Archive for July, 2012

Posted: July 18, 2012 in Uncategorized

Welcome Fundinmental. My sister has a brand new blog!

I have been waiting for this book to be released since way back in April. It’s finally happened and now I get to read it!

Blurb from Goodreads

Ten -year-old Jack James has a secret. He’s found a teddy bear he swears is really a mysterious animal with supernatural abilities. Soon he discovers its name is Takota, a Tanakee on the run from some ruthless and sinister forces. After a storytelling enchantress teaches them of a centuries-old bond between humans and Tanakee as well as an ancient evil bent on destroying the entire universe, Jack and Takota are thrust toward their shared fate. On their journey for survival, Takota must conquer strong inner turmoil and learn the true nature of his emerging mystical powers, while Jack has to help harness a revolutionary device invented by his father in the hopes of rescuing them all from certain extinction.

Sounds great! You know you want it!

I can’t wait to read and review Tribe of the Teddy Bear so I can tell you all about my experience.

To find out more about this book and the author J. Joseph Wright go here: http://windwhisperwoods.wordpress.com/

To buy you own copy just click on the cover image.

I’ll be back soon with my review.

I am once again drawn to another Historical Romance.

Willow Vale reads like a true story, but Alethea assures us it is not. In her words:

“There is a legend growing around my novel, Willow Vale. While I am flattered that readers think Willow Vale is a true story, the fact is that my fictional account of Francesca Sittoni’s adventures of coming to America is truly just that: fiction…”

Alethea takes you back in time. Back to the 1920’s.

Willow Vale follows the life of Francesca Sittoni. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she and her young daughter are forced to immigrate to America with her husband. They settle into a life of hardship in a coal mining town in Wyoming.

Frances, pregnant, is left to fend for herself and her young daughter when she loses her husband to a mining accident. Fear and desperation drive her to answer an ad from Kent Reed, a twice burned Wyoming rancher.

 Amidst crowded quarters, these two grow to understand and respect each other, and maybe more.

Alethea has done her research. You can feel it in the richness of her detailed scenes, the familiarity they bring.

Here are some scenes that reached out to me:

“How she missed that sense of belonging to the land. Even though in the end Val di Non has failed to sustain her, she still loved the lush valley of her birth and wished she could find that love of place once again. That sense of belonging which she had yet to find in America.”

“If he had been a praying man, he never would have imagined that the answers to his prayers would be a pregnant Italian war survivor with a small child. It was all too strange, too unbelievable that after all they had endured, in France, Italy and then the raw new land of Wyoming in the United States, he and Francesca should both end up on his small ranch in Willow Vale. Strange…and wonderful…and terrifying.”

A superbly written tale of survival, of loss and of hope, Willow Vale is an easy, smooth read all the way to a most satisfying ending.

If you like reading about days gone by and romance with all its raw emotions, you really must read Willow Vale. My descriptions pale in comparison to Alethea’s writing. I really enjoyed the adventure.

4 STARS

From Alethea:

Western history has been the great interest of my adult life. I’ve lived in Wyoming, Colorado, and now Oregon. Although an amateur historian, I am happiest researching different times and places in the historical West. And while staying true to history, I try not to let the facts overwhelm my stories. Story always comes first in my novels, and plot arises from the relationships between my characters.  I’m always open to your response to my writing. You can comment on Willow Vale or ask questions about me or my work at:

http://www.actuallyalethea.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/AletheaWilliams.author

I look forward to hearing from you.

Other books by Alethea Williams

First published as a monthly series of columns in the Green River Star, Green River, Wyoming, 1999 and 2000.

To purchase either of these books, just click on the cover images.

There is just as much beauty and wonder inside this book as there is on the cover.

I don’t profess to know a lot about poetry. I just know I like to read it.

It moves me the way a wonderful painting or other piece of art does.

I don’t have to understand it, I just have to feel it.

Tapestry moved me in many ways. It still does.

I keep it on my ottoman and when I am not busy, I sit quietly and open the book to a random page and read.

Solitaire Parke filled these pages with some wonderful poetry. I just have to show you a couple of my favorites.

It Won’t Be Today

Sometimes loneliness beckons to us all.

Without realizing it, we answer to its call

With a moment of solitude that stretches into days,

Of quiet and pensive recollection

That leads us down this tangled maze.

There are times when I have wanted more,

But it slips away like it has before.

In a moment of hesitation the time will pass,

Into the darkness that is found in me,

And falls ever downward becoming my past.

I keep the world at the length of my arm.

Always standing alert, ever sounding alarm

At the very feelings that could show me the way,

But blinded, my search always end with me,

Proving again that it won’t be today.

Higher Ground

I have discovered when all else fails;

When my eyes are tired and weak.

I have but to pull on the inner strength

For the truth inside me to speak.

Knowing the truth but living with lies

Causes your conviction to break.

You have but to lean on a greater need

For your heart to no longer ache.

The room for wisdom – A place of rest

Where equality’s finally found.

We have but to ask for the master’s help

To stand alone on higher ground.

 

These are just a couple of the many poems that grabbed my heart and soul.

I look forward to many more quiet moments with Tapestry. Before long this book will be soft and worn from many readings.

I gave this book the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.

Thank you Solitaire for your lovely poems.

Also by Solitaire Parke

 

I am reading this right now. The first of The Dorian Trilogy.

It is free for your kindle today. Click on the image to get yours.

To buy Tapestry you can click on the image also.

Solitaire is also calling all Dragon Riders. He is having a contest on his blog. To check it out and enter go here:

http://solitaireparke.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/the-emerald-dragon-character-contest/

The Emerald Dragon Character Contest

Posted by

THE CALL FOR ALL POTENTIAL DRAGON RIDERS HAS BEGUN!!

The Emerald Dragon by Solitaire Parke

This Contest is open Internationally – All are welcome to participate. 

 

  

I could not believe it when I received this. The lovely Ella Medler nominated me for this awesome award. It just floored me. Make sure you stop over at http://ellamedler.wordpress.com to say hello to Ella. She always has many fun posts there and some great insights.

I borrowed this logo from Ella. There wasn’t a picture for the award and she created this all by herself. Very professional work Ella!

I am not sure of the requirements so I will tell you seven things about myself and then I’ll nominate seven other lovely bloggers.

7 things about me:

1. I like it when it rains. It allows me to curl up on the sofa and catch up on my reading. Got to get it while I can!

2. I hate to wear shoes and socks. I love my flip-flops and sandals. My toes like to breath.

3. My mailbox is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get.

4. I collect hurricane lamps. Started because of the hurricanes we have down here and just grew from there.

5. I am still learning with my blog. I just started blogging one day and became addicted. I love reading other blogs and getting help from fellow bloggers.

6. I love giveaways. I love having them and entering them. It is such a great way to find new friends and authors.

7. Jigsaw puzzles are one of my favorite pastimes. I love sitting down at the table and sorting the pieces out. It is soothing and allows my mind to relax and unwind.

My seven nominees are:

Emma: http://emmameade.com

Janna: http://jannashay.wordpress.com

Alexia & Ritesh: http://alexiachronicles.blogspot.com

Melissa: http://midnight-orchids.blogspot.com

Luis and the gang at : http://aknifeandaquill.wordpress.com

Connie: http://legendsofgreenisle.wordpress.com

Solitaire: http://solitaiteparke.wordpress.com

Make sure you hop over and give these folks a follow! You are in for a treat.

Thanks so much Ella for this awesome award. Keep on blogging and entertaining!

It’s here! Friday the 13th!!

In my younger days I would be on the phone, rounding up my gal pals for a night of pub crawling.

Now that I am older and wiser( no hangover tomorrow!) I am staying in and loading up on Netflix movies. What could be better than  to celebrate Friday the 13th with some great  horror flicks. I have some good ones lined up for my horror fest. Want to know what they are?

 

 

Okay. I have Jason Vorhees and Michael Meyers. Who do you think is next?

None other than

It would not be Friday the 13th without some Freddy Kruger!

When he drags those bladed fingers my teeth hurt.

One,  two Freddy’s coming for you.

Three,  four better lock your door.

Five, six grab a crucifix.

Seven, eight gonna stay up late.

Nine, ten never sleep again!

A classic!

What are you doing tonight?

Which is your favorite character?

I was just nominated for this awesome award by fellow blogger Ella Medler. If you have not met her yet, you can find her on her blog http://ellamedler.wordpress.com . She has so many fun topics and discussions.

Thank you Ella!

I believe I am supposed to nominate 7 bloggers and tell you 7 things about myself.  I will try to make it entertaining.

1. I love cheesy B-movies. The lamer the better. I like to tear them apart.

2. This may seem weird, but I like the way my dog Quigley’s feet smell. They smell of the earth.

3. I am letting the gray show in my hair. There are so many now!

4. I can not cook on a grill. The food is either not cooked enough or burnt to a crisp.

5. I was in love with John Wayne. Had a dream where we were married.

6. I collect ink pens. It seems like I have thousands now.

7. I love to go to resale stores. I find amazing things there and some really great books too.

That is embarrassing:) I really revealed myself.

My nominees are:

Roberta : http://geminiwitching.com

Onisha : http://oldthingsrnew.wordpress.com

Ginny : http://dagonsblood.wordpress.com

Carlie : http://carliemacullen.wordpress.com

Emaginette : http://emaginette.wordpress.com

Emily : http://emilyguido.com

Grace : http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com

Enjoy my sisters!

Posted: July 12, 2012 in Uncategorized

I am having a giveaway, well, just because!

While I was organizing(trying to organize) my bookshelves, I found so many books that I would probably never have time to read again. What better than to give them away.  They all came from my favorite book swap Inn and are very slightly used. In very good condition. Let me tell you about them.

Sullivan Quinn didn’t travel 3,000 miles from his native Ireland and his wolf pack to chase rabidly after the most delectable quarry he;s ever seen. Quinn is in America on a mission – to warn his Other brethren of a shadowy group willing to use murder and mayhem to bring them down. But one whiff of this Foxwoman’s delicious honey-suckle fragrance and he knows that she is more than a colleague or a conquest…she is his mate.Anthropologist cassidy Poe is a world-renowned authority on social interaction, but the overpowering desire she feels around Quinn defies every ounce of her expertise. Working by his side to uncover the Other’s enemies poses risks she never expected – to her own safety, to those she loves, and to her heart, as every encounter with Quinn proves more blissfully erotic than the last…

Now, with no one to trust but each other, Quinn and Cassidy face a foe that’s edging closer every day, threatening to destroy the life they’ve always known, and the passion they’ve just discovered…

When regina’s friends insist on setting her up on a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun…

The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidame’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs The Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for…until she – and her feisty friends – discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…

Missy Roper’s fantasies have revolved around Graham Winters since the moment they met. But the imposing leader of the Silverback werewolf clan always seemed oblivious to Missy’s existence. At least he was, until Missy collides with him at a party and then abruptly runs away – arousing Graham’s interest…and wild desires.

Lupine law decrees that every Alpha male must have a mate, and all Graham’s instincts tell him that the sensual, beguiling Missy is his. Trouble is, Missy is human – every delectable inch of her. Convincing his clan that she’s his destined mate, and keeping her safe from his enemies, will be the biggest challenge Graham has ever faced. And now that he is determined to have her – as his lover and his mate – Missy’s world is changing in ways she never imagined…

“I can’t stop the bleeding,” said the nighttime caller.

The intruder then compelled Dr. Lara West to remove the bullet from his shoulder. She treated his wound, but that quelled neither his desire for the sweet life pulsing through the flesh of her thigh, not the rampant animal lust that defines his existence.

The darkness has just begun. Dr. West’s identity, what she wants – all stands in danger of being devoured. Nothing is ever the same for those inducted into the sinister world of vampires, be they newly turned monsters or the government agents sworn to destroy them. Lara West has tasted both power and passion, and a price must be paid. Yet she’s glimpsed salvation in the night. Hope still remains for..

Love Without Blood

Sound good?  Okay then, let’s get you entered!

All I ask is for you to leave your email address in a comment so I can contact you if you win. It is not required but would be greatly appreciated if you would follow me on Twitter and here on my blog. Oh yeah, also could you hit that tweet button please:)

This paperback giveaway is open for U.S. and Internationally! Good Luck everyone. Contest ends on July 18 at midnight.

Bravo to Twist Literary. This is a whole new way to tell a story. Four authors, four 100 page books, one event.

Each author writes about one characters point of view. It is very unique and fun and it works with Alibi.

Everyone has an alibi.

No one is innocent.

The stories all revolve around the murder of a young girl, Abby.

Each author tells the mystery from their character’s point of view, recalling what happened leading up to and after the murder. I really liked how one story sometimes filled in the blanks left in another characters story. You get a feel for each of the suspects and get to see the events  through their eyes.

All of the characters are flawed, as are real people, and it makes them more genuine to me. They all have secrets that will be revealed, including Abby. You may not like all of them, but you will get drawn into their stories.

This is a great who-dun-it with all of the mystery, lies and alibis(had to say it) required to keep you searching for the clues which are doled out slowly. I had a sense of who the killer was about half way through, but as with all mysteries, you never know.

Alibi made me think and ask questions.  Polish up your detective skills and put on your thinking cap. Let’s solve a murder!

4 STARS

Authors for Alibi I-IV: The Complete Series

Volume I: Charles by Annie Miles

Volume II: Palmer by Isabel Eckersley

Volume III: Mason by John Byrne

Volume IV: Rowan by Sorrel Provola

For Twist Literary