Archive for March, 2024

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Picasso’s Lovers organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Jeanne Mackin will award a randomly drawn winner a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Picasso’s Lovers

by Jeanne Mackin

 

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

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You know Pablo Picasso. Now meet the women behind the masterpieces. The women of Picasso’s life are glamorous and elusive, existing in the shadow of his fame – until, in the 1950’s, aspiring journalist Alana Olsen determines to bring one into the light and discovers a past complicated by secrets and intrique.

 

Enjoy this peek inside:

Gazes from Pablo Picasso are like brushstrokes. Some are long, lingering, full of texture and pigment. Some are short, shallow, even accidental. His gaze on me now falls somewhere between the two.

Once, his gaze would have found enough for an entire painting. He would have seen flesh, and the bone and muscle under the flesh, the question or certainty of the eyes. He would have seen past, present, and future and painted them in a way that made time irrelevant.

Yes, that was how he pained me. Everything and at once, all the angles and geometry of the body, and he made of me something eternal and always beautiful. That is what an artists can do for a woman. When most men looked at me, all I saw in their faces was desire, the urge to possess. When Pablo looked at me, his face filled with wonder waiting to be translated to lines and brushstrokes.

Spring. The second year of the Great War. I wasn’t twenty yet, and had returned from cold, starving Moscow, where a loaf of bread coast as much as a silk dress…Back to Paris for me!

When Pablo first saw me, I was sitting on the rim of the Wallace Fountain in Place Emile, face turned up to the sun like a basking cat, enjoying the fine day and wondering what adventure I might find…It was early summer. I had stolen a bunch of cherries at Les Halles and a roll, but my stomach rattled.

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About Author Jeanne Mackin:

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Jeanne Mackin is the author of several historical novels, including The Last Collection, which has been translated into five languages, and The Beautiful American, which won a CNY award for fiction. She has taught in the MFA Creative Writing program at Goddard College and won journalism awards, and is currently at work on her next novel.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Purchase Link: Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Tragic Tuesday: A Tabitha Chase Days of the Week Mystery
by Denise Jaden

 


Tragic Tuesday: A Tabitha Chase Days of the Week Mystery
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – Oregon
Independently Published (March 14, 2024)
Number of Pages – 250
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNG892WH

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It’s springtime, and Tabby figures what better way to unite the town of Crystal Cove than creating a community garden! The problem is, she knows nothing about tending the earth. However, there are several folks in town who have strong beliefs in how to start a garden right—unfortunately, all of these strong beliefs seem to disagree with one another.

Tabby thinks she has it handled when she comes up with a system that makes each group of gardeners feel valued in their plans and opinions, but when one of the most opinionated women turns up dead in the middle of the fresh soil, it seems she has another murder on her hands—and one she feels at least partially responsible for.

Join Tabby, Jay, Aaron, and Sherlock as they investigate and try to get to the bottom of this garden tragedy.

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About Denise Jaden 

For a limited time, stop by Denise’s website at www.denisejaden.com, sign up for her newsletter, and get a bonus mystery just for signing up! Get freebies, exclusive content, and book news – you can unsubscribe at any time!

Denise Jaden is a co-writer for the Rosa Reed Mystery Series by Lee Strauss. The Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Capers will be released throughout the year. Her young adult novels have received critical acclaim and her non-fiction books are touted as staples for any writers’ bookshelf.

In her spare time, she acts with the Vancouver film industry and dances with a Polynesian dance troupe. She lives just outside Vancouver, Canada with her husband, her son (a budding filmmaker), and one very spoiled cat.

Author Links: Website / Bookshop / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / BookBub

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 7 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 8 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 9 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 12 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 14 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT  

March 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Toothbrush Animal Hunt organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
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Author Carleen Dehaney will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!
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And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Toothbrush Animal Hunt

by Carleen Dehaney

 

 

Genre: Children’s

Book Synopsis

Embark on a delightful adventure with Toothbrush Animal Hunt, the perfect children’s book to encourage daily toothbrushing habits in a playful and enjoyable way.

From a clapping sea lion at the beach to a cheeky squirrel in the forest, children will be fascinated as they learn about toothbrushing through the actions and antics of these charming creatures. And don’t forget to spot the toothbrushes hidden throughout the pages, making this hunt, a delightful game of discovery.

Say goodbye to toothbrushing struggles and let the adventure begin!

Enjoy an Excerpt

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Author Carleen Dehaney:

 Meet the author, Carleen Dehaney! Carleen is a mother and wife. She hails from the UK but now calls Canada home. This enchanting book draws inspiration from a tenacious 2-year-old in need of some toothbrushing magic. Carleen embarked on a whimsical journey, incorporating playful animal sounds into her daughter’s brushing routine, and thus, the idea for this captivating book was conceived. Today, her little one, who has since outgrown her toddler years, recites this tale back to Carleen, forging cherished moments between them.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.



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Invocation

by Aileen Erin

 

(Days of Iron and Clay, #1)
Publication date: March 19th 2024
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin comes an all-new action-packed, romance-filled paranormal series.

There are three things I know without question.

One: demons are real.

Two: humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think.

And three: I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help. Since I was little, I’ve been called all kinds of names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting, since they keep throwing me in to mental facilities. I’ve been in and out of them my entire life.

But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.

Because there’s an endless war carrying on all around us, every minute of every day. One that can’t be seen by mortal eyes. But I can see it, the spiritual battle for mortal souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side. He — Astaroth, Satan’s general— is why I can do this. He’s why I’m not normal. I can’t have friends, a life, or a boyfriend. I won’t be selfish enough to drag someone into this fight. But I’m not lonely. Not exactly. I have my mom. She’s my rock, my best friend, my partner. She helps me do what needs to be done, and she’s never afraid when it feels like I’m always afraid.

Because I hear my father whispering my name each night, his taunts echoing through the spiritual realm. He’s hunting me, and I know the day will come when I must face him again.

Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

**Fans of the Alpha Girls series will love this new series set in the same world, with a few familiar faces, but you DO NOT have to have read a single word of the Alpha Girls series to enjoy Samantha’s story.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The heat from the fires of Hell were burning my feet. I needed to close the portal, but I needed to get up to the other side before I did.

And then there was a warmth—not like the burning heat from Hell—but something else—something soothing—and I knew what I had to do.

I had to get rid of the tie.

I couldn’t cut it—I’d tried that so many times—but I could shove it away. I could lessen its effects. I’d even burned it out once.

If it worked before, it could work now.

I blocked everything out except for the feeling of the tie that bound me to my father. It was always there—a leash of fire that wrapped around my body, my soul—thicker than any other tie I’d seen before on a living person. But it wasn’t just a demon-mortal tie. It was a father-daughter tie.

The tie connecting us grew hotter, burning, and I focused everything I had on burning it out.

I let my outrage fuel me. The outrage of how this monster—my father—had hunted me my whole life, tortured my mother, dragged me to Hell, and made it impossible for me to have any kind of innocent childhood.

He’d robbed me over and over of everything good.

Not this time. He wouldn’t win this time.

He laughed. He actually laughed at me. “I gave you life. I gave you your powers. Just as I give, I can take it all away.

No. I didn’t believe that.

And I wasn’t quitting. I wasn’t listening to him.

Screw him.

I pulled again, but it didn’t work. He started to say something about how I was a failure, but screw him. Screw failing. Screw everything but sending him back to Hell.

But my mouth was dry and I wanted to throw up and my body was starting to feel weaker and my arms started to shake.

An evil, deep rumbling noise had fear skittering along my skin.

I was getting too tired, too quickly.

And then it clicked.

He wasn’t just controlling me. He was draining my strength through our tie.

Fast.

I had to be faster.

Quickly, as quick as I could, I pictured the tie knotting and pulling tight, cutting off my father’s influence. I pictured it again—forcing my will on the tie.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Knotted and pulled tight.

Slowly, with every knot, I felt my father’s control lessening. Just enough so that I could think and—

Where was Eli?

That one thought broke through.

It was a tiny crack, but it was enough.

Eli!” I screamed along the spiritual realm as loud and with as much force as I could. I tried to pull myself up, but my arms were too tired.

The demons below me started screaming and moving faster. They knew who I’d called, and they knew what he could do to them.

Something hit my feet.

I jerked my leg away, and my hands slipped and—

Phoenix’s face suddenly above mine.

He was now hanging halfway through the portal. The only thing keeping me from dropping was his grip on my wrists. “Samantha. Please! Can you hear me?” His voice was deep and calm as it washed over me.

“I can now. Thank you.”

“Pull me up. Now. Hurry.”

“On the count of three. Okay?” He smiled. Even while all this insanity was happening—he smiled and it calmed me again and gave me confidence.

Why? I couldn’t say. But it did.

“One…Two…Three.” He pulled a little, and then all of a sudden, jerked me up, and I was lying on top of him.

“Thanks.” I gasped out the word and let my body relax against his for a second.

“You’re welcome.”

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About Author Aileen Erin

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

(more…)

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The legacy continues….

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Relentless

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Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation Book 3

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by Kathryn C. Kelly

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Genre: Contemporary MC Romance

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In the gripping sequel to “Restless,” Christopher “Outlaw” Caldwell’s transformation into a devoted family man is put to the ultimate test. Once feared for his ruthlessness, he finds himself drifting further away from his notorious MC leader persona as he navigates the aftermath of his youngest child’s turbulent entrance into the world.

As Jo experiences a new set of challenges, he only spirals further, affecting everyone around him. Most especially his wife, Megan, who struggles to traverse her grief as she enters a new stage in her life while dealing with a hard-headed bully.

Amidst this chaos, CJ, Outlaw and Meggie’s son, struggles to hold everything together as his parents falter. He has a hard time recognizing his developing feelings for a girl who isn’t Harley Banks, causing further complications in his already tumultuous life.
Meanwhile, Bash still lurks, and as his reign of terror continues, the kids of the MC learn what it means to be a Death Dweller.

In this gritty and emotionally charged sequel, “Relentless” delves deeper into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life within the MC world. Will Outlaw’s transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Restless

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Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation Book 2

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In the gripping second installment of the Death Dweller MC’s Legacy Series, “Restless,” CJ Caldwell finds

himself facing more challenges and heartbreak than ever before. Still grappling with a devastating family

tragedy, CJ is now also dealing with the fractured relationship between him and his once-best friend,

Harley. Her erratic behavior has not only destroyed their friendship, but it also threatens to unravel other

important relationships in CJ’s life.

 

As CJ’s parents struggle with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ’s young shoulders. He must step up and take care of his siblings while navigating the complex dynamics of a broken family. But little does he know, danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Reckless

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Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation Book 1

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Sixteen-year-old CJ Caldwell struggles to live up to the reputation of his legendary father, Outlaw. He

dreams of joining the Death Dwellers, but he’s expected to finish high school and go to college before he

can even be considered.

 

To make matters worse, the only girl he wants, Harley Banks, has rejected him, breaking his heart. Little does he know, she’s breaking her own heart too. CJ must navigate the challenges of becoming a man, coping with heartbreak, and saving his cousin Ryan from dangerous influences.

In this gripping coming-of-age tale, CJ learns that being reckless can have serious consequences, and that sometimes, the hardest thing to do is the right thing.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Christopher headed to the bathroom, regretting he couldn’t enjoy The Work Song by Hozier. It piped into the bathroom too, but he wasn’t sure how much time he had to clean up before Megan returned. He refused to waste even a minute to return to the bedroom and turn the volume up.

A few minutes into the steaming hot water raining over his head and chest and washing away his first round of soap, arms wrapped around his waist and a small, soft body pressed into his back.

He stilled and squeezed his eyes shut, his entire being suddenly sizzling. For days, he’d been afraid to even imagine feeling her touch. No matter what, they always found their way back into each other’s arms and resumed their very healthy sex life.

But for a brief moment in time, his world had collapsed. Megan’s chances of survival had been slim, and he’d believed their daughter dead.

“Christopher,” Megan said, placing tiny kisses along his back and setting his blood on fire. Her little hand wrapped around his big dick, and he jerked, on the verge of coming.

Instead, he twisted around, dislodging her fingers, and lifted her into his arms, slanting his mouth over hers, sliding his tongue between her lips.

“Christopher,” she breathed again, threading her fingers through his hair, as ravenous for his kisses as he was for hers.

Their lips met softly, then crashed together hungrily, varying between soft and tender to deep and fervent in an endless loop of love, desire, and tenderness.

Time stood still, but warmth and excitement flooded him, awakening every nerve ending and igniting a spark that exposed his soul and exploded in his brain.

The world, the bullshit, the fear and trauma of the last few weeks, faded into nothingness. All that mattered was her, them, and the solace and affirmation he found in her arms.

He adored her, and he would unto eternity, beyond his dying breath.

“I love you, Megan,” he said hoarsely. “You my everything, baby.”

She thumbed his lips, offering him a soft, sweet smile. “And I worship you, Christopher. Without you, my life has no meaning. I don’t know how to begin to show you my gratitude for being a wonderful husband and an amazing father. You’re the best of the best, and the day I met you was the luckiest day of my life.”

He kissed her again, his heart beating in harmony with hers. “I ain’t too sure where I’d be without you. You keep me on my fuckin’ toes. You stormed into my life, and I knew if I didn’t change for you, I would lose you. You changed me and my entire world.”

Sadness touched her gorgeous face and her lips trembled.

“What, baby?”

“Nothing,” she said quietly, then pasted a smile on her face, leaned forward and kissed him again. “I love you.”

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A Shocking Death: Kaleb Paul Andrew

WARNING: Contains spoilers

 

Because I didn’t expect to write any books beyond Misled, I never anticipated what might happen to the characters who survived until the end. To me, they rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after.

When I decided to extend the Death Dweller world beyond that one book, ideas began to form about other characters. When the heroine’s mother was introduced at the end of Misled (book one), the idea that she might find her own Prince Charming didn’t occur to me. However, when she ran across Kaleb Paul Andrews, K-P, I was tickled pink. Not only could she find someone, but I would have an older hero and heroine. At the end of Misappropriate (book two), I began a rough outline for the upcoming books in the series and announced the heroes and heroines for each.

Then. Tragedy.

Book three.

Misunderstood.

Even as the miserably violent Logan Donovan haunted my story, I didn’t expect the outcome. When K-P turned up missing, leaving Dinah alone and exposed, I didn’t anticipate his fate.

At this point, dear reader, you might be thinking that I, as the writer, controlled the arc of the story and the destiny of the characters. Perhaps, if I was a plotter, I would agreed. But I am a pantser. I fly by the seat of my pants and use my brain as a conduit for their stories. It is weird and strange. Yet, it is the truth. So, when the words announcing K-P’s death flew from my brain to my fingers and onto the screen, I stopped and stared, absolutely horrified.

Gone was the hell he’d give his daughter’s love interest. Gone was Dinah’s chance at happiness. And, gone was one of the more honorable characters from the off-page generation of Death Dwellers.

Even now, with ten years separating me from writing the original book and my plans to rewrite some parts of it as I did Misled and Misappropriate, I wish things were different. One of the best things about the Bridge Series is that I get to explore K-P’s backstory during the interludes. I wish he and I had made different choices. I wish it wasn’t canon that Logan perished in the original series so he would’ve been done away with in one of the interludes.

K-P is one of the few characters that I got rid of that I truly mourned. His death remains shocking.

So, I ask you: if you’re a writer, can you identify with me? If you’re a reader, what character death in a book you’ve read has shocked you the most?

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In her dreams, Kathryn C. Kelly is a flirtatious biker babe with the rumble of a hog between her legs and a

shirtless bad boy wrapped in her arms. Kathryn and her bad ass biker boy spend their evenings tossing

back great scotch (Chivas Regal) and fighting over who is better at Cards against Humanity (she is,

obviously.)


In her reality, Kathryn is a native New Orleanian who has survived Hurricane Katrina and breast


cancer. Now she’s hoping to survive three lively girls. While not playing Wonder Mom, Kathryn can be

found putting all those dreams into the pages of her next Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club novel.

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Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Preach It Grace tour banner

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Welcome to my stop during the book blitz for Preach It, Grace by Susan Count. Preach It, Grace is a wholesome and fun Middle Grade book about horses.

This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 4 till 17 March. See the tour schedule here.

Preach It, Grace (Dream Pony Riders #3)

By Susan Count

 

Preach It, Grace book cover

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Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age category: Middle Grade
Release Date: 16 February 2024

Blurb:

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Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

Links:
Goodreads
Bookbub
Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The day the buckskin pony moved in next door, Grace fell in love. His mane, tail, and lower legs were glossy black. She wished she could bury her fingers in his golden coat and discover the secret to its sheen. If only she could. But even though the pony would turn four years old in May, he was nearly as frisky as the day he arrived. Still, no matter what they said, he wasn’t dangerous. Not for her.

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Other books in the series:
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Abby’s Pony Love book coverLily Makes a Way book coverBrooke’s Win-Win Pony book coverWendy's Perfect Pony

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About Author Susan Count:

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Susan Count author picture
Susan Count writes for the joy and entertainment of young readers. She is a best-selling, award-winning author of the Dream Horse Adventures Series, Dream Pony Riders Series, and Texas Boys Adventures.

She prefers to create stories in a quiet zone. Out her window, her mind wanders through the forest and keeps her in a grateful, contented state of being. She writes at a fabulous antique desk that has secret compartments filled with memories, mysteries, and story ideas. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and American Christian Fiction Writers, Susan takes studying the craft of writing seriously.

Susan confesses to being overly fond of brownies and horseback riding on forest trails. She is a lifelong equestrian and is owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse.

You are invited to saddle up and ride along. www.susancount.com

Author links:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Goodreads
Amazon

 

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There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Preach It, Grace. One winner wins a $25 Amazon gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Florida offers lush landscapes, infinite sunshine, and a chance for renewal. But its footing as a place of

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refuge and joy continues to shift as easily as its miles of sandy shoreline.

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Florida: Poetry and Prose

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by Glenn Erick Miller

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Genre: Poetry, Fiction

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Florida is a land of extremes. Depending on the perspective, it can be seen as either beacon or demon. It is an epicenter of dreams, both wonderful and broken. It offers lush landscapes, infinite sunshine, and a chance for renewal. But its footing as a place of refuge and joy continues to shift as easily as its miles of sandy shoreline.

Florida: Poetry and Prose explores our complicated relationship with place. This love story serves as the backdrop for observations on identity, family, and the desperate attempt to safeguard memories against the march of time. The poems speak to the longing for human connection and the promise of permanency. At the same time, they revel in satire and the irony of setting down roots in a paradise that may soon be under water.

The collection is anchored by a pair of short stories which pit tragedy-tested love against the stark realities of nature and an increasingly uncertain world.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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SNOWBIRD

 

Snowbird

is a slam.

I’ve used

the term

myself.

 

Never

is a stupid

thought.

I’ve used

the word

myself.

 

A snowbird knows

when to leave

and when to go back.

 

It is buried in her,

this call to move with the seasons,

traveling lightly with no possessions.

“Why deny it?” she asks. “Just accept it,

and enjoy the scenery.”

 

What kind of bird

stays? What do you call

a bird that stores

food and insulates

their home and puts

together jigsaw puzzles

to fritter away

the horrible night?

 

What kind of bird

chooses to wear

a badge of

martyrdom

when paradise

is just

a flight

away?

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Interview about the book

  1. What was your inspiration for “Florida: Poetry and Prose”?
    1. Since moving from snowy northern New York state to sunny Florida several years ago, I’ve enjoyed connecting to my new home’s landscape and culture. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Sunshine State are really unique and diverse. It’s surprising to many just how large the state is: it features 1350 miles of coastline! Despite all of the natural beauty, there’s also a lot of tension in terms of overdevelopment, environmental issues, and politics. In “Florida: Poetry and Prose,” I wanted to collect my observations on both the natural beauty and the social eccentricities of the place. Other themes I’ve been writing about lately are home, family, memory, and change.
  2. What was your process in writing the book?
    1. I’d been writing poems—and a few stories—ever since we arrived here, and I felt it was time to collect some of them together in a book. As a kid who grew up in the 80’s, I’m old enough to remember the joys of making mixed tapes of my favorite songs. Curating this book reminded me of that process. I basically laid out printed copies of all the poems and started to shuffle them around. I had some ideas about placement such as which ones worked well back-to-back, like a call and response. As with making a mixed tape, I also paid attention to the ups and downs of the collection. I tried to highlight the variety of pieces, from very short poems to ones that span four pages. Some works are lighthearted while others are pretty dark. Finding the best mix took several weeks. Of course, during this time, I also did quite a bit of editing; the more I re-read and rearranged the poems, the more I found things I wanted to change. A big decision with the process was whether or not to include stories, or just focus on poems. Another thing I had to decide on was including some non-Florida poems. I’m happy with the result that features three ‘parts’ because it shows the variety of writing I enjoy. Adding a few of my own photos was another way to share my creative interests.
  3. Tell us about the book’s cover.
    1. The credit for the cover photo goes to my son, Brooks. He took the picture while we were enjoying a sunset at Rookery Bay in Southwest Florida. Since I began thinking about the book, I knew I wanted to use this photo for the cover. Playing around with the layout, the image of the sun and the book’s title seemed to be at visual odds with one another. One day, I was moving things around and found that the sun fit into the “O” in “FLORIDA” perfectly. That was one of those happy accidents, a la Bob Ross!
  4. What did you learn from writing this book?
    1. I learned that poetry is hard! I’ve known that it’s a deceivingly simple genre since I first began writing poems as a kid, but creating a book for publication forced me to look differently at every little detail. In putting “Florida” together, I recalled the advice from teachers over the years, such as paying close attention to rhythm and sound and how they can underscore a poem’s tone. Also, I rediscovered the joy of subtle concepts like enjambment and assonance. In a more general sense, writing this book taught me to trust my creative choices; self-doubt has always been one of my biggest struggles. In the end, I’m really proud of the way the book turned out and am excited to work on more collections.
  5. Why is your book a “must read”?
    1. While writing the pieces for the book, I enjoyed researching other works and writers based in Florida. However, I was surprised to find only a few books of poetry. Because the state is experiencing great upheaval these days, I think there’s a place for literature that closely examines what’s going on. Not only does there continue to be a huge influx of newcomers, each with their own “Florida Dreams” (like my own family), but the state also continues to go through profound environmental transformations. Climate change has led to rising water levels and historically devastating hurricanes. My poem “Waterfront” addresses the irony of Florida being one of the fastest-growing states while it fights a losing battle against destructive change. I haven’t seen other collections that observe this incredible place in the same way, and I want to be part of that conversation.

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Glenn Erick Miller is the award-winning author of “Camper Girl,” a Young Adult novel and “Red’s First Snow,” a picture book. Another picture book, “What Can it Become?” won a Florida SCBWI’s Rising Kite Award and is forthcoming.

He earned his BA from SUNY Oswego and MA from Binghamton University. During his long career in education, he has been a tutor, program coordinator, GED teacher, and college professor. He divides his time between New York’s Adirondack Mountains and Southwest Florida.

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Website * Facebook *Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for A Twist Of Hate organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author TE Lorenzo will award a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A Twist Of Hate

by TE Lorenzo

 

 

Genre: Romance

Synsopsis

They love to hate each other…

 

Natalia is content with hating her co-worker, Adrian. The two can hardly stand being in the same room, despite having worked together for several months. When Natalia agrees to a trip out of town with a friend, little does she know that Adrian will be there, too. This is the time to crank up the hate, right?

 

The trip is not what Natalia thought it would be. Forced to spend time with her enemy, she finds there is more to Adrian than meets the eye. Will Natalia push aside her hatred and see the true Adrian?

 

​With a twist of hate, just maybe…

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Enjoy this peek inside:

All Natalia could think about was another opportunity to get Adrian to speak to her before they wandered around the desert together. She thought the odds might be in her favor, considering she had overheard Denver mention that he and Adrian would leave for the airport immediately after their shift ended today. Vegas would be at the forefront of Adrian’s mind. Surely he would clear the tension that had grown so awkward and heavy between them before he left.

 

Further playing into her hands was the special seating arrangement drawn up for the day. Lopez assigned both Adrian and Natalia to desks on the suite level, and they’d be in the same row, four seats apart.

 

Once she saw this seating chart posted on Friday, Natalia knew she had to crank up the heat for the big day. She dressed in a form-fitting pencil skirt that cut off just above the knees, revealing the Speedy Gonzales tattoo just above her ankle. She had even shaved—in the winter—to make sure her legs were as appealing as possible.

 

Natalia also wore a blouse that revealed the slightest glimpse of cleavage. She questioned herself as she dressed earlier this morning, wondering why she was putting in so much effort into her appearance to get Adrian’s attention. She hated him, after all.

 

It’s not for Adrian. It’s for me. I’m freshly single, going to Vegas in two days, and life is good. I can get sexy all for myself if I want to.

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About Author TE Lorenzo

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TE Lorenzo is the debut author of A Twist of Hate. Having lived through his own enemies-to-lovers story, he believes love can come from the most unexpected of places. When he’s not writing, TE is likely chasing his kids around, playing baseball, or relaxing with a good book. He is currently living out his happily-ever-after with his wife and three kids in their hometown of Denver, CO.

Website

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / KOBO / Smashwords / Google Play

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Join Prunella on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the fears surrounding her first tooth loss in a

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new country in this new book, Petrified Prunella.

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Petrified Prunella

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by Sophie Jupillat Posey

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Genre: Bilingual Children’s Book

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Join Prunella on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the fears surrounding her first tooth loss in a new country in this new bilingual book, Petrified Prunella.

Sweet Prunella is soon to lose her first tooth. She dreads the pain and the Little Mouse who in France whisks your pearly whites away.
But as she relocates to the United States with her family and learns about new tooth traditions, will Prunella be able to conquer her fears and inhibitions?

Petrified Prunella motivates children to overcome their fears, inspires them to embrace change, educates young readers about different cultural traditions, and empowers them to make choices. This book will help you raise open-minded, confident kids.

Get your copy today and join Petrified Prunella on this heartwarming journey from France to the United States, as she discovers the magic hidden within every gap-toothed smile.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Yes, Prunella had many qualities. But she had some fears.

She hated pain and rodents of any kind made her petrified. Small or big, any rodent she saw in the woods made her freeze, then run away, shrieking.

 

She was about to lose her first tooth; late for her age. It hurt so badly, every time her tongue touched it, it wiggled and waggled so.

 

The pain consumed her thoughts and she was terrified. She’d never lost a tooth. She didn’t know what to expect. But she did know once it fell, The Little Mouse would come visit her and drop off some coins. The thought of the snuffling, furry creature in her home made her groan.

 

It was enough to make her forget even the pain of her tooth, and the pain of moving away from her home country to the United States, because her father had found a new job in Orlando. She’d had to let her insects go; she’d cried and cried as she’d released them, and she’d cried some more in the airport, as she carried her cats’ carrier through customs. She cried again in the plane at the thought of the pain of her tooth falling, and the Little Mouse coming to get it.

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I Really REALLY Don’t Want Braces

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by Sophie Jupillat Posey

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Genre: Bilingual Children’s Book

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Join Mario as he gets his braces and learns to stand up against his not-so-friendly friends in this bilingual book.

Mario hates his braces. They are painful, they look ugly, and his food gets stuck in them all the time.
As everyone at school makes fun of Mario and he is disheartened by all the mocking he faces, will Mario’s elder brother, Tony, be able to help him stand up against his bullies and finally accept his braces?
I Really REALLY Don’t Want Braces inspires children to embrace their braces, educates them on the benefits of braces, teaches children to stand up for themselves, and motivates young readers to discover their inner strength. This book will help you raise confident and resilient little humans.

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Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

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I don’t want to get braces.

My parents say, “It’s necessary.”

My dentist says, “It’s necessary.”

“You’ll get used to it,” they say.

I really, really, REALLY don’t want to get braces.

 

My teeth are crooked,

Jagged, they hide each other,

Some sit low, some sit high, some jut out, some jut in.

They are worse than the naughty kids in class.

But I still don’t want to get braces.

 

I have gotten too many cavities.

Too much food gets stuck inside.

I know it’s necessary,

But I don’t want to get braces.

 

Maybe if I hide in the attic,

Maybe if I stay still like my lizard,

Maybe if I pretend I was kidnapped by pirates,

My parents will forget to bring me to the dentist.

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French-Venezuelan Sophie Jupillat Posey wrote a poem about spring in the 4th grade and started a mystery series a year later. She’s been hooked to creating stories ever since. She studied writing and music at Rollins College. She’s had numerous short stories and poetry published in literary magazines since 2014. She enjoys reading and writing anything from science fiction and fantasy, to paranormal and mystery novels. When she isn’t writing, she is composing music, creating albums, and teaching English to students in France. She can be reached on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and her website.

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Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.