Brant: a warrior with a mysterious past. He joins their cause readily, his heart smoldering with a vendetta Kamarie cannot completely understand. But whether she trusts him or not, the hope of their world rests on the steel he wears at his side….
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Shari L. Tapscott
Pippa of Lauramore
Princess Pippa of Lauramore is about to turn eighteen, and in honor of the great occasion, her father King Ewan invites thirty princes and lords from kingdoms near and far to compete for Pippa’s hand in marriage.
Arrogant Prince Lionel of Vernow is expected to win the competition handily, but spunky princess Pippa refuses to marry such a pompous man without a fight. When she spies Galinor, the dark-haired, blue-eyed prince of Glendon, she sets out to make him hers—convincing him to join her on a midnight ride away from the festivities.
When King Ewan catches Pippa, he orders her to spend twelve days of confinement in the castle, but she refuses to be contained while her fate is decided without her. Enlisting the help of her childhood friend Archer, master archer of the kingdom, they make a pact to do everything in their power to ensure Galinor’s victory in the marriage games.
But as the games progress and the stakes get higher and higher, Pippa and Archer are forced to not only confront marauding bandits, angry dragons, and King Ewan’s wrath, but also the growing attraction between them…
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The Apple of My Eye by Mary Ellen Bramwell is a mystery/romance.
It was a sobering moment. All my determination to look at things
in a clinical and detached manner disappeared into the blackness
around me. The vacuum of emptiness seemed to pull the life out of me
and draw moisture out of my eyes. Before I knew what was happening,
tears were flowing freely down my face. All attempts at control
disappeared in the ebony of the night.
I cried silently as I watched the night outside my window. I
reached over and opened the window, willingly allowing, even
welcoming, the dark inside, letting it flood my soul. Unlike the night
when Paul died and all the times since, I didn’t fight it, no gasping or
struggling for breath. Instead, collapsing to the ground, I gave in and
let myself drown in the cold black waters of hell.
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He was kneeling in a cloud of incense, the air about him so thick it seemed to hold the echoes of music which had already gone, and he had no idea why or how he’d come there.
He realized he wasn’t breathing, starving for air, and he tried to gasp. The incense choked his lungs and he coughed, waving at the smoke. There was a blurry sort of motion around him, a dozen or so figures moving through the smoke, and then someone caught his arm. “Steady! Slowly, now. Step this way, and you’ll be out of it quick enough.”
The stranger led him toward a wall, and as the smoke thinned he had an impression of bookshelves and writing desks. He didn’t take the time to look far, though, as he coughed and rubbed at his eyes.
“There, now,” said the man. He released his arm and offered a handkerchief. “I’m Wensley, Emerson Wensley. Good thing I saw you, or you’d be breathing out scented smoke for a week, like a pretty little dragon toy.”
“Thank you.” He blotted his watering eyes with the handkerchief. “I’m—”
He stopped. He couldn’t complete the sentence. Who was he?
“Marsden, I know. Porter sent you to valet my boy. So glad you’ve come in time for school.”
Marsden. A valet. “Yes, sir.”
Wensley nodded, smiling. “I’m sure you’ll get on splendidly here. There is, however, just one thing I want to make clear to you.” He withdrew a small pendant from his waistcoat pocket, a tiny shaft of quartz and some silvery metallic dangling on a thin silver chain. “Do you know what this is, Marsden?”
Marsden shook his head. “No, sir.”
“I thought you might not. Allow me to demonstrate.” Wensley raised his other hand and flicked the pendant.
White-hot agony shot through Marsden’s chest and tore his vision into dark shreds. The world shrank to just his heart and the spiked force crushing it, and he saw and heard nothing.
The torture eased, and once more he found himself on his knees, this time clutching his chest with one hand as if trying to ascertain if his heart still beat. His breath came fast and ragged.
“There, that should have made my point,” Wensley said calmly. “I know, however, that this in itself might not be enough to make the impression I desire, so know that an identical pendant exists with an attachment to the heart of Lady Amelia.” He restored the pendant to his pocket.
Marsden blinked upward, trying to keep the gentleman in focus. “Who — who is Lady Amelia?”
Wensley reached down to pat Marsden’s cheek. “That’s just what I like to hear.” He straightened. “On your feet, man, and I’ll take you to my boy Abel, so you can get started.”
He cleared his throat. “Very good, sir.”
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My Dad Invented A Time Machine – Middle Grade Science Fiction
Perma-Free!
Hook:
Jason Lansing’s father transforms their house into a time machine. Jason doesn’t find out until he wakes up one morning in the future! What’s worse, time travel is illegal, and his father is arrested. Now Jason must figure out how to rescue his father while unraveling the mystery surrounding his mother’s death five years ago.
Blurb:
Time travel is illegal!
I bet you didn’t know this. I bet you didn’t even know that time travel was possible.
You’re not alone.
Jason Lansing doesn’t know anything about time travel, either. But his dad does. In fact, his dad turned their entire house into a time machine. Something he fails to mention to his son until Jason wakes up one morning and finds himself in the future.
Something is wrong. Time travel to the future is impossible because the future hasn’t happened yet. Right?
Before he can figure out what happened and fix the time machine’s engine, Jason’s dad is arrested by a secret government agency dedicated to preventing time travel and cleaning up its messes.
While his dad is carted off to prison, Jason stumbles upon clues that unravel the mystery surrounding his mother’s death five years ago.
If Jason doesn’t act fast, his dad might suffer a similar fate!
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https://deseretbook.com/p/strand-doubt-donna-gustainis-fuller-92851?autocomplete=true
Jana Clawson has a propensity for Chinese food, M&M s, and chocolate chip cookies, and she deals with opposition with a wry sense of humor. She is caught up in a whirlwind known as Trevor Willis, the most eligible non-Mormon bachelor in Portland. He is perfect in every way, but will his secrets be too much for their relationship?
While Jana escapes to the Oregon Coast to make a decision about Trevor, a car accident stirs Jared Carpenter a physical therapist with kind brown eyes who never turns down a homemade meal into the mix. Unknown to Jana, events set in motion six years ago threaten everything she holds dear. Her life depends on one or both of these men as she discovers what she doesn’t know can kill her. Combining suspense, intrigue, action, and understated humor, this book will keep you turning pages until the exciting conclusion.
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Seaside Surprises (The Hunters: A Sweet Romance)
Sweet romance with a side of suspense
http://amzn.to/19QXdmt
Tiffany Saunders is on the run. When she winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her horrific past and kept moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local changes everything.
Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.
Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rear view mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever. Just as the walls around Tiffany’s heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. Will true love be able to conquer all?
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“The Kura” by Mary Patterson Thornburg. Fantasy/Adventure/Romance.
Now the group was close enough for people to see the alilalu for what they were. She heard murmurs all around, and gleeful shouts from children. To eyes accustomed to seeing riders on chialau, the Wind Beasts dwarfed the men mounted on them, except for one rider who appeared to be a giant. Alyssha edged forward to see if she could make out some details.
Which one was the prince? Surely he’d be dressed a bit more grandly than his companions, but in fact they all seemed to be wearing the same costume, long, flowing cloaks and big soft hats. The dramatic uniform looked suspiciously like something the Kardl she remembered might have dreamed up. But all were alike, and the men’s faces still indistinguishable. Most seemed to be neither very light nor very dark in complexion. Kardl could be almost any of them.
Suddenly the big man on the right nudged his alila with both heels, and the creature broke into a gallop. The others scrambled forward, but the first alila, a jet-black stallion, was too swift for them, and it thundered toward the crowd as people around Alyssha gasped and moved back.
A few yards away, the rider reined in, swung down from the alila’s back, and hit the ground running. He was a huge, powerfully built young man running full tilt, his black cloak whipping out behind him.
Instinctively, Alyssha took a step back, startled and uncomprehending. But he closed the distance between them in a matter of seconds, and suddenly she found herself caught in a bear-like embrace, lifted off her feet and spun around in circles. Astonished, she began to fight, kicking and pounding, and heard a version of her father’s voice coming out of her mouth: “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”
The other riders, who’d caught up at last, reined in their nervous mounts and stared in consternation. Without letting go, the man stopped revolving and laughed delightedly.
“Alyssha! It’s me! Don’t you recognize me? It’s Kardl!” He reached up and whipped the strange hat off his head, to reveal a shock of copper hair as bright as the Duchess’s flame-bush in Granville. It had not dimmed perceptibly in nearly seven years.
Of course it was Kardl. Those years disappeared instantly, as did the crowd around them, her prim speech of welcome, Shan–especially Shan–and everything else in both universes but the two of them. She flung her arms around Kardl and kissed him so hard that he staggered backward. Recovering his balance, he returned the kiss with enthusiasm. After a little while Alyssha came back to her senses, at least to a sense of the interested crowd, which would definitely have something to talk about if this greeting were to progress much further.
Horrified, she managed to pull away. In a low voice, she said the first thing that entered her head: “For God’s sake, Kardl, put me down! Kardl, I’m going to be married in ten days!”
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Flowers of Grace is contemporary Christian women’s fiction by Teresa Hirst
Flowers of Grace, a novel inspired by a true story, is a heart-wrenching book club choice that one reviewer called “a tribute to love and friendship.”
Set in an upscale St. Louis boutique amid a fragile economic climate when retail customers are trading brick and mortar stores for online shopping, Flowers of Grace is a story of love and loss, friendship and forgiveness.
Excerpt:
The swinging door on the back dressing room struck Grace’s conscience. Her face heated. Her stomach curled.She knew what she would see. But still, she lurched forward and saw something worse than what she feared.
The missing planter lay on its side on the corner bench of the dressing room. Half the soil had spilled atop the cream plush carpet. The other half clung to the exposed roots of the hibiscus plant.
Just one brown stalk with several thinner stems protruded from the sideways angle. No leaves defined it as a living plant anymore; any leaves that had filled those stems were now scattered about the floor as crispy brown and gray shriveled paper.
Grace fell against the door. “I didn’t do it,” she said with fists hiding her eyes. “I didn’t kill it.”
She fought her way out of the tight alcove into the open store, ready to accuse. But who could she blame? She’d cut the plant and left it there to die. She’d killed Lilly’s plant.
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NEW RELEASE! Holding Back by Helen Pollard
Contemporary sweet romance
http://amzn.to/1GAU3yh
The last thing they’re looking for is love …
Laura Matheson is a natural at avoiding romance, so when she is drawn to mystery guest Daniel Stone while helping out at her friends’ hotel in Portugal, she assumes all she needs is a little extra willpower.
Daniel is at the hotel on business. The demands of work and a manipulative ex-girlfriend mean he doesn’t have the time or energy for romance, but Laura is a distraction he finds hard to ignore.
As they negotiate a minefield of misunderstandings and mutual attraction, will they both continue to hold back? Or will they finally allow love into their lives?
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NEW RELEASE!
99 Cents for a Limited Time
I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak
by S.A. Molteni
Have you ever wanted to ditch the nine-to-five job and move as far away as possible from the rat race?
Have you ever just wanted peace and quiet in a rural setting away from the sprawl of suburbia?
Have you found yourself daydreaming about pasture lands and farm animals on a daily basis?
That’s exactly what the author found herself contemplating – more often then not – while working at a high tech job in Seattle.
With her husband 3,000 miles away in Florida and the passing of her father, she knew it was time to make some serious changes in her life. She was ready for an adventure, but little did she know what lay in store for her at the ‘fixer upper’ farmhouse she and her husband would soon become the owners of.
S.A. Molteni has spent over thirty years in the Information Technology field working for various Fortune 500 companies. During those years, she and her husband had always dreamed of living on a farm once they became retired from the rat race.
Once the author’s father unexpectedly passes away and her husband moves over three thousand miles to live in another state, her life becomes subject to a complete overhaul to weed out what is working and what is not in her day to day existence. In the midst of dealing with an elderly, newly widowed mother and in-laws who also have health challenges, she leaves Corporate America to find greener pastures on a “fixer upper” fifteen acre farm located on a long dirt road in a rural part of northern Florida.
This collection of essays follows the author in her sometimes humorous transition from “I.T. Geek to Farm Girl Freak” and depicts the lessons that are learned along the way once farm animals become a large part of her life.
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Pierced by Love
Noelle Jensen doesn’t want to like Pierce Logan. After her boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister, Noelle is done with love. Plus Pierce has commitment issues because of his parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with his dad. But as Pierce and Noelle help each other to open up their hearts, they rediscover the importance of family and love.
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The Lady and the Minstrel
Historical with strong romantic elements
A forbidden love and a past they can’t leave behind . . .
In King John’s England, Robert Marcel chafes against the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord’s manor. He tries to make a daring escape and is nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl helps him slip away.
Years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel. Invited to play at a banquet for the notorious Earl of Saxton, he is stunned to come face to face with the girl he’s never forgotten—now Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, betrothed to the earl. Her status as a noblewoman puts her completely out of Robert’s reach, but he knows they are meant to be together. He vows to make her his wife no matter what the cost.
Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Her tender feelings for him quickly turn into much more when they are brought back into each other’s lives. She longs to be free to marry Robert, the man she loves, but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.
They are tested at every turn by those bent on driving them apart and destroying what they have found together. Can their love truly conquer all?
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Kissing the Devil by Shannon Eckrich
YA paranormal romance
http://smarturl.it/kissingthedevil
There are three rules in the small town of Leeds Point, New Jersey:
Never stay out after dark.
Never go into the Pineys.
And, more than anything, never speak of the Jersey Devil.
Serenity Cantwell knows all too well the Jersey Devil exists. The recurring nightmares of his glowing green eyes make their way into her dreams, causing her to relive her encounter with the beast every single night. But as people she knows start to disappear, and end up dead in the middle of the Pine Barrens, she pushes away her fear of the forest in search of answers.
What she finds will change her life forever. Secrets will be revealed, a curse will be set in motion, and friendships will be tested. But most of all, love could prove to be deadly.
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Haunting Lia by Shannon Eckrich
YA paranormal romance
http://smarturl.it/hauntinglia
Death is her destiny. But she has other things in mind.
Lia Starr’s life isn’t a fairytale. It’s a reality overflowing with scary monsters, death, and betrayal—a past she left behind when she entered her new foster home. Now, with a loving family, a sister she’s always craved, and relief from the gruesome corpses that tormented her as a child, she’s finally content. Until a freak accident changes everything.
The monsters are back, and their mission is simple: drag Lia straight to their murky hell. When Aiden, an apparition, appears to Lia, she has hope once again. Because Aiden can cross the veil between the spirit world and the earthly dimension, physically fighting off the monsters and sending them back. With Aiden’s determination to keep her safe and his absorbing blue eyes, Lia can’t help falling in love with him. But who is he, and what does he really want? As Lia and Aiden’s relationship deepens, so does the mystery surrounding him.
Once Lia finds out Aiden has traded his soul to save her, she enters the darker dimension, a dimension where nightmares are reality, ready to kick some serious butt. But surrounded by twenty-eight mutilated monsters and a deranged cult leader intent on bringing his dark world to the surface, isn’t what Lia expects. And even worse, she must face her traumatic past in order to destroy them. If she fails, not only will she lose the guy she loves and face certain death, but she will also risk the one thing she can’t afford to lose: her eternal soul.
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Just Reduced on Amazon: Andrea & the 5 Day Challenge
YA Contemporary
“Well, looky there.” Amy lifted her glasses and peered down the hall before returning her specs back to her nose. “Is it me or does Luke look like a mild- mannered reporter type?”
I glared at her. It was as though she’d read my mind. ”It’s you,” I snapped back. Seven thirty-eight in the morning was way too early for all my synapses to be able to process this information. I was being rude and didn’t even know why.
“He’s like your Romeo in cargo pants.”
“He’s not wearing cargo pants. And don’t compare him to Romeo. That story is way too depressing.”
“OK, then he’s Mr. Darcy come to sweep you away from your mundane existence.”
“Amy, seriously, it’s time to lay off the romantic fiction. Besides, didn’t you tell me that crushes were for immature adolescents?”
“Crushes maybe, but Luke might just be the one for you. You know, the One.” She did the quotes in the air thing to emphasize her statement.
“Are you missing your macaroons or something? I’m only sixteen.” I must have been missing mine because I hadn’t used that expression since sixth grade. I covered my face with my hands.
“Whatever, Andi. Here he comes. If you ask me, he’s trying to woo you. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She tapped my shoulder before she traipsed away.
I barely took notice of her absence because I had mere seconds before Luke Ryan arrived. He didn’t even give Stephanie a glimpse as he passed by her down the hall. His gaze remained focused on me. I swiveled my stance to face my locker and pulled out the daisies, forming a half-dozen bouquet in my hand. How did he know daises were my favorite? Had I mentioned it? More importantly, was Amy right?
Could Luke really be trying to woo me like some totally romantic gesture straight out of medieval, courtly love? I must have accidentally inhaled window cleaner or something because that just wasn’t possible. His note had only been meant as a thank you. Yes, that was it. He’d even said just that.
Sneaking a peek out of the corner of my eye, I could see he was almost upon me. My evil, impossible heart did a somersault in my chest. Oh, my gosh! Did I remember to put on deodorant this morning, because I was really starting to sweat. As if suffering from some horrifying form of hysteria, I stuffed my books into my locker as fast as I could. I had to get out of this hallway before he caught up to me.
“Hi.”
Too late.
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CHANNEL 20 SOMETHING- A clean Contemporary Romance from two-time Golden Heart finalist Amy Patrick. The first in a series about twenty-somethings in the exciting world of TV news, where what happens behind the cameras is the real story.
Amazon- http://tiny.cc/e78mxx
And right now it’s *FREE* on these vendors:
ibooks/Apple- http://tiny.cc/wkcmxx
Nook- http://tiny.cc/zh8mxx
Kobo- http://tiny.cc/m18mxx
22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job, her first apartment, and a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.
Heidi secretly longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.
Aric Serrano is definitely not safe.
He’s six-feet-four-inches of missing-Hemsworth-brother-hotness and plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. Until he meets his new co-anchor.
Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could simply ignore Aric. He’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid these days. But that becomes impossible when she’s forced to work closely with him on the weekend newscast. Now the chemistry between them is growing even faster than the ratings, and what happens behind the scenes is the real news.
Get your copy today and Fall in Love Like a 20 Something…
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BENEATH THE STONES (New Release) by Susan Coryell
Cozy Mystery/Southern Gothic
http://amzn.com/1628308524
Ashby Overton has everything to look forward to, including a promising writing career and her wedding at summer’s end. But, Overhome, her beloved historic family estate in Southern Virginia, is in financial peril and it is up to Ashby to find a solution.
Interfering with Ashby’s plans is a dark paranormal force that thwarts her every effort to save Overhome. Supernatural attacks emanate from an old stone cottage on the property rumored to be a slave overseer’s abode, prior to the Civil War. As the violence escalates, Ashby begins to fear for her life. Who is this angry spirit and why is his fury focused on Ashby?
Mystery, suspense and romance flourish against a backdrop of Civil War turmoil and ancestral strife–where immortality infiltrates the ancient air breathed by all who inhabit Overhome Estate.
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From my upper middle grade/clean reads YA novel, Best Friends…Forever? about an 8th grader named Landry Albright.
There was nothing like spending Christmas in Chicago. The city was so sparkly and bright when it was all lit up and decorated for the holidays. It was so exciting to see all the cars and taxis whizzing by and feeling like anything was possible in the big city. I loved getting off the train, seeing my dad, and taking the taxi back to the apartment my parents and I lived in together until my mom got transferred to Grand Rapids. I liked my new school and all, but I missed my dad living with us and hoped he’d be able to find a job in Michigan and move in with Mom and me.
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Yakimali’s Gift, Historical Romance, YA/Adult
In 1775 Mexico, New Spain, 15-year-old Fernanda Marquina, of Spanish and Pima Indian ancestry, can’t seem to fit into the limited female roles of her culture. Fernanda grabs any opportunity to ride the horses she loves, dreaming of adventure in faraway lands. But when a tragic accident presents her with the adventure she longed for, it’s at a greater price than she could ever have imagined. With her family, Fernanda joins Juan Bautista de Anza’s historic colonization expedition to California.
On the four-month journey, Fernanda makes friends with Feliciana, the young widow Fernanda entrust with her deepest thoughts; Gloria, who becomes the sister Fernanda always wished for; and Gloria’s seductive brother Miguel, gentle one moment, angry the next and, like Fernanda, a mestizo—half Indian and half Spanish. As Fernanda penetrates Miguel’s layers of hidden feelings, she’s torn between him and Nicolas, the handsome soldier pressuring her to marry him.
But propelling Fernanda along the journey is her search for Mama’s Pima Indian past, a past Mama refused to talk about, a past with secrets that Fernanda is determined to learn. The truths she discovers will change the way she sees her ancestry, her family, and herself.
Reviews, Trailer, etc: http://lindacovella.com/yakimalis-gift/
Buy links:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yakimalis-gift-linda-covella/1120020969?ean=2940149634903
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/462563
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/yakimalis-gift/id904383626?mt=11
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/yakimali-s-gift
Thank you Tara and readers!
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The Fearful Heart by Cherry Christensen. New Adult. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q6ZVQKQ
The heart must be protected at all costs… but will Cassidy be able to afford the price? Cassidy has distanced herself from childhood friend, Tristan. She’s moved on from their days of best friend-hood and is attending college. And dating one of the most eligible males on campus. Life couldn’t be better. Really. Tristan has devoted himself to Cassidy since they were children together. But no matter what he did, she’s never treated him like more than her best friend. He knows they can have something deeper. If only he can find the key to unlocking her fearful heart.
Thank you, Tara.
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IDEAL HIGH by Valerie Ipson, YA contemporary
Back cover blurb:
There’s no way I’m taking Blake’s place as president of the student body. As soon as the memorial for him and six of our friends is over, I’m resigning as VP. Really.
Except people say the fire was no accident. (I say it’s way too easy to blame someone who’s dead.)
When I read the writing on the wall, literally, the bathroom wall, I know what it means. To get to the truth I have to come out from under my paisley comforter.
But, seriously, what stage of grief says I have to be the one to fix what’s wrong at Ideal High? Maybe I’m the one who’s broken.
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Introducing a Christian Fiction!
Forecast: Stormy with a Chance of Love
Book One in the Forecast Series on sale through May 5 – only $.99! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RQT110G
Maggie Archer teaches at Freedom Christian University and is very active at her church. Though never married, Maggie, now approaching fifty, still longs for a relationship. One that is based on Biblical principles and filled with love and friendship. Frank Porter, 55, owns his own construction company, is quite successful and is a born again Christian, ready to share the gospel with anyone and everyone. Frank came close to marriage several years ago but it didn’t work out. He finds nights and weekends are too quiet and too lonely but he has resigned himself to his solitary lifestyle.
Maggie and Frank have a chance meeting at the large church they both attend and are very taken with each other. They meet again and find the attraction is mutual; however they both have secrets they aren’t sure they want to share now or ever. Is their faith and trust in God strong enough to overcome their past secrets or will they go their separate ways, never experiencing the joy they could have together?
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Gabriel’s Daughters by Janet Kay Jensen Jolly Fish Press 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2015 Logan, Utah visit http://www.janetjensen.com for contact details, review copies, photos, and author bio
NEW NOVEL EXAMINES POLYGAMY WITH OBJECTIVITY, RESPECT
Suppose a young woman is raised in a sheltered polygamous community in which her only purpose is to marry young and produce and raise many children for her husband, a man she must share with one or more other women? Suppose she leaves this life rather than submit to its tenets? And how, with limited education, can she learn to support herself in the “evil” outside world of the “Gentiles?” Gabriel’s Daughters addresses these and many other issues.
Janet Kay Jensen sheds light on the puzzling, mysterious, and often disturbing lifestyle of polygamy from numerous viewpoints. She tells the story of sixteen year-old Zina Martin, who runs away from the fictitious town of Gabriel’s Landing when she learns she’s promised as a plural wife. Her prospective husband has four other wives, and children older than she is. Pregnant by the high school teacher who seduced and then abandoned her, Zina’s only option is to run. Unprepared for the outside “Gentile” world, she must find her own course of self-discovery, maturity, and trust before she can ever reconnect with her beloved family.
Jensen has been fascinated with the subculture of polygamy since childhood, when she first heard the folksong, “Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys,” which, incidentally, is the title of her first novel. Hearing tales of her own Utah pioneer ancestry, some of whom were polygamous, and occasionally encountering members of these secretive communities as a resident of Utah, she began to research the subject. The story of a young wife who left a polygamous group to attend college, and then became valedictorian of her class, further fueled Jensen’s imagination.
Western Writers of America SPUR award winner Rod Miller notes: “Gabriel’s Daughters is, at its core, three rounds in our culture’s ongoing ‘nature vs. nurture’ boxing match. […] A well-crafted, cleverly constructed web of interlocking stories, Gabriel’s Daughters offers food for thought while it engages and entertains.” Gabriel’s Daughters won the silver medal in cultural fiction from Readers Favorites.
Janet Kay Jensen is author of Don’t You Marry the Mormon Boys (Bonneville Books, 2007) and co-author of The Book Lover’s Cookbook (Ballantine, 2003). Her work also appears in Writing for Charity, Healing Ministry Journal, The Magic of Stories, and Parables for Our Times.
Gabriel’s Daughters
A Novel
By Janet Kay Jensen
On Sale: January 20, 2015
Fiction / Literary
ISBN-13: 9781939967190
Pages: 318 | Trim: 6 x 9
Trade Paperback ($16.99), eBook ($9.99)
Distributed By: Independent Publishers
Group (IPG)
Jolly Fish Press
P.O. Box 1773
Provo, UT 84603-1773
To request a review copy contact the author
Author contact information:
Janet Kay Jensen
1762 East 1030 North
Logan, UT 84341-3008
(435) 752-1064
http://www.janetjensen.com
http://www.janetkayjensen.blogspot.com
janet.jensen@comcast.net
to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Janet-Kay-Jensen/e/B002BLN9IG
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