Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Hi all,

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope you all have the best year in 2014.

I also want to thank all of my readers for your warmhearted support and well wishes. Everyone has been so wonderful over these past two years of my publishing career, and I cherish each and every one of you. 2013 has been a wonderful year for me and it is only because of the kind support from all of you. I'm looking forward to an even better 2014 as I enter my third year of novel writing and publishing.

What's Coming in 2014?

I'm excited to tell you that I have already completed my next novel and am now working on another one. I plan to publish my next novel in March and then the other hopefully in May. My goal is to have three new books out this year and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoy writing them.

Have a safe and happy Christmas & New Year's.

Deanna

Book Review: The Christmas Contract by Jan Romes

Hi all,

If you read my blog, you already know that I am a big fan of romance author Jan Romes. Her novels are always fun, witty, and delightful to delve into. Her most recent novel, The Christmas Contract, is as wonderful as her others – maybe even better! Here is more about this lovely book and my review.

 

Cover Design by Tugboat Design

The Christmas Contract

Jan Romes

 

Book Description:

**Sweet romance without spicy love scenes**

 

Millionaire Dax Dawson is a world-class philanthropist and grandfather. While he's generous with his money, he also makes the community work for it. He's the same with his family. No free handouts. What he gives has strings attached. Dax decides it's time for his fiercely independent, almost-thirty year old granddaughters to settle down. He wants them to find love and give him great-grandchildren before his lights go out. And he knows how to make it happen.

Prompted by love, guilt and a desire to own their own business, the Dawson triplets -- Joy, Noelle and Christi -- enter into a Christmas contract that will change their lives forever.

Finding true love is a unique adventure, so each girl has their own story. The outcome for all three, however, funnels into one giant happily-ever-after.

 

Buy The Christmas Contract:

Amazon Kindle

B&N Nook

 

My 5 Star Review:

The Christmas Contract is possibly my favorite romance novel by Jan Romes.  Her novels are heartwarming stories with a fun, witty touch to them. There's never a dull moment in a Jan Romes novel. I particularly liked this one because it weaves together the story of the three sisters as they pursue love to fulfill their grandfather's wish for them to finally find the man of their dreams and settle down. It's like three novels in one – and each story is unique and heartfelt. If you are looking for a lovely holiday novel to curl up in front of the fire with, this is the one for you.

 

I hope you'll give this novel – as well as all of Jan's other novels - a try. Check out my reviews of her other novels:

Stella in Stilettos

Lucky Ducks

Stay Close, Novak

Three Days with Molly

The Gift of Gray

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Double Cover Reveal - Author Kristie Cook

It's a double-cover reveal (and a sale!) for author Kristie Cook's The Book of Phoenix series! The cover of The Space Between (Book 1) has been made-over, and we're sharing for the first-time ever, the title and cover for Book 2 (see below).

THE SPACE BETWEEN



New Adult Paranormal Romance

First installment of the Book of Phoenix series.

When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

Leni Drago can't make a smart decision on her own, according to her mother anyway--the few times she's tried resulted in disaster. When her uncle sends her on a dance tour in Italy to find her real self, she returns to an empty home and any evidence of his existence wiped out. Then things get even stranger, like the mysterious appearances of Jeric Winters--inked, pierced and a hit-'em-and-quit-'em type. He's one decision that should be easy for Leni. Or is he?



Jeric doesn't do girlfriends. Unless they're someone else's. He left the fighting cage and modeling for a reason, and girls who want more than a night of fun are distractions he doesn't need. Especially when they come with as much baggage as Leni carries. But he can't shake the gut feeling that he needs to know her. All of her.

To discover the truth behind their connection and their ties to a journal from 1989, they must face painful secrets from their pasts. And they must do so quickly because their own existences are falling to pieces.







This first part of The Book of Phoenix takes you on a heart-wrenching ride as you discover the answers that lie in The Space Between.



THE SPACE BEYOND 



(Working Description)



In this second installment of The Book of Phoenix series, Leni and Jeric are (re)learning their roles as the Phoenix Guardians and becoming the leaders they once were while taking on their first mission - guiding a Separated soul to the Gate. But that soul has her own issues, including supporting her sister and their deathly ill parent while dealing with an ex who doesn't want to be an ex anymore and a budding romance with a guy who could be her saving grace...or her fatal end. The last thing she needs right now is a couple of psychos trying to convince her that she'll never find her soul's other half except through them. What does that even mean, anyway? And why on Earth should she trust them when they don't even trust each other?



Coming March 2014

To celebrate, The Space Between is on sale for only 99c through January 1, 2014! Get it here:

www.TheBookofPhoenix.com

Amazon

The Space Between

B&N

The Space Between

iBooks

The Space Between

Kobo

The Space Between

All Romance eReader

The Space Between

About Kristie Cook:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult
paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power and Wrath available now. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 300,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category. The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:

Author's Website
& Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com

UK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk/index.html

The Book of Phoenix
Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com

Soul Savers Series
Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

Book Release: Between Boyfriends by Sarka-Jonae Miller

Book Release:

Between Boyfriends

Sarka-Jonae Miller

 

 

Between Boyfriends was 11 years in the making, and finally on 11/11 Booktrope is launching the chick lit novel. 

 

Book Description:

At first glance, twenty-one-year-old Jan Weston has it all: a gorgeous boyfriend, fun friends, and wealthy parents who take care of all those pesky credit card bills.

Then her boyfriend dumps her, her friendships fall apart, and her parents cut her off. Suddenly without money, without a man, and without a plan, it's time for Jan to grow up.

Determined to get her life back on track, Jan decides it's time to make it on her own. Can she find her way as a single lady in San Diego? Can she fix her friendships, her job prospects, and her hair? And can she keep her vow that she'll never date again, even after she meets a guy who just might be perfect for her?

BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS is a sexy, hilarious story of living life, finding love, and growing up... but not necessarily in that order.

 

Book Title: Between Boyfriends

Author: Sarka-Jonae Miller

Genre: Chick Lit, New Adult

Words: 104,000

Publisher: Booktrope

Release Date: November 11, 2013

 

Praise for Between Boyfriends

"This book is the ultimate chick-lit read--a light-hearted romp focused on the travails of Jan, a college student dumped by her boyfriend, an SDSU student. The moment proves an epiphany, as Jan resolves to stop dating and find fulfillment as a single woman." - East County Magazine

Between Boyfriends "presents a unique twist on the chick lit genre." - Hollywood & Vine magazine

"Over the course of the book, Jan, who is in her early 20s, begins to grow as a person and even strikes up a true friendship with a man, a first for her." - Rancho Santa Fe Review

"Cut off by parents? Not got a boyfriend? That's the formula for a chick lit hit." - Indie Author Land

"The book teaches both subtle and obvious lessons about friendship, relationships, responsibility and decision making." - The Masquerade Crew

"Between Boyfriends is a delicious slice of chick-lit! Snappy dialogue sets this story apart from the pack as it follows a young woman who, financially cut off by her parents when she fails to attend school, learns that life is more than her Amex card, and reunites with a mother who has endured her own brand of pain." - Jan Moran, bestselling author

"BETWEEN BOYFRIENDS is a great read. It's got everything you'd expect in a chick-lit book: good friends, fun, and a little romance, but the thing Sarka-Jonae adds to this story is a journey." - Caroline Fardig, bestselling author

 

Buy Between Boyfriends:

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

Links to the print, Kobo, Sony, and Apple iBooks versions coming soon. 

 

 

About the Author:

Sárka-Jonae is a novelist, publicist, and journalist, among other “ists” there aren’t room for. Her novel writing career began with Between Boyfriends, an edgy chick-lit book for women who’ve been ”between boyfriends”, which is much cooler than being single.

SJ is a graduate of Syracuse University. Before writing full-time, she was a personal trainer and massage therapist, helping people tone up, slim down, and chill out. In her free time, Sárka-Jonae loves to dance in flash mobs, in music videos, on speakers, or at home in her underwear. She practices kung fu and yoga, was briefly a Buddhist nun, and travels extensively for ”research”. She’s a huge animal lover and has been vegan since 1999. She’s committed to respectfully unveiling the truth about the horrific way factory farms abuse animals. SJ lives in San Diego with two cats and two dogs.

 

Connect with Sarka-Jonae Miller:

Facebook 

Twitter 

Website  

Blog 

 

 

Maggie's Turn Book Blog Tour Schedule!

Hi all,

I'm exited to announce that the Maggie's Turn Book Blog Tour put on by Pump Up You Book begins Monday, November 4th and runs through November 29th. There will be author interviews, a character interview, chapter reveals, and promos throughout the tour. I hope you will follow along and see what each day reveals.

Below is the tour schedule so you can follow along. You can also click the tour button on the side of the page to for the tour schedule at Pump Up Your Book.

In association with the blog tour, I am running a giveaway! CLICK HERE to go to the blog post explaining about the prizes. First prize is a $100 Amazon Gift Card - so don't miss out on entering.

Many people have already read and left wonderful reviews of MAGGIE'S TURN. I want to thank all my supporters and well-wishers. If you get a chance to read any of my books, I'd appreciate it if you take a moment to leave a review on Amazon.


MAGGIE'S TURN can be purchased on:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

B&N Nook

Kobo








Here's the tour schedule:

Maggie's Turn Blog Tour Schedule

Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour!

 

Monday, November 4 – First Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your Book

Monday, November 4 – Book Feature at Jody’s Book Reviews

Tuesday, November 5 – Interview for The Book Connection

Wednesday, November 6 – Interview at Examiner

Wednesday, November 6 – Book Feature at Moonlight Lace & Mayhem

Thursday, November 7 – Book Feature at  Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

Friday, November 8 – Book Review at Sara’s Organized Chaos

——————-

Tuesday, November 12 – Book Review at Teena in Toronto

Tuesday, November 12 – Book Review at Mom in Love with Fiction

Wednesday, November 13 – Character Interview at Beyond the Books

Wednesday, November 13 – Book Review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Thursday, November 14 – Book Review at Hanging Off the Wire

Friday, November 15 – Book Feature at Confessions of a Reader

——————-

Monday, November 18 – Book Review at Queen of All She Reads

Tuesday, November 19 – Book Review at My Book Addiction Reviews

Wednesday, November 20 – Book Review at Steph the Bookworm

Wednesday, November 20 – First Chapter Reveal at Reader Girls

Thursday, November 21 – Interview & First Chapter Reveal at Lori’s Reading Corner

Friday, November 22 – Book Review & First Chapter Reveal at Bibliotica

——————-

Monday, November 25 – First Chapter Reveal at Literary Winner

Tuesday, November 26 – Book Review & First Chapter Reveal at Deal Sharing Aunt

Tuesday, November 26 – Book Review at Hardcover Feedback

Wednesday, November 27 – Book Review at I’d Rather Be at the Beach

Friday, November 29 – Book Review at Melissa’s Midnight Musings

Don't forget to enter the giveaway too!

Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: Everwud – The Tree, The Boy & The Dog by Marilyn Dieckmann

Hi all,

I first met Marilyn Dieckmann, the author of Everwud, online on Twitter and Facebook, and was surprised to learn she lives not too far from me up here in the North Country. Although we have never met, I feel as if I know her like a friend, and I couldn't resist reading her novel. I'm so happy I did, it is as enchanting as I hoped it would be. Here is more about her novel and my review.

 

 Everwud - The Tree, The Boy & The Dog

Marilyn Dieckmann

 

Book Description:

Life isn't always fair, and if you're an orphan it’s probably worse.

Well, Joey is an orphan. His world is totally turned upside down the moment he sees a shaggy dog in the window at the animal shelter and exchanges a wagon-load of pop bottles for the dog.

But life is never that simple. Dogs are not allowed at the orphanage and a deal is made with Mister Tim, the kind man at the animal shelter that ultimately changes his life.

With his new friends, Joey rescues a fellow orphan from scoundrels who use an adoption scheme to gain cheap labor. and unlocks the secret to his birth. He discovers his mom is in fact a wood elf, and she was sucked back into her world the day he was born.

But that’s not all… there's magic too. Joey is the direct descendant of the mage of EVERWUD and will inherit pure magic one day.

Life couldn’t possibly have more surprises in store for Joey… or could it?

EVERWUD… where adventure begins.

 

Buy Everwud – The Tree, The Boy & The Dog on:

Amazon Kindle $0.99

 

Buy Everwud – Book Two – Castles, Clowns & Potions:

Amazon Kindle $1.99

 

My 5 Star Review:

I decided to read Everwud – The Tree, The Boy & The Dog by Marilyn Dieckmann, even though I knew it was geared toward children, because of all the intriguing Tweets Marilyn passed along on Twitter. She made it sound enchanting, magical, and lovely. And it is. From the very first paragraph, Marilyn had me hooked. She drew me into the story before I even realized what was happening. I had to know what happened next, and next, and next.

Everwud is not only a magical story, it is also fun and full of adventure. You can't help but like the main character, Joey, right away. He's such a typical boy, yet he really isn't, we soon learn. When Joey befriends a furry companion his life changes. He is caught up in an adventure he can hardly believe is happening to him. And he soon learns more about the parents he has never known and that he wasn't completely abandoned after all.

I would recommend Everwud to children ages eight and up. It's perfect for reading to your child at bedtime, for older children to read to themselves, or for adults looking for a little magic. And the best part about Everwud is it doesn't end with the first book. There are two more in the series.

 

 

About Marilyn Dieckmann:

To give credit where credit is due... I would say it was my husband's idea for me to write a book. I absolutely LOVE to read, and devour books every chance I get. The fact that I create magical fairy houses and make up stories for the inhabitants... well, it seemed like a natural step to take. I've made over 78 fairy houses and writing has now become a passion.
http://www.weetreehome.com

I'm a wife, mom, grandma and chocolate lover. Chocolate covered cherries are my all-time favorite candy, but any chocolate will do in a pinch!
Wine taster fits in here too!
I dream in full color and never ever think inside the box. As a matter of fact I don't think I own one of those box thingies.

We live in northern Minnesota where the seasons are well defined... winter and summer, with a brief glimpse of spring and fall in between. Our garden is spectacular even though the season is so short.

I've been a student, house painter, waitress, teacher (2 degrees), care-giver and worked in a lumber mill. However, like I told my sons... it's not necessarily what you do for a living (the job that pays the bills) that defines who you are.
It's what you do that brings you JOY.

My epitaph will read... she LOVED her family well!

 

Connect with Marilyn on:

 

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

 

I hope you will read Everwud to your favorite little adventurer!

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Maggie's Turn Book Blog Tour GIVEAWAY!

Hi all,

 

12/1/13 - Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway. The winners have all been chosen and notified. They are:

 

Summer - $100 Amazon Gift Card

 

Amy

Tina

Alexandra

Maggie's Turn Book & Bob Seger CD

 

Congrats to all the winners!

 

 

11/29: This Giveaway is now over. Thank you all for entering. I will announce the winners as soon as they have been contacted. :) 



MAGGIE'S TURN is going on tour November 4th - 29th, and in celebration of this, I am having a fabulous GIVEAWAY EVENT. The giveaway starts TODAY and runs through the blog tour until November 29th. You have multiple ways to enter, so enter today!

 

PRIZES

 

 

First Prize:  $100 Amazon Gift Card (U.S. Dollars)(Open Internationally)

 

 

Three Second Prizes: Three people will win a signed paperback copy of MAGGIE'S TURN as well as a CD of Bob Seger's Greatest Hits, the soundtrack to Maggie's Turn.

(U.S. Residents Only)

 

 

 

Enter now! Who couldn't use a $100 Amazon Gift Card just in time for holiday shopping?

 

And be sure to follow the MAGGIE'S TURN BOOK BLOG TOUR starting November 4th. Click here to see the TOUR SCHEDULE.

 

Enter using the Rafflecopter below. (Starts 10/16 at midnight)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski by Samantha Geimer

Hi all,

I've always had an interest in the Manson Family murders that occurred in 1969 and have read almost every book and watched pretty much every documentary on it. Actress Sharon Tate, wife of Producer/Director Roman Polanski, was killed by the Manson family that fateful night. She was eight months pregnant at the time. Eight years later, Roman Polanski was back in the news, except this time, he was the perpetrator. He was arrested for the rape of a thirteen year old girl. At that time, the public did not know the identity of "the girl". Polanski skipped the country and has, ever since, been unable to return to the United States. As the years went by, I'd see Polanski's name in the news every so often and wonder about the girl, now a grown woman, and how she felt every time he won an award or received attention when he was never punished for the crime of her rape. Well, now I don't have to wonder anymore. When I saw that she had written a book about her experience and how she's coped with the legacy of it over the past 36 years, I just had to read it. Here is the book description and my review.

 

The Girl:

A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski

Samantha Geimer

Book Description:

In this searing and surprising memoir, Samantha Geimer, “the girl” at the center of the infamous Roman Polanski sexual assault case, breaks a virtual thirty-five-year silence to tell her story and reflect on the events of that day and their lifelong repercussions.

March 1977, Southern California. Roman Polanski drives a rented Mercedes along Mulholland Drive to Jack Nicholson’s house. Sitting next to him is an aspiring actress, Samantha Geimer, recently arrived from York, Pennsylvania. She is thirteen years old.

The undisputed facts of what happened in the following hours appear in the court record: Polanski spent hours taking pictures of Samantha—on a deck overlooking the Hollywood Hills, on a kitchen counter, topless in a Jacuzzi. Wine and Quaaludes were consumed, balance and innocence were lost, and a young girl’s life was altered forever—eternally cast as a background player in her own story.

For months on end, the Polanski case dominated the media in the United States and abroad. But even with the extensive coverage, much about that day—and the girl at the center of it all—remains a mystery. Just about everyone had an opinion about the renowned director and the girl he was accused of drugging and raping. Who was the predator? Who was the prey? Was the girl an innocent victim or a cunning Lolita artfully directed by her ambitious stage mother? How could the criminal justice system have failed all the parties concerned in such a spectacular fashion? Once Polanski fled the country, what became of Samantha, the young girl forever associated with one of Hollywood’s most notorious episodes? Samantha, as much as Polanski, has been a fugitive since the events of that night more than thirty years ago.

Taking us far beyond the headlines, The Girl reveals a thirteen-year-old who was simultaneously wise beyond her years and yet terribly vulnerable. By telling her story in full for the first time, Samantha reclaims her identity, and indelibly proves that it is possible to move forward from victim to survivor, from confusion to certainty, from shame to strength.

 

Buy The Girl by Samantha Geimer

 

Amazon Kindle

 

Hardcover

 

B&N Nook

 

My 5 Star Review:

The Girl: A Life in the Shadow of Roman Polanski by Samantha Geimer is simply riveting. Samantha shares her story, starting with a description of her home life to give you a background on her family, describing how she became associated with Roman Polanski, reliving that eventful day and evening that changed her life, then telling of her life afterward with great honesty. She doesn't paint herself as a helpless little victim or as a perfect angel. Nor was she a conniving young woman who, along with her mother, planned to snare Polanski in a trap so she could profit from it, as many people asserted. Samantha was raped by a man over thirty years older than she was, and all she wanted was for justice to be served and then to move on with her life. Unfortunately, she got neither.

Roman Polanski skipped out of the U.S. before he was sentenced for the rape and has since been a fugitive from justice. But he hasn't exactly been hiding out. He's worked, made movies, and even won awards for his work. When he was nominated for an Academy Award for best director for his movie The Pianist in 2003, the "artist" community was actually outraged that he wasn't able to return to the U.S. for the award ceremony just because of a rape he'd committed 25 years earlier. Again, years later, he was arrested in Zurich, Switzerland for the outstanding warrant when he tried to attend the Zurich Film Festival where he was to win an award. Celebrities were up in arms about the arrest, conveniently forgetting that years before, Polanski had raped a young girl. And each time Polanski was in the news, Samantha was bombarded by the press for her opinion on the matter, instead of being left alone to live her life.

Samantha explains all of this in her book, as well as all the nitty gritty details of her life, good and bad. She doesn't whitewash anything about her life. She also explains why, after years of trying to stay out of the spotlight, she finally came forward to tell her story. It's an interesting story to read, and it's refreshing to finally hear her side of the story after years of blatant lies fed to us by the media. If you enjoy true life stories, you will enjoy Samantha's story.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Book Review: Sisters in Love (Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One) by Melissa Foster

Hi all,

I recently read Melissa Foster's latest novel, Sisters in Love which is the first in the Snow Sisters series. I had bought it when it first came out and was happy to see when it hit the top 100 in the Amazon paid store when Ms. Foster ran a promotion for it. When I purchased Sisters in Love, I expected a light romance novel. I was surprised to find it was much more than that. Here is a description of Sisters in Love and my review.

 

Sisters in Love

(Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One)
Melissa Foster

 

Book Description:

Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.

Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best.

When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free.

 

My 5 Star Review:

When I purchased Sisters in Love by Melissa Foster, I expected a lighthearted romance, but as I began reading this novel, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story was much more than that. While at its core, Sisters in Love is a romance (sometimes even steamy), the characters and the story has a depth you don't usually find in lighthearted romances. The main character, Danica Snow, is a strong woman who is very straight laced and work orientated, quite the opposite of her younger sister, Kaylie, who parties and jumps from man to man. As Danica's life unfolds, we find that she is also a very caring person as she spends time with a troubled teenaged girl, Michelle, as part of the Big Sister Program. The same is true of Blake Carter, who at first we believe to be nothing but an egotistical playboy. However, as events occur, we find there is a heart and soul below the showy exterior. When Danica and Blake meet, the attraction is mutual, but there are many barriers they each must break down before they can give in to those emotions.

I really enjoyed this first novel in the Snow Sister's series. The characters are complex, likable, and well developed. The storyline kept me interested and reading so I could find out what happened to each of the characters. If you enjoy a romance novel with depth, heart, and soul, you will enjoy Sisters in Love.

 

Buy Sisters in Love:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

Nook

Kobo

 

As of this writing, Sisters in Love is only $0.99!

And the best part is you don't have to wait to read book two in the series because it is already out. Look for:

Sisters in Bloom: Snow Sisters, Book Two by Melissa Foster

 

I hope you will pick up a copy of Sisters in Love and give it a try.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

 

It's All About the Words...

Hi all,

I recently began reading a novel which I'd been wanting to delve into for quite some time but hadn't
had the time to do so. Only two pages into it, I realized that this novel was going to be a delight to read. The author writes with flowery, flowing, descriptive phrases – and personally, I love that style of writing. Why? Because when reading a good novel…

It's all about the words.

Not everyone enjoys my enthusiasm for flowery writing. Many people just want to bypass all the description and get to the meat of a story. I don't blame them. There are times when I want that, too. I'm more of a dialogue person. I usually find myself skipping large passages of description or a character's internal thinking to get to the dialogue. But, when I come upon a story with eloquent writing, I enjoy savoring every word and turn of phrase. Some forms of writing are true art, while other forms of writing are entertainment. I enjoy both, but I only savor one. Why? Because…

It's all about the words.

As a novelist, I do not write flowery phrases or long descriptive passages. I'm just not that kind of writer. I can sometimes turn a really good phrase, but I am not eloquent in my style. My writing style is more direct, and I like to use dialogue more than description. But that doesn't mean I cannot appreciate a novel written in another style. In fact, I believe it's because I don't write in long, overdrawn descriptive phrases that I enjoy reading them all the more.

As self-published authors, I think we sometimes get so caught up in all the aspects of writing and publishing that we sometimes forget to stop and savor the words. I know that I am guilty of this. I become immersed in all the details of publishing, from cover art, to formatting, to publicity. I self-impose deadlines and rush to meet them so I can produce another novel and start the whole editing, packaging, and publicity cycle all over again. And during this process, I sometimes forget that it was my love of the written word that brought me to writing novels in the first place. Because…

It's all about the words.

Then, when I actually relax and read a novel that flows beautifully and fills my head with delightful imagery, I am once again reminded of why I write.

It's all about the words.

Writing isn't a contest. It isn't a marathon where we push ourselves to write six, eight, or ten thousand words a day so we can tell all our friends on Twitter or Facebook what we've accomplished in one sitting. Writing is about creating. It's about savoring each word, each images we create, and every turn of a phrase. It's art. It's imagery. It's storytelling with flair. And yes, lest we forget…

It's all about the words.

 

Happy writing.

 

Deanna

Book Review: As Angels Watch by Norma Budden and Michael T. Ingram

Hi all,

 

I recently had the privilege of reading the Contemporary Christian Romance novel, As Angels Watch by Norma Budden and Michael T. Ingram. Norma and I met online, as I have many of my author friends, and when she was offering up copies of her novel to be read and reviewed, I quickly offered to do so. It was a delight. Here is more about this lovely novel and my review.

 

As Angels Watch

Norma Budden

Michael T. Ingram

 

Book Description:

"As Angels Watch – a love story… complete with comedy and heartache… characters so real you may see them in your mirror."

Jewel and Collin live in different countries yet share the same powerful convictions. Though they haven't met in person, e-mails pass back and forth every day, drawing them closer as one month rolls into the next. After almost a year, they put a plan in motion to meet face-to-face.

Just as Collin prepares to begin his road trip to Canada in search of anticipated love, Tracey - one of Jewel's abused and neglected students - graces her doorstep. Collin and Jewel soon realize there is more to Tracey than meets the eye, that this young girl has an agenda of her own.

Will Collin and Jewel be willing to share their time and attention with a troubled ten-year-old? With guardian angels guiding their every step, can their love withstand all the challenges put before them or will they realize they don't have what it takes?

 

Buy on Amazon Kindle

Kobo

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My 5 Star Review

 

Jewel and Collin have never met in person but already feel a connection. They met online and have emailed back and forth, finding that they have much in common, especially their Christian faith. Finally, after a heartbreaking event, Collin decides it is time to meet Jewel to see if their connection is as strong in person as it is in their correspondence. Meanwhile, Jewel, who is a teacher, has taken in one of her students who was living in an abusive situation. Jewel hopes that Collin will be able to accept the situation when he comes to visit, and that it won't ruin their chances of finding happiness together.

 

As Angels Watch is a refreshing romance novel where two people meet and fall in love in a beautiful and innocent way. It follows the two main characters as they live their everyday lives and ask the Lord for assistance when they are struggling. In the background, angels are watching these two people and helping them through their struggles. The young child, Tracey, ads humor and depth to an already delightful story as she tries to play matchmaker with the young couple. As Angels Watch is well-written, vividly descriptive, and incorporates wonderfully fleshed-out characters. A lovely Christian romance novel for readers to enjoy.

 

About the Author:

Norma Budden considers her home to be Arviat, Nunavut, Canada despite having been raised in various parts of eastern Canada. Norma has spent her adult years honing her craft as a writer, dabbling in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and song. In 2011, she branched out into editorial services and has dabbled a little in web design. Norma's ultimate goal is to be immersed in the writing industry on a full-time basis.

When Norma is not writing or working at her day job as an Administration Manager with The North West Company, she is hanging out with her three kids and grandboy.

Some of Norma's greatest passions in life are reading, writing, traveling and taking photos. She enjoys spending time with friends and spending time in the great outdoors.

You can learn more about what is happening in her world by visiting her website.  

 

 

If you enjoy Christian Romance, I hope you will pick up a copy of As Angels Watch and give it a try.

Cheers,

Deanna

Maggie's Turn is Published!

Hi all,

Cover design by Tugboat Design

I'm excited to finally tell you that my women's fiction novel, Maggie's Turn, is now available on Amazon. It should be available in the next few days in paperback as well.

Maggie's Turn is a heartfelt story of Maggie Harrison, a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and employee, who one day, without planning to, just drives away. We follow Maggie on her journey of self-exploration as she tries to find herself again after years of becoming lost in her roles of wife and mother. Maggie leaves behind an indifferent husband and two sulking teens who soon begin to realize just how much they've taken Maggie for granted. As we follow Maggie on her adventure, the reasons for her flight begin to unfold, and we begin to understand what made her leave. We also follow her husband, Andrew, the less than perfect spouse, as he tries to reconnect with his children and figure out why Maggie left. Maggie's Turn will make you laugh, cry, and touch you with the exchanges between this family that has lost its way.

Honestly, what mother hasn't thought, at least once in her life, that she'd like to just drive away and have a few days of peace and quiet to herself to regain her sanity? The brunt of the work of the home and childcare generally falls on the mother, not to mention working outside the home and caring for the home itself. Often, women lose themselves in everything they need to do and rarely have time to spend on their own interests and passions. Maggie finally does it for all of us, and becomes a better wife and mother because of it.

I hope you get a chance to follow along on Maggie's journey. It's a fun ride.

Thank you to all my supporters, everyone who has read one of my books and/or left a review. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I hope you will enjoy this latest novel.

Cheers,
Deanna

Book Review: Reflections (Whisper Cape Book 2) by Susan Griscom

Hi all,

I just finished reading Reflections, the second book in the Whisper Cape series by Susan Griscom. Susan delights us by continuing with the story begun in Whisper Cape – and I have to say, I enjoyed the sequel as much as I did the first book. Here is more about the novel and my five star review.

 

Reflections

(Whisper Cape Book 2)

Susan Griscom

 

Book Description:

Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she’s pregnant with his child, he’s over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry’s baby, except when she begins seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia’s nightmare has only just begun...

A most sought after beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.

Buy Reflections in Kindle or Paperback

Buy Whisper Cape, Book 1 in Kindle or Paperback

 

My 5 Star Review

Reflections continues the story from Whisper Cape but this time it zeros in on the relationship of Addison's aunt, Maia, and Maia's love, Gerry. Maia and Gerry are expecting a baby, and Gerry is thrilled at becoming a father. But when Maia learns she is expecting twins, the anxiety begins, especially when she is plagued by cryptic messages from an old woman. Problems ensue when the beautiful lead singer from the band Gerry has hired sets her eyes on Gerry. And let's not forget Addie and Cael and the magical world they and Gerry belong to that stirs up problems once again in the quiet town of Whisper Cape.

Once again, author Susan Griscom delivers an intriguing paranormal suspense story that is also filled with sensual relationships between the characters. Her writing style is vivid, and it draws you into the story quickly and makes you want to keep reading to find out what is happening with these interesting characters she's created. Susan does an excellent job of continuing the story of Whisper Cape, and leaves you wanting for more. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys the paranormal/suspense/romance genre.

 

I hope you will give this series a try. Currently, the books are priced at only $0.99 cents – an extraordinary deal for these well-written novels.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Cover Reveal - A Secret Fate by Susan Griscom

Hi all,

I'm excited to announce the cover reveal of author Susan Griscom's upcoming novel A SECRET FATE. This novel is Book 3 in the Whisper Cape Series. I've had the pleasure of reading Book 1 and am currently reading Book 2 in this series. You can also read my review of Susan's collections of short stories BRIEF INTERLUDES here on this blog.

Now....The Big Reveal!

 

Cover Reveal

A SECRET FATE (A Whisper Cape Novel, Book 3) By Susan Griscom

 

 

Title: A Secret Fate (A Whisper Cape Novel, Book 3)

Author: Susan Griscom

Publisher: Amber Glow Books

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Cover Design: Susan Griscom

Release Date: Fall 2013
Add it to your to read list.Goodreads  

 

Synopsis:

Book three in the Whisper Cape Series.

Gerry, Addie and Cael almost captured Careen’s murderer but lost Cael in the battle. Is he alive? If so, will he return? And the bigger question, thanks to Gerry's handiwork, will Cael remember Addie? Is their love lost with him?

Addie’s family and friends think she should keep the relationship a secret. Just what she needs, more secrets and on top of everything else, someone stole the crystal. How is she supposed to get over the loss of her lover, a lover she'd barely had for only a few short months and deal with the secret of the lost crystal at the same time?

Aiden wants nothing more than to help Addie overcome her grief and get over Cael. Or is that all he wants? What happens when too many people know the secret and someone slips up? 

 

An unedited Excerpt from A Secret Fate

 For the umpteenth time, over the past two weeks, Addie recited the words over and over again in her head, begging, pleading, Cael, please remember me. Please remember you love me.

Dragging her useless, helpless, and now rail-thin of a frame from the bed—their bed, his bed—she stumbled into the bathroom, hardly recognizing the person in the mirror. The sunken, dark eyes, her indented cheekbones, only made her brown eyes look larger and more recessed, giving her face a hollow look. Well, that was fine, now her face matched her hollow and empty soul.

She couldn’t work, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. Gerry threatened to give her job to Darcy permanently if she didn’t snap out of it and get her rear end into the bar soon. She didn’t care. Why should she? Let Darcy have the damn job. She didn’t need it. She had her trust fund, didn’t she? She couldn’t face going in there, seeing all those people, everyone asking how she was getting along … without Cael—the unspoken part of the sentence. Well, how the hell did they think she was? She just lost the man she loved. Lost her dad the year before. Who would be next? Who would she lose next? Maia? The Twins who weren’t even born yet? Unthinkable. But, as the old saying went, bad things happened in threes. Maybe if she stayed home, away from other people, nobody else would die or disappear. Her family, friends, they’d all taken turns checking in on her, Darcy one day, Maia another. Gerry, Cael’s uncle Bart even stopped by. Someone, once a day would come knocking on her door, trying to coax her out of the house. “Not ready,” she’d say. “I need time.” How much time would it take? How much time does a person normally require before they learn to cope with the loss of a loved one? Learn to cope? She didn’t want to learn to cope. Addie hadn’t had much time with Cael to begin with. She felt cheated. Resentful and cheated that she didn’t get to love and enjoy her soul mate for any longer than only a few short months. According to Maia, Cael and Addie were fated. She and Cael had joked, laughing about it being a secret fate because of Addie’s secluded and sheltered childhood. Well, fate was cruel, wasn’t it?

 

About Susan

Susan Griscom daydreams often. And sometimes her daydreams interfere with her daydreams not to mention real life. Because, let’s face it, her character’s lives are so much more exciting. Sometimes it’s young adult or new adult or just plain old mainstream fiction and sometimes it’s paranormal romance, where her playing field delves into a different milieu than the usual vampires and werewolves. Some day she might write about fangs and fur, but for now she prefers sticking to strong heroes and heroines confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and abilities beyond the norm, mixed with a little romance to get the blood boiling.

Susan lives in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and her humongous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and hers; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, and seven grand angels.

Susan loves when a story takes hold and pulls her into the fantasy, that's magic.

You can visit Susan at http://susangriscom.com or email her at susan@susangriscom.com.  She loves hearing from her fans.

 

Links to learn more about Susan:

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook Fan Page

Facebook personal page

Twitter

Website

Blog

 

Other works by Susan:

WHISPER CAPE (Book 1)

Amazon USA
Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFLECTIONS(Whisper Cape, Book 2)

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

 

 

ALLUSIVE AFTERSHOCK

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

 

 

 

 

BRIEF INTERLUDES

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

 

 

 

 

 

EROTIC INTERLUDES

Amazon USA

Amazon UK