tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21858912639211923792024-03-04T23:18:23.207-08:00Inspire to ReadBe Inspired! Read Books
Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.comBlogger1447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-44806803955560252442024-01-29T04:50:00.000-08:002024-01-29T04:50:34.699-08:00Book Review: Juror Number Ten by Caroline Taylor<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikul1A0afvYaRcs3av82roZm-SzGyVjakGrNxtmrQ3APN7iOssgk4AzOfU69PaIMdAMEhKSqSMTh0hhBfJ1yu0_KmbxZKj8GwAbto-f_Y0bsTBJWcXCEYAMRAxwrDA4HWt7DF-9jfK3c-u0Pq_kgQvAyyUw8tZoxKNxy7MIWtj7KjL4_7jC-9ccoWt13pm/s2240/Blog%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikul1A0afvYaRcs3av82roZm-SzGyVjakGrNxtmrQ3APN7iOssgk4AzOfU69PaIMdAMEhKSqSMTh0hhBfJ1yu0_KmbxZKj8GwAbto-f_Y0bsTBJWcXCEYAMRAxwrDA4HWt7DF-9jfK3c-u0Pq_kgQvAyyUw8tZoxKNxy7MIWtj7KjL4_7jC-9ccoWt13pm/s320/Blog%20Banner.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Genre: Thriller/romantic suspense</span></h4><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Bio: </h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Caroline Taylor is a novelist and short-story writer who grew
up in the mountain west and traveled widely, including a brief stint in the
Foreign Service. A former editor of Humanities magazine, she is the
author of several mysteries, one short-story collection, and a nonfiction book.
Two of her novels won the Firebird Book award, and a third was a finalist for
the Freddie Award. A member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime,
she lives in North Carolina.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Blurb: </h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Forgive their trespasses? One has committed murder. Two have
committed adultery, and the third has stooped to petty spying. When Sophie
Dickson becomes the reluctant tenth juror in a DC murder trial, she encounters
the man whose marriage she destroyed through a drunken act of adultery. The
prosecutor knows he will lose the case, which is what his boss wants. The
plaintiff, Nona Pierce, refuses to plead guilty, even while owning up to the
murder. She just wants her day in court. Instead, she’s kidnapped, the
prosecutor is fired, and Juror Number Ten finds herself in the middle of a
situation far less appealing than jury duty—and much more dangerous. How could
a murder prompted by a lawsuit over real estate grow into a war between an
alleged crime boss and a gang of scary Russians willing to murder to get what
they want?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.carolinestories.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Website </span></a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Juror-Number-Ten-Caroline-Taylor-ebook/dp/B0CCC2VGVZ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/juror-number-ten-caroline-taylor/1143800565?ean=2940167454415">Barnes &
Noble</a> / </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/juror-number-ten" target="_blank">Kobo</a></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Excerpt</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cody made his report as brief as he could. When
he finished, Gordon said, “I’m not hopeful they’ll find her. There must be
three hundred black SUVs in the DC area—and that’s if the kidnappers aren’t
halfway to Baltimore by now. I suppose the police have put out a BOLO to the
airports and train stations.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Bolo?” Sophie had been quietly sitting there,
legs crossed, one nicely shaped foot bouncing nervously back and forth. Clearly
she didn’t understand the term. Gordon smiled at her. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“It’s shorthand for ‘be on the lookout.’ Of
course, the FBI will get involved since it’s a kidnapping. Which will help.”
The look he bestowed on Sophie reminded Cody of the way Professor Abercrombie
dealt with his students at Georgetown. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Would you care to add to Cody’s account, Ms.
Dickson?” “I’m afraid not. If you don’t mind, sir, I’ll be on my way.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Yes, of course. But first, I want to show you
some photos.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“I never saw his face.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Bear with me. Are you hungry? I could have
sandwiches brought in.” He stood and went to a filing cabinet where he started
rummaging through one of the drawers. This was a rarity for a man who hated to
be caught standing anywhere near anybody as tall as Cody happened to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Cody plopped down on the sofa beside her. “I’m
partial to the tuna melt, but they also have burgers.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“I’m not hungry.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Or salads,” said Gordon, “or ice cream.” He
held a thick manila folder. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Sophie sighed. “Oh, all right. I suppose I
should eat.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Atta girl.” Gordon patted her shoulder. Cody
got to his feet. “I’ll order lunch. You want the usual, Gordon?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Sure, and you, Ms. Dickson?” “I guess the tuna
melt.” Gordon’s assistant Martha would get the food, but Cody figured it would
be best to leave the two of them to deal with the photos. After he’d talked to
Martha, he checked for any messages on his phone. A request to reschedule
tomorrow’s meeting with Terence O’Brien, the real estate agent whose
carelessness or ignorance with respect to DC real estate law had royally
screwed Nona Pierce out of her money. Fine. Let him stew. Nona hadn’t known
Cody had been pursuing the now-moot civil case at Gordon’s behest. If there was
an acquittal in the murder trial, Gordon had planned to sue the realtor for
negligence. Apparently, the boss had a huge soft spot in his heart for his
missing client.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The only other message was a text from Max
Crowell wanting to know when they could hit the courts at Hains Point. So did
Cody. He’d done so much walking and stair climbing and getting in and out of
cars today that he wondered if he’d ever be able to move without pain again.
His ankle was aching like a jilted woman’s heart. “Don’t know,” he texted back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">When he got back to Gordon’s office, Sophie was
laughing. “That’s so not PC. But it really is funny.” Gordon was laughing too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Yeah. I have a lot of jokes in my repertoire,
but I only tell them to my friends.” Jesus. Why not spread it on real thick? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Any luck?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Yep,” said Gordon. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Ms. Dickson—” “Sophie. Please.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Sophie here thinks the snatcher had a physique
similar to this guy.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">He handed a photo to Cody, pointing to the man
at the left. It was one of the photos Cody had taken at the church social where
the late (courtesy of Nona Pierce) Tatiana Orlovsky and her son Grigor joined
others every Sunday evening for a potluck supper of Russian comfort food,
lubricated liberally with vodka. The three men appeared to be singing, their arms
draped across one another’s shoulders. The bearded guy in the middle was tall
and thin, a Russian Ichabod Crane. The short guy on the right had close-set
eyes and a jowly face hinting of indulgence in a few too many blinis over the
years. The guy on the left was huge with a weight lifter’s enormous arms and no
neck. Still, it was a stretch. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Why would guys from Orlovsky’s church go after
Pierce?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Jesus, Cody. Think about it. We always thought
Ms. Orlovsky had to be one of those embedded spies we keep hearing about,
especially because of her line of business. Well, all these people are Russian
émigrés, a.k.a. spies. One of their own was murdered. They want an eye for an
eye.” “After three whole years?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“It could have taken a while for them to gin up
the courage—or to collect their orders from Moscow.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Oh, come on,” said Sophie. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“You’re talking as though this is still the
Cold War.” Gordon gave her the fish eye. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“Meet the new war; same as the old war.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ODh0uF35bgzsIngUDGFCRZVqtEZ2mm09b1tMq3HP1mMW9ulZYXtNkmwxm1HM5T4jw-Qe0aRjQfhmCm1Kdug9H_2aCnped7cNSjxaB6Bg-QTMlqK8Wx63jP8gh6s_465V4MqG1NdmXrewyI49EEO0AC3Ux7XyOUF-hPTwlu5UY87LF8N1ceAwOXhFp6xh/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ODh0uF35bgzsIngUDGFCRZVqtEZ2mm09b1tMq3HP1mMW9ulZYXtNkmwxm1HM5T4jw-Qe0aRjQfhmCm1Kdug9H_2aCnped7cNSjxaB6Bg-QTMlqK8Wx63jP8gh6s_465V4MqG1NdmXrewyI49EEO0AC3Ux7XyOUF-hPTwlu5UY87LF8N1ceAwOXhFp6xh/s320/Blog%20Banner%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Review</span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">This is the second book I have read of the
author Caroline Taylor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Nona and Sophie stood on the opposite sides of the
law. The one was a jury member, the other the accused. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">But when Nona got kidnapped, the entire game
changed. Instead of being in court, we tag along as people scramble to find
Nona and keep her safe. I really liked this elderly woman and can relate to her
story as she try to stay alive and get some money to live from. Being close to
60 myself, I understand the turmoil of looking for ways to increase your
income. It is simply a never-ending story with its own predicaments which can
lead you to trouble, quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The characters that the author added, really
set the tone of the rest of the story and soon I was lost in the trappings and
nuances of the plot. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The characters are well developed and
relatable. The flow is easy to follow, and the momentum is to the point. Pointing
out the different races, became a bity weary but otherwise a great story right
to the end. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-14644151764411013612024-01-23T13:30:00.000-08:002024-01-23T13:30:00.132-08:00Well dressed Lies by Carrie Hayes<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><!--wp:heading {"level":1,"textColor":"primary"}--><html><head></head><body><h1 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color">Well Dressed Lies</h1>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:heading {"textColor":"primary"} -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color">by Carrie Hayes</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":11009,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="" class="wp-image-11009" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Well-Dressed-Lies-banner-466x276.jpg" /></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"} -->
<h2><a class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color" href="https://henryroipr.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Black Coffee Book Tours</a></h2><h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color">January 23-26</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary","className":"has-text-color has-primary-color"} -->
<p class="has-text-color has-primary-color">London, 1877.
<br />Retired suffragists, VICTORIA WOODHULL and TENNESEE CLAFLIN
<br />are shrewd, attractive, and looking for husbands. But their backgrounds are sketchy. No one knows they've been paid - some might say bribed - a fortune to leave New York. That they've been accused of intrigue, blackmail and worse are details best left alone. But when Victoria finds the love of her life, her prospects are threatened by a striking resemblance to a character in a story by Henry James.
<br />Frantic to whitewash their past, she seeks Tennessee's help, unaware that Tennessee is in the midst of her own struggle, consumed by an illicit affair with a Duchess who is not only married, but is also mistress to the Prince of Wales.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Universal link for the book on <a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0CFSHW7JR" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<p><!-- Author Bio Section --></p>
<!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color"><strong>About the Author</strong></h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":11438,"width":"338px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img alt="" class="wp-image-11438" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AWDLcover_cover_photo-1024x922.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 338px;" /></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary","className":"has-text-color has-primary-color"} -->
<p class="has-text-color has-primary-color">Carrie Hayes was born in New York City. She grew up around journalists, idealists and rule breaking women. Find her on Medium.com, Substack.com and on her upcoming podcast, Angry Dead Women.
<br />
<br />Carrie's debut novel, Naked Truth or Equality was an Editor's Choice in the Historical Novel Review.
<br />
<br />The Midwest Review describes her latest book, Well Dressed Lies, as "an inviting novel of intrigue, mischief, and love that invites libraries and readers to partake of a story replete in changing alliances, closely-held secrets, and social change that romps through high society relationships on both sides of the pond."</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<p><!-- Social Links Section --></p>
<!-- wp:social-links -->
<ul class="wp-block-social-links"><!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://linktr.ee/carriehayeswrites">https://linktr.ee/carriehayeswrites</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://carriehayeswrites.com/">https://carriehayeswrites.com/</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/carriehayes1964/">https://www.instagram.com/carriehayes1964/</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --></ul>
<!-- /wp:social-links -->
<p><!-- --></p></body></html><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Review</b> </h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Unraveling knots and constructing ideas about this book was a genuine puzzle. It took me about two chapters just to get into the idea of the book. Which is too long when you try to capture a reader’s attention. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The conjugation of regular and irregular verbs in a Romance language goes a long way toward unraveling knots of anxiety in one’s mind. Remarkable, really, how one’s hesitations vanish when consumed with the construction necessary in composing ideas so that language functions not merely to communicate, but to perform. With style, as it were.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The three different perspectives added to the reading challenge. I think if the author had written each chapter from a different point of view, it would have been an easier read. But, since it is a rapped change within one chapter, I could not enjoy the story as I would have liked. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I always love a good historical read with a woman finding her own voice in the mixture of plot and story. However, in Well dressed lies the plot was almost winded, and I was not sure what the purpose of the story was in the beginning. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The synopsis suggested about these two women, Victoria Woodhull and Tennessee Claflin, have left New York under mysterious circumstances and settled in London. But this was vague, almost hidden within the voyage to Londen as people communicated with them or avoided them all together. Though they are charming, clever, and wealthy, the secrets and scandals were not clear either. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“As a family, we rarely discussed the fallout, what would happen, how it would look, what people would choose to believe. By the time we moved to London, it almost didn’t matter. There were few people who were privy to the truth of our actual, everyday lives. Those who didn’t know us assumed we were two foolish women, who blushed at nothing, prepared to knock over anything that stood in our path. But that was false. We were not that way at all.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When Victoria falls in love with a man who resembles a character from a Henry James story, she fears that her identity will be exposed. She asks Tennessee for help, but Tennessee is too busy with her own troubles. She is having a forbidden affair with a married Duchess who is also involved with the Prince of Wales. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tennie, or Tennessee, was the more approachable, more relatable of the three. But still hard to understand. She was floating around, unsure most of the time, with no definite purpose. Waiting on a man is not a purpose. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The third person in this book is Henry James, a man whose role within the story was unclear for quite a few chapters. He was shrouded in secrets himself and I found him an out-of-place sort of bloke. “WORDS: loquacious, garrulous, voluble, periphrastic, insidious, surreptitious IDEAS: a man bereft of ideas sets out to find the love letters of a long dead poet. She to whom the letters were written agrees to grant him access, upon one condition.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This is how every section of his point of view began. A strange way of introducing an author, or was it an apt way of keeping the reader’s interest? I simply could not tell. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, not a book that I would recommend. Thanks for the opportunity to read it though.
</div>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-43453089746532480972023-11-29T05:41:00.000-08:002023-11-29T05:51:46.507-08:00A Ruby Red Christmas by Delilah Hall<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="MsoSubtitle" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: center;"><a name="_30n6rvdos21e"></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: right;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/delilahhallauthor/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Instagram</span></a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1998872173/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3I1COTODOST1A&keywords=ruby+red+christmas&qid=1699209193&sprefix=%2Caps%2C747&sr=8-3"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Buy link </span></a>| | <a href="https://lilacarchpress.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Website</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeeCbdUDKxF-3kkemVl2Y8iFzJphX031orRoM9TdJyWHbaEhPK_6LhWovrZ4rWbU2hMcP8x4T2WNSHNOnqjMfleemklVl-FI_E3uXcEtOkVoyRxJYk_WDVox_xXhicNS-ZDLiAeuutba-YE6RCUG7Vj0MmnkR4Jpck7W4kP-8GDtKIrXZpRdryFzatv9P/s1500/Ruby%20Red%20Christmas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeeCbdUDKxF-3kkemVl2Y8iFzJphX031orRoM9TdJyWHbaEhPK_6LhWovrZ4rWbU2hMcP8x4T2WNSHNOnqjMfleemklVl-FI_E3uXcEtOkVoyRxJYk_WDVox_xXhicNS-ZDLiAeuutba-YE6RCUG7Vj0MmnkR4Jpck7W4kP-8GDtKIrXZpRdryFzatv9P/s320/Ruby%20Red%20Christmas.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Bio:
Delilah Hall is a young Canadian author who lives in and writes
smalltown romance. Growing up Delilah had the pleasure of being able to
explore, a passion that has carried on into her adult life and has inspired many
stories- and future novels.</div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN">Blurb: </span></b><span lang="EN">In a Ruby Red Christmas, Delilah Hall crafts a heartfelt tale of love
that defies time. In a story set in both the past and the present, the reader
gets to unravel the love story of Lucy and John and what pulled them apart.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Once deeply in love. Then separated by the
twists and turns of life, each of them carries with them a lifetime of
experiences. Each of them has had a family and a full life that was happy. But
what about those unfulfilled dreams they'd shared so many years ago? </span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">When their paths cross unexpectedly, all those
memories come back. We get to see how two people pulled apart can find each
other again, and what that looks like in the present.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of our hi-lo (high interest/low reading
level) series for older adults. While these heart-warming tales can be enjoyed
by anyone, they are specially crafted for people experiencing cognitive
impairment such as dementia. Short sentences, paragraphs, and chapters make for
a pleasant reading experience. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">People may enjoy these books on their own,
with a loved one, or in a group setting. Each book contains illustrations
throughout. After each chapter, there are general discussion questions to
encourage engagement and connection.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN">Interview questions: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Did your environment or upbringing
play a major role in your writing, and did you use it to your advantage? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Yes!
I was raised in a family full of writers and I was lucky enough to be
encouraged at an early age to follow my writing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">Please introduce your genre and
why you prefer to write in that genre? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">A
Ruby Red Christmas is a later-in-life romance that I wrote recently, I normally
write blue collar/smalltown romance but had been playing around with this idea
for several months and when I found out about Lilac Arch Press’s call for
submissions for their older-adult line, I thought this story would be the
perfect fit! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">What has been your most rewarding
experience with your writing process? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">For
me, the most rewarding part of the experience has been getting to meet the
people who buy my book. The people who look at the cover, read the blurb and
think they would enjoy the story that I wrote. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN">What positive piece of advice
would you give to other authors? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Take
risks! You will learn more from trying things than you ever will from just
studying. I’ve tried a lot of things, and failed at a lot of things, but along
the way I’ve learnt so much! <br />
Along with that, build your connections. Talk with other writes, share your
writing, get feedback, and put yourself out there! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">Website Links: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://lilacarchpress.com/ " target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> / </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/delilahhallauthor/ " target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/lilacarchpress " target="_blank">PINTERST</a></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{243ccfc1-b395-40e1-b7cd-3f1e000d1c08}{251}" paraid="336560246" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span data-contrast="none" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{2}" paraid="1382685640" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-indent: -18pt; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{20}" paraid="1296420202" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{26}" paraid="844266946" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-indent: -18pt; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{33}" paraid="1087594262" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{47}" paraid="644022572" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 36pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-indent: -18pt; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{76}" paraid="976293035" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{125}" paraid="1813852146" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin: 0cm; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{131}" paraid="273885688" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin-left: 36pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p class="paragraph" paraeid="{1fe547e1-4aa8-4871-9f1b-1f7f1bac6403}{137}" paraid="452071198" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background: white; font-kerning: none; margin-left: 36pt; overflow-wrap: break-word; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<span data-contrast="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; user-select: text;"></span></span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-29352466566710990102023-11-28T05:45:00.000-08:002023-11-28T05:49:04.747-08:00Book review: Abilene by Dare DeLano <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><!--wp:heading {"level":1,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h1 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://henryroipr.com">Black Coffee Book Tours</a></h1>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">November 28 - December 01</h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":9369,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-9369" height="225" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Abilene-Banner-1024x576.jpg" width="400" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Three strong Southern women — twelve-year-old Len, her mother Cora, and her Aunt Jean — grapple with love and loss in this poignant tale set on a hardscrabble cattle ranch in a small Texas town. Len yearns to find the father who abandoned her, and after a chance encounter with a country music star who she suspects is him, she embarks on a life-altering journey to find the truth about her past. At the same time, Cora and Jean must deal with another shocking family betrayal that complicates everything. Told in turns by these three remarkable women, Abilene explores the boundaries of love and the transformative power of self-discovery.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/abilene-dare-delano/">Link for the book on the publisher’s website</a></strong></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/159948966X" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Universal link for the book on Amazon</a></strong></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About the author</strong></h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"align":"center","id":9365,"width":387,"height":387,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9peYXdRLrLpeo2P5Nn6xQ4q3ycW3Xabo9c3Ov9U8FsWoqQdDczypwQ2s9jtC1owu469UDpKIWiZ7kIYFWnKgX2GlHIIaPNXxWlKjFFwDBbU9KD7S7kKuDo91U-ZSVLSGaOmg7MM0x-NvDWmSL4juVBKlYVcYEGrCs6g6HY0m0LSN4F01jo8s3SqcYFwC/s933/8905619.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="622" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9peYXdRLrLpeo2P5Nn6xQ4q3ycW3Xabo9c3Ov9U8FsWoqQdDczypwQ2s9jtC1owu469UDpKIWiZ7kIYFWnKgX2GlHIIaPNXxWlKjFFwDBbU9KD7S7kKuDo91U-ZSVLSGaOmg7MM0x-NvDWmSL4juVBKlYVcYEGrCs6g6HY0m0LSN4F01jo8s3SqcYFwC/s320/8905619.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized" style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Dare DeLano holds an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University. Her work has been short-listed as a finalist for the Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, and her children’s book Odus and the Long Way Home won the San Diego Book Award. Her work has been published in “A Year in Ink Anthology, Vol. 10, San Diego Writers, Ink, and has been exhibited in the San Diego Central Library’s Local Author Exhibition. Dare lives in San Diego, but her heart remains in the south. This is her first novel.</span></figure>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://daredelano.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daredelano/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/daredelano" target="_blank">Twitter</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094211826844" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Review </span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Len, Cora and Jean are three Southern women who have faced a lot of hardships in their lives. They live on a ranch in Texas, raising cattle and try to make ends meet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Len is a curious girl with a gift who wants to know more about her father. He left when she was a baby and the only picture she has of him kept him alive in her mind. Through an impromptu meeting, she thinks she has found him in a famous singer and goes after him to learn the truth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked the relationship between her and Cyclops, a reliable horse who was her confidant and friend in ways no one could be. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“And I knew in my bones she was right. For often, with the first winds of morning, I could feel how the day was gonna go. I could feel the long, strange cry of a wolf, or the glorious scream of the eagle, circling. At the beach I could hear the sailors’ words as they were carried along in cries of the seagulls.” Len.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cora and Jean are sisters who have always been close, but they are shaken by a family secret that threatens to tear them apart. They each have their own struggles with love, loss, and forgiveness. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“There was a deep-inside part of her that was at home here in the house she’d grown up in, the fields where she’d spent countless hours as a child. But there was part of her that knew she never fit quite right in this town. Everywhere Cora went, she felt a little different from the pack. In her hometown, she was smarter and more worldly, at college, she was edgier and more rebellious, and with the party crowd she hung out with she was smarter and more ambitious. She felt she was pieced together from all these different sections, and nowhere did she feel completely whole, nowhere did she feel completely understood.” Cora.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jean is on trial for manslaughter, and as she tries to adapt to prison life, she has to face her fears and the revelation of secrets. Secrets that could tare her family apart. As one continues to read, I could feel the empathy the writer used to tell these three women’s story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“I’m not scared. Even if no one else was around and he tried something I don’t reckon I’d be scared. I am a master at detaching from my body. I understand how to just leave and not care what is happening to the flesh and bone and skin that is lying there below me. I been doing it for years, whenever Roger wanted me. Trying to feel something – – something like I used to feel when we first were dating, back when things were sweet and I would get a little thrill when he touched me.” Jean</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Abilene is a story of three women, in two different time zones, who discover themselves and each other through their journey of finding home.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The writing is beautifully crafted, and the plot has an easy flow that makes this an enjoyable read from beginning to end. </p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-48443510751818322372023-11-22T02:29:00.000-08:002023-11-22T02:29:46.298-08:00Book review: The Killer's Stepsister by Caroline Taylor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkU1Rhht04-Djag4WWxbnAr6ugkjIg9BjBZLGGtarcLfN1us8EzE8iA7apuntbUnLqTplFr7QwqO1rs8EAcF421Y3NEpeV3XcIibqW_LfmVxx4aircwqTDguik2inguWXzcPMcdryFMUrVfz_qYOAeM0rB2X3N2evEw1k3VnExIpTHIYRpFTr2KJkLkir/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkU1Rhht04-Djag4WWxbnAr6ugkjIg9BjBZLGGtarcLfN1us8EzE8iA7apuntbUnLqTplFr7QwqO1rs8EAcF421Y3NEpeV3XcIibqW_LfmVxx4aircwqTDguik2inguWXzcPMcdryFMUrVfz_qYOAeM0rB2X3N2evEw1k3VnExIpTHIYRpFTr2KJkLkir/w382-h215/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br /><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Cinnamon Sticks"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Synopsis</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For nine years, Felicity
Terrebonne made her stepsister Maddy miserable, including marrying Maddy’s
boyfriend Dan. Now Felicity is on trial for murder, and Maddy attends her
trial. Is she there to gloat, or is it admiration that Felicity had the courage
to deal with a would-be rapist?<br />
<br />
But Felicity has her own agenda, one that enlists Maddy and her friend Pete in
a frantic search for Felicity’s daughter Danielle, who was kidnapped by her
father but is nowhere to be found.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_9Z3K3oSEh8s9qftmpRaWGcsaaizxaaSg0ho6_5Ym5W6jlQKzeXha3A-9kI-Phxti-0383-1sXXRwvn8NBeYsQS65_dHE21Rg-jicZBmb5tlSlUe6jdXYav7rMyCm8bz-2GklE3latwNfl2I_OpdDPl4AHbvaKY_VcPOnkGiIdDsbkV6BXLGIYWk4_Fn/s266/6983367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="177" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_9Z3K3oSEh8s9qftmpRaWGcsaaizxaaSg0ho6_5Ym5W6jlQKzeXha3A-9kI-Phxti-0383-1sXXRwvn8NBeYsQS65_dHE21Rg-jicZBmb5tlSlUe6jdXYav7rMyCm8bz-2GklE3latwNfl2I_OpdDPl4AHbvaKY_VcPOnkGiIdDsbkV6BXLGIYWk4_Fn/s1600/6983367.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><br /> She’s only ten years old and has been
missing for five months. Dan promises to lead them to her only to learn that
Danielle has escaped her kidnappers.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now the hunt is on. Who will find
the child first, and is she still alive?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Cinnamon Sticks"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">About the Author<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Born in Pasadena, CA, The United States<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Genre <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/genres/mystery">Mystery</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/genres/thriller">Thriller</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/genres/non-fiction">Nonfiction</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Influences: Guy Noir, Stephanie Plum<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://facebook.com/CarolineTaylorAuthor" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/caroline-taylor" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> / <a href="http://goodreads.com/authorCaroline_Taylor" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I am the author of several mysteries, one short-story collection, and a
nonfiction book. All of them are listed on my website at <a href="https://www.carolinestories.com/" target="_blank">https://www.carolinestories.com</a>.
Two of my novels won the Firebird Book award, and a third was a finalist for
the Freddie Award. Loose Ends was Goodreads “best thriller set in DC”
in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I grew up in the mountain west
and have traveled widely, including a brief stint in the Foreign Service. I am
a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/questions/264475-what-s-the-best-thing-about-being-a-writer">What’s
the best thing about being a writer?</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Living in a world that I have totally imagined whose
inhabitants mostly--but certainly not always--do what I expect them to.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Cinnamon Sticks"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9b_Rs6IP-IYU8uir3mf3nHMAtsMxMVkcNhGcYQ-co7M0zDYqzLSfFUY_l7OaQIV7oFHBVFcNqXClgBFFx1-XKn6BsKrJHlaF5imBrIdnVzu2pSHr0OuO8M0hynic5_rhkcDRzPWX5YZCiiICoUv3AxUau7d_ayO6ibPyTsYg08DXfS_Ivw4Q-qUkqpfL/s1500/91sbnRUfWTL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9b_Rs6IP-IYU8uir3mf3nHMAtsMxMVkcNhGcYQ-co7M0zDYqzLSfFUY_l7OaQIV7oFHBVFcNqXClgBFFx1-XKn6BsKrJHlaF5imBrIdnVzu2pSHr0OuO8M0hynic5_rhkcDRzPWX5YZCiiICoUv3AxUau7d_ayO6ibPyTsYg08DXfS_Ivw4Q-qUkqpfL/s320/91sbnRUfWTL._SL1500_.jpg" width="213" /></a></b></div><b><br />Review<o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A child went missing for five months, the mother
faces a murder charge, and a supportive although reluctant stepsister steps in.
From the opening chapter of the story, you realise the two didn’t get along.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When a child is missing, it is taken seriously by
every law enforcement unit and person connected to the family. But in this
case, the girl was gone for five months, and no one knew, not even the
stepsister. That sounded very odd to me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Though the two stepsisters were not close, Maddy
came running when she heard about her sister’s fate. That there is not much
love between is a fact, but that Maddy came says a lot about Maddy and a lot of
nothing about Felicity. Only during the court case did Maddy learn about her
niece’s abduction. I believe she would have been the first responder when she
had received the news five months ago, and the reason I found it odd was that
she wasn’t told.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With each scene, new characters were introduced
that helped to develop the story, giving it a more mysterious edge. During the
court case, Maddy got to see her stepmom again. Yvonne was a sickly woman,
filled with regrets and unable to change the past. Maddy’s love is clear. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Detective O’Toole added the spice, making you
wonder if the spark would grow between him and Maddie. The camaraderie between
them a beautiful string that kept my nose in the book. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The book was written from Maddie’s point of view.
As an outsider, she could explore the many reasons that led to her stepsister’s
demise as she looked for Danielle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With so many variables in the plot, you had to
keep up with it all. What hindered me most about this story are the frequent
back stories within each scene, slowing down the flow of the story. Getting to
the story is the number one rule when writing a book. Too much back story is
too much tell and not much showing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Otherwise, it was a good book, that keeps on
building on the mystery genre. With enough dialogue and sparks to keep you
reading as twists unfold. The end of the book answered most of the questions,
with Felicity’s fate still hanging in the air.<o:p></o:p></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: arial; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Killers-Stepsister-Caroline-Taylor-ebook/dp/B0CCCCGQNK?ref_=ast_author_mpb" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / </b></span><b style="color: inherit; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-killers-stepsister-caroline-taylor/1143800592?ean=2940167425460" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the-killer-s-stepsister-caroline-taylor/user-reviews" target="_blank">Reedsy</a> / <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-killer-s-stepsister-by-caroline-taylor" target="_blank">BookBub</a> / <a href="https://www.librarything.com/work/31241181/book/253129030" target="_blank">LibraryThing</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5981351509" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </b></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="color: inherit; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvJUSHOuzUpn8UcOf18QfAEcL7X-wacLbHPwzq-sDfbupt1yNLP444zNkeEOZmS7vdS0kiUqwr2zwm5SiLx7sbzUYtrQWD3tzMCZ79wqMqMKTbf26lkdMnlslWjx-Q9Xm4DyOQmylgdUag-zPoBdHof4Kz_S6rabHiC-FohwOzP9Hlt6aDM5LcjfSEYi/s1080/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJvJUSHOuzUpn8UcOf18QfAEcL7X-wacLbHPwzq-sDfbupt1yNLP444zNkeEOZmS7vdS0kiUqwr2zwm5SiLx7sbzUYtrQWD3tzMCZ79wqMqMKTbf26lkdMnlslWjx-Q9Xm4DyOQmylgdUag-zPoBdHof4Kz_S6rabHiC-FohwOzP9Hlt6aDM5LcjfSEYi/w174-h174/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><br /><b style="color: inherit; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><br /></b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-27601039300108169572023-11-17T03:45:00.000-08:002023-11-18T22:37:33.405-08:00Book tour plus review: Black Fox One by Elyse Hoffman<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><!--wp:heading {"level":1,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h1 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://henryroipr.com">Black Coffee Book Tours</a></h1>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">November 14-17</h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":9575,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-9575" height="225" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Black-Fox-One-banner-1024x576.jpg" width="400" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|primary"}}}},"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Jonas Amsel and Avalina Keller, devoted Nazis and best friends, have a bright future in Hitler’s Third Reich. Ava, a talented gymnast, wants to serve Germany in the Olympics, and Jonas, who has loved Ava since they were children, wants nothing more than to marry her and start a family. When he is about to propose, however, Ava and her entire family vanish without a trace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jonas blames the Jews for Ava’s disappearance and throws himself into a career in the Nazi Party. He serves the Reich under the ruthless Chief of the Gestapo, Reinhard Heydrich. Jonas becomes particularly good at capturing members of the Black Foxes, an anti-Nazi resistance group, earning Heydrich’s respect and the moniker of “the Fox Hunter.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Impressed by Jonas’ skills, Heydrich gives him his most difficult task yet: capture the elusive Black Fox One, the Black Foxes’ most deadly and mysterious operative. No Nazi who has pursued Black Fox One has returned alive, but Jonas is determined and confident. Capturing Black Fox One might bring him one step closer to finding Ava.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But while he is hunting Black Fox One, Jonas makes a shocking discovery, forcing him to make an agonizing decision. He must choose between his love for the Reich and his heart, torn between the lies he has been taught all his life and the new truth before him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Black Fox One is a thrilling World War II story of lost love, bravery, and the hard road to redemption.</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|primary"}}}},"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color" style="text-align: justify;">Check the book on Amazon <a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0BW15KYVX" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Book Review:</h3><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" style="text-align: justify;">Black Fox One is an eye-opening story about Germany’s propaganda against the Jews during World War two. But it is also a love story of two people divided by war and hate. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lies and secrets were the foundations of this war, a war ignited and fed by ignorance and manipulation, and normal people on both sides of the coin suffered. This is the premises of Black Fox One. The author’s empathy and research can be seen on each page as the story came to life and you get to know the SS officer, the “Fuchsjager”. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ava and Jonas were ripped apart and found each other once more at the height of the war. The chipping down of lies came at a cost, and the questions of which side to choose remained throughout this heartfelt story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“They lied to me…they lied right to my face. My teachers, my comrades, they all lied to me!” Jonas Amsel said. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Black Fox One, the moniker of a fierce leader, brings the suffering of the Jewish people's home. The entire team of black foxes was a menace in the German army and one they void to destroy at all costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“You’re a loyal SS man, an Aryan. Don’t forget your nation, no matter what happens. At the end of the day, Germany must come first. Deutschland Über Alles!” Dieter Amsel. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With two goals on his mind, the one, to find his one true love and own a “Ehrenring”, Jona, a national socialist’s mind, was set on the task at hand. Not knowing what will happen when he continues. But when Jonas was confronted with a different truth he believed, he had to make a choice. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since this book is written from Jonas’ perspective alone, it was difficult to know Ava’s thoughts. Yet I could summarize that she had a difficult time in the time they were apart. Though she had to be bitter, I found her endearing character relatable. She knew who she was and made no excuse for it. Her quiet and even sometimes explosive nature was a powerful beacon for Jonas’s character. If not for her gentle tutoring on a somewhat unconventional way, Jonas would have stayed lost. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The strong bond of love is an ever-present string that holds it together.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The writing is clear and to the point. The descriptions lively as the author shows the story in apt ways. Adding additional dimensions to a very harsh time in our history. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">“I was lied to, he thought, and in the name of that lie he had killed. Murdered. Nausea took hold of him, and he almost collapsed. He was angry. Angry at his father who had lied to him, at the nation which had lied to him, at the lying system he had served.”</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About the author</strong></h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":4899,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full" style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-4899" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Elyse.jpg" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Elyse Hoffman is an award-winning author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. She loves to meld WWII and Jewish history with fantasy, folklore, and the paranormal. She has written six works of Holocaust historical fiction: the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust and The Book of Uriel.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:embed {"url":"https://www.elysehoffman.com","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"elyse-hoffman"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-elyse-hoffman wp-block-embed-elyse-hoffman"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.elysehoffman.com" target="_blank">Website </a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851312.Elyse_Hoffman" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elyse-hoffman" target="_blank">Bookbub </a></div></figure>
<!--/wp:embed-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-13712554449949370162023-11-12T21:40:00.000-08:002023-11-12T21:40:09.354-08:00Yuri and the pig by C.W. Lovatt. From the best-selling author of the Charlie Smithers adventures <h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI211VYkTAHkAM1GTu2I9MmO7-r46ZcJiL6BbPNTjNBHVATxF8QPF9jQx7RfkcPbVucpUrE_0UDe0_OivEyfumZ30ZaIOHDjSo_pfq684Z_R-xfJcRUwYhYvvSQsor90rWLGuEoiNmNhQc3B_2rkel9BB2n04L1xK8CZqsQy2NyPuPtSDjrxbsj3uVam5/s2240/Blog%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI211VYkTAHkAM1GTu2I9MmO7-r46ZcJiL6BbPNTjNBHVATxF8QPF9jQx7RfkcPbVucpUrE_0UDe0_OivEyfumZ30ZaIOHDjSo_pfq684Z_R-xfJcRUwYhYvvSQsor90rWLGuEoiNmNhQc3B_2rkel9BB2n04L1xK8CZqsQy2NyPuPtSDjrxbsj3uVam5/w345-h194/Blog%20Banner.jpg" width="345" /></a></div></span><b style="text-align: justify;">From the best-selling author of
the Charlie Smithers adventures </b></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A farmer and his pig set off on
an extraordinary quest across war-torn Eastern Europe.<br />
<br />
Entangled in a savage war, the country of Xoraina is fighting for its very
existence; but to Yuri, a simple peasant from a remote mountain village, it
seems all but certain that the invading Zlaimperians must ultimately prevail.
Not that it is of any consequence to him, of course. In Yuri’s view, every form
of government is equally bad, so it makes very little difference who holds the
reins of power. Indeed, throughout time, the only things that have ever really
mattered are that the soil be tilled, the cows milked, and the pigs shipped to
market, all in a timely fashion.<br />
<br />
But when an exorbitant new tax threatens that philosophy, he sets off with his
pig across the war-ravaged land to the Capital in order to fight the injustice.
In the process, their journey becomes a road to a terrible enlightenment,
causing Yuri to question his deeply seated beliefs. But only when he and his
pig find themselves placed squarely in destiny’s path is there any hope of
those questions finding answers.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Buy links:</span></span></h3><div class="x_a-expander-content x_a-expander-partial-collapse-content x_a-expander-content-expanded" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://mybook.to/ynp" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / </span></span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yuri-and-the-pig-c-w-lovatt/1144209091?ean=9781907954856" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197428465-yuri-and-the-pig?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chuck.lovatt" target="_blank">Facebook page</a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEighMU2TdEjw1CMVrIMVp5REwYypcFnautgI2pFjA8ndiaSTtGJGXFUqlPX8IlAqndmqHQrNmKxSl1t2DmuNCgK9diwOpi0gv40SdJAbh_mJRvszbRTFkFv2Ojvw2vDWR1MoPzIZN0-KhKWcVCwjy2aCjCj2LftM7a0_AiLHZFeUGnuKf-EXBzvyDlx7HT2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="900" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEighMU2TdEjw1CMVrIMVp5REwYypcFnautgI2pFjA8ndiaSTtGJGXFUqlPX8IlAqndmqHQrNmKxSl1t2DmuNCgK9diwOpi0gv40SdJAbh_mJRvszbRTFkFv2Ojvw2vDWR1MoPzIZN0-KhKWcVCwjy2aCjCj2LftM7a0_AiLHZFeUGnuKf-EXBzvyDlx7HT2" width="227" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Bio: </h3><div>CW Lovatt is the
award-winning author of the best-selling Charlie Smithers Collection and the
critically acclaimed Josiah Stubb trilogy. He lives on the Canadian prairies
and is the self-appointed Writer in Residence of Carroll, Manitoba (pop +/-
20). "Yuri & the Pig" is his latest novel.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><h3 style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">EXCERPT (based on the current war in Ukraine):</h3><div class="x_a-expander-content x_a-expander-partial-collapse-content x_a-expander-content-expanded" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p align="center" class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Overview</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This tale concerns two countries in Eastern Europe. One, Zlaimperia, is very large. The other country, Xoraina, is much smaller and is situated on Zlaimperia’s southern border. In times past, Zlaimperia was the core of a fearsome empire which, among many other countries, included Xoraina.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, also in times past – within the span of a lifetime ago – the Zlaimperian Empire was much weakened because of its struggle with the United States of America and her allies. Although still considered to be an empire by some, many of the vassal states, resentful of their Zlaimperian overlord, chose to go their own way, Xoraina being among them.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the ensuing years, the divide between these two countries grew ever wider. Grasped in the iron fist of a dictator, Zlaimperia returned to its authoritarian roots. This dictator was known for his ruthless determination to cling to power, as well as his corruption. Xoraina, on the other hand, turned away from its past with Zlaimperia. Instead, they turned toward the western form of government that gave power to the people. In due course it began to prosper.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, the all-powerful Zlaimperian dictator lamented the lessening of what his country had once been and swore to regain those glories of the past. He also noticed that Xoraina had repudiated that past and embraced their old enemies in the West. Duly enraged by it, but he was also alarmed to have yet another democratic country on his border, especially a prosperous one, and <i>this</i> one most of all. To some degree, many in Zlaimperia and Xoraina shared a similar language and culture. Also, many people in Xoraina had friends and family in Zlaimperia, and vice versa. How long would it be, he wondered, before his own people, relating to life across the border, saw the benefits of democracy and wanted it for themselves? If such an unspeakable thing should occur, not only would it would be the end of all his dreams of returning Zlaimperia to its former glory, it would be the end of the dictator himself. Clearly, the status quo could not be tolerated. Therefore, girding the country in a blanket of lies, of how the erstwhile vassal state had now fallen victim to deplorable Nazis, he ordered his formidable military to invade Xoraina with two objectives in mind: to eradicate Xorainian democracy, and to absorb the country within a new Zlaimperian Empire.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, having once tasted freedom, Xorainians were reluctant to surrender to the will of their old master. </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Instead, they chose to resist.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXewZDqt590LxHHq92mk7r95w5aBKrwJuPblwlwuOHifIgWcXwAxnG2cfQ4LG2iWA8BFZDNkZJj5Jtf4sFRBCFQXS6MXOTYdlwzERha7Qd7PbtpaoPVUYI7LKbBfOyel1N4LQfAyeCCvv48iwA1m5-250qTkObY_JqO0Cm2gLUp7gWA-PlG80P87fo2_Bw/s1080/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXewZDqt590LxHHq92mk7r95w5aBKrwJuPblwlwuOHifIgWcXwAxnG2cfQ4LG2iWA8BFZDNkZJj5Jtf4sFRBCFQXS6MXOTYdlwzERha7Qd7PbtpaoPVUYI7LKbBfOyel1N4LQfAyeCCvv48iwA1m5-250qTkObY_JqO0Cm2gLUp7gWA-PlG80P87fo2_Bw/w262-h262/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><p></p><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" clear="all" style="background-color: white; break-before: page; color: #242424; font-size: 21.3333px;" /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p></div>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-4157955067416678742023-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:002023-10-13T11:50:02.379-07:00Suzanna's Escape; Another thrilling read from Andrew R. William.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaPnQ0x6nUPCuz7hfkoW157B79Di_glrZxX_L0-7SNK9EAiL-v435jdxR3jV-GkRq5JpxJw0zlUMCEWK_sGmgMwNWIM5_hgUMgwtxwfNVD9FYbJ3fNXIJ_agcdzEhewsrX_FtqiNr7rcyyEQNSqjOTntWn7IUzPzttsdDNGHuR6AP8EeGLrjgY8xFPoUk/s2240/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaPnQ0x6nUPCuz7hfkoW157B79Di_glrZxX_L0-7SNK9EAiL-v435jdxR3jV-GkRq5JpxJw0zlUMCEWK_sGmgMwNWIM5_hgUMgwtxwfNVD9FYbJ3fNXIJ_agcdzEhewsrX_FtqiNr7rcyyEQNSqjOTntWn7IUzPzttsdDNGHuR6AP8EeGLrjgY8xFPoUk/w372-h209/1.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The saga of the Fyfield’s continues in this story as Suzanna Fyfield escapes from the clutches of the Great Ones. All the players are back, with Rob taken out of the equation very deceitfully. Once he returned, he was as a force to reckon with. The question was, would Suzanna finally let go of her feelings for this no-good man?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">With Akbar ever present, I found him annoying at times, but also very helpful. Though timing was not his strongest feature.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Suzanna’s escape takes you deeper into Arcadia, as hybrids tries try to kill her. Trusting the right people is of the essences and this ex-commander of the Emperess of Igocnito, quickly learned that not everything was at it seemed. But trust did not come easy for her, and it took a good part of the book to convince her of those who tried to help, of their sincerity.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sharing her world with Arcadian Wolves and millipedes, hybrids, and AI’s makes this story interesting. It keeps you on your toes as you follow the continues drama as it unfolds. Adding a few twists in the plot, and you too, will be hooked till the last page. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://andrewrwilliamsauthor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website </a> /<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Suzannas-Escape-Andrew-R-Williams-ebook/dp/B0CJVW1CFV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=TXXG5VXRAMS1&keywords=Suzanna%27s+Escape%2C+Andrew+Williams&qid=1696817642&sprefix=suzanna%27s+escape%2C+andrew+williams%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> Amazon</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwXJGersGcFOdXeYqLK24q-iWzBKGbWmXfk4OfoULTQOjF2UhlemmLS-d1Qw_CmXfPODhym3azGc9QlcmdF_oxg5exb0Gxs7wuAGko65j2GGvunIpLL9QN8ILwwTs9qlj2vMqVBKJ7i_6NLkFQaPokyVTh2hEI6MvTcFKccutFi6F8Dm7VFZ0UpXWmZLb/s2240/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwXJGersGcFOdXeYqLK24q-iWzBKGbWmXfk4OfoULTQOjF2UhlemmLS-d1Qw_CmXfPODhym3azGc9QlcmdF_oxg5exb0Gxs7wuAGko65j2GGvunIpLL9QN8ILwwTs9qlj2vMqVBKJ7i_6NLkFQaPokyVTh2hEI6MvTcFKccutFi6F8Dm7VFZ0UpXWmZLb/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-21592812056334126392023-10-08T04:31:00.005-07:002023-10-08T05:19:58.576-07:00Book review: Teaching Machines how To Cry by Dr. Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg034mfonCJ9EvpZyhT_jAcoiG7n4yu9oQGWKiTQTPGDNDfQTQleYdpfkmNQUCy3sZBNeaK6nOy0JbWdOG5cOHr74ikaZfDs37CcLP7vtk4eGKcTxoM7zLIFofB6xinWSSK1wUo4HdlNBi3mPKMyIQRSC88p85gqm19qnwFQ2VmagAzBiYDbdUHXUs3w5wo/s2240/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bionic-hand-and-human-hand-finger-pointing-6153354/" border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg034mfonCJ9EvpZyhT_jAcoiG7n4yu9oQGWKiTQTPGDNDfQTQleYdpfkmNQUCy3sZBNeaK6nOy0JbWdOG5cOHr74ikaZfDs37CcLP7vtk4eGKcTxoM7zLIFofB6xinWSSK1wUo4HdlNBi3mPKMyIQRSC88p85gqm19qnwFQ2VmagAzBiYDbdUHXUs3w5wo/w377-h212/1.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Review </h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Teaching machines how to cry by Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis was recommended to me and I found it different. The shell on the book cover made me wonder about the book itself or the untold story. A very unsophisticated cover, but once you follow the story, the meaning becomes clear behind the simplicity. Life is very fragile, the outer casing only shell deep, and if you put too much pressure on it, it will break. The question was, how does this apply to the characters within the book? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The book is the debut novel from the author, a highly esteemed person with a biography to impress.
The relationship between Alba and M is very significant. Hence the name of the book, Teaching machines how to cry. It all began when Alba became ill, and an AI prototype became part of her everyday life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The relationship was more a monologue between her and M, where she talked, and M observed. With M only replying when a direct question was asked. But when it was removed from her life, she was left with a longing she could not understand. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Twenty years later, Dr. Alba lands at the Hölfang Foundation, hoping to find her friend and be part of the groundbreaking work at the foundation. Set in the picturesque Portugal, Alba is confronted with many questions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She experiences life intensely. Each person who crossed her path added another dimension to her emotional framework. This became clear when she landed in Rio de Janeiro with the promise of a beautiful romantic time with Dr. P. Which ended with her in hospital and him gone. This experience shaped her even further. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">M, the AI prototype who shadowed Alba as a child to learn about human emotions, role is very significant. Adding no spoilers to this review, the connection between the two was more than just friendship. As secrets are unearthed and files disappear, it became apparent that Alba and M’s relationship holds the key to the future of the Hölfang Foundation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found the author’s writing robotic at times, and the monologues didn’t help to capture the heart of the story. Too much inner dialogue dragged the story out and hindered the flow, in my opinion. Otherwise, a good story any science reader will enjoy. </div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Purchase link: </h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Machines-how-Paula-Hidalgo-Sanchis-ebook/dp/B0CH45Z63K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= " target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://books2read.com/Teaching-Machines-how-To-Cry " target="_blank">Universal book link</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5879087446" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tzaQRtSrI1jUdqgha-ylzJh4uSbwAItZlO1kIso1qPDButDHKtuHn3i2OeBiIWtIQwg2EDjL8wC9YnnjO0LWfV8tJrIQTlnTVIA5KZ1FC-6tO0FU-q4g1o3cYCcs56GmN6Yrgk4dxtwPstqiWyKYKfFeGso95ciCe7MzJHZALNI65EmRFa87o94A7IzT/s2240/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tzaQRtSrI1jUdqgha-ylzJh4uSbwAItZlO1kIso1qPDButDHKtuHn3i2OeBiIWtIQwg2EDjL8wC9YnnjO0LWfV8tJrIQTlnTVIA5KZ1FC-6tO0FU-q4g1o3cYCcs56GmN6Yrgk4dxtwPstqiWyKYKfFeGso95ciCe7MzJHZALNI65EmRFa87o94A7IzT/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Brief bio: </h3><div style="text-align: justify;">Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis is a citizen of the world who has lived on four continents. She spent most of her career working with the United Nations as a humanitarian, and as a sustainable development practitioner. She led ground-breaking work on the ethical complexities, and potentials, of artificial intelligence. That work informs her debut novel Teaching Machines How to Cry. She holds a PhD in Human Geography and lives in Portugal with her two sons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WIHUTWJbN0M5533okD6PQAqIBHA55o91761YQYG6CAyj7ZAP5UKzV-pl8x5bURwIiKCtB1FNcHy6vLngio9Ib1w0M8Wsu28TAlBx-0trn9yJAI5Iz1xoBhdgIEvt60YxD4nldQOVLlmSSmU0rrt3IZ6qKkbeqH-M7r5UsOXpt-A_2GTl831bmI78h9Y6/s1491/51ArmwSV9gL._SL1491_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1491" data-original-width="1000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WIHUTWJbN0M5533okD6PQAqIBHA55o91761YQYG6CAyj7ZAP5UKzV-pl8x5bURwIiKCtB1FNcHy6vLngio9Ib1w0M8Wsu28TAlBx-0trn9yJAI5Iz1xoBhdgIEvt60YxD4nldQOVLlmSSmU0rrt3IZ6qKkbeqH-M7r5UsOXpt-A_2GTl831bmI78h9Y6/w180-h268/51ArmwSV9gL._SL1491_.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Blurb: </h3><div style="text-align: justify;">In Teaching Machines How to Cry, Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis explores the story of Alba, a young woman seeking answers for a feeling of longing she can’t explain, and M, an AI prototype.
Alba was a child when she first spent time with M, until they were unexpectedly driven apart. As an adult, Alba slowly realises that M might hold the answers to her life-long yearning when she remembers that the last time she felt whole was as a child when she taught M how to cry.
This novel explores the symbiosis between AI and the human soul and raises the questions of how machines and humans might live and evolve together in a not so-distant future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Excerpt:</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Diving into
humanity’s written history, the team realized that some written records, such
as Egyptian hieroglyphs, weren’t easy to understand. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">To address this,
they adjusted the scope of the case study with a new timeframe. The new
timeframe was from 2,600 B.C. onwards. 2,600 B.C. was the date of a Sumerian
cuneiform script that had been identified by historians as humanity’s first
intelligible written text. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Once the new
timeframe for the study was set, the team combined and categorized humanity’s
written legacy dating back to 2,600 B.C. Hours and hours of work were spent on
collecting all available data sources, including manuscripts, historical
documents, court transcripts, magazines, poetry, philosophical essays,
children’s books, religious papers, song lyrics, novels, and newspapers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Then, the
scientists wrote several algorithms to do a cross-sectoral examination of
livelihoods, political and societal structures, creative arts, religions, and
educational systems in the texts. With computations, the team analyzed the data
with scatter plots, the Pearson correlation coefficient, the correlation
matrix, principal component analysis (PCA), and Lasso regression. But the
computations didn’t yield the expected results, and only weak correlations and
causations were found among the data points. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">The findings of
the case study were irrefutable: a core set of ethical values that guided
people to do right or wrong in the selected timeframe wasn’t found. The team
concluded that the reason was that ‘human history is too inconsistent’. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">To advance the
implementation of the hL-M-p, a quality assurance team proposed that E would
just have to learn the seventh commandment, ‘thou shalt not kill’. The new
proposal was presented to the Foundation’s board for approval. A vote was
conducted. The tally was eleven votes in favor, and one against. Can you guess
who that one vote came from? It was the unintentional criminal, Mr. Austin, who
deeply regretted attempting to murder his mother-in-law but believed that
manslaughter could be justified sometimes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">At the same
time, as was the normal practice, the scientists who conducted the study on
moral values published a paper with the proceedings. The paper was entitled:
‘Teaching E to be good: a scientific approach’, and it was published in
the journal Science Today. When the paper was disseminated, something
unforeseen happened: many voices questioned the scientific rigor of the study. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Social
scientists voiced their concerns about the methods used. Historians challenged
the timeframe of the case study. And anthropologists claimed that the scope of
the study had missed the fact that Homo Sapiens, or the wise man, had walked
the Earth for three-hundred-thousand-years. In response to the criticism, the
lead data scientist issued the following statement: ‘It’s not true that the
history of humanity was simplified for the purpose of the study. The broad
scientific community recognizes written knowledge as a turning point in the
evolution of human intelligence. The combination of logograms and syllabaries
in the selected Sumerian cuneiform script is considered by many to be
humanity’s first writing system. So, it is reasonable to use that readable text
as the milestone that marks the beginning of the evolution of men. Humans were
not evolved before they learnt how to write.’<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">His statement
‘humans were not evolved before they learnt how to write’ went viral and
ignited more criticism. A renowned philosopher then said: ‘The Hölfang
Foundation has simplified the complexity of humankind to fit it into
machine-learning reality.’ <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">After this, a
media scandal developed. For the first time since it was established, the
Foundation was under public scrutiny. ‘It’s an unprecedented scandal’, the
chairman of the board said. The ‘unprecedented scandal’ resulted in delays in
the implementation of the hL-M-p. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">In addition, the
costs increased by 27 percent due to additional expenditures on lawyers and
marketing consultant fees. To avoid further criticism, setbacks, and
extra-budgetary expenditure, the board decreed that all research would be kept
secret from then on. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">‘The world will
still benefit from our work, but we’ll not be interrupted again’ the chairman
stated. To implement this resolution, the
Foundation’s board approved a confidentiality policy that
all employees should follow. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">After further
discussions, the board decided to suspend the hL-M-p indefinitely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KR7HcM0vjV2Fgslv-a4QBVkWx_9v_oUfIMxPBk6Q4-m45jl6v_-rY-gB3yPpN8hL_WR19QUbRQL7AYrHratd233uFKix5WfBYuJDOuyutLAPmYdShREBuAFP2rwKPkVljxA1nDe2z4p1vWQB0Q7rbAiqa8XzRKTMAbJ4ouSc0sO1kV-qkCdH7ZNdjzf7/s1080/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KR7HcM0vjV2Fgslv-a4QBVkWx_9v_oUfIMxPBk6Q4-m45jl6v_-rY-gB3yPpN8hL_WR19QUbRQL7AYrHratd233uFKix5WfBYuJDOuyutLAPmYdShREBuAFP2rwKPkVljxA1nDe2z4p1vWQB0Q7rbAiqa8XzRKTMAbJ4ouSc0sO1kV-qkCdH7ZNdjzf7/w200-h200/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></p></div>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-80089235283872266072023-09-29T13:11:00.001-07:002023-09-29T13:12:06.508-07:00Book Review: Waves of chances by Sonja Gunter<h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm4zI_HrYmid6yVtEptOWBV8tCijX-bY3U-_0u2c3JVWMpq68HIf7w320TjWxPM-YTRLJoVdD12kR_lTRjyJaLFA5mdN8KeOHG0iDq8_I_aRkrRJKPW810qYfc6XXLmpdXMP-mY87fE_P5UWlLoqfcPM4h0BUPfAlwjM-bGNCSC7YU6qV6E4B17XZ-LAH/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm4zI_HrYmid6yVtEptOWBV8tCijX-bY3U-_0u2c3JVWMpq68HIf7w320TjWxPM-YTRLJoVdD12kR_lTRjyJaLFA5mdN8KeOHG0iDq8_I_aRkrRJKPW810qYfc6XXLmpdXMP-mY87fE_P5UWlLoqfcPM4h0BUPfAlwjM-bGNCSC7YU6qV6E4B17XZ-LAH/w374-h210/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" width="374" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Montserrat ExtraBold"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Review:</span></b></h3>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Professor Caresse Deveau is in a
league of her own. I must admit that I didn’t like her much in the beginning.
Her self-righteousness and aloofness did nothing to warm me towards her. But as
the story developed, I got to know the woman behind the facade. She is
intelligent, straight shooter with a love for history.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Caresse’s refusal to see what is
happening in front of her, always thinking of her mother, had something to do
with the setup, annoyed me. As if she was waiting for her mother to reveal
herself, but the story turned out differently than expected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">The yearly mother-and-daughter
cruise changed at the last minute when her mother excused herself from the
cruise. Her father, instead of just leaving it alone, send her a text message
to explain that her mother wasn’t sick. This seed of doubt resurfaced
throughout the plot.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">With Dennie Lang, I had a
distinct feeling and liked him from the start. His genuine character and
flawless manners made him the perfect candidate for a romantic novel. Add his
job description into the mix and the blend and aroma of a unique story
unfolded.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">The meeting between the two was
a casual introduction, and I could see the scene playing off in my mind’s eye.
That encounter promised to have me glued to the book, wondering when and how
they would find that moment of realization.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Another facet that made this
story interesting was the ghost-child that kept on appearing in the most
inconvenient times. This puzzled Caresse, as she could not understand the
reoccurring dreams or the ghosts. The more she dug into her past, the more the
answers eluded her. But an interesting twist revealed it all and led to a
significant find.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Dennie himself struggled to get
past his feelings of guilt against his deceased wife. And the growing feelings
that stirred for Caresse. Soon we have a story that brings the reader a
wonderful taste of romance with a touch of mysticism as they cruised the
Mississippi. Until it came to a halt, and this is where the plot come into its
own.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Kaimi added another element to
the story. With a clever ploy, she tried her best to break them apart. Lies and
deceit followed her like a shadow and for a time, I too thought she was telling
the truth. But lies have a way to catch up with you, especially when jealousy
rears its ugly head. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">A book I can recommend to all
romance readers with a touch of the unnatural to spice up the evening. The
dialogue between the two flowed with a comfortable ease and the writing was
clear and concise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Montserrat ExtraBold"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Professor Caresse Deveau is all
about work and trying to solve the meaning behind her reoccurring dream. Her
mother’s interference of getting a son-in-law and a grandbaby is non-stop.
Hoping for some rest and relaxation on their mother and daughter cruise, her
mother cancels at the last minute.<br />
<br />
Was this a ploy on her mother’s part to see her find a boyfriend?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Dennie Lang, owner of several
vineyards in the US and England, is onboard to train the crew to serve his
wines. From the first moment he sees Caresse, he is attracted to her and with
the help of the Captain Neil Becker, his ex-brother-in-law, arranges to be
seated at a dinner table for two.<br />
<br />
When unseen forces worked to bring them together, there is someone trying to
make sure it doesn’t happen and sets other events into motion. Will their
new-found love at first sight be enough to keep them together?<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Montserrat ExtraBold"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Book links</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185409224-waves-of-chances">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/za/en/ebook/waves-of-chances" target="_blank">Kobo</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C9SFXF5N/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0C9SFXF5N&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon.com</a> / <a href=" https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waves-of-chances-sonja-gunter/1143755264;jsessionid=43C07D92B6E5FA124C07C103F7218894.prodny_store02-atgap16?ean=2940161069622" target="_blank">Nook</a> / <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1420604" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> / <a href=" https://books.apple.com/us/book/waves-of-chances/id6451089747?ls=1" target="_blank">Apple</a> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Montserrat ExtraBold"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Clenching her teeth, she took a deep breath. How stupid
she’d been for not picking up on what her mother had been doing in the first
place. Caresse weighed her options. Canceling at this point would invalidate
her mother’s well staged plan. Or, if she played along, went on the cruise
alone, knowing her mother had alternate plans once she was on board, would she
be endorsing the pretense? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Are you there, honey?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Yes, mother.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“I’m sorry I got sick.” Her phone dinged again. Another
message from her father. She means well. Her father was right. Her mother was
only being a mother. One who wanted her only daughter to marry. When she
returned home, her mother’s meddling was going to stop. This was the last
straw. A week by herself sounded pretty damn good. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Okay mom, I’ll go alone. I’m sure Dad will do a wonderful
job of taking care of you.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Oh, great—oh, he will...” More fake coughing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Love you. Bye honey.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Love you too. Bye.” She ended the call and sent her father
a text. Tell her I know she was faking. His reply. Will do. XO <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Where to, ma’am?” Caresse looked at the driver. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Sorry. The Port of Call, please.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Right away,” he stated and merged into traffic. Before the
Port of Call came into view, a billboard caught her attention, advertising
French Quarter Phantom tours. She made a mental note to contact them when she
returned. They might be able to help with her dream and ghost. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At this point, she had nothing to lose. The taxi maneuvered
through the heavy traffic of vans and cars to the unloading area. Finally, the
line of vehicles moved. The driver set her luggage on the curb and a ship
porter came and took them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Ma’am, enjoy your trip.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“I will. Thank you.” Caresse handed him her business card
and a ten-dollar tip. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Email me your wife’s jambalaya recipe. I’d love to try it.”
The taxi driver grinned. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Yes, ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Her stomach did a couple of flips as she glanced at the
Vision of the Seas. This was a break from students. No stacks of final exams to
grade. And now, no nagging mother commenting on her single status. Only peace
and quiet waited for her with daily visits to the ship’s library and the spa
for massages. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If I can handle over a hundred students in my lecture
classes, I can manage a vacation by myself. With purposeful strides, she moved
to the end of the line for early-boarding, a perk of having cruised often. A
pleasant agent checked her passport, took her picture, and gave her the all
clear to board. The excitement in the air was infectious and Caresse wasn’t
immune and smiled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The moment she crossed over unto the ship, her breath caught
in her throat. After a dozen or so cruises, it never failed to be impressive.
The openness, the grandeur of the whole entrance. “Welcome aboard the Royal
Caribbean, Vision of the Seas.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Thank you,” Caresse nodded, turning her attention to the
crewmember.<o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Montserrat ExtraBold"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt 2</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Behind the protection of his Maui Jim’s, Dennie studied the
woman who was presenting her assets for anyone to view. He clamped his mouth
shut and ran his hand over his chin, fearing it had fallen open. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s okay, but I would like some sun.” This time, the
woman’s voice held a sharp tone of irritation. How had he missed her when he’d
come up a few minutes ago? Her flowered bikini swimsuit top displayed the swell
of her breasts, that were not too large and not too small, but enough to make
it appear as if they were overflowing the material. It was a sight for his
deprived eyes. He swallowed and took two steps to the right. The mid-afternoon
sunlight cast a golden glow on her skin. His eyes traveled the length of her
body. Her burgundy shorts came to the middle of her well-shaped thighs, baring
long, shapely legs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Thank you.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He tore his gaze away from her body and focused on her face.
Her short brown hair was pushed behind her ears, but some strands had come
loose allowing the wind to move them freely. He couldn’t see her eyes because
her own sunglasses hid them but imagined them to be brown.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He watched as she put down an electronic device revealing no
ring on her second finger. Could Michele be trying to tell him to move on? Why
would he see a woman in the same spot he’d been thinking about? They didn’t
look alike at all. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I’m sorry,” Dennie repeated and stepped further to the
right allowing the sun to hit the woman. She only smiled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Is this chair taken?” He pointed to the empty chair next to
her. She looked to her left and right. He did the same and saw his mistake.
There were numerous vacant lounge chairs. His attempt at small talk had been
absurd.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInEagCRBAG_rzYxqZHrXgK_8VyoFL39TKVTRvQky-at-nZMeF_HC1UNmFZNPVVuL_a04XgXw3tSrSdUQZ_aNmjYKWmKvjH2znKcfQfGthFWCyfWL8zrDUcH_wd4tXTShp5sEFLQQ3euceitmIm6B71uSyAvTOdy4OhS7DrGZ3somavyklGB1_Fim6_Tz/s1080/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXInEagCRBAG_rzYxqZHrXgK_8VyoFL39TKVTRvQky-at-nZMeF_HC1UNmFZNPVVuL_a04XgXw3tSrSdUQZ_aNmjYKWmKvjH2znKcfQfGthFWCyfWL8zrDUcH_wd4tXTShp5sEFLQQ3euceitmIm6B71uSyAvTOdy4OhS7DrGZ3somavyklGB1_Fim6_Tz/w200-h200/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-79634407626210402622023-09-21T10:26:00.001-07:002023-09-21T10:26:10.670-07:00Jim's Revenge by Andrew R. Williams, a witty story filled with humourous moments. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eLU-dzmpR8EH3x0oNoWdUnU_OHcn_eftp7iMOI1VG1QwZJtbVS26YrUtNPvNaAgEhnz6TrnIU_Tc-WIQ5nDmsCrJoPIBywX6GunruNC1cNhACaAu0ktJaXsGfV7O0NP4wHqt3_b4xq_xbTzEq0pQt5gQFPPVleO1jROrD5jnedUSQTZRf8Wp8rRfKU_I/s2240/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eLU-dzmpR8EH3x0oNoWdUnU_OHcn_eftp7iMOI1VG1QwZJtbVS26YrUtNPvNaAgEhnz6TrnIU_Tc-WIQ5nDmsCrJoPIBywX6GunruNC1cNhACaAu0ktJaXsGfV7O0NP4wHqt3_b4xq_xbTzEq0pQt5gQFPPVleO1jROrD5jnedUSQTZRf8Wp8rRfKU_I/w378-h213/1.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><span face=""Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #061624; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><p><span face=""Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #061624; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p>Although retired, Jim Godwin takes a lowly part-time job at Slobend, Fleecem & Skinnem out of boredom and the need to eke out his pension. Unfortunately for Jim, he's had a prior altercation with two staff members. Worse, Jim knows that they are drug dealers on the side.</span><p></p><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px;"><span class="bc-text bc-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #061624;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: justify;">The two main drug-dealing ringleaders at Slobend, Fleecem & Skinnem try to get rid of Jim by playing pranks on him. However, Jim is made of steamer stuff, refusing to leave. He then realizes that Moira Buckle, another staff member, is also being bullied and coming to her aid. Poor old Jim. He just wanted a part-time job, but finds himself dragged into the local underworld, bullying, drug dealing, and race-fixing. What else could happen?</p></span></div><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="bc-text bc-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #061624;">©2019 Andrew R Williams (P)2023 Andrew R Williams</span></div><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="bc-text bc-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #061624;"><a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Jims-Revenge-Audiobook/B0CHDJNR9M?ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_B0CHDJNR9M_3&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=QKW5Q3SQEEQTRJJYCRY2&pageLoadId=R32yHuCEEeYXZb8T&creativeId=4ee810cf-ac8e-4eeb-8b79-40e176d0a225" target="_blank">Audible</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49085338-jim-s-revenge" target="_blank">Amazon </a></span></div><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuaVUTDRi8bhdec1vt57GaepzWAzJZovJ5VxtY1F8bMvNvJSGWQPcCVWkb5ez3lNZZbv_yzWRfXFC6sEDRVHwREq7lU1s6OnxhEG4shSiWuFyhKjgaTnitLgYCYvLB3tUcU6jBQTok8ie2gRKIw7AONeSfj3n5gVoBjltBBm16aTXJ4HY8JsxyB42Eskp/s2240/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuaVUTDRi8bhdec1vt57GaepzWAzJZovJ5VxtY1F8bMvNvJSGWQPcCVWkb5ez3lNZZbv_yzWRfXFC6sEDRVHwREq7lU1s6OnxhEG4shSiWuFyhKjgaTnitLgYCYvLB3tUcU6jBQTok8ie2gRKIw7AONeSfj3n5gVoBjltBBm16aTXJ4HY8JsxyB42Eskp/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="bc-text bc-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #061624;"><br /></span></div><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="bc-text bc-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #061624;"><h3>Review</h3><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">I bought the audible format of this book and enjoyed it immensely.</p><p>The narrator, <a href="https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Anne-Lise+Kadri&ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_narrator_3&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=QKW5Q3SQEEQTRJJYCRY2&pageLoadId=R32yHuCEEeYXZb8T&creativeId=4ee810cf-ac8e-4eeb-8b79-40e176d0a225" target="_blank">Anne-Lise Kadri</a>’s clever voice variations, helped to distinguish the unique characters, each with their own quirks and distinct mannerisms. I think she really captured the mood of the book perfectly. The ease of her narration really made this a likeable story.</p><p>Jim’s Revenge is a witty, cleverly planned plot with so many happenings you must keep up. With this book, details made the story and the dialogue’s realistic flow keep your attention. Through it, you really get to know the characters, some were likeable and some a real menace. Jim’s character was perfectly verbalized to one who can think on his feet. Despite a few disadvantages, he was the unwilling hero of this story, and the outcome was a perfect end. </p><p>Jim, the main character, is a pensioner that knows nothing about modern technology. Cell phones, WhatsApp and cameras, but common sense and a keen interest in his surroundings made him the natural hero. </p><p>To curb the boredom, he applied for a job across the street where he lived, at Slobend, Fleecem & Skinnem. Without adding some spoilers to the review, it is good to know, because it centered the plot neatly. The entire plot involves the employees of this company and Jim learned quickly. </p><p>The connection between him and Moira was very sweet, and like a father, he tried to help her. Especially when the bullies bully became adamant to hurt her. All I am willing to mention is that practical jokes have a way to catch up to you. Watch out who you play with. Jim might be old, but not senile or stupid. And having a team of young men with their own agendas helped. </p><p>The supporting characters were a mixture of sweet and sour, with a tangy twist which made it surprisingly witty. From drug barons to the damsel in distress, each character forms part of the suspense filled plot.</p></span></div><div class="bc-box bc-box-padding-none bc-spacing-s2" style="background-color: white; border: none; box-sizing: inherit; color: #010e19; font-family: "Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><h3><b><span style="font-family: "Constantia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other
books by Andrew R Williams </span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science Fiction: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Arcadia’s Children Series</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55451758-samantha-s-revenge" target="_blank">Samantha’s Revenge 1</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41831457-the-fyfield-plantation" target="_blank">The Fyfield Plantation 2</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54120773-pushley-s-escape" target="_blank">Pushley’s Escape 3</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60375736-samantha-s-war" target="_blank">Samantha’s War 4</a> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61043814-marooned" target="_blank">Marooned: Prequel</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Technical</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Domestic Building Surveys
ISBN 0 419 178000 7 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Practical Guide to
Alterations and Extension ISBN 10: 0-415-43426-2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Spon’s Practical Guide to
Alterations and Extensions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ2QzjRSfObG_LX0qYaGfROqRb7IX_2G4BUt0te5a2a3X-WfdrvFHd63-6Ofjcurdx94nvXdjvuKkVFfktlo_MVNglbptE6r_gjKryhbG6LjLXGMSdVRE-8ZQYR3rfLSe7LN_k8MX-ghU1DDFJ0iLupOBDWceco1692v31bsB2riQeC-HCJ1LMbWZBOWc/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ2QzjRSfObG_LX0qYaGfROqRb7IX_2G4BUt0te5a2a3X-WfdrvFHd63-6Ofjcurdx94nvXdjvuKkVFfktlo_MVNglbptE6r_gjKryhbG6LjLXGMSdVRE-8ZQYR3rfLSe7LN_k8MX-ghU1DDFJ0iLupOBDWceco1692v31bsB2riQeC-HCJ1LMbWZBOWc/s320/Blog%20Banner%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excerpt</span></h3><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jim and Moira <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After searching for a pencil, Jim
Godwin put a ring around an advertisement in the sit’s vac page of the Tipham
Star. Reading further, he found another possible job and circled that too. By
the time Jim had finished, there were six rings on the page. He started
re-reading. Within seconds, he put a line through four of the circles; he
didn’t want to work anti-social hours and he didn’t want to travel far.
Ideally, the job would be part-time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was just about to reach out
and call one of the numbers when his mobile rang and startled the life out of
him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Answering it, a high-pitched
voice shouted, “Hello Grandpa Godwin!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jim smiled, “Hello, Sam.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sam’s voice was suddenly replaced
by Amanda, his daughter-in-law, “I’m going shopping. D’you want anything?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jim raised his eyebrows at the
brusque tone in Amanda’s voice, but he ignored it because he had no desire to
lock horns with her. Instead, he reached for his list of special items he’d
written out the previous day and read them out. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Is that all you want?” Amanda
demanded. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“That’ll do,” Jim confirmed.
“Thank you.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Okay, I’ll get Tommy to bring
them over later.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> “That will be nice,” Jim replied. “Will Sam be
coming too?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was a silence but instead
of the line being cut as it usually was, Jim heard Sam protesting, “I want to
speak to Grandpa again.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A moment later, Sam came back on
the phone, “Hello Grandpa!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After talking to Sam and
listening to his football exploits in the local junior team, Jim eventually
terminated the conversation and went back to his paper, but swiftly grew bored
with sit’s vac and the local news. Finally, he decided to visit Cunningham Park
and feed the ducks; it was one of those rituals he did practically every day to
waste away a few hours. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Picking up the specially bought
bird food instead of the stale bread he’d given innocently for years but which
he’d recently learned was potentially lethal for them, Jim left his flat and
set off towards the park. He noticed that Adrian Drinkwater was already sitting
in his usual position. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Moving towards the bench, Jim sat
down beside Drinkwater and said, “I hope you’re not going to accuse anyone of
being a drug dealer today.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Drinkwater frowned, “And why
would I do that?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“You did yesterday.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Did I?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“You did,” Jim replied opening
the bag he was holding. The slight rustle was enough to spark the local
wildfowl into a frenzy; the lake emptied, and the air filled with the sounds of
quacking and honking. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After throwing some food to the
thronging masses and watching them gobble it up, Jim glanced at Adrian and
said, “So how’s things today?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian shrugged and said what he
usually said when Jim fed the birds. “They’re going to ban people feeding the
ducks y’know, Jim. They say it attracts rats.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jim ignored the comment and
responded with, “How’s your family?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Never see ‘em,” Adrian replied
dismissively but Jim suspected the comment was untrue. In all probability, his
children had visited Adrian but his Alzheimers had wiped away all memory of
their visit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian added, “How’s your
family?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Tommy’s coming around with Sam
to deliver my special items shortly,” Jim replied. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian frowned, “Special items?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“I’ve told you about the special
items before,” Jim replied. “I ask for them every week so Tommy has an excuse
to come around and see me.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Noting the blank expression on
Adrian’s face, Jim concluded Adrian’s Alzheimer’s had once again wiped his
memory banks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Tommy is my son. Amanda is his
wife. Amanda and I fell out a few years back and she’s not the sort to forget a
grudge.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Tommy,” Adrian said. “Which
one’s that? Is he the one you said would regret marrying again?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jim only had one son but he
didn’t correct Adrian. “That’s the one.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian responded with, “Is he the
one like Henry the Eighth?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s the one.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Partially recalling one of their
previous conversations on the subject, Adrian said, “Tell me how it goes
again.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When Jim didn’t respond, Adrian
said, “Go on.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Okay,” Jim said. “Tommy has a
typical English family. Like King Henry the Eighth, Tommy has gone through
several wives and has children by most of them. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unlike Henry’s spouses, none have
been beheaded. In Tommy’s case, the sequence is divorced; buggered off with
another man; died in car crash; remarried.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Amused by the description of
Tommy’s family, Adrian let out a cackle. He said, “So who is Tommy married to
now?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Amanda. She’s Tommy’s fourth and
twenty years younger wife. Sam is the fruit of her loins.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After talking about his family
for a while longer, Jim was surprised when Adrian remembered something from a
previous conversation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Have you found a job yet?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jim shook his head, “I’ve
contacted a few firms but I’ve begun to realise no one wants to employ someone
of my age. It’s as if I have ‘supplanted’ tattooed on my forehead.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Adrian eyed him thoughtfully.
“I’m surprised you want a job at your age.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“That’s what Tommy keeps on
saying,” Jim replied tartly. “But there are times when I get really bored.
Having a part-time job, something light would break up the day would do me
fine.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After giving the ducks the
remainder of the food, Jim bid Adrian adieu and went back to his apartment.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEmFa9KwAjRSqnxv6ig464sPlZSiGZtQ2hYLgT-UIasEAyfastSta7PB4-nTVopjh0tD1ssgolfUY3twqMRLwf4upViCiqJK53NlbKCVmhGnoK4zSkSUGEpxrVDXrYAGVoiGJ4AqrLZ3UctYWpJfStjubyTJUj7DznNR-0Qsjtwy4UFilDq2y_e5Mjm2S/s1080/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEmFa9KwAjRSqnxv6ig464sPlZSiGZtQ2hYLgT-UIasEAyfastSta7PB4-nTVopjh0tD1ssgolfUY3twqMRLwf4upViCiqJK53NlbKCVmhGnoK4zSkSUGEpxrVDXrYAGVoiGJ4AqrLZ3UctYWpJfStjubyTJUj7DznNR-0Qsjtwy4UFilDq2y_e5Mjm2S/w180-h180/Inspire%20to%20Read%20logo%20.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-45627627432264517892023-09-21T02:49:00.000-07:002023-09-21T02:49:10.423-07:00Introducing Emmanuella Hristova, author, award winning artist, and traveller. The Other Crown is available on pre-order. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xYbrlemjNM3haS0hpfYlINIWsrnEO0X3XkyCaPFVKjrKy8m9GNNWXpe7Z1GDmAFDduDvVBf4WZ4EVqevzj_RGk5BJFtOsGKTYwidrCHCqVFPoymn8vrYcDlsBEDcMeTQXS0I_W5eyWXkK5Qz0J58EF16i_9v0FhcM3FN6XysiID1t6jdg-NHSA9OhgmX/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xYbrlemjNM3haS0hpfYlINIWsrnEO0X3XkyCaPFVKjrKy8m9GNNWXpe7Z1GDmAFDduDvVBf4WZ4EVqevzj_RGk5BJFtOsGKTYwidrCHCqVFPoymn8vrYcDlsBEDcMeTQXS0I_W5eyWXkK5Qz0J58EF16i_9v0FhcM3FN6XysiID1t6jdg-NHSA9OhgmX/w360-h203/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Please introduce
yourself to us in about 200 words.</span><p></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I was born
in Oakland, California and grew up in the Bay Area. I’m the third daughter born
to Bulgarian parents who immigrated to California shortly before I was born. I
began drawing at the ripe age of four and studied the fine arts for five years
in high school. There, I received many art accolades including a Congressional
award for my piece <i>Boy in Red</i> in 2009. In 2015, I received my Bachelor
of Arts in Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley. I began writing
poetry at age twenty-four when I was in graduate school. I earned my Master of
Education from the same alma mater in 2017. I spent two years as an English
teacher in Richmond, California. During that time, I self-published my first
poetry collection: <em>The Day My Kisses Tasted Like Disorder</em>.
My poems have been published in <em>For Women Who Roar Issue 2:
Power,</em> <em>365 Days of Covid, and She Rose Issue 3: The
Goddess. </em>My second poetry collection <em>The Other Crown</em> is
available for eBook pre-order on Amazon and other online bookstores. Currently,
I’m writing my second novel while seeking literary representation for my first.
I speak English, Bulgarian, Spanish, and now reside in Paris, France, where I’m
teaching English and learning French. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><u>Please fill out the answers to these
Interview questions:<o:p></o:p></u></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What makes you proud
to be a writer from the San Francisco Bay Area? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">The Bay
Area has such a unique cultural and artistic history. Throughout my life, I’ve
been reading works by fellow Bay Area authors like Ursula K. Le Guin, Lemony
Snicket, Mark Twain, Philip K. Dick, Isabel Allende, Khaled Hosseini, Amy Tan,
and many others. You can see the Bay Area reflected in my own work as well—especially
in my upcoming poetry book <i>The Other Crown</i>. The short poetry book has
two settings, the Bay Area and Paris. As I traveled between the two cities
looking for love and purpose, their respective settings made it into my
writing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What or who inspired
you to become a writer?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">When I started
writing poetry again in my twenties, it was purely an emotional reaction to an
extremely turbulent time in my life. However, it was my coworker-turned-writing
coach, Maria Ciccone, that turned me into a writer. Not only did she introduce
me to National Novel Writing Month (which after participating in a few of
those, I was able to finish my first novel), but she also edited my first
poetry book <i>The Day My Kisses Tasted Like Disorder</i> prior to publication.
She encouraged me to submit my poems to journals, and anytime I faced a publishing
rejection, her advice was always the same. “Just keep writing!” she’d say. Even
though we now live thousands of miles apart, her voice still plays in my head
to this day, anytime I want to give up on myself. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->When did you begin
writing with the intention of becoming published? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">When I wrote
my first poetry book <i>The Day My Kisses Tasted Like Disorder</i>, I wasn’t
writing a book. I was writing in my diary. The book encompassed nine months of
love, heartbreak, death, grief, and feminist reckonings. But after I finished,
my poems sat collecting dust in the notebook I wrote them in. It wasn’t until
Maria Ciccone introduced me to National Novel Writing Month back in 2017 that I
started writing with the intent to be published. I started writing my first novel.
A few months later, after encouragement from some of my friends, I published my
diary-turned-poetry book. Following the publication of my first self-published
work in 2018, I kept working on my novel. As part of that writing process, I
also wrote poems that corresponded with the scenes of the novel. However, when
I edited the manuscript in 2020 I had to remove them due to the large word
count. These poems were left without a home, but they eventually turned into
the manuscript of my second poetry book <i>The Other Crown</i>. These I wrote
with the intent of publication, and of continuing to share my words with the
world. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Did your environment
or upbringing play a major role in your writing, and did you use it to your
advantage?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I grew up
in a very religious environment where we read the Bible a lot. As a matter of fact,
I started reading the Bible (starting in the book of Job, mind you) in the
third grade. By the time I was in my twenties I had read the whole thing cover
to back, five times. I also read novels profusely. Through my extensive reading
of the Bible and other books, I developed a sense of effective story devices
and purposeful prose. Although I’m not a fundamentalist anymore, the Bible itself
does inspire my work in that I often refer to biblical stories or characters as
allegories for current-day injustices. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do you come up with
your title before or after you write the manuscript? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Most of
the time, I come up with the title before I start writing. In the case of <i>The
Day My Kisses Tasted Like Disorder</i>, however, I wrote the manuscript and
then the title came to me from two poems and the general format of the book. For
my second poetry book, I titled it <i>The Other Crown</i> because it was easily
translatable to Bulgarian and sounded cool in both languages. I had touched on
fairy tale allegory in my previous work, and I wanted to build on that in my
second poetry book. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Please introduce your
genre and why you prefer to write in that genre? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I never chose
to be a poet, so I like to say that poetry chose me. What I do enjoy about the
genre is the ability to play with language and format. I’m a linguist and an
artist so poetry is like the best of both worlds. I make up my own words and
break up lines the way I want, essentially manipulating the language as I see
fit. Plus, being able to space out the words and lines, and bold certain parts,
allows me to create a visually pleasing experience for myself and my readers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What has been your
most rewarding experience with your writing process?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">The most rewarding
process of my writing journey has been seeing what I’m capable of. I wrote my
first poetry book at 24-25 years old and my first novel at 27. Now, at 32 years
old, I have 1.5 novels finished and a second poetry book due to be published. I’m
still only at the start of my writing career and that exhilarates me! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Have you had a
negative experience in your writing career? If so, please explain how it could
have been avoided.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">All
writers have had plenty of negative experiences in their writing careers. Looking
back at it, I should have taught myself more social media marketing from the
beginning. I’m learning now, but I feel like I’ve missed out on five years of
just posting random content and hoping that it worked in promoting my book. I
could have been more strategic and consistent this whole time. Now, it’s almost
like I’m starting from scratch. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What has been your
most rewarding experience in your publishing journey?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">My most
rewarding experience has been publishing my first poetry book, and being able
to hear from readers who bought my work and were touched by my words. It’s what
allowed me to keep going despite not seeing the initial success I wanted to. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->What’s one positive piece of advice would you give to other
authors? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">As my
writing coach Maria would say, “Just keep writing!” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Who is your favorite author?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I really
look up to Georgi Gospodinov. He’s the most famous contemporary Bulgarian
author and he writes magical realist novels about life in Bulgaria
post-communism. His work is ethereal and touches on things Bulgarians and other
Europeans feel in both a personal and global way. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; tab-stops: 386.0pt; text-align: justify;">Purchase links: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; tab-stops: 386.0pt; text-align: justify;"><i>The Other Crown </i>eBook
pre-orders: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Other-Crown-Emmanuella-Hristova-ebook/dp/B0CHN5JF9Y/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=GBqKL&content-id=amzn1.sym.579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_p=579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_r=141-4042961-8045403&pd_rd_wg=JJrlX&pd_rd_r=35a9281f-79f7-4ca2-a4d1-1d3f165be108&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://books2read.com/u/318BKa" target="_blank">Books2Read</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1144051920?ean=2940179281269" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Emmanuella_Hristova_The_Other_Crown?id=JkHWEAAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Play Google Books</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<br /><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; tab-stops: 386.0pt; text-align: justify;"><i>The Day My Kisses Tasted Like Disorder</i> eBook: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B093Y6YH9S" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Emmanuella_Hristova_The_Day_My_Kisses_Tasted_Like?id=AEnREAAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Play Google Books</a> / <a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/emmanuella-hristova/the-day-my-kisses-tasted-like-disorder/ebook/product-1mke4nyd.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">Lulu</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<br /><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; tab-stops: 386.0pt; text-align: justify;">Print: <a href="http://Lulu.com">Lulu.com</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; tab-stops: 386.0pt; text-align: justify;">Website Links to connect with the author:</p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.ehristova.com" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Emmanuella-Hristova-183279399059053/" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> / <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/ehristova" target="_blank">GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE </a></p><p style="background: white; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/emmy_speaks" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a> / <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/emmy_speaks/" target="_blank">PINTEREST</a> / <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/@emmy_speaks" target="_blank">TIKTOK</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1HxNZY6xhW2UPVUysWVd-HqFXmo1OV8GclmIbhpQYASLfl1Cqd7VUG4FntZOfO4ZweURGiL2VT5Fz74V2Q2Jl06fF17c0-IlOJGLQnUcTexbek1TmZUTMl0lMDH1Suffdv1ri3UK9bIOwNdXGsQhLVMpFWUV5JyHNwgwvvpx1PX4etVXJFXXUTyXDjCK/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1HxNZY6xhW2UPVUysWVd-HqFXmo1OV8GclmIbhpQYASLfl1Cqd7VUG4FntZOfO4ZweURGiL2VT5Fz74V2Q2Jl06fF17c0-IlOJGLQnUcTexbek1TmZUTMl0lMDH1Suffdv1ri3UK9bIOwNdXGsQhLVMpFWUV5JyHNwgwvvpx1PX4etVXJFXXUTyXDjCK/w403-h227/Blog%20Banner%20(2).jpg" width="403" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: white; margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify;"><u>Personal Questions:</u></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What is your favorite
colour? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Turquoise!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Are you a sweet or
savoury person?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Sweet <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What time do you write
best?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I write
best late at night, when the world quiets down and I’m alone with my thoughts. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Favourite music or
song?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Pop and
rock through the ages. It’s so hard to narrow down a favorite song, but “The
Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” does hit different for me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How do you manage
writer’s block?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I find that
my writer’s block is usually due to too much technology use and phone
notifications. Going on a walk or even a vacation and limiting technology use
almost instantly cures this for me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What social platform
do you enjoy most and why? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">I got on
TikTok this year (after years of fighting it)…and I love it! I wish I had got
on sooner. It’s a great, user-friendly app that I use to share videos of me
reading my poetry. There’s a lot of user engagement on there and I feel so
satisfied when listeners connect with my words. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What artist’s date do
you do where no one else is allowed except writing? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What is next on your
To Do List? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Posting
another TikTok video before going to bed and maybe emailing some book bloggers
to ask if they would ARC review my upcoming poetry book <i>The Other Crown</i>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Where do you like to
go on holiday? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">So many
places! I’ve really got my eye on Turkey, however. I’m Bulgarian, so I love the
food, and the proximity has always intrigued me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-47226874548319417702023-09-15T00:16:00.004-07:002023-09-15T00:16:59.115-07:00Book Blast: Before the SHUTDOWN by Mack J. Lou<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYCSDm3IEwxYiDA6JlKa8-nr5jSE1lylIPxvx3N3uF4Gj-y6KMnbQvpf_QRbtmAwfVbSOjOjWbLkRA-1pPvWc00pVkLFyoa0lbWBTJHD4YCElAejrVElchPw_6fbITy3yfIHAtBG71IxrCQp2ZKOp44MZ37fRu38JeFSOWFdoYZk0TOZeoSW720ryeHyW/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYCSDm3IEwxYiDA6JlKa8-nr5jSE1lylIPxvx3N3uF4Gj-y6KMnbQvpf_QRbtmAwfVbSOjOjWbLkRA-1pPvWc00pVkLFyoa0lbWBTJHD4YCElAejrVElchPw_6fbITy3yfIHAtBG71IxrCQp2ZKOp44MZ37fRu38JeFSOWFdoYZk0TOZeoSW720ryeHyW/s320/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Series: NOUSOPOLIS</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Genre: Science-Fiction, Graphic Novel</span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Number of Pages: 156</span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxhlSCNyrPvpjOnRH4wXcdVWPp8nu0zJDJNuOKFihk1MCmwAixXc6W9BBHHnTwD236pZY9YKJ0KzFLDsGFU7q1yebynnEr3LYCdIKfPtRez8NHizRxEslGOoq5hK9U7iakaohDLaztcRs6dSV9BvfJ_f4BRmp1FAy-EY4BoyWjjnARGB3W7Y1F-AUnmzA/s720/BtS%20Excerpt%20P10b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="720" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxhlSCNyrPvpjOnRH4wXcdVWPp8nu0zJDJNuOKFihk1MCmwAixXc6W9BBHHnTwD236pZY9YKJ0KzFLDsGFU7q1yebynnEr3LYCdIKfPtRez8NHizRxEslGOoq5hK9U7iakaohDLaztcRs6dSV9BvfJ_f4BRmp1FAy-EY4BoyWjjnARGB3W7Y1F-AUnmzA/s320/BtS%20Excerpt%20P10b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Synopsis: </span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It's around mid-22nd century. Earth is
utterly uninhabitable. Moreover, frequent environmental / physical anomalies
occur that cause critical technological failures and destruction. The
city-state Nousopolis, which must constantly sustain a vital artificially
sustained urban habitat, is organized around an interconnected network of
citizens and infrastructures based on an advanced ‘neural-control interface’
computing system. It allows ultra-fast remote thought-based communication among
citizens and between citizens and technology. The alpha-officers of the
PEXECUTIVE (government) are at the forefront of protecting the city. Although
based on the world of "NOUSOPOLIS", "Before the SHUTDOWN"
tells its own independent story. It focuses on three alpha-officers of the
PEXECUTIVE's Department of Facilities, Automations, and Infrastructures. The
story provides a closer look at the city's predicament and highlights the
treacherous challenges that Janet, John, and Rob must face on a daily basis. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Book Purchase Links</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Before-SHUTDOWN-Mack-J-Lou/dp/1006782818" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1574214475" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a> / </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blurb.com/ebooks/758696-before-the-shutdown" target="_blank">Blurb</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaAKgrjztw9wQ7k7ei8O9pTJfjPvPHv2-zNayvjXnFfIOQtZLzwS7XB9YsoRnVuJn4coTQ7eySr00McubyhOGlN1dlqwPuSKCCg4MaSjPUB-rXMJB8f0OsOWgRVipMvxqfYnf2remUVajPWRIM1W0A6c7-jh6iLmQIzjiI8zA99vbbt_QtsGASp-P9Pks/s611/Z-Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaAKgrjztw9wQ7k7ei8O9pTJfjPvPHv2-zNayvjXnFfIOQtZLzwS7XB9YsoRnVuJn4coTQ7eySr00McubyhOGlN1dlqwPuSKCCg4MaSjPUB-rXMJB8f0OsOWgRVipMvxqfYnf2remUVajPWRIM1W0A6c7-jh6iLmQIzjiI8zA99vbbt_QtsGASp-P9Pks/s320/Z-Photo.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Author Bio:</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mack J. Lou is a life explorer, wannabe
wisdom-lover (philosopher), artist, and author. He has a science background and
he’s fascinated by science and technology. He appreciates thought-provoking
sci-fi works and has spent a great deal of time delving into the worlds of
science fiction. He enjoys discussing the latest sci-fi films and novels. He
often debates philosophical issues with friends and colleagues but, usually,
loses every argument. He’s also intrigued by the world of arts. Whenever the
opportunity arises and his time allows, he tries to immerse himself in a
variety of creative arts. This is especially true for visual arts and graphic
design. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Contact Links: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Goodreads / </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081668530092" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Email: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">mac_lou@ymail.com</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-75489674304876749242023-09-11T10:51:00.004-07:002023-09-11T10:51:53.627-07:00Book Review: Marooned by Andrew R. Williams. A great audible experience. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6gW3s0p-P6dbEyYilYW4PHEetY0qPqCGFDP3Senjboa6JnQp2uk_qkBSS1Dh6huRZBrp4TVaFtsHujSWP47S4O_FpcKKpYaldB6EQN0ghipUBxtJz8FgCUpBEvdoO9eAQ-m10PpzrmDARYTkvULUKMlMtycHycnVOF4aiHCAfzRXHEGNigu2uNj2o_w/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6gW3s0p-P6dbEyYilYW4PHEetY0qPqCGFDP3Senjboa6JnQp2uk_qkBSS1Dh6huRZBrp4TVaFtsHujSWP47S4O_FpcKKpYaldB6EQN0ghipUBxtJz8FgCUpBEvdoO9eAQ-m10PpzrmDARYTkvULUKMlMtycHycnVOF4aiHCAfzRXHEGNigu2uNj2o_w/s320/Blog%20Banner%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Dreaming Outloud Pro"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Synopsis</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">My name is Bee Bee, well, at
least that’s what everyone calls me, and I’m 15, nearly 16. The last year has
been tough, and I’ve found myself on the Empress of Incognita, travelling
through the stars toward a new life with my dad and step-mum. Or at least
that’s what should be happening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When the Empress hits a mine in
deep space, things go from bad to worse. Not only are some of the other
passengers a threat, once we leave the Empress and end up on ‘Arcadia’, we
realise that its occupants, the Great Ones, are going to make life extremely
difficult for all of us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Find out how we get Marooned! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Dreaming Outloud Pro"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I could immediately sense that
Dad didn’t want me there cramping his style, but Ed Fyfield gave him a sharp
look and said, “We need to get your documents sorted out.” The expression on
Dad’s face suddenly changed, “Ah! Right. The documents.” As Ed Fyfield finally
walked away, Dad gave me a nudge, tapped the side of his nose and said, “Don’t
say anything to Mary about this, okay!” When I remained silent, Dad became more
aggressive, “Okay?” I was tempted to ask for clarification. Did Dad mean about
being told off for going into a restricted area, bribing Carl Whyler, or was he
asking me to stay schtum about his alleged relationship with Suzanna Fyfield?
When I didn't reply, Suzanna overcame her apparent dislike for my scars and
went on a charm offensive. She gave me a winning smile, “I’m sure your Dad
doesn’t want to worry your stepmother about any of this. Despite what my
brother implied, your dad and I are just friends. You won’t say anything, will
you, Bee Bee?” Falling under Suzanna’s spell, I nodded, “Okay. I won’t say
anything.” “Promise.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Yeah!” Dad cracked a smile and
patted me on one shoulder, “Thanks, Bee Bee. I appreciate it.” But once we’d
left Carl Whyler and Suzanna Fyfield and began walking back to our apartment,
Dad became more forceful, “You don’t say anything to Mary when we get back,
right! If you do. I’ll make you regret it.” “I said I wouldn’t.” “Well, don’t!”
Although I kept my promise, I felt very guilty. Deep down, I knew Dad was
lying, and I didn’t want to be disloyal to Mary.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">~*~<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A few hours later, Dad took Mary
and me to the recreation area, and I was amazed at how crowded it was. As some
people were wearing ships colours, I guessed they were crew. The rest were
passengers. Seeing us, Ed Fyfield unwound himself from an exercise machine,
came to greet us and said, “Glad you could make it.” I expected him to take us
straight to the shooting range, but instead, he led us to a side office.
Glancing at Dad, Ed Fyfield opened one hand. It was the same action he’d used
when confiscating Carl Whyler’s bribe. Dad responded by handing over a large
envelope. Ed Fyfield retreated behind a cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As I could hear money being
counted, I guessed that Dad had just handed over the last payment for our new
identities. I heard a safe being opened, the money swapping for documents, and
Ed Fyfield returned. However, before handing over our new IDs, Ed Fyfield told
Dad to give him the forged documents that allowed us to board the Empress of
Incognita. Once he was satisfied, he then presented us with our official
IDs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When Dad started inspecting what
he’d been given, Ed Fyfield said, “Don’t worry. They’ll pass muster, and once
the ship reaches the Kepler-452 system, I will make sure that you and your
family are well looked after. It’s all part of the service.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When Dad nodded, Ed Fyfield then
said, “Right! That’s that complete; I’ll take you down to the shooting range.”
Once there, Dad introduced me to a rifle, showed me how to use it and then let
me pump away at a target in a well-padded enclosure. Once I’d finished, Dad
began instructing Mary on the art of gunmanship.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I sat down, but I wasn’t on my
own for long because Chas Foony saw me, gave me a wave and came over. I was
pleased to see him because there were very few people of my age on the Empress
of Incognita, or if there were, they must have been in different suspension
groups.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">After slumping down beside me,
Chas said, “So what are you doing here?” “Ed Fyfield invited us,” Chas replied.
“And you?” “The same,” Chas said. He let out a slight laugh, “I think he uses
the same invitation for everyone when he has documents to hand out to rat
liners.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Rat liners?” Chas shook his
head, “You’re very naive, you know that, Bee Bee. Or maybe it was the bang on
the head that made you that way.” The comment annoyed me slightly, and I half
regretted telling Chas about the car crash. Referring to my accident as a
bang on the head was flippant in the extreme, but I let it pass. Instead, I
said, “Go on. Educate me, Chas. What’s a rat liner?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“The Earth security authorities
unofficially refer to the likes of my parents and your Dad as rats,” Chas
replied, “The escape routes used by rats are ratlines.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Why do they call them rats?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61043814-marooned" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Marooned-Space-Opera-Audiobook/B0CGGQPXZQ?ref_pageloadid=nkr9LE8BQWkO9Iq3&ref=a_library_t_c5_libItem_B0CGGQPXZQ_0&pf_rd_p=80765e81-b10a-4f33-b1d3-ffb87793d047&pf_rd_r=Q23EQ3CZYHCJV40XVDGA&pageLoadId=RU4VLrjqg3PCpN0b&creativeId=4ee810cf-ac8e-4eeb-8b79-40e176d0a225" target="_blank">Audible</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Dreaming Outloud Pro"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The recent addition of the
Arcadia series was marked with these human behaviours, but only unity and one
young man’s ability to listen could save the day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Being in space on a ship would
have been perfect for most people. But for Bee Bee and his fellow travelers, it
was an entirely different thing. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Bee Bee (James) Kinfrank was a
typical teenager that asked a lot of questions, to everyone’s chagrin. Left
disfigured after a gruesome accident, the scare in his face didn’t make him a
favourite. But this was also the reason for him to connect with people
differently, which made him more acceptable, even a leader in his ‘tribe’. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As an oracle, he took to his role
like it was second nature. It raised his status in the community. It did not
make him very popular at first, but as he began to prove himself, people
started to accept him and the value he brings to the community. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His father was a genuine piece of
work which showed his true colors at the end. And Mary was his only support
when things really became difficult, even though she was only his step mum. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To be stuck into deep space
without knowing if you would be saved created all sorts of problems and soon to
be sixteen-year-old Bee Bee had to grow up. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Not only were there enemies in
the wormholes, but there were enemies inside. And he had to listen to the inner
voice for guidance. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lack of space, oxygen and food
added to the tension as the depilated ship tried to stay on course. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is the prequel to the
Arcadia series and because I have read most of it, I struggled to understand
where the new characters fit into the bigger plotline. But in the author’s
typical writing style, it became clear, and it was worth the read. It gives the
reader a better understanding of where it had all begun. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chas Foony knew too much but was
a good informant/friend to Bee Bee. Then there was the Whiston family—the bain
in everyone’s life that caused havoc wherever he and his gang of misfits went.
Charl Whyler was thrusted into a leadership position and way over his head.
Mary became Bee Bee’s support and protector while he became her purpose for
being in the ‘tribe’.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The fast-paced plot quickly takes
you from one suspenseful scenario to another while the group tries to survive.
First on the ship, then on the new planet, where more twists made for
adventurous moments. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When an alien appeared on the
ship, killing everyone on its path, it left Bee Bee a strange message. This was
where the story escalated and became very interesting. With flashbacks from
Mars and his mother’s death, you could sense the building tension. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Especially the secretive ‘Great
Ones’ no one knew about except for Bee Bee and his dreams. A force that added a
layer of tension to the entire plot. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“The Great Ones were sent to this
planet for security reasons. This planet is far from the rest of our culture.
Under our laws, execution is not possible. So sending them here seemed a
sensible solution; they were banished to repent for their war crimes.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">These parasite creatures or
beings controlled the new planet, and the survival game has stepped up a
notched. Adding more drama, mystery, and suspense. Especially when Suzanne
Flyfield stepped into the picture. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Except for a few grammar
problems, this was a good read that every science fiction reader would enjoy.
The story touches on primal behaviours and how humans would cope when put in a
strange environment where the only aim is to survive. Not only as a human, but
as a race. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The character of Bee Bee became
the centre of their survival, which made this a good plotline. In the end, his
own struggles and how he had to overcome them were woven into the many layers
and a race was saved. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Since this was an audible book, I
enjoyed the narrative. The different characters were beautifully portrayed
through the voice of the narrator, making this story so endearing and easy to
follow. A great edition to the enfolding series. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-58215956937077336092023-09-05T03:28:00.001-07:002023-09-05T03:37:02.765-07:00Book review: The vengeance of Samuel Val by Elyse Hoffman<div class="separator"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-8567" height="223" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Vegeance-of-Samuel-Val-banner-1024x576.jpg" width="396" /></figure></div><p> </p><!--wp:heading {"level":1,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h1 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color"><a href="https://henryroipr.com">Black Coffee Book Tours</a></h1>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color">September 05-08</h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":8567,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Samuel Val is blessed with a loving family and a tight-knit community in his Jewish village of Khruvina. He dreams of becoming Khruvina’s Rabbi, but his dreams are crushed when his family is slaughtered by Nazi Officer Viktor Naden, the Beast of Belorussia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With Samuel left as Khruvina’s only survivor, he joins the anti-Nazi resistance group known as the Black Foxes. Determined to avenge his family, he swears to hunt down and destroy Viktor Naden. Samuel’s mission of vengeance, however, is put on hold when he is forced to escort a Jewish refugee to a safehouse operated by Black Fox Ten, a high-ranked member of the resistance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While on his mission to save a life, Samuel discovers that the Beast of Belorussia might be closer than he thought. All at once, Samuel is given the chance to destroy Viktor Naden…but the cost will be high.</div><br />Will Samuel sell his soul for vengeance?<br /><br />Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman offers a heart-breaking and thought-provoking WW2 story.<p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p><strong><a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0BW15PF9C" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Universal link for the book on Amazon</a></strong></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color"><strong>About the author</strong></h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":4899,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img alt="" class="wp-image-4899" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Elyse.jpg" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Elyse Hoffman is an award-winning author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. She loves to meld WWII and Jewish history with fantasy, folklore, and the paranormal. She has written six works of Holocaust historical fiction: the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust and The Book of Uriel.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph-->
<p><a href="https://www.elysehoffman.com" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851312.Elyse_Hoffman" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elyse-hoffman" target="_blank">Bookbub </a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFX7Ul3Jyh_J0U5-56xwe_UllkjoT6T7vtistGZCyJ9CnG0ORqLJHscrMzUqZtsmGdqf1hXUahEmdxGVDsZf2VGAVyMRukA44BR2zhJ-eFdbHwpDIUevU41Iczz4IXPH6Z-7AJEfGKLtZQDKdEcpl-Jq20osrEWbq3G6_4ig-hRzRh9E3GzaT8IFpjj3w/s2700/The-Vengeance-of-Samuel-Val-Cover-LARGE-EBOOK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFX7Ul3Jyh_J0U5-56xwe_UllkjoT6T7vtistGZCyJ9CnG0ORqLJHscrMzUqZtsmGdqf1hXUahEmdxGVDsZf2VGAVyMRukA44BR2zhJ-eFdbHwpDIUevU41Iczz4IXPH6Z-7AJEfGKLtZQDKdEcpl-Jq20osrEWbq3G6_4ig-hRzRh9E3GzaT8IFpjj3w/w188-h282/The-Vengeance-of-Samuel-Val-Cover-LARGE-EBOOK.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br />Excerpt:</h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Soooo…question.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It seemed that their nightly
conversations about the Tanakh had made Amos bolder. Sam’s resistance had
fractured, his father’s counsel and his inner Rabbi unwilling to leave
questions about Judaism unanswered. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“What question?” Sam said,
slowing down a bit to allow Amos to walk at his side rather than behind him.
“You’re Russian, right?” Amos inquired, fiddling with the end of his scarf. “The
accent, I mean, I’m bad at recognizing accents. One time in the Ghetto I called
a Belgian woman French and that was a shitshow…” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Yes, I’m Russian,” Samuel
interrupted with not a small amount of pride. His loyalty had, for most of his
life, been with Khruvina and not the ethnicity he’d been born into, but the
Russians had been fighting bravely against the Nazi onslaught. Samuel was no
Soviet, certainly no communist, but he was proud to be a part of such a
stubbornly resilient people. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“But your German is very good!”
Amos declared. “I was just wondering why you learned German, how you speak it
so well. I took English in school. I could maybe get by if we bumped into a Brit
or an American, but you’re practically fluent. Do they teach German in the
Soviet Union?” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sam’s heart palpitated. Whether
or not the Soviet schools taught German was immaterial; Khruvina had been a
village of Russian, Hebrew, and Yiddish. Samuel knew German because his father
had known German, and Yonatan had known German because when German soldiers had
marched into Khruvina during the Great War, they weren’t monsters. Those German
soldiers were kind, civil. They sat politely in the synagogue during services. They
gave chocolate to the children. There were Jews amongst them who spoke highly
of their cultured nation and brought books from the great Jewish thinkers of
Kaiser’s Reich. Yonatan had picked up the language of the German guests within
days. He had taught his son German so that he could read the books that those
soldiers had left behind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Maybe someday you’ll go to
Germany and bump into some of those men,” Yonatan had chuckled. “They said it
was nice there.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Those good German soldiers from
the Great War had damned Khruvina. Their civility put the shtetl at ease. When
their countrymen became corrupted, when word had spread of a madman driving
Germany into darkness, the men and women of Khruvina, who remembered chocolates
and songs and shared synagogue services, had shaken their heads and refused to
panic and prepare for the worst. <i>It can’t be that bad. They were civilized. They
were good.</i> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sam was struck by the urge to
burn down the woods about him, to decimate every inch of German soil. But he
glanced at the curious German following him and huffed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Yes,” he answered, and they
continued marching through the German forest.<o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Review:</h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I received an ARC copy from the touring host for an honest opinion. Sam's story immediately touches your heart. Cici's antics were so real that I could see her climb over her family out of pure boredom. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">However, once the Nazi troops came "waltzing" in, this peaceful scenery changed into a horror movie. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The events of that day scared Samuel Val, and all he wanted to do was to take revenge on the only person he could remember from that fateful day. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A heartwarming story of revenge that takes you through the woods of Germany, where you experience another side of Sam. Yet, his belief was the only thing that held him upright and focused. When exactly he joined the Black Foxes is not clear, but here, he met interesting characters that added to the plotline. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The sceneries within the muck and trenches added to the demise he and Amos experienced, like a slow burn as you continue to read. Wondering how and when he will meet this man that extinguished his entire family. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"It wasn’t what Samuel had been expecting, either. Black Fox 120 had been ready for almost anything, but even he, well-experienced in the diverse array of men and women who joined the Black Foxes, lifted a curious brow and checked the map thrice before he conceded that they were in the right place."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Going undercover, and pretending to be part of the enemy, grated on him. This added another layer of suspense and determination and we see how this young man develops into a harsh force of realism as he begins to question his faith. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"Though Samuel despised Germany, the German Black Foxes’ bravery and sacrifice kept him from praying that Adonai would decimate the entire nation, like Sodom and Gomorrah."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This story takes you into the very heart of the war. Where loyalty is tested and man's will to live is pulled apart. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends. A beautiful balance of suspense and human frailty during the hardest time of our human race. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The author's writing style is clear, with enough description for one to become part of the story. A must read for all who love a Word War 11 story. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-55831280845632185082023-08-31T08:39:00.002-07:002023-09-02T04:21:42.734-07:00Book Review: Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker<p><b style="text-align: justify;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TEuyMTgVw2K7ugdjvP3PHvGlGC708ke8HpnbLD0xNaRZ4JNVZWhzXmpQJb9CtiDWQGW-DVwoQokSxEO953bBJS1fH5TAFe7GbFNd3JmzLPWUwNBvAJtdi4cykCRRrmoER-vL4LXxcXmmlAHKznV-1dcrZq7KU56AtPKaWZUh6x5OOSWRMOEsAgU3I1E/s2240/Blog%20Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TEuyMTgVw2K7ugdjvP3PHvGlGC708ke8HpnbLD0xNaRZ4JNVZWhzXmpQJb9CtiDWQGW-DVwoQokSxEO953bBJS1fH5TAFe7GbFNd3JmzLPWUwNBvAJtdi4cykCRRrmoER-vL4LXxcXmmlAHKznV-1dcrZq7KU56AtPKaWZUh6x5OOSWRMOEsAgU3I1E/w402-h226/Blog%20Banner.jpg" width="402" /></a></b></div><b style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Synopsis:</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: Montserrat;">Las Vegas, 1982. Brady Wilks, a teenage
transplant from the Midwest, navigates life in the dusty suburban outskirts of
this aberrant 24-hour town built by the Mob. Outcast as a newcomer, Brady
forges a brotherly bond with an older teenage neighbor, Mick, and his friend,
Brett. But when Brett unexpectedly moves away, Mick invites a new kid into
their pack, squeezing out the last remnants of their childhood in favor of a
new world laced with cartel-supplied drugs and the deal of a lifetime.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: Montserrat;">Third Wheel is a powerful novel about
belonging, betrayal, and breaking away from paths laid out by others, even when
it means grasping at an uncertain future. It is the story of a boy trying to
find his identity without the benefit of a role model by taking chances on
random and fragile relationships forged in the predawn hours of a future
boomtown.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: Montserrat;">Desolate and gritty, Third Wheel is a
triumphant debut novel, and Brady Wilks is remarkable as a transformative
protagonist. Four-time award-winning author Richard R. Becker once again shares
his unique insight into the human condition with a longer, captivating tale.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFZGXN5S?tag=reediscowebs-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5791931265" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143852344?ean=2940160984568#review/256888507" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #1e1915; font-family: "Libre Baskerville"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHWU_o1EFjtt6IxJY7JGcXVpAtwKVZgfdBdTJ6bIyAClr54KZrZ7FaUrjzK3X4ST8PYK5T1IxprnHt_VCJLd0ONtBCLM7zM0qCfpKVpU3KwxD3PDLlgNrpDI6A8OkZw-XP4FGmpohwlH7O8_tuR4m6-f2Qq_h_0zJ_lquj_q0Wl98Y_LgHJn_puOdrw/s1540/B0C2MZ737L_e515b26c_cover.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="990" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhHWU_o1EFjtt6IxJY7JGcXVpAtwKVZgfdBdTJ6bIyAClr54KZrZ7FaUrjzK3X4ST8PYK5T1IxprnHt_VCJLd0ONtBCLM7zM0qCfpKVpU3KwxD3PDLlgNrpDI6A8OkZw-XP4FGmpohwlH7O8_tuR4m6-f2Qq_h_0zJ_lquj_q0Wl98Y_LgHJn_puOdrw/s320/B0C2MZ737L_e515b26c_cover.jpeg" width="206" /></a></b></div><b><br />Review<o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Whether
you are fourteen in 1982 or today, it can be a tough age to be. You want to act
all grown up but don’t have the knowledge to make grown up decisions. But it
all turns back to the grownups, the people who are supposed to be parents, but
are not. In Third Wheel by Richard R. Becker, life for this teenager was
difficult. Getting his head around the fact that his mother didn’t really care
made it that much harder. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I
will be honest, at first, I wasn't a big fan of Brady, but as the story
developed, I got to know him. Being the youngest in the small circle of
friends, he faced decisions no fourteen-year-old is supposed to make. His
maturity level was greater than his mother gave him credit for. Raised by a
grandmother, I can understand why. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">"It
hadn't always been this way. My indoctrination into the family was served up as
a summer vacation, except nobody told me there wasn't an end date. My
grandmother was losing her battle with cancer, and presenting a permanent move
as a summer vacation seemed like an easier transition for me when I was
ten."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">What
really turned me was when his mother placed a good dose of fear in him. Though
I am a big supporter of discipline, this line of fear was unnecessary and
created more problems. If she took the time to listen, she would have realized
that. In doing so, she did more harm than good. She forced him to change his
way of thinking, which propelled him into the next phase of his life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">"Funny
how your entire life can be turned upside down in a matter of days or weeks, or
months. When I lived with my grandmother, I used to daydream about being part
of a regular family, living with and loved by my mother. Now all I could think
about was escaping the pain of it, daily reminders that I was living with a
regular family but didn't belong to one."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The
loneliness and bitterness seeped through the pages, but he moved forward.
Finding his own feet in a hard world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Growing
up in Las Vegas added another dimension to this story. Drug deals and illegal
weapons added to the growing suspense. Mixed that with teenager hormones and
wise cracks and you have the perfect recipe for a mess waiting to happen. His
friends were way too clever for their age, and I didn’t like their treatment of
Brady at all. They were the “bad” in news. With every poor decision they made,
Bradly got entangled in a web that led to more problems. He didn't know how to
solve them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">When
Brett passed away, it added another layer of lies and suspense to this story. A
story that pulls at the heartstrings at every turn of the page. Brady’s
character grew quickly. He had to, otherwise things could have been worse. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">“Sometimes
I lay awake and think about it, asking myself how much of what happened was my
fault. It was easy to blame Alex and Mick, but I was right there along for the
ride, hoping that one payday would provide me a way out.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">If
this was real life, I would have had hopes for him. The Brady in 2023 would be
a mature man that would know how to help his children. Maybe be a teacher
because of the lesson he had learned back in 1982.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The
writer’s writing style is fluent and clear, which draws you into the story.
Being inside the mind of Brady and telling it from his perspective gave you a
good understanding of his thoughts and the reasons for his actions. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">What
I didn’t like about the story was the many back flashes. At times, it was
killing the flow of the story. Less of it would have helped to move it along.
Otherwise, a wonderful story, I would recommend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Libre Baskerville";">Author’s bio <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">Richard R. Becker is an award-winning American
author. His debut collection of literary fiction and psychological thrillers
began as a project to write one story a week for 50 weeks. It became a literary
short story bestseller for three consecutive months in 2022. It won first place
in the Spring 2022 BestFest Awards for short stories, 2023 Book Excellence
Awards for short stories, and ABR Book Excellence Award for literary fiction,
psychological thriller, and short stories. It was also a finalist in the 2022
IAN Book of the Year Awards.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">His debut novel Third Wheel was released in
August 2023 to extremely positive reviews and was named a finalist in the
Global Book Awards.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">As a journalist, Richard has written hundreds
of magazine and newspaper articles, with his byline appearing in the Denver
Post, Los Angeles Times, and publications for Simon & Schuster and
Paramount Communications. He also scripted a documentary produced with PBS and
contributed to five books related to marketing, public relations, and
management.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">He currently serves as president of Copywrite,
Ink. and previously taught at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for 20
years. In addition, Richard currently serves as a city council-appointed
volunteer commissioner on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission. He has assisted more than 60 nonprofit and professional
organizations as a consultant and board member during his career and has been
featured as a speaker for a variety of organizations, including Wizard World
Comic Con, G2E World Gaming Expo, National Recreation and Park Association,
Regis University, and U.S. Small Business Administration.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: Montserrat;">Aside from writing, Richard has a broad range
of interests, including travel, hiking, parks, fitness, illustration,
photography, and spending time with family. He is married and has two children.</span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-1595554772971246052023-08-13T22:54:00.003-07:002023-10-08T05:24:10.458-07:00Book Review" Pacific Dash by Chet Nairene<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAhCtvmVM2l_gMOvqlAG4MqDxDLD-fqQ-EoClry98vKTKSUYDNFm2WSy4K4ZtwP9sGJXtJUHWN_O8MWnQUF9vlgONK6PVHfXcIgXFdK2k4df0dVa_6pC6ZKFy02Wo1u-4Q0bf4rbYDTSrwJtYmBW0XokkJMrpPDm4Eaq3OuPsFu5mrWu5yTQvivyJOFkf/s502/Final%20Ebook%20Cover%20-%202023.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiAhCtvmVM2l_gMOvqlAG4MqDxDLD-fqQ-EoClry98vKTKSUYDNFm2WSy4K4ZtwP9sGJXtJUHWN_O8MWnQUF9vlgONK6PVHfXcIgXFdK2k4df0dVa_6pC6ZKFy02Wo1u-4Q0bf4rbYDTSrwJtYmBW0XokkJMrpPDm4Eaq3OuPsFu5mrWu5yTQvivyJOFkf/s320/Final%20Ebook%20Cover%20-%202023.JPG" width="198" /></a></div><br />5 Star Review</span></h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I received an ARC copy from the
author for my honest opinion. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We get to know Dashiell <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "bookman old style", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Bonaventure</span>, the third, on the flight from Illinois to Hong Kong in 1968. At
that stage, he was only fifteen years old and unsure what life would be like.
Up to that point, he had no understanding of culture differences, world views or
that life can throw you curveballs so unexpectedly that it left you as an
orphan. A thrilling, sometimes heart breaking and even happy life, was not on
the cards yet.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"As I thumbed the cool
smooth stone, memories began to flood back from my international past. And all
my losses of the past decade morphed and softened into a feeling more like a
release, of burdens being lifted.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I understood. It was as clear and
powerful as a blinding sunrise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I was totally untethered and
adrift, but in a good way. The old priest was right. I was young, alive and
totally free. A global citizen with nothing to lose. A planetary vagabond. My
future didn't even need to involve the USA."<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p>Freedom was until his late
twenties, as unfamiliar as peeing in a hole, not sure how it all would work
out. Something we all can relate to. But once the freedom bug hit, it was not
easily contained; it took him on a ride that was noteworthy. Meeting the
notorious and famous was part of his education and the road to freedom. Once he
hit the vagabond stage, he was well on his way to becoming a legend.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"Such disdain was easy for
him now, I mused: he already possessed a mountain of awards. Every high school
student knew the Luminoso story. And upon winning a second Nobel Prize by his
early thirties he was proclaimed the artistic miracle of the century. His work
suggested the intricacy of Joyce, the power of Hemingway, the multi-layered
beauty of Marquez. His language was pristine and moving. Compared to all other
living authors, he was playing 3-D chess to their tic-tac-toe." <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The Luminoso effect he basked in
during his university years rubbed off on him well. Being among the greatest, I
believe, would do that to you as a person. It paved the road and set him up for
life. Maybe not in the way most of us would expect, but in Dash's life, it gave
him the understanding he needed of life and the many complexities of human
behaviour.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Taken from the cornfields of
Illinois to the far east, I was mesmerized by the ever changing landscape of
the rich cultures Dash visited. Each character he introduced added more colour
to the unfolding story, making it that much interesting and flavourful. The
chapters were an enticing kaleidoscope of happenings that flowed with ease, and
I struggled to take a break after each. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"This smorgasbord of
footloose international youth sat in small clusters on the hard concourse
floor, chatting and entertaining themselves as they killed time waiting for a
passport stamp and entry into Bali."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The author's elegant and fluent writing
style helped, and his first-hand knowledge of the East made it that more
intriguing. Write what you know is definitely a big plus when writing such a
full round story of international caliber. The main character's climb to
notorious fame was well thought out, bringing you right into the heart of every
decision he has made. The lives that have shaped him and the love he has
missed. Each choice was a steppingstone that played a role in his rise from the
ranks as King of the Casino. Getting to know the industry and the many pitfalls
it presented made this a grand adventure that few lived.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I believe this is the author's
first published book and is received well among fellow readers, as seen by the
reviews left. I am looking forward to reading more from his pen. The easy
writing and memoir-travel genre make this a highly recommended book for anyone
that defines freedom with a little more dash and adventure than the average
joe.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Synopsis</h2><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is the story a young
American from the corn fields who in 1968, due to a family move, finds himself
in Hong Kong for high school.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">He thinks this just a temporary
detour but Dash Bonaventure comes to find his life being pulled across
Southeast Asia as he pursues adventure, friendship and truth. Young Dash,
through the years, falls in love, saves lives and almost loses his own.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One day, at a cheap homestay in
Bali, 'Little Fatty' (a charming businessman from Malaysia) introduces Dash to
the illegal floating casino business in the Straits of Malacca near Singapore
... and things really take off from there.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The subtitle of PACIFIC DASH is
'From Asia Vagabond to Casino King' - read and see how he unintentionally comes
to dominate the Macau casino business. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Chet Nairene is my pen name for a
series of novels I am writing about young Americans on the loose in Asia,
detailing their humorous adventures and cultural collisions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093QYS47V" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5459592041" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/pacific-dash-from-asia-vagabond-to-casino-king-chet-nairene#preview" target="_blank">Reedsy Discovery</a> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://bananaleafbooks.org/" target="_blank">Banana Leaf Books</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">BananaLeafBooks888@gmail.com</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p></o:p></p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-63681990759383619702023-06-26T01:54:00.002-07:002023-06-26T01:54:55.308-07:00Book review: Love amid the ashes by Mesu Andrews<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrT98eOlKUOevcWWHOMC0tidelxnWuMi5QQOAe32M-3Z6AcahTQF2XjoBZo_uBBEGOebO7lHQo7MqJmOLlW6WMKcgFojXtnorJ53QxlMai3XqUk6Hr6KNSs4AGGueJZYwFa5V_xn9GrhyaVwGwgQeLN9nevuqNy-ShA_CKuAtXTA0hS_dKKpyHxAYBzJOQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrT98eOlKUOevcWWHOMC0tidelxnWuMi5QQOAe32M-3Z6AcahTQF2XjoBZo_uBBEGOebO7lHQo7MqJmOLlW6WMKcgFojXtnorJ53QxlMai3XqUk6Hr6KNSs4AGGueJZYwFa5V_xn9GrhyaVwGwgQeLN9nevuqNy-ShA_CKuAtXTA0hS_dKKpyHxAYBzJOQ" width="155" /></a></div><h3><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">My 5 star review</span></h3><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but Love amid the ashes surely is the opposite. The author's writing has transformed a well-known Bible book into a tapestry of vivid imageries and colour that leaves a lasting impression on the mind.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Love amid the ashes brings the story of Job and Dinah alive, giving you a glimpse of Job's experience in the most difficult time in his life. That the author has taken the time to study other books, and the timeline is a remarkable tribute to her ability and skill and a worthy testimony of Job's faith.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When we read the Bible, we forget sometimes the backstory and how everything fits together. The timeline interlinked to give you a broad picture of life and how everything fits together. Though I have read of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, I never really gave her much thought. Now I am thinking differently about this beautiful woman and her faith. It felt like I was walking along with Job, as she nursed him back to life and a love so wide as the desert that formed against them.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Sitis was another wonderful woman worthy to be mentioned. We don't read about her other than that she told Job to curse God and die. Her name doesn't even appear within the book of Job. But through the historical background, we get a glimpse of this woman's path and her own restoration with God Almighty, before she left this earth. I think the author did a wonderful tribute to her as well. When you lose everything that is dear to you in one heartbeat, you lose it. I know a little of that myself. Therefore, my admiration for this woman just grew exponentially.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Job's path is written with so much empathy and understanding that I have a new admiration for this man who was loved by God. His strong character shines forth within each page. His relationship with God is a testimony of his true faith. What stood out most was the place where most of the story takes place, the ash heap in his kitchen courtyard. Here he was confronted with unbearable pain, rejection of his most trusted friends and betrayal of those who seek his position and riches for themselves. In the end, their greed and power hunger cost them more than just poverty or death.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">On this ash heap, he had to learn to trust God unconditionally even though worms were eating his flesh away. The stench that accompanied him was unbearable to read but touching as you witness Nogahla and Dinah's devotion to care for him.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The supporting characters each played an integral part in this story, Aban and Nogahla, Nada and Sayyid, the widow, Esau, Jacob, Joseph, the three friends Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar. They created more depth and believability to the storyline and in the end, they all either withered or got to know El Shaddai through the lives of Job and Dinah.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The land of Uz played a big role in the story's buildup, as the author described the carved palaces and dangerous siq to enter the city. We don't always think about how life really was and the difficulties these people faced.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I love the role that the hoopoe played throughout the storyline. Its divine intervention at the most difficult times was always a sign of hope and trust in the divine plan of El Shaddai. A worthy ally who added greater depth to the plot.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">A marvellous book that touches every part of our walk as we discover who God is and the relationship He wishes to have with us if we only let him.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Praise to the writer for this marvel.</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for this wonderful gift.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JHY650?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_0&storeType=ebooks" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Synopsis</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Readers often think of Job sitting on the ash heap, his life in shambles. But how did he get there? What was Job's life like before tragedy struck? What did he think as his world came crashing down around him? And what was life like after God restored his wealth, health, and family?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Through painstaking research and a writer's creative mind, Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of this well-known story told through the eyes of the women who loved him. Drawing together the account of Job with those of Esau's tribe and Jacob's daughter Dinah, </span><span class="a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important; text-align: start;">Love Amid the Ashes</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"> breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.</span></div></span>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-82875256414854969812023-04-25T02:03:00.000-07:002023-04-25T02:03:05.245-07:00Book review and excerpt from When your marriage ends by Vivian Hodges. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DID-9fcnY5aYEb8q4rh6eisjxH5K9gkdo7h3dM-cmts_odmXkpDJoyvWCgSkpO2VglYiqdK4b03WT9L29ib2FrhZHztqhq-SgWHMEJSIHGxVLSIrkAtP_yqwOrPFlvfDeE_yxNypifkIBjQVEGTNCjZ3c7aMIzRIct04DG2LsvXZZ1-lvmuQ4j28/s2240/Blog%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DID-9fcnY5aYEb8q4rh6eisjxH5K9gkdo7h3dM-cmts_odmXkpDJoyvWCgSkpO2VglYiqdK4b03WT9L29ib2FrhZHztqhq-SgWHMEJSIHGxVLSIrkAtP_yqwOrPFlvfDeE_yxNypifkIBjQVEGTNCjZ3c7aMIzRIct04DG2LsvXZZ1-lvmuQ4j28/w400-h225/Blog%20Banner.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Review</h2><p style="text-align: justify;">I received an ARC copy from the author for an honest review. I wish I had this book when I went through my divorce. It would have helped a great deal when I had to redefine myself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When your marriage ends by Vivian Hodges is a well-defined book with chapters that cover every area of your life after a divorce. Not only is it to the point and interesting, but the application exercises help to get your head back into the present and work through the areas in a mature and dignified way. It will keep you grounded while your entire life is out of whack, messy and hard.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is more a manual/journal than an actual book. With all the exercises to help, it would be a great tool to keep next to your bed. It is a good reference, and easy to follow when you feel stuck and need that extra push to get out of bed and face whatever the world, aka your ex, might throw at you. Those curveballs can be unexpected and messy and throw you out of balance quicker than you can say “coffee”.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky to have a friend who helped me to get up and get moving. This book will be your best friend during this time. If I had the finances, I would give this to every woman in need. Add a good supporting system around you, then you will make it. Just trust and believe that God is in control.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chapters include; </b>What to Expect in Yourself, The Five Stages of Divorce, The Root of All Feelings, Reframe Your Thoughts, Practical Exercise and Daily Emotional Quality Control. Find Your Reason, Self-Care, Moving On, How to Budget, What Is the Difference Between Freeloading and Genuine Need? When You Still Need to Talk, Toxic Exes, Should I Get Back With My Ex? Rebound Relationships, Put Memories in Their Place, Find Your Bliss, Set New Goals, and Relationship Warning Signs. These are just a few of the chapters that would help to get your balance back.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Finding yourself during the darkness is difficult, but overcomeable. Now, nine years later, I can say that my life is not perfect, but I am better off on my own. Don’t rush the process.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This book really captures the very heart of what you will experience and the message clear; You are not alone.</p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few quotes from the book.</h3><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;">“Big life events, like what you are going through now, offer the best way to rediscover and maybe even reinvent yourself.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“The HolmesRahe Stress Scale has defined divorce as the second-highest stress you can experience (Gadoua, 2012). Only the loss by death of a loved one rates higher.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” Susan David</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“You can replace any set of negative thoughts with proactive and uplifting actions. The trick is to consistently countermand an unhelpful or self-destructive thought with a better one.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Get clear on what is worthy and valuable about you. List all your strengths, and focus on inner qualities more than outer or external merits. If you tie your value and worth to things that you do not have complete control over, you will have a shaky sense of self-worth that is easily knocked down.”</p><p style="text-align: justify;">“Look through your vision for yourself and some of the goals you have set. Choose five of the most important goals.”</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">Buy Link: <a href="https://amzn.to/3HNBHCa " target="_blank">Amazon</a> Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61118813-when-your-marriage-ends" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweEMeMUa8Xl3AwGT_CWB8sO59uoagBkeEP3j1-0snbeQd5OJF-UpT3EzPUJhl-QHDzBM7OH7PW1DfqAJQG60CQItxcYJ8DGZcBS1KeY_k-pWML1tdkis7fkoykBg_6NveDd2AED0ifpMAsfXDU7WKUT5MheWJKakdLXyZpx53j0X1_KKLP4FIK6b-/s2240/Blog%20Banner%20(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="2240" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweEMeMUa8Xl3AwGT_CWB8sO59uoagBkeEP3j1-0snbeQd5OJF-UpT3EzPUJhl-QHDzBM7OH7PW1DfqAJQG60CQItxcYJ8DGZcBS1KeY_k-pWML1tdkis7fkoykBg_6NveDd2AED0ifpMAsfXDU7WKUT5MheWJKakdLXyZpx53j0X1_KKLP4FIK6b-/w400-h225/Blog%20Banner%20(2).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Excerpt</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Chapter
1: What to Expect</span></b><span lang="EN-ZA"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Per ardua ad astra. –Latin phrase meaning
“through adversity to the stars.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Let’s face
it, divorce is not for sissies. Divorce does not proceed in any predictable
way, although we can see some patterns based on the experiences of others. We
should look into these patterns to prepare ourselves—knowing what to expect can
help us be ready mentally, emotionally, and physically for what is to come.
After all, our unknown fears prey on our imaginations and lead to our worst
feelings of anxiety and worry. Knowing the probable pattern and having the
tools to deal with what will come helps us understand and overcome our fears. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Ultimately, we all have to decide for ourselves
what constitutes failure, but the world is quite eager to give you a set of
criteria if you let it. –J. K. Rowling<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">In the end,
this is not so much about what got you here but rather about what you are going
to do now. This is a tough time, but I promise that it is not forever, and
afterward, you will emerge stronger and better than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">What to
Expect in Yourself <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">You are
probably experiencing a range of emotions, and strangely enough, at times you
may feel two contradictory feelings at the same time. Like, you can feel angry
at the situation and yet happy that new possibilities are opening up. You can
feel fearful and excited. You can feel betrayed but also compassionate toward
the person you tried to make a life with. Having more than one feeling about a
situation is perfectly normal. We are complex beings with a wide range of
thoughts and feelings. So, we can have several feelings at the same time, and
these feelings can also be mixed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">The Five
Stages of Divorce <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">When faced
with any big stress or traumatic life event, we naturally go through a range of
reactions—first denial, then anger, bargaining, depression, and finally
acceptance. You can cycle through these stages very quickly or so slowly that
years can go by in each of them. But only by reaching a state of acceptance
will you be able to deal effectively with your life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Denial <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">When at
first the dreaded D-word comes up, we likely start out with a sense of denial.
“This can’t be happening.” “This is not what I wanted or planned for my life.”
Facing reality, or rather not wanting to face it, is not a unique problem. It
is at the heart of a lot of our troubles. Facing facts requires that you allow
yourself to see them objectively. We try to avoid pain by pretending things
aren’t really the way they are. What actually happens is that we just prolong
our suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">We can end
up stuck in an unhappy relationship for a very long time because of this. Then,
when finally someone mentions divorce, we freeze even further for a while. This
is a stress response. If we are very still, the danger might not see us. Fear
and anxiety about an unknown future can hold us here. But we need to face our
fears and shine a clean, pure light on them. This is the only way to see them
for what they are and thereby make them smaller and less threatening. Big
changes are stressful, and for the time that you stay in denial, you also dodge
having to take the next step. But unfortunately, life will eventually overtake
you, whether you choose to stay in this state or not. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-ZA">Moving
Past Denial <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Like a
Band-Aid, you need to rip off the blinkers and face what lies beneath. Staying
in a state of denial will just keep you stuck and suffering unnecessarily.
Whatever has happened has happened. You cannot change that. Now it is time to
face the facts and to do that, I ask you to think about the following:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">What
do you really fear will happen next? Express these fears, write them down, or
share them with a trusted ear. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">What
are the benefits to you of staying in denial? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN-ZA; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-ZA">What
do you stand to lose if you stay in the denial state of mind?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA"> </span></p>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-80219830086968517282023-04-13T06:43:00.005-07:002023-04-13T06:43:58.040-07:00Where David Threw Stones by Elyse Hoffman<p style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://henryroipr.com" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Black Coffee Book Tours</a> April 11-14</p>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":4988,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-4988" height="180" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Where-David-Threw-Stones-1920-×-1080-px-1024x576.jpg" width="320" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “If you enjoy reading WWII historical fiction and are looking for something a little different, this is the book for you.” – Michael Reit, author of “Beyond the Tracks.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">West Germany, 1968</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When ten-year-old David Saidel's parents are murdered, he is sent to live with his grandfather in the anti-Semitic village of Brennenbach. Miserable and lonely, David finds solace in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has one strict rule: never go out after midnight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. When midnight strikes, the town is thrown back to 1943, the height of Hitler's reign.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Nazi ghosts that infest Brennenbach are just as dangerous as they were in life. They're hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Through the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors - perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the Tracks."</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">See the book on Amazon <a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0B7Z6KWDB" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color"></h4><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Readers love Where David Threw Stones:</h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This book was part historical fiction, part mystery, and part fantasy. It reminded me a lot of “The Book Thief”, another book that’s hard to review without spoilers. I was mesmerized by both of them, and did not want to stop reading!” – – Goodreads Reviewer</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The author gives a voice to the atrocities of the past, to remind us in the present what our ancestors did or what was done to them, and most importantly gave a voice to Jewish people during the war while bringing forth the message of redemption, courage, forgiveness and peace. It was absolutely stunning.” – Read to Ramble</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “When I tell you this book left me with chills multiple times, I mean I was emotionally wrecked by this book. I loved every second of it, because it wasn't just a story... it meant something. Hoffman is a master storyteller and you find yourself drawn into the world that is created. The book is a really great example of finding redemption and forgiveness. GO READ THIS BOOK!!!”– Reviews by Taylor</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This book will captivate you, and pull you back through time. The characters are real, and you'll absolutely hate some of them. It also highlights that people, just like life, are not all black and white, and hate can pass from one generation to the next. An excellent book overall.”– Goodreads Reviewer</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“This book will grab you and keep you page-turning to the very end. Even when you’ve finished this book it will stick with you. Your heart will break for the characters and their suffering. The author will paint vivid pictures that will have you feeling like you could go and visit these places. “Relive” the history buried in the lands by walking it. You’ll hold back tears for the loses experienced, and tears for the healing and repentance that must take place. For avid readers of historical fiction, this book is a must read.”–Goodreads Reviewer.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About the author</strong></h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":4899,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full" style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-4899" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Elyse.jpg" /></figure>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Elyse Hoffman is an award-winning author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. She loves to meld WWII and Jewish history with fantasy, folklore, and the paranormal. She has written six works of Holocaust historical fiction: the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust and The Book of Uriel.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:list-->
<ul><!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.elysehoffman.com">https://www.elysehoffman.com</a></li>
<!--/wp:list-item-->
<!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851312.Elyse_Hoffman">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851312.Elyse_Hoffman</a></li>
<!--/wp:list-item-->
<!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elyse-hoffman">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elyse-hoffman</a></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">My 5 Star Review</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The boy
that never smiles. It would be an apt name for this book. But, Where David
threw stones, depicts the story of ten-year-old David unusually which captures
the imagination throughout the story. Though David vowed never to smile, his
new friends sure tried everything they could to make him forget the promise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">After
David’s parents' accidental death, David had no choice but to live with Herr
Ernst, his grandfather on mother’s side. It tells the story of one Jewish boy
who discovers a secret that kept WWII’s memories alive within its bosom
hauntingly. And Jews away from the town. David soon realised what the secret
was and the impact it would have on him as he experience up close the horrors
of the war. Despite it all, David’s character flourished within this small town
as he became acquainted with the townfolk in ways he didn’t think possible. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Even at
this young age, David was not easily manipulated into doing things he believed
to be wrong or against his upbringing. With a strict background, he wore his
kippah with pride no matter the hateful glares, and ultimately ban to visit the
shops. But once he stumbled onto the secret, his purpose for being there became
clear. Unwilling friends became comrades, family became strangers, and the
story started a life of its own. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">“This
spellbinding Historical WW2 Fantasy Novel is a story of a ten-year-old boy's
loss, redemption, and ultimate courage. Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has
crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors. This thrilling story is
perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," John Boyne's
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the
Tracks."”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The vivid
story telling captures the imagination as it sends you back into a time where
no Jew was safe. The propaganda against Jews is an intense hate that moored
within the very fabric of the people and the lies they believed almost
crippling you. But David’s ways carried a wait that touched even the hardest of
hearts and views changed as the secret become real. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Going back
in time each night, layered the story with a unique ploy, remarkable characters
and dramatic plotlines that felt so real that my heart cramped in pain. Of
which Maria Rahm’s young character was my favourite. The children within this
book had to grow up fast, as they try to find the truth for themselves and how
they were connected to David. No grownup will help or tell them about the
curse, and David and his little friend had to unravel every lie spread by
Hitler and his cronies. A truth that surpassed the curse and secret and left me
speechless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">This is a
book I can recommend to every WWII reader. It adds another layer to what we
already know about the war and how it affected the nation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Excerpt</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">"Ah...you
don’t have any allergies, Enkel?" Ernst queried. "Herr Ahles at the
pet shop said little Mozart was hypo-something-or-other. Your mama used to get
a rash when she got licked by dogs; I dunno if you got the same...issue."
"No, sir," David said. Even if he was allergic, he would have lied
and said no. He wouldn’t have Mozart sent back to the pet shop for his sake.
"Good! Little fellow seems to like you. Ah, why don’t you come in, both of
you? Ma'am, I guess we have some paperwork and such?" "A bit. A few
questions." "Right. Come on in. Mozart, calm down, boy! Enkel, will
you hold him? He tends to escape, and whenever he does, he's gone for days.
Careful when you open the door." David gripped the dog's collar and
wrestled him inside. The interior of the manor was something to behold; there
was a cold sort of majesty to it all. The grand staircase, fashioned of onyx stone,
led up to the second story, which offered two stairways to the third story.
Three chandeliers twinkled above his head, and David’s eyes glistened with
wonder when he realized the ceiling was painted violet with a sea of yellow
stars and a crescent moon making it appear like a twilight sky. A fireplace
crackled nearby, built of white marble with two carved lions on both sides and
a phoenix stretching its pearl-colored wings above the mantle. A few photo
frames hung above the tips of the phoenix’s wings, but they were empty and
slightly crooked, as though someone had just recently taken them down and
sloppily removed their contents. The furnishings were not nearly as beautiful
as the structure itself. The red and blue rug that featured an ornate, mosaic-like
design was frayed and stained with mud and pawprints. The furniture must have
once been quite nice, but Ernst either hadn’t wanted to replace it or couldn’t
afford to do so. The couch had been stitched up several times, the leather cozy
chair was peeling, and when David peeked into the dining room, he discovered
that the chairs were stacked up on the table, covered in cobwebs. It must have
been years since Ernst had invited someone over for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">#2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Isak
Saidel’s unfinished story. He had never gotten to his time in Auschwitz. And
now he never would. David carefully carried the manuscript to his desk, setting
it on the smooth, polished surface and thumbing to the last page. I had, at
this point, forgotten what my feet felt like, and if I had suddenly found
myself snuggled by a fireplace, I likely wouldn’t have even remembered how to
wiggle my toes. When I walked with Mama to stand in line, clutching my ration
card in my once-plump fingers, the snow would seep into my
one-size-too-big-boots and soak my feet. Mama did her best to carry me on days
when the snow was above my ankles, but she was... And that was where it ended.
David remembered running up to Isak and tugging on his arm as he click-clacked
away at his work, begging him to finish it later. It’s time to go, Papa! Come
on, Papa! David had been eager, desperate really, to get to the synagogue for
the final night of Hanukkah. The Rabbi had chosen him, him, little unpopular
David Saidel had been chosen to light the menorah for the Eighth Night. He had
been so proud. Ruth and Isak had been so proud. David looked down at a tiny
burn mark on his right hand. To an outsider it would be indistinguishable from
any of the other light injuries he had sustained in the “accident,” but it
stuck out to him. He had been clumsy, clumsy and arrogant. He, the quiet one,
the mouse boy, had been chosen for the great honor and he had felt the envious
eyes of his fellows upon him. He had basked in the glory for too long and the
hot wax of the candle had dripped onto his hand. Then he’d cried like a baby.
Then he’d asked his parents if they could go home early because he was not only
in pain but horribly embarrassed. And Ruth had said yes. Isak had said
something cheerful about getting to finish that paragraph. And now they were
dead. Murdered, according to the police and the media and everyone else. A
small cluster of Hitler-loyalists, neo-Nazis and Nazi holdouts, had decided to
cut the breaks of every car in the synagogue parking lot that night. He and his
parents had left first, and the Saidels were the only casualty. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">The Rabbi
had told him that he and his parents had saved the whole congregation. Perhaps
they had. Little comfort that was from the grave. Or in Isak’s case, from the
hospital. Ruth had died right away, but Isak had spent a few horrific nights
succumbing to his burns. He had barely been able to choke out a final farewell
to David, a final assurance. Isak’s last words rang in his ears, laced with
pain. “Not your fault.” But it was. The media had been in fits. The student
protestors too. Two Jews murdered two decades after the Holocaust had ended in
an incident that could have killed dozens. How many more Nazis were waiting to
strike? Would the Jews ever be safe in Germany? In a way, David was glad to be
so far away from it all. Gerta had promised to keep him out of the papers as
much as she could, but moving out here offered more protection from them and
their probing questions and fake smiles than she could have hoped. None of them
would follow him to Brennenbach. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-ZA">Nobody in
this little town knew him. Or his family. Or what had happened. Or what he had
done. They didn't even have to know he was a Jew. He touched the rim of the hat
his grandfather had given him. There was a comfort to that. A comfort to
blending in, to being just another German. A comfort he didn't deserve. He
plucked the hat from his head and flung it under the bed with the yellow box.
No. Everyone in town would know he was a Jew. They would know, and he wouldn’t
stop them from giving him their worst. From giving him everything he should
have gotten on that eighth night of Hanukkah.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><ul>
<!--/wp:list-item--></ul>
<!--/wp:list-->
Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-89364682398395177302023-03-27T23:10:00.002-07:002023-03-27T23:14:50.639-07:00Book Review and Blast: The Whispering Women by Trish MacEnulty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalQC6WoW3LFRCHgq5v32cFj_qlqmlEFsT6SOKN4xonkFZt3a_rRBI9vIZfglZCbL10TtyJxvFJZcixc2pUaUlm8KWwReO-M8D3DxaD5dj_bDe0rBGvkFABGdUw3QR60MC2PB8SxZ7tS_63v2X_hN5dmp-yS-_5ofuqwr4V96Y46r86Ov8PwtedkJ2/s1920/The-Whispering-Women-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalQC6WoW3LFRCHgq5v32cFj_qlqmlEFsT6SOKN4xonkFZt3a_rRBI9vIZfglZCbL10TtyJxvFJZcixc2pUaUlm8KWwReO-M8D3DxaD5dj_bDe0rBGvkFABGdUw3QR60MC2PB8SxZ7tS_63v2X_hN5dmp-yS-_5ofuqwr4V96Y46r86Ov8PwtedkJ2/w400-h225/The-Whispering-Women-Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="text-align: center;">Read the Author's note at the end of the post. </figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://henryroipr.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Black Coffee Book Tours</a></figure><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Book review</h3><p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Can two women get the lowdown on high society?</p><p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Louisa Delafield and Ellen Malloy didn’t ask to be thrown together to bring the truth to light. But after Ellen witnesses the death of a fellow servant during an illegal abortion, Louisa, a society columnist, vows to help her find the truth and turn her journalistic talent to a greater purpose.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" style="text-align: justify;">When I agreed to review this book, I did not know how inspiring this book would be. The synopsis and book cover alone were enough to convince me to read. Debut novelist Trish MacEnulty’s has written such a compelling story it left me in awe. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This historical fiction is based on true events and factual persons that lived during this period. This was a turnkey period that opened so many doors for us womenfolk. Sometimes we forget how great the struggle was, but it is authors like Ms MacEnulty that remind us again of the sacrifices and the sheer will that drove these women to speak up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The topics she touches on are not an issue for the poor, but one that touched every woman from the highest to the lowest in society. Even today, it is still a much debated topic with no straightforward answers to the problem. But theses women refused to be silent. Refused to lie down and accept it. They did something; and that alone makes this a powerful story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The whispering women take you back to 1913 where gangsters made a living from poverty and the political, legal and power hungry rich ruled the world. (Nothing has changed, but today we see them for who they are.) </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Garrett’s, and Bloodgoods are prominent families in this plotline. Their goodness heralded on the front pages of the newspapers. But once Ellen Malloy sees the reality of who they are, she had to run for her life. When she met up with Louisa Delafield, hell was at their doorstep. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Louisa Delafield was one of the high society but also shun because of a murdered father whose failed investments left them destitute. However, her choice of work kept he doors open and with her pen and paper and the knowledge of this society she revealed what these people tried to hide. Her naivety quickly faltered when she experience how the other women lived. What they struggle with and the means to cope with unwanted pregnancies. And, when a policewoman is killed, she found her purpose. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Together, they set out to find the proof to bring the culprits to justice, and fight against an enemy out to destroy them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The world of gangsters and suffrage, illegal abortions and sex trafficking is an ugly reality that cannot be ignored. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Especially Louisa had to realize who her so-called friends were. And the lengths they would go to protect their money and power. In the end, money doesn’t buy you peace when trouble knocks on your door and the women you try to silence refuse to be quiet. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With the help of an Irish police officer, and Teddy Roosevelt’s input, and a very handsome publisher, these two women find their way in a world so different from what they believed in. Their belief system challenged with each new door that opens, which leads to truths they cannot unlearn. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The author’s writing is crisp and clear. The fast-paced tempo takes you through the streets of New York at such a speed that your fingers struggles to keep up. Each moment a revelation of strength and determination as they built a friendship and grew in their own right. Both women’s characters are relatable. Their sheer will that drives them to the truth is a testimony of the courage each woman possessed. Their voices refused to be silent, no matter what curveballs life (the author) throws at them. </p><p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even the supportive characters’s roles carried the weight of the story and emphasises their most vulnerable moments with honesty. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Synopsis</h3><p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Can two women get the lowdown on high society?</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">“Two powerless young women must navigate a soul-crushing class system and find the levers of power they wield when they combine their strengths. These women may have been taught to whisper, but when their time comes, they will roar.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">– 5 Star Amazon Review</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Louisa Delafield and Ellen Malloy didn’t ask to be thrown together to bring the truth to light. But after Ellen witnesses the death of a fellow servant during an illegal abortion, Louisa, a society columnist, vows to help her find the truth and turn her journalistic talent to a greater purpose.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Together, these unlikely allies battle to get the truth out, and to avenge the wrongful death of a friend.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">What will our heroes do when their closest allies and those they trust turn out to be the very forces working to keep their story in the dark? They’ll face an abortionist, a sex trafficking ring, and a corrupt system determined to keep the truth at bay.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">“If you like historical fiction and if you like mysteries, this one is for you!”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">– 5 Star Amazon Review</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">Was change possible in 1913?</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">To find out, read THE WHISPERING WOMEN today!</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;">See the book on Amazon <a href="https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0B9W2WG8T" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:heading {"level":3,"textColor":"primary"}-->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About the author</strong></h3>
<!--/wp:heading-->
<!--wp:image {"id":4884,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"}-->
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="wp-block-image size-full" style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-4884" src="https://henryroipr.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pat-head1.jpg" /></figure></figure></blockquote></blockquote>
<!--/wp:image-->
<!--wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<p class="has-primary-color has-text-color"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The Whispering Women is Trish MacEnulty's debut as a historical fiction novelist. She has previously published four novels, a short story collection, and a memoir. A former Professor of English at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC, she currently lives in Florida with her husband, two dogs, and one cat and teaches journalism.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For more information about her books and events, visit her website.</div><p></p>
<!--/wp:paragraph-->
<!--wp:list {"textColor":"primary"}-->
<ul class="has-primary-color has-text-color"><!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://trishmacenulty.com/">http://trishmacenulty.com/</a></li>
<!--/wp:list-item-->
<!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/trishmac_historicalfiction/">https://www.instagram.com/trishmac_historicalfiction/</a></li>
<!--/wp:list-item-->
<!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@trish_macenulty">https://www.tiktok.com/@trish_macenulty</a></li>
<!--/wp:list-item-->
<!--wp:list-item-->
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://twitter.com/pmacenulty">https://twitter.com/pmacenulty</a></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Excerpt</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"></div></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Louisa entered the thick,
overheated air inside the hospital. The charity tour had already started. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">She removed her coat and hat, left
them in the cloak room, and then found a hospital assistant to take her to the
tour. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">She caught up with the ladies as
they followed the doctor through the maternity ward. Lining the walls were beds
with tired new mothers, holding babies. Some of them, ignoring the parade of
strangers walking by, nursed their babies, their large veiny breasts fully
exposed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Dorothy lingered at the back of the
tour with her mother, Natasha. Natasha had the austere look of Russian nobility
with her ivory skin and long slender nose. When she saw Louisa approaching, a
bright smile lit up her face. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Unlike Amelia Garrett, Natasha
Bloodgood always made Louisa feel welcome at any social gathering. Of course,
Natasha had been like a second mother to her after her family’s downfall.
She’d brought Louisa into her home every day so she could continue her
education with Dorothy’s tutors and encouraged Louisa to apply for a
scholarship at Barnard. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Good afternoon, Natasha,” Louisa
said, warmly. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Louisa,” Natasha said. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Dorothy tells me you’re going to
the soirée for the princess tomorrow night, after all.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Yes, dear Hattie invited me,”
Louisa said. Natasha winked at her. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Your article was quite
flattering.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“I suppose I’m temporarily in
Amelia’s good graces.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Oh, look at that darling baby. I
cannot wait to be a grandmother,” Natasha said as a nurse walked by, holding
one of the swaddled infants. Dorothy, in green velvet, stared up at the
ceiling. It was obvious the sight of these women and their squalling babes
repulsed her. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Just then Hattie in a dress with a
bit too many ruffles sidled up next to Louisa. Her hair was pulled back in a
plain bun. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Your hair…” Dorothy said with
raised eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Don’t say a word. My lady’s maid
went missing,” Hattie complained.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Did she?” Louisa said. “What do
you think happened?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“I don’t know, but she and one of
the house maids just disappeared. Didn’t even take their belongings. Mrs.
Strauss is fit to be tied. And Mother says that immigrants are as useless as American
girls. She promises we’ll find someone else in London, but I liked Ellen,”
Hattie huffed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Ahead of them, Natasha and Amelia
were deep in conversation. Natasha was probably sympathizing with Amelia over
her servant problems. There were few things that women of society liked to do
more than complain about how unreliable or incompetent their servants were.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Louisa turned her attention to the
doctor at the front of the group. He was a well-dressed man in his forties with
an urbane air about him. The women hung on his every word, Amelia smiled
obsequiously at him, and Louisa realized he was as popular as his cause.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Poor women still have their babies
at home. They use untrained midwives and the results are often disastrous,” the
doctor informed the ladies. “But we are encouraging them to come to the
hospital if there are any complications.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">“Everyone knows those midwives are
criminals,” Amelia announced. The surrounding women murmured their agreement,
and the tour continued.</p></div></blockquote></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>After the tour, Louisa went back to the office to file her column. She sat at her desk and began to type up the details, but she kept making mistakes and had to rip out one sheet of paper after another. Finally, she stopped what she was doing and looked into her bag. The silver cross with its broken chain nestled at the bottom. She pulled it out and let the chain dangle from her finger. She wondered if this necklace belonged to one of the missing maids. <span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><ul class="has-primary-color has-text-color">
<!--/wp:list-item--></ul>
<!--/wp:list-->
<iframe width="760px" height="500px" src="https://sway.office.com/s/sqTqj1Fy9TUrNeF9/embed" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" max-width="100%" sandbox="allow-forms allow-modals allow-orientation-lock allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts" scrolling="no" style="border: none; max-width: 100%; max-height: 100vh" allowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen></iframe>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-12886440575299290912023-03-15T21:42:00.003-07:002023-03-15T21:42:38.641-07:00Review" The Hills be shaken by Michael Stewart<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOFRWF2ZVJWDCHAn4IkaTMFu4_1WvjMeCrbvBp1FNym0r-JYPp1qZzomFUCiyY_J-eMQAdK3f7Vyt-u38SEc51JMSkWspCzLlazBWav2GcDjq13A4znzC9xZsFVQ8Pnn3aI6G_HInDS0z-2-K8uIiyUFqOxdNLgiPy2xLcG5uF1WxhjIU5kqt-0jjiQ/s500/41xVgdp+ZQL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOFRWF2ZVJWDCHAn4IkaTMFu4_1WvjMeCrbvBp1FNym0r-JYPp1qZzomFUCiyY_J-eMQAdK3f7Vyt-u38SEc51JMSkWspCzLlazBWav2GcDjq13A4znzC9xZsFVQ8Pnn3aI6G_HInDS0z-2-K8uIiyUFqOxdNLgiPy2xLcG5uF1WxhjIU5kqt-0jjiQ/s320/41xVgdp+ZQL.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br />“The mountains fall away, and THE HILLS BE SHAKEN...”–Isaiah 54:10<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u>Mose Haley was an engineer</u></b>, but in a few short
months, he will have his FBI badge... and his revenge.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Two weeks ago,</b> Mose was designing highway curves that
safely carry minivans loaded with three kids and a dog doing 70 miles per hour.
Now he is standing next to hot ammunition casings holding a standard issue
Glock 23 handgun with the slide locked back and the barrel smoking. Two weeks
ago—before the people he loved died—was a lifetime ago.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The attack on Manhattan,</b> Kansas, dubbed Little
9/11 was the first. Officer Sam McGuire was there when it happened, shaken
like everyone else on that day. The day he witnessed the collapse of a two-mile
dam. Also, the day Sam saw <b>the blonde in the park</b>. The fit woman,
jogging with an AR-15 and a pistol. He has questioned her and questioned her
again. He has gone to ground zero and rummaged through the debris. Sam is a
good cop, but he cannot piece it all together. He needs help. <b><u>He
needs an engineer</u>.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Mose wants to believe he has the grit for the job, but he is
a rookie. He has never had to face rooftop gunfire or defuse a bomb in a
playground with sweaty hands and a paperclip. <b>Mose Haley has never been
tested... until now.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><b>Review</b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">I received an ARC copy from the author and received no compensation. The review is my own thoughts.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Little 9/11; in real life, this would have been a catastrophic event, the likes no one would recover from. When Mose Haley, a road engineer, got a glimpse of the enormity of the devastation in Kansas, he understood that life as he knew it was over. What was thought to be a natural disaster soon became clear that it was another terrorist attack on US soil.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">After the water receded and only the bedrock was left, everyone wanted answers. With so many lives lost, they had to find an eyewitness to state what they thought was the real reason the dam gave in. It was up to Mose, a newly appointed FBI agent, to find not only this witness but find the other weak points within the United States water system to avoid another disaster.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Corruption, money laundering, and self-righteousness were some topics that surfaced during the story. Its faith-based foundation is the platform from where each character acted.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">“Sam continued, “I guess in special circumstances, when there is no time for individual confessions, in the face of mortal danger, a priest is allowed to do such a thing. And I’ll tell you what, Mose, I could feel the weight lift off my back. I was carrying a hundred pounds of gear, and it was like it wasn’t even there. It was probably the scariest moment in my life, while at the same time one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” Sam took a gulp of beer before continuing.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">“Then the priest said, men it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be scary, but when you need it, remember those final words of David ‘take courage’. Know God is with you, and he’ll be with you when you need him, and he’ll take you by the hand and walk you to his kingdom. <b><u>‘Take courage, be a man’.”</u></b></span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">With no concrete evidence, Mose began the enormous task. Breadcrumbs trailing his way and a phone caller who keeps on leaving cryptic messages. When a second bomb threat is made, things speed up quickly. He-is-just-an-engineer mantra was the only thing that kept him calm enough to do what was needed.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Sometimes you get the sense that the book was more than a fictitious story. The technical details enhancing the story realistically. Like a gigantic puzzle, if one piece is removed, the disaster would be so much greater. Once we understand how everything fits together, the possibilities of another terrorist attack become a greater realiteit.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">The supporting characters of Don, Sam, Mickey, and Maria were well developed and relatable. Until you realize who the villain is.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">The writing itself is crisp and clear as it leads you on a definite path of the unexpected. The plot line is well thought out and the author’s knowledge or research was well grounded to bring an incredible story of life and faith, as it intertwines with this suspenseful story.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">A powerful story of faith and determination as Mose Haley get to learn to trust his instinct and the breadcrumbs God has laid out for him.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.librarything.com/work/28357180/book/236467153" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">The Hills Be Shaken by Michael Stewart | LibraryThing</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5393638446" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Lynelle Clark’s review of The Hills Be Shaken | Goodreads</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-hills-be-shaken-by-michael-stewart" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">The Hills Be Shaken by Michael
Stewart - BookBub</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the-hills-be-shaken-michael-stewart-74b1c1ef-475e-4476-9134-861ab8e61435/user-reviews" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">The Hills Be Shaken by MICHAEL
STEWART - Reader reviews | Reedsy Discovery</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z04Q4Q7L2JGC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv" target="_blank">Amazon </a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About the Author</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Michael Stewart is an award-winning author and #1 Best
Seller. He lives in the sunflower-covered hills of Kansas with his dear wife
and six lively children. Stewart worked for two decades as an engineer,
designing streets and highways. Now he writes books with action and science, a
little mix of MacGyver and Die Hard.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">“Writing is like watching a movie, and I love movies.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stewart has published two novels, the latest THE HILLS BE
SHAKEN reached #1 shortly after its debut and has caught the attention of Top
Reviewers. This mystery has scored mostly 5-Star ratings on Amazon and 98% of
readers “Liked It” on Goodreads. The crime novel is available in paperback,
E-book, and audiobook.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Learn more about Michael Stewart, the John Grisham of
Engineering Thrillers, including the fun stuff like his awards, TED Talk, and
world record... visit michaelstewart.fun<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>Lynellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18265114640587991360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-29769910705421705102023-03-07T11:01:00.010-08:002023-03-07T11:05:38.847-08:00Authors who spice up Smalltown Romance. Your heart will skip a beat with each read.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/smalltownromanceauthors"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Linktree</span></a>
| <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1152453608734814"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Smalltown Romance Authors on Facebook</span></a> | <a href="https://smalltownromanceauthors.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Blog</span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwVtDisLz8AY8JbDEgkxgZDMXbqPZNQL76-62bzDLlcaEm8BuscjBBJsxD7nrXTdDwu4zNaxOCEnNC2vNi-41oQbRb7QIkOsFuyG_8bSVsARJpo3GMnlcGDjdj5ufJLtwI4fd-wgQHR4xlbjzIRdOwlS04J2z4QVWYK_S7tCniJiHM5uZWlzYei8zN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwVtDisLz8AY8JbDEgkxgZDMXbqPZNQL76-62bzDLlcaEm8BuscjBBJsxD7nrXTdDwu4zNaxOCEnNC2vNi-41oQbRb7QIkOsFuyG_8bSVsARJpo3GMnlcGDjdj5ufJLtwI4fd-wgQHR4xlbjzIRdOwlS04J2z4QVWYK_S7tCniJiHM5uZWlzYei8zN" width="160" /></a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/delilahhallauthor/"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Instagram</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"> | </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076191166237"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Jade, needing an escape
from her life, Jade follows her best friend for a new job- and just so happens
to run into the boy who used to work for her dad. Logan.</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Logan met Jade at her first
job. And despite his attraction to her, he kept his distance after all her
father owns the company he works for, and he wants to keep his job. But now,
it’s been years and when he runs into her… he can’t deny the connection is
still there. Especially now that they are both single.</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">But just because they are
both single doesn’t mean things aren’t complicated anymore. Like when Logan’s
ex shows up, when Jade starts working with Logan again, and when Jade’s father
thinks about buying the company Logan works for. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Gorgeous-Delilah-Hall-ebook/dp/B0BQZGK4MZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HDUUKCKFK9SG&keywords=gorgeous+by+delilah+hall&qid=1672939624&sprefix=gorgeous+by+delialh+hall%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"><span lang="EN"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance/"></a></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1155cc; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance/"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNaOTlBuXXVaC5p7Cvi6cKWVeakM9W1jkzD8d6oiqA8W7ZRXGuhxaNI_mVchQHtI1ZVceBJvSJp8artVXmRoqfueku9dc4bWqA6HRTY-GdTjs13DUCqFrkJlIshjDzlcbnj0u2WmJsiWUy8ffIIQi27osp2dyk1HYaKRYHnECYnHoFQjVX5GBEvvvx" width="150" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance/"><br /></a></span></div><span style="color: #1155cc;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ellawritesromance/"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Instagram </span></span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">| </span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://ellabraeme.com/"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Website</span></a></span></div></span><p></p>
<h4 style="break-after: auto; margin: 12pt 0cm 2pt; text-align: justify;"><a name="_acmj80v0f2ii"></a><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">She
thought it didn't matter who she married. He begged to differ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Her family never had a good
standing in the small town Dawn lived in. When she finally had the chance to be
seen, she had to get married quickly. No big deal, right? Nice enough and
absolutely honest—those are Dawn's only requirements for her spouse. So why not
go for that marriage-of-convenience? Because after the nuptials she might find
out, Joss is her Mr Right—and a liar, too. That's why.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><i><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">This novella has all the small-town feels, pesky neighbors
and all. Whereas the love is sweet, the sizzle is hot, so 18+. No cliffhanger.
No cheating. HEA guaranteed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVHNN3X" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;"> </span></div><span lang="EN" style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0f1111; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-PQYtAczUfb_bwoIL13cj04BDPpZ9pD3bY-KCOXLdEWKzfJnoen6ehMk-xcy07eZpU79tQO4TVO_JAT8Po4WX9dwDwbiNsWuOVtjbQ-PXFVg4K8QuBuiLbLMrffsweaxsOuGAvY_ZTACZ0vO_Lc8vo-xY9vW5mbI7nsa4YkvIQw0jKhp0FGveo3sh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="192" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-PQYtAczUfb_bwoIL13cj04BDPpZ9pD3bY-KCOXLdEWKzfJnoen6ehMk-xcy07eZpU79tQO4TVO_JAT8Po4WX9dwDwbiNsWuOVtjbQ-PXFVg4K8QuBuiLbLMrffsweaxsOuGAvY_ZTACZ0vO_Lc8vo-xY9vW5mbI7nsa4YkvIQw0jKhp0FGveo3sh" width="158" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div></o:p></span><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ErinCBrockus"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"> | </span><span lang="EN"><a href="https://linktr.ee/erinbrockus"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Linktree</span></a></span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"></span><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Hope and
Alex… two wounded hearts meet in an island paradise.</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Can their wary spark become an unbreakable destiny?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">After her carefully ordered
life is upended, Hope Collins desperately needs a change. This comes when she
unexpectedly finds herself the owner of a scuba diving resort on the Caribbean
island of St. Croix.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">But she arrives to
complications, especially one tall, gorgeous, yet enigmatic dive instructor.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alex Monroe is trying to
forget the past and only wants a quiet life. He hadn’t planned on a life
leading dives on a tropical island, but he’s made peace with it. Kind of. Then
Hope arrives, and his existence is turned upside down as he becomes captivated
by her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Past wounds have scarred
both. Hope has learned never to trust a man. Alex has closed himself off,
existing but not living. They fight the attraction, but a series of mishaps
drive them together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Can two damaged souls find hope in each other?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Finding Hope </span></i></b><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">is the
first novel in the captivating Half Moon Bay series, and the beginning of Hope
and Alex’s epic journey to soulmates. Dive into this sensual contemporary beach
romance, featuring compelling, relatable characters, an irresistible tropical
setting, and no cliffhangers!</span></b></p>
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Finding-Hope-Half-Beach-Romance-ebook/dp/B098285ZK8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1G78X2XBX64I7&keywords=Finding+hope+half+moon+bay&qid=1677253649&sprefix=finding+hope+half+moon+bay%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/carmencook_"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/carmencook_"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQ4iuvYkIobJsv_rjfDeaFpzysHSesHdE7iRqX3A6DXlbyF4wjVSnLrVB_Nb0ccbkKBNnRsxxhpvG-1OETVtbvqvO_al5NgiPOMMXO1KIZpO2PlYMcNY1zMp4I9PFt5YrhORn1e5a6Gh6kQmboaU9WJnGtAXGX_N7WBL2BO6VN43boE7VDc_UFUnmK" width="160" /></a></span></div><a href="https://linktr.ee/carmencook_"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/carmencook_"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Linktree</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"> | </span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1598693427105727"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a></span></div></span></span></div><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="image11.jpg" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:1.5pt;margin-top:9pt;width:178.15pt;height:267.55pt;z-index:251661312;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:9pt;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/lynel/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg"
o:title=""/>
<w:wrap type="square"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Newly divorced and
currently unemployed, Regan Sinclair is having a tough year. And she’s about to
return to the small Montana town her younger self couldn’t wait to leave. While
she’s excited to reconnect with her friends and sisters, she swears it’s only
until she figures out next steps. But putting Sapphire Creek behind
her—again—gets harder when she sees her best friend’s brother. The boy she
kissed and then left without a word.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">Security consultant Gavin
McCabe is a simple guy. He’s got solid friends, a couple of incredible kids,
and a business built from the ground up. Life is trucking along as
planned—until Regan reappears and knocks him flat on his ass. Now all bets are
off. Years ago he let her walk away without a fight, he won’t make that mistake
again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">But Regan’s meddling
parents and interfering ex seem determined to stand in Gavin’s way. And those
problems are only the beginning. Because while Regan and Gavin’s feelings are
growing, so is an unexpected danger in their usually sleepy town. To claim
their second chance, they’ll have to risk everything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">"Settle in for sexy
chemistry and second chances--Sapphire Creek runs hot in Carmen Cook's
hands." - Laurel Greer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Coming In Hot is book one
in the Sapphire Creek Series.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/coming-in-hot-sapphire-creek-1-by-carmen-cook" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMQpa1lDOQ5a6xMJUvZ9ein3YyXuJeK-uFUS_hwHOpe9GUgfwVHEmY4Rw5AMT74KOQYqbMpAlr-tkxqVUZ4NWf1M32WMzCRSK37VJvXIUiZv_zmXWUO3MT7sOpImy5NQgQKL6_DEeaa2JGjCL7lKOhzD4STohsoOhP7mhDd-KGbqkzdKAJWOhOSvCQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMQpa1lDOQ5a6xMJUvZ9ein3YyXuJeK-uFUS_hwHOpe9GUgfwVHEmY4Rw5AMT74KOQYqbMpAlr-tkxqVUZ4NWf1M32WMzCRSK37VJvXIUiZv_zmXWUO3MT7sOpImy5NQgQKL6_DEeaa2JGjCL7lKOhzD4STohsoOhP7mhDd-KGbqkzdKAJWOhOSvCQ" width="154" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Ins</o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/smalltown.romance/"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">tagram</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"> | </span><span lang="EN" style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/elisekbooks"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Linktree</span></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Max and Josie have been best friends since the fourth grade,
but when they're snowed in overnight and the power goes out, their "just
friends" relationship is put to the test when they snuggle for warmth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Josie has only had one
secret her entire life: she's been in love with her best friend for two
decades. She'd never risk losing the most important relationship in her life,
so she's shielded her feelings from her broad-shouldered cinnamon roll BFF,
Max.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Max moved back to Benning
Falls, Vermont, to run his family's maple syrup farm after breaking off his
engagement. As he's spent more time with his best friend, Josie, thoughts of
her perfect curves and sparkling smile invade his thoughts more and more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Can this rom-com-obsessed
maple syrup farmer keep his hands and spicy thoughts to himself? Or will he be
willing to risk the possibility of a happily ever after even if it means
risking the most solid friendship in his life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Featuring:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Snowed In
+ Forced Proximity</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Best
Friends to Lovers</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Solo
Sessions</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Spicy
Scenes</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Only One
(warm) Bed</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Hurt /
Comfort</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">"Yes,
sir" / "Good girl"</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Vermont in
the Winter</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Maple
Syrup Farm Vibes</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Never Have
I Ever + Drunken Confessions</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <a href="https://linktr.ee/elisekbooks" target="_blank">Amazon</a></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOHjZ7KZBeZysTOAl9OdVguwa0tEqahXYO4RN2GhXCWrUoCvi9l8EOXQm7cOZEhuLqnahX5Wj7h5JPKGOnHQIyd5jtp6K8JUV7cqOsauBFZV7qQqaFc_NHBGYcQ1wG8BJFEPjV9HxHRpzF-JNGMRxHQMg3HmAYteRIVG22kmkda0Vsumf1pdUzBIh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1002" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYOHjZ7KZBeZysTOAl9OdVguwa0tEqahXYO4RN2GhXCWrUoCvi9l8EOXQm7cOZEhuLqnahX5Wj7h5JPKGOnHQIyd5jtp6K8JUV7cqOsauBFZV7qQqaFc_NHBGYcQ1wG8BJFEPjV9HxHRpzF-JNGMRxHQMg3HmAYteRIVG22kmkda0Vsumf1pdUzBIh" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/susanmurphyauthor"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> I </span><span lang="EN" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/susanmurphyauthor"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Linktree</span></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">From the author of the Confetti Confidential series, Aloha
Love and A Moonta Bay Christmas comes a fast-paced, fun story about love,
sacrifice and finding your way through the hard times.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">After the death of her
mother and an epic family fallout, Bree Randle gave a middle finger to Moonta
Bay and left the town in her rear-view mirror for good. But now, with her best
friend Emma planning her Valentine’s Day wedding and pleading for her to be there,
Bree has to put aside her own feelings and return home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Worse still, the ex that
broke her heart is one of the groomsmen and the celebrant is the big-headed
jock she despised in high school. And that’s just the beginning of the drama.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Can Bree mend the deep rift
with her sister, confront the people from her past that hurt her, and save her
best friend from heartache before it's too late?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Story Features::<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Old
enemies to new lovers</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Reluctant
homecoming<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Family
drama</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Old wounds</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Ethical
dilemmas<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Hard decisions<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Moving on<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonta-Bay-Valentines-Wedding-Disaster-ebook/dp/B0BSKL7RTS?" target="_blank">Amazon</a></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwStYWT5NrTwTrbPlXFJh5x6SpXsWfv8bNvxDbeMNNTudYYILlLbZKA3k3nTpd0ioqksCQCedpTqaGtYhq5lGUg0K3JRZfym6Ndsoh--z-yo3q6TqdeFCQckI-SBr9_Cl81Wj4uc84L6UxebLf09cb4gUGqeMPowBsOgzUZZIoAvifCq4ktUaXZxbP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwStYWT5NrTwTrbPlXFJh5x6SpXsWfv8bNvxDbeMNNTudYYILlLbZKA3k3nTpd0ioqksCQCedpTqaGtYhq5lGUg0K3JRZfym6Ndsoh--z-yo3q6TqdeFCQckI-SBr9_Cl81Wj4uc84L6UxebLf09cb4gUGqeMPowBsOgzUZZIoAvifCq4ktUaXZxbP" width="160" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilybunneyauthor/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Emily
Bunney </span>Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.bunney.927/"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Emily
Bunney Facebook</span></a></span><u><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">🌙𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞
𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐲❤️ <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">🌙𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞
𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐁𝐚𝐲, 𝐂𝐀. A small town where love is
most definitely in the air. Take a little vacation to the beach and enjoy three
novellas set in this romantic location.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">📱𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞💖A divorced elementary
school Principal gets her second chance at love on a dating app for curvy women
with a man who's a lot closer than she thinks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">💘 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭
𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭⚓️A
Navy SEAL faces his demons and returns to the hometown he's been avoiding since
his best friend died in combat. The last thing he expects to do is fall for the
girl he's known all his life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">❤️🩹𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭
𝐌𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭🐕A
nomadic, damaged former military K-9 handler becomes stranded in Crescent Bay
which is the last thing he needs. After finding a temporary job at a kennels,
he also finds an unexpected love with the sassy, flamed-haired owner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEPQ5qsm_VSq2x8kZUH0h1wpX8hii6ottmykG0OZz0CiU2JdLXVqYMJR6aVuOd0tuinnDKA8Pjbtu0sO5V5gp05mf6-YcVunv5veG7cclCCR5Bpu70ycpZpQy0p-osbIouBO1z_OrQ2JE6WE6c7JkplwUe9KcBX5wXsQXENzQF3Ol1-K1HH9QYhEyu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEPQ5qsm_VSq2x8kZUH0h1wpX8hii6ottmykG0OZz0CiU2JdLXVqYMJR6aVuOd0tuinnDKA8Pjbtu0sO5V5gp05mf6-YcVunv5veG7cclCCR5Bpu70ycpZpQy0p-osbIouBO1z_OrQ2JE6WE6c7JkplwUe9KcBX5wXsQXENzQF3Ol1-K1HH9QYhEyu" width="159" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://msha.ke/staceyakomosinski"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Linktree</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"> | </span><span lang="EN" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Komosinski/e/B08RSD69VW"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">Amazon Author</span></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;">Returning to
her small hometown to help her mom recover from cancer, a scared and lost young
woman embarks on a journey of self-renewal. A recently rekindled childhood
friendship with a now reformed playboy, complicates her transformation when he
professes his undying love for her on one hot and tempting summer day. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-indent: 14.4pt;">Life isn’t what Gabriella Rodriguez
imagined in her mid-twenties. But she’s working on embracing change and
building a new life she can be happy living. Back in the small town of Harmony,
Texas with her family and friends by her side, Gaby hopes to trump the cards
fate has dealt her and stop looking over her shoulder for the other shoe to
drop.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-indent: 14.4pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;">Although she has sworn off men until
she can sort out her life, there is one man Gaby might allow to get
closer—Bradley Klein. Especially since his towering frame, chiseled features
and all-encompassing hugs make her feel something she thought was gone. When
Gaby lets her body do the talking, will the prior arrogant, self-absorbed
teenage boy who now wants to protect her at all costs let her run free with his
heart?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Featuring:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Childhood friends to lovers</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Bad boy turned nice guy</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">It’s always been you</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Small town Texas</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Sweet heat (includes open door steam)</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Slow burn contemporary romance</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Book 2 of series - can be read as standalone</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09N1TZTLS" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiczthM_JVDvnRHmltiiXXFxEAmxpHSocmRALyPU_YJsH8g9S5J_VbKR98kOPv0NmHmxXzD_fwLZie02lRN2jP9mAI9MtHBFk7YtWMqaKnY2HXBnLnJsANQ3lkJITBkB14ObgUchSicXQq98kvJoIwDaWLs1wEHK0y_waD4fUxhL8Hx2EnPPgkqxu4F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiczthM_JVDvnRHmltiiXXFxEAmxpHSocmRALyPU_YJsH8g9S5J_VbKR98kOPv0NmHmxXzD_fwLZie02lRN2jP9mAI9MtHBFk7YtWMqaKnY2HXBnLnJsANQ3lkJITBkB14ObgUchSicXQq98kvJoIwDaWLs1wEHK0y_waD4fUxhL8Hx2EnPPgkqxu4F" width="160" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C44Y2M2"><span style="color: #1155cc;">The
Rule of 3.</span></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ariella-Talix/author/B07MKPB8TN?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Ariella Talix</span></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ariella.talix.1"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Facebook</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN">Ambition. Love. Loyalty.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN">Welcome
to Honeybee Hollow, Kentucky.</span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">Tanner Lassiter has easy,
straightforward goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">1. Marry the love of your
life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">2. Become Kentucky’s
youngest governor ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">3. Become president.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">Eli Whittaker is a
kingmaker with two goals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">1. Use your billions and connections to help Tanner realize all of his
dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">2. Don’t die of a broken heart in the process of achieving #1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111;">Zoë Deliban is a small-town
teacher with one goal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">1. Don’t mess up Tanner’s
life by letting him know you still love him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Open-minded adult readers
only, please. This is an MMF romance. If you don’t mind a few four-letter words
and steamy scenes, and you want a book about enduring love, loyalty, and
kindness, come on in and enjoy the fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">The Rule of 3 is a “Lovers
in Louisville” series spin-off. It is book one in "The Perfect Number"
series. Book two, The Passion of 3, is available now. They are more fun if you
read them in order, but both are standalone books.</span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C44Y2M2" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Amazon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></span></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C44Y2M2" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C44Y2M2" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs8qPR0XtlJ3b6Z-8iSfuv8FcT4D67o0WJ3kp6NBXXlOf1AByU5_2AMrW7uOY8StlDpKACdZkDOrIKf0Z1idzyGswBBnZc3Nyv9uMrkQKZGKJX5fxfdL_hOKSY6kNDhtEj7kyQ-pimmeAUHx_XlBd9GRVBqIIaFMwap2Xi-v5FVH4uLit50z-iEfUi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs8qPR0XtlJ3b6Z-8iSfuv8FcT4D67o0WJ3kp6NBXXlOf1AByU5_2AMrW7uOY8StlDpKACdZkDOrIKf0Z1idzyGswBBnZc3Nyv9uMrkQKZGKJX5fxfdL_hOKSY6kNDhtEj7kyQ-pimmeAUHx_XlBd9GRVBqIIaFMwap2Xi-v5FVH4uLit50z-iEfUi" width="160" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C44Y2M2" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"></span></a><div style="display: inline !important;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08C44Y2M2" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span lang="EN"></span></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolBurnside"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN"><a href="http://books2read.com/CarolBurnside"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">UniLink</span></a></span></div></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;"> Mayor Jake Fletcher’s small town of
Sweetwater Springs is in jeopardy. Their coffers are drying up, thanks to
mother nature destroying the major access to the town. Confessing as much to
his constituents brings surprises his way:<br />
--Ideas to fix the crisis flooding in<br />
--Two women willing to spearhead the resulting Holiday Extravaganza. One of
them, Dixie Jo DeLuca, is an attractive, outgoing real estate agent with a
smile that delivers a gut punch.<br />
There’s no time to waste. Jake and
Dixie work together, friendly but cautious around each other, flirting a
little, but recognizing they’re divorcees with baggage…and three daughters
between them. They need to work closely together over the next two months. Any
attempt at a relationship could put a strain on their endeavors and their work
is too important to the town to jeopardize.<br />
Despite those concerns, their
attraction grows. Soon, they agree to a secret affair. They’re two reasonable
adults, right?<br />
But a bigger picture has each of them
dealing with family concerns as well. Dixie faces an MIA ex, a teen daughter,
and a mom pushing her toward an affair. Jake’s sister is divorcing and he’s her
attorney, his unpredictable and self-centered ex is coming for Thanksgiving,
and he’s harboring a long-kept family secret that he’ll eventually have to
reveal to Dixie, even if his honesty means he might lose her.<br />
Amid the festival whirlwind, their day
jobs, and daily life with extended family and three children, can Jake and
Dixie carve out enough time to build a relationship? And even if that’s
possible, are they open to risking their hearts — and those of their children —
again?<br />
<i><u>Warning</u></i>:
The author is not responsible if pizza and cake (as a meal) give you cravings.
Contains two reasonably sane adults feeling out of control, sometimes
precocious children, and some hot/sweet loving. It also has a not-quite-normal
Thanksgiving dinner. Brace yourself. The folks in Sweetwater Springs are a
force to be reckoned with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Featuring:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Small town
Arkansas</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Slow burn romance</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Sizzling open door
love scenes (18+)</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Family life with
the good and bad</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-left: 50pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">●<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111; font-family: Garamond, serif;">Book 4 in series -
standalone, but better read in order as characters from previous books appear
in this and future books.</span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Second-Chances-Sweetwater-Springs-Novel-ebook/dp/B0BPNNW7B4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32A31DM5Y63LJ&keywords=Carol+burnside+second+chances&qid=1677253290&sprefix=carol+burnside+second+chance%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTwDHWiBRnfTxA_i15hBUDYkF3OYerMyD9bB8TabDQDUyYt15_Fl-BwFGPJEpIao3xDooHXKtaPcLCFSt2EORAPsfMhsYt3WmlWcu3fEV9L0hp-zo-piRP2rcmloQtAk_-oPOng1xllnkxp3VNOfjaaI5a9kqOqRQraDc8-BtD33r5qrayxnsF2A4A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTwDHWiBRnfTxA_i15hBUDYkF3OYerMyD9bB8TabDQDUyYt15_Fl-BwFGPJEpIao3xDooHXKtaPcLCFSt2EORAPsfMhsYt3WmlWcu3fEV9L0hp-zo-piRP2rcmloQtAk_-oPOng1xllnkxp3VNOfjaaI5a9kqOqRQraDc8-BtD33r5qrayxnsF2A4A" width="160" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://linktr.ee/ashleykayromancewriter" target="_blank">Linktree</a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111;">If you’ve ever been betrayed, you know it hurts. It cuts
deeper when it’s by your identical twin brother. After one fateful night in
college, he ruined our relationship, my future, and I vowed to never speak to
him again. Life, however, is unpredictable and seven years later, I’m stuck in
a small town in Montana working alongside him for a year or I risk losing my
inheritance. For a man who owns an entire Armani suit collection and an acute
allergy to emotions, this is a problem. I thought I could get in and get out
and go back to my life in Manhattan unscathed—act professional, like the
businessman I am. But I didn’t account for meeting her, my brother’s best
friend. One fiery kiss with a woman I have no business desiring—my complete
opposite—everything changes, and I’m faced with revisiting a past I swore to
forget if I want to make her mine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨
𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪
𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">All three books:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">🖤 Small Montana town<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">🖤 Wilderness center<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">Book One-
Denim Blues</span></b><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">💕 Grumpy/sunshine<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">💕 Opposites attract<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">💕 Brother's best friend (reverse)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;">💕 Sworn off relationships<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BD61Y8CC" target="_blank">Amazon</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan lines-together; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-88903592630487029292023-03-03T12:45:00.000-08:002023-03-03T12:45:46.965-08:00Book review and excerpt from The Box by Peter Skeels<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8iBCAeIdPG3k4ntKszUn3K-Dkgfqg01TemuMHbzFvE0sTiZ8cfVVgvuM-WWB4ZxeIJnTmWIJ9WtJN5suDY60zQgAsAUkr1ndEDXx7rBsfOdXkONMXhELCIhl394iwfapf4cWS24l2xVqYQ2WzFMBHaM-uubRt2QPmLTYah6jbqHPJbfWyu1dkrsO/s768/The%20box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8iBCAeIdPG3k4ntKszUn3K-Dkgfqg01TemuMHbzFvE0sTiZ8cfVVgvuM-WWB4ZxeIJnTmWIJ9WtJN5suDY60zQgAsAUkr1ndEDXx7rBsfOdXkONMXhELCIhl394iwfapf4cWS24l2xVqYQ2WzFMBHaM-uubRt2QPmLTYah6jbqHPJbfWyu1dkrsO/w400-h200/The%20box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Review</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This is a very unusual story that touches the
very heart of the characters involved. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Written from the third person, I never really got to
identify with each character as the author kept them aloof. Out of reach and
almost secretive. An unemotional plotline that draws you in and kept your
attention. It almost sound contrasting but that is the best way to describe it.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I cannot say I really liked Rupert, but I didn’t dislike him
either. Nor Isabel, Lucille, or the Bodyguard. I could not really identify or
say I would like to meet them in real life. Yet, there was something engaging
about them. What they really think was never part of the story, yet you knew
their attentions were pure. It is almost unheard of in today’s world. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The main topic of the story was about generational poverty
on the one hand and generational wealth on the other hand. Right in the middle
of this line the two worlds met, and you follow one woman’s life as she began
to change due to Rupert’s involvement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rupert was the opposite of the rich I grew accustomed to. He
had no dreams of becoming wealthier than he already was, he had not thought of
controlling others nor be in power. He strived to be the best at everything he
wanted to do; from being an exceptional piano player to a pro football player. His
focus one dimensional while those closest to him thrived. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When he began with idea of The Box, he never knew it would
enrich his life in the manner it did. Nor did he think of the impact it would
have on Lucille’s community. The Box changed everyone’s lives, and for the
better.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The simple concept and the name of the book coincide to give
you a simple story with no pompous air surrounding it. Through one person, who
had the means, the author showed how a community could be helped without the
drama life gives. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A brilliant plotline that kept the same pace as you get to
know the people, their lives, and the impact we can have on others when we
remove the emotional side of it all. <o:p></o:p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75609971-the-box" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the-box-peter-skeels/user-reviews" target="_blank">Reedsy</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Box-Peter-Skeels-ebook/dp/B0BTJBYK2X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781398468016&linkCode=qs&qid=1677874809&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / Barnes & Noble</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nw8W7pVh-_COFyrgJEvfltuXlTkgwFi6VLD8boEb_nQaEPrUJl_v2L5DXA4hmli46aFTIGdBMdqR8nTZ_t_s10dY_3OAwYhD0-KMGlH84ItY3jLC9QL47HsbUWCBY4JPRJfVtoB2wvJqpQD4eIomkcUKP5AebqflLdiNpuE6Ucv_o2P79BhU-zCC/s960/Slide21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nw8W7pVh-_COFyrgJEvfltuXlTkgwFi6VLD8boEb_nQaEPrUJl_v2L5DXA4hmli46aFTIGdBMdqR8nTZ_t_s10dY_3OAwYhD0-KMGlH84ItY3jLC9QL47HsbUWCBY4JPRJfVtoB2wvJqpQD4eIomkcUKP5AebqflLdiNpuE6Ucv_o2P79BhU-zCC/w284-h284/Slide21.JPG" width="284" /></a></b></div><b><br />Excerpt from The Box by Peter Skeels. <o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">While Rupert waited, he was taking care of all his other
needs; some professional and some personal. The most pressing personal need was
his mother’s desire to end her stay here. She had been staying at her home here
since the death of her husband, and now she was wanting to return to their San
Francisco home for the winter. Rupert’s mother loved and demanded to be taken
care of. Of course, she would be bringing her staff with her to San Francisco,
and now Rupert needed to alert the household to have everything ready for her
departure. Once his mother’s staff were alerted, her staff would take charge as
they knew her better than anyone. Rupert would need to be “on call” for the
entire month, except for the one week when he flew to corporate on business. It
was during these times that he leaned on his bodyguard the most. The workouts
were the most intense, his runs were the most gruelling, and he used those
workouts and runs to rid himself of the stress of being with his mother. Rupert
loved his mother with all his heart, yet his mother was old school in that she
felt she was privileged and she felt she ranked above everyone who was not in
her class, as she called it. Her class was defined by how much money they had, where
they lived, what they ate, and her class was defined by all the personal wealth
they had acquired. Rupert certainly had his share, and he loved everything he
had, as did his mother. Rupert was not only wealthy by birth, he was also
wealthy by personal achievement. Rupert understood hard work and dedication to
achieve a personal goal or goals. His mother married into money and that was
good enough for her. Rupert loved his mother and she loved him, and yet his
mother was crippled emotionally by the loss of her husband. The second item,
and this one was professional, was that now Rupert had received two official
offers from two professional football teams. Both offers were for four-year
contracts, both were for nearly two hundred and fifty million dollars, one was
on the west coast while the other was on the east coast. Rupert was not poor
even if he only counted his personal earnings to date. After paying his
trainers and team, after bonuses and all taxes, his net earnings were still a
quarter of a billion dollars. Rupert understood money, and he understood what
generational money was, and a quarter of a billion dollars for a
twenty-three-year-old was the definition of generational money. He could never
spend that much money and a lot of his current wealth would be there for the
next generation. He didn’t need the money but he loved the idea of playing pro
football. Rupert went and got a glass and pushed the glass into the icemaker,
and then filled his glass with ice tea. Taking the glass with him, he went out
on his deck to think.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rupert loved the hand-carved doors in his home, each door
completely unique except for the two that closed off the dining room. Those two
doors were a matching pair, carved as identically as was humanly possible.
Craftsmanship as intricate and delicate as that on display in his home was
simply beautiful. The attention to detail in the doors could have one standing
in front of the doors or door so long you could forget where you were going.
Arriving at the table on his deck, he sat down and noticed immediately the
beads of water beginning to form on the outside of his glass. He smiled,
knowing his idea was already being assessed, valuated, and being made better
than his original, simple idea. Rupert sat, mulling over the ideas his mechanic
had informed him about. Ideas like deploying pulleys, from a large pulley at
the windmill to a small pulley on the generator, which would make the generator
spin many times faster than using a straight pulley to pulley system. Rupert
was impressed by the simple logic and by his mechanic’s acceptance and ability
to use ideas already proven and already in use. His mechanic also felt a
12-volt battery would be a good option too, as this would provide power when
there was no wind. But it would most likely be optional due to the additional
cost, and perhaps be utilised for main water collection centres rather than for
individual homes. Perhaps even an array of batteries could be deployed at the
main water collection points for more uptime, and consequently, more water
production. As Rupert sat thinking his bodyguard approached. Rupert stood up
and the two men hugged briefly. Rupert smiled, chuckled and then said, “You
know Bodyguard, I’ve called you that for so long that many people think it’s
your first name. It’s not a bad first name, right?” The two men laughed. His
bodyguard replied, “If you called me anything else, I probably wouldn’t know
who you were talking to!” Again, the two men laughed. His bodyguard spoke, “You
being alone here?” Rupert replied, “No, no. Please sit. Go grab a glass and get
some tea if you want.” His bodyguard shook his head no, took a seat, and Rupert
told him what he was thinking about. When he was done talking, his bodyguard
shook his head in amazement at the size of the offers, and the fame another
career could bring to Rupert.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">His bodyguard continued, “I feel I must caution you about
the injuries pro football is causing. It is true that you’re a world champion
fighter but it is also true that pro football isn’t a one-man versus one-man
sport. Men, very large muscular men, running very fast with their head inside a
thick helmet and pads all over, will come at your blind side and without even
slowing down BOOM they’ll smash into you. Yes, the crowds will go crazy, yes,
the adrenaline will flow again, but two-hundred and fifty-pound men, and
three-hundred and eighty-pound men hitting you can break things.” He continued,
“I know you don’t fear, it’s not part of who you are. In MMA you can prepare
almost totally, but in football there’s a lot that can and does happen that you
can’t prepare for.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rupert told his bodyguard he was going to think about it
some more, and with that his bodyguard departed, telling Rupert he was going
home to change and would be back in 15 minutes for their run.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2185891263921192379.post-16209370845497446542023-01-20T00:24:00.002-08:002023-01-20T00:24:00.219-08:00Book tour and review: Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra <div class="separator"><a href="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dead-Reckoning.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10591" height="300" src="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dead-Reckoning-188x300.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><p> </p>
Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra <div>Publisher: Sharpe Books-UK (Sept 29, 2022) </div><div>Category: Crime Fiction, Family Life, Kidnapping </div><div>Tour dates: January 5-31, 2023 </div><div>ISBN: Coming Soon </div><div>ASIN: B0BGYG3HGX </div><div>Available in Print and ebook, 289 pages </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/isbn/ B0BGYG3HGX" rel="noopener" style="border: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Dead Reckoning" src="https://www.goodreads.com/images/atmb_add_book-70x25.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><h2>Description Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Indiana, January 2010.
It’s a hot summer’s day in 1984 when twelve-year-old Gilly and her friend Sally find a dead new-born in a shoebox in the cemetery of their tiny town. Deciding to keep their discovery a secret, they bury the body in Gilly’s yard.
The results are disastrous. Flowers are mysteriously left on strollers. Two local children disappear and end up dead. A suspect is arrested and confesses, blaming the deaths on the girls’ having taken the dead baby.
Gilly grows up but is haunted by what’s happened. As a young woman, she flees the town and its memories, going all the way to Japan.
Returning with her Japanese husband Toshi to attend her mother’s funeral, Gilly finds the past is not past. She’s threatened, and someone is putting flowers on strollers again.
When another child is abducted, Gilly knows she must discover the truth about what happened all those years ago before more lives are lost.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Lynelle's Review</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“A terrible thing to
happen,” Toshi says, returning the photo to the TV. “To your mother!” He blows
a smoke ring and looks up at the ceiling reflectively. I know what he’s
thinking. He couldn’t bear anything like that happening to his own mother. To
Okaasan.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Dead reckoning has an
interesting plotline, filled with some nasty characters and downright obnoxious
ones. Toshi falls in the last category. A hateful character with all the
trimmings of an arrogant and self-absorbed man. The day he made his final
choice I was happy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When Gilly returns to her
hometown after three years of absences, for her mother’s funeral the
undercurrents immediately turned. Leaving murky and very deceptive waters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Her mother’s neglected
house laid the foundation for the dramatic plot and Toshi as antagonistic as
they come. The only time he had something positive to say or think was when
money came into the picture. How they ever got married is beyond me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Her two brothers were
quite a pair and the typical sibling rivalry can be seen as each carries his
own weight. Losing their mother left them in uncertain waters and the
father is non-existent. Even though they mentioned him quite a bid, he never became
part of the plot. Which just showed how big the gap really was between the
children and their father.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The relationship between
Gilly and Sally were a thin thread with so many nuances within that I wondered
what on earth kept it together. But at the end, this relationship proved to be a
solid investment to both Sally and Gilly. Both of them had to come to grips
with the events in 1984, both had to make do with the choices handed to them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Sally leaps up. “God,
now it all comes back to me,” she says. Her face is white, and I notice she’s
trembling. “That day! I called you, Gilly, angry because we’d arranged to meet
at Mabel’s and you never turned up.” I feel myself going pale as I remember,
too. The awful coincidence. Mom had her accident the day after we’d found
Cassie.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The story is divided
into two parts, the present, and what happened twenty-six years ago. Each chapter
gives you a deeper look the inner workings of Gillian while she battle to stay
afloat in the present. The impact of that one innocent event cause the snowball
effect and Gilly and Sally was right in the middle of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When Sally’s daughter was
kidnapped, the stage was set, and the nasty characters came out to play.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Again, Gilly had to put
the mouse persona away to really grow as a woman. All her life, she was ridiculed because of this. Even though the events back in 1984 should have added to her
character, it became a place of hiding. Not being true to who she was left its
mark on her and her present life. This was clear to see through Toshi’s attitude.
But when everything came together, it was beautiful to watch how the strong
version of Gillian stepped to the forefront and she kept it upright till the end
of the book.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">What I didn’t like about
the book:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">I found the plotline dragged out, the point of the story only coming together around halfway
in the book. From there, all the puzzle pieces began to interlock and suspense
showed its head in quick succession. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">There was too much
dialogue with no real purpose that slowed the story. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The sexual scenes were
flat and not believable. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Otherwise, a good
dramatic story I can recommend. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2>Praise Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">"Both a drama and a thriller, full of twists and human insight."-<strong>Thomas Waugh</strong>
“The immediate declaration of past events, the discovery and concealment of the dead baby, provides a gripping start to this book.
The story is simple yet powerful, immediately drawing the reader into a world that identifies the challenges of growing up in a small town in Indiana.
The book tackles the casual racism that is often overlooked, with great clarity. Although this is a crime novel it is also a powerful story about how a single childhood event can influence the future.
It compels you to share the history and become part of the small-town network. Through a nexus of characters, we see how relationships that are made in our formative years, affect our lives.
The story is more than a crime novel. It also serves to gives a fascinating insight into life in a small town in the USA, through the eyes of somebody who never really wanted to return."-<strong>ReallyPoshScouser</strong>, Amazon</div><h2>Praise Lea O'Harra</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">“Lea O'Harra offers us a whodunnit set in a Japan labouring under the weight of cultural imperialism, a country where the characters find that their friends and lovers are really strangers and imperfect ones at that...-<strong>Nick Sweet</strong>, author of the <em>Inspector Velázquez</em> series
’With her deep knowledge of Japanese culture, superb writing, and sensitivity to human foibles. O’Harra has crafted a cross-cultural whodunnit sure to please Japanophiles and mystery lovers alike.”-<strong>Suzanne Kamata</strong>, author of <em>Losing Kei</em></div><h2>Awards Lea O'Harra</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Autumn 2017 “Lady First” was awarded ‘finalist’ status in the crime fiction section of the Beverly Hill Book Awards.
‘Lady First’ was also a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards in 2018.</div><h2><a href="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lea-OHarra.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-10592" height="225" src="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lea-OHarra-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a>About Lea O'Harra</h2><div style="text-align: justify;">Lea O’Harra has published three crime fiction novels set in rural modern-day Japan: <em>Imperfect Strangers </em>(2015); <em>Progeny </em>(2016); and <em>Lady First </em>(2017). These comprise the so-called ‘Inspector Inoue Murder Mystery’ series originally published by Endeavour Press (UK). She has also had a story included in <em>Best Asian Crime Fiction </em>published by Kitaab Press (Singapore) in 2020.
In the spring of 2022 Sharpe Books reissued the Inoue mystery series and, in September 2022, published Lea O’Harra’s fourth novel, <em>Dead Reckoning</em>, a stand-alone set in her tiny hometown in the American Midwest. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Website: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://leaoharra.com" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://leaoharra.com</a></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Twitter: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/leaoharra/" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/leaoharra/</a></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Facebook: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wendy.nakanishi/" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/wendy.nakanishi/</a></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instagram: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/leaoharracrimewriter/" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/leaoharracrimewriter/</a></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pinterest: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/wendy19542012/" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.co.uk/wendy19542012/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Excerpt:</h2><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">From Chapter One: 804
words<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It
was a bright, hot day. Sally wanted to play in the town cemetery. She had run
ahead, her dog Fluffy at her heels, and left me to pull the little red wagon
she trailed everywhere to fill with any treasure she might find. I walked
slowly through the long grass, peering down, feeling sweat trickling down my
back. I didn’t want to step on a grave. I hated thinking what was in one of
those mounds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Sally was far ahead because she
didn’t care about stepping on graves and wasn’t towing a wagon. She turned and
jeered at me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Fraidy cat!” she shouted, the late
afternoon sun lighting up her fiery red hair. “No, not a cat! You’re a mouse!
Squeak, squeak, little mouse!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">She laughed and ran on, zigzagging
between the graves, her hair cascading down her back, the little brown spaniel
just behind her.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I scowled and stomped my next step
without even looking, startling an enormous grasshopper that flew directly into
my face. I squealed and hopped backward, windmilling my arms as I tried to keep
my balance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Squeak squeak!” Sally yelled.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“I did not squeak!” I yelled back,
but then I felt a little tickle on my arm.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I looked down and saw a daddy long
legs the size of a fist crawling toward the sleeve of my T-shirt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I flailed my arms and drew in a
breath to shriek. Then I fell flat on my butt in the tall grass, just next to
the red wagon. My scream came out as a quiet oof.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I looked and saw the grasshopper
had ended up on top of a pink gravestone and the daddy long legs was god knew
where.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">That’s when I realized my left hand
was touching something. I parted the grass and saw a small box wrapped in brown
paper and tied with a green ribbon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Sally was still laughing. “Little
Mouse. Scared of a bug!” she shouted. As I reached down to open the lid of the
box, she took off one of her flip flops and threw it at me. The flipflop landed
beside me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I picked up the box. It was heavier
than I’d expected. Something weighty shifted inside.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I looked up to see Sally’s
wide-eyed stare. her mouth dropping open. “Wha—wha—what’s that?” she shouted.
She took off her other flipflop and carried it as she ran toward me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I tightened my grip. “It’s a
present,” I said. “For me!” But Sally knelt beside me and grabbed the box. She
untied the ribbon and took off the paper, saying, “What is it?” “It’s mine,” I
muttered. “Finders keepers.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I leaned forward for a better look
when the paper and ribbon lay on the grass. It was a black cardboard shoebox
with the name Calhoun’s picked out in gilt lettering on the lid. Sally opened
the lid, looked inside, and just froze. Time stood still. Her face turned a
ghostly white. She shoved the lid back on and pushed the box toward me. I was
surprised at her reaction. I’d been thinking the box must hold something like
pretty pebbles or maybe a pack of Uno cards or even some cheap jewelry.
Someone’s cast offs or rubbish but potential treasure for Sally and me. I
gasped when I lifted the lid and saw a tiny pale form inside, wrapped in a
white cloth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It had a pretty face and a soft
fuzz of blonde hair that reminded me of Cassandra. “A doll!” I beamed at Sally.
She shook her head slowly, still in shock. I looked inside again. “Shit!” I
threw the lid and scooted away on my butt, my hands grabbing at the long grass
to help me along. It wasn’t a doll. It was a baby. Perfectly still. It could
have been sleeping, but it wasn’t. Its glassy unblinking eyes had stared out at
me. And it looked cold. I hadn’t touched it, but I could just sense there was
no warmth of life in that delicate form.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">“Jesus, girl,” Sally said. “When
you find something, you find something!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I shook my head. “Crazy,” I said.
It was a hot day, but I began shivering.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I was shocked. I was scared. But I
was also curious. Sally stared as I got on my hands and knees and crawled back
towards the box. I stretched in a tentative hand and lifted the top fold of
cloth. I saw the baby was naked and pink. And that it was a girl. I sniffed.
She gave off a faint soapy smell, like she’d been just washed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a sudden longing to touch
her. It was instinctive. I wanted to comfort her, to tell her not to be
frightened, to say that there must be some mistake and that it would be all
right.</span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="text-align: left;">Buy Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra</span></h2></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BGYG3HGX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BGYG3HGX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0" rel="noopener" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Amazon.co.uk</a></span>
<h2>Giveaway Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra</h2>
This giveaway is for 3 print copies and is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on February 1, 2023 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e23ee71d1580" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e23ee71d1580/" id="rcwidget_oyo4t9r5" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<h2>Follow Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra</h2>
<a href="http://theteddyrosebookreviewsplusmore.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus</a> Jan 4 </div><div>Kickoff & Interview
Lu Ann <a href="http://www.rockinbookreviews.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rockin' Book Reviews</a> Jan 5 </div><div>Review & Guest Post
Bookgirl <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7GMCDJ5/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63038081-dead-reckoning" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> Jan 6 </div><div>Review
Mark <a href="http://theteddyrosebookreviewsplusmore.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus</a> Jan 9 </div><div>Guest Review
Becky <a href="https://lifeasrog.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Life as Rog</a> Jan 11 </div><div>Review
Kari <a href="https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">From the TBR Pile</a> Jan 12 </div><div>Review & Excerpt
Jody <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BGYG3HGX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63038081-dead-reckoning" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> Jan 16 </div><div>Review
Sal <a href="https://bound4escape.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bound 4 Escape</a> Jan 17 </div><div>Guest Review
Denise <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Dead-Reckoning-Lea-OHarra/dp/B0BLG116QL/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63038081-dead-reckoning" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> Jan 18 </div><div>Review
<a href="https://lisaswritopia.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lisa's Writopia</a> Jan 19 </div><div>Guest Post
Lynelle <a href="https://lynelleclarkaspiredwriter.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Inspire to Read</a> Jan 20 & </div><div>Excerpt Leslie <a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Storeybook Reviews</a> Jan 23 </div><div>Review
Ruth <a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Media From the Heart</a> Jan 24 </div><div>Review & Excerpt
DTChantel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BGYG3HGX/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> & <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63038081-dead-reckoning" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads </a>Jan 25 </div><div>Review
Laura Lee <a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Celticlady’s Reviews</a> Jan 26 </div><div>Guest Review & Guest Post
<a href="https://lisaswritopia.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lisa's Writopia</a> Jan 27 </div><div>Review
Amy <a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Locks, Hooks and Books</a> Jan 30 </div><div>Review & Excerpt
Bee <a href="http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book Pleasures</a> Jan 31 Review</div><div><br /></div><div>
<a href="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dead-Reckoning-Tour-Banner.jpg"><img alt="Dead Reckoning by Lea O'Harra" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10728" height="150" src="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dead-Reckoning-Tour-Banner-300x150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lynelle http://www.blogger.com/profile/02600277230889453190noreply@blogger.com2