Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Being Broken organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Author Geoffrey R. Jonas will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!
And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
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Being Broken
By Geoffrey R. Jonas
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Genre: Memoir
Synopsis
A young woman dies alone in a hotel room, her fentanyl-poisoned cocaine still on the desk. She had been missing for nearly 2 weeks. Social Services had been trying to find a place for her to live with her 3-year-old son, whom she had left with her parents. Six months later her father fights for his life in intensive care, but succumbs to his illness because of a lifelong use of alcohol and tobacco. A month after his death her mother is assessed by doctors to be unable to care for herself because of her Alzheimer’s and mental health issues brought on by benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction.
The son, brother, stepson is the only one left to pick up the pieces. He begins a journey of the self and finds out the truth of his family. After going over letters, notes, emails, videos, and text messages, he uncovers a disturbing picture of the abuse his sister suffered at the hands of their parents. He also begins to better understand his own struggles with mental health and substance addiction because of the trauma and abuse he also suffered from their parents.
Follow the son as he looks through his family history to discover the generational abuse that trickled down through the years. Learn about how parents who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder emotionally abuse and manipulate their children. See how the abuse and trauma becomes mental illness in the abused, and how they fall into vicious traps of addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Witness the transformational change of the son as he works on the recovery of his inner child and tries to become the man he was meant to be.
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Enjoy this peek inside:
Part 1 – In the beginning…
What Came Before… – Part 1 Maternal Family History
My mother had a difficult upbringing. My mother’s mother was continually pregnant for 16 years, producing 4 boys (Robert, Edward, Charles, Shane) and 3 girls (R – my mother, Lorraine, Claire)2. She would later die of cancer while the children were young. My mother’s father led a jazz orchestra, resembling the ones in movies from the early 20th century that didn’t fit neatly into the category of a symphony or a standard band. He had even played for the queen.
However, the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) of my grandfather became overwhelming, and the authorities of that time deemed him unfit to care for the children. They split the children up and put them into foster care. The foster care system back then did not have the safety systems we have in place to protect the children today, and I would not be surprised if some of the children were further emotionally or physically abused in foster care.
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About Author Geoffrey R. Jonas
: Geoffrey is a first-time author. He lives peacefully by a lake, spending his time writing, painting, gardening, and woodworking. His recovery is ongoing, and he enjoys his privacy and seclusion.
To celebrate A Dilemma for the Duke‘s release, I’m thrilled to join the A Marriage to the Marquess book tour. USA Bestselling author Ruth A. Casie combines regency romance with suspense, swoon-worthy heros and smart heroines. Check out an excerpt below and be sure to take advantage of pre-release pricing for book two.
In a world of secrets, love, and ticking clocks, their alliance of convenience may just become a marriage of the heart.
Ewan, the Marquess of Glenraven, finds himself returning to his home in Belgrave Square, summoned back to London by his former commanding officer, Lord Barrington. Ewan’s been entrusted with the task of unraveling a deceitful gambling scheme and uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths tied to it. He is also faced with a pressing personal ultimatum: either secure his trust by marrying by his 30th birthday, five weeks hence, or risk losing it all.
In Cavendish Square, a mile north of Belgravia, Lady Juliet Hayward carries the heavy burden of her late brother, Bradley’s gambling debts. Her own future teeters on the brink of destitution. Determined to confront the man who has her brother’s vowels and control of her survival, she’s determined to find him and negotiate a solution.
As Ewan and Juliet are drawn together, they conceal their true intentions, not knowing they both seek the one person who holds the cards. However, time is not on their side. In a bold move, they confess to each other and devise a plan—a marriage of convenience, a calculated business arrangement—to simultaneously fulfill Ewan’s inheritance requirement, settle Juliet’s brother’s debts, and expose the scheming ringleader As they dig deeper, they uncover a far-reaching conspiracy, orchestrated by a clandestine organization manipulating events from behind the scenes. Yet, a single kiss on their wedding day unleashes a deluge of conflicting emotions within each of them, shattering their carefully constructed façade.
This is a breathtaking Regency tale of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Oh, sir, could you help us, please?” A neatly dressed man called out to him from the puppet stage.
The crowd, which he realized had gathered waiting for the puppet show, turned their attention toward him.
Glenraven scanned the area, unsure if the gentleman was calling out to him. He glanced back at the man.
“Yes, sir, you. You look like a man who would help a lady in distress.” A soft chuckle rippled through the onlookers. “It is a simple script that needs to be read.”
“Forgive me. I would gladly help a lady in distress.” Glenraven glanced at the crowd. “I see some lovely ladies.” He nodded to several ladies not too far from him. “But I do not see any ladies in distress.”
The man operating the puppet stage peeked under the curtain. “My lady. Are you in distress?” he called out.
“Yes, my lord,” came a voice from behind the curtain. As the puppet master opened the curtain, a female puppet was revealed. “I have no Punch.”
Glenraven checked his watch. It was ten minutes past one. “Ne’er let it be said that I didn’t come to a lady’s aid.”
Glenraven made his way to the stage to the crowd’s chuckling and applauding.
“Thank you, my lord. Thank you.” the puppet master whispered to him before turning to address the audience.
“Kind people. I am the puppet master, Percival Thimbleby. You’ve already met Miss Juliet Hayward, who will be our Judy. She has taken her place. This is,” the puppet master turned to Glenraven and waited. He coughed and waited a bit more. “And this is?” He raised his eyebrows at his Punch.
With a good natured smile, he slightly bowed to the audience. “Lord Glenraven at your service.”
“My lord.” The puppet master doffed his cap and bowed to him. “Ladies and Gents, we have a real hero,” he added with a playful eye roll, making everyone laugh. “Lord Glenraven will be playing our Punch. We are fortunate to have found two willing people to help us today. They do not know what has happened in the story so far. It will be very telling how they portray this scene. Be gentle with my actors, my friends. I dare say they are new to this trade. We want to encourage them. Who knows, you may witness the beginning of a most enchanting partnership.”
The puppet master turned to Glenraven. “This way, my lord. While you and your Judy say your lines, I will manage the puppets.”
He guided Glenraven to his spot, handed him his script, and then returned to address the audience.
Glenraven glanced at the paper and burst into laughter, the sound echoing for all to hear.
“Are you all right, my lord?” the puppet master called out.
“Quite. I see you are also a magician. For us mortals, the script is blank.”
The audience laughed along with him, clearly in on the jest.
“Well, my lord. I am a poor puppet master. I only had one script and, as a gallant puppet master, gave it to your Judy as I know you would want me to. After all, you are a gallant hero.”
“Yes, I am.” Glenraven chuckled. “I accept the challenge. You, my friend, may have to suffer the consequences.”
“Very well, my lord. I am certain your quick wit and heroism will come to the fore.” Again, the audience chuckled.
The puppet master turned to the audience.
“I will set the stage. Punch has brought back a treasure and must convince his Judy to let him keep it.” The puppet master paused. “Punch. You can begin whenever you are ready.”
Glenraven took a moment, cleared his throat, and began with a theatrical flair.
“Oh, Judy, my love.” Glenraven’s voice, a warm whiskey baritone, rang out. “I have fought hard and long. I’ve brought back a treasure. It must be protected at all costs.” He paused a heartbeat and continued, his voice a bit lower, “I won’t let anyone take it from us!”
“But Punch, dear, we must be careful.” His Judy’s voice was sweet and slightly breathless. “There are those who covet what we have.”
“Fear not, my sweet Judy.” Glenraven’s Punch declared with theatrical bravado. “I’ll stand against them all, even if it means facing the darkest of contenders.”
He imagined Judy gazing at Punch as she went on, her voice sweet and a touch unsteady, “Then let us be strong together, my Punch. Our love will guide us through.”
Glenraven stared at the curtain separating him from his Judy and put the papers down. He focused all his attention on his unseen partner.
“And when the storm clouds gather,” Punch continued, his tone filled with anticipation, “and the world around us seems uncertain…” A dramatic pause lingered. “We’ll find shelter in each other’s arms, and our hearts will be our fortress. But, Judy, my love,” Punch’s voice softened, “there’s one thing you must know. Our journey won’t always be easy.”
The puppet master skillfully moved Punch to Judy’s side, his puppet arm around her.
“I understand, Punch. I’m prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.”
“Then, my dear Judy, let us embark on this adventure together, hand in hand.” The puppet master had Punch take Judy’s hand.
“Together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all,” Judy declared.
“And as we travel through life’s mysterious twists and turns…” Punch turned his head and looked around. “We’ll uncover the secrets hidden in the shadows, and they shall not hold us back. Judy, my love,” Punch’s tone deepened with passion, “desire burns within me like an unquenchable fire.”
Judy delicately touched Punch’s face. “And what of commitment, Punch? Will your flames endure, or will they be snuffed out?”
“Fear not, dear Judy,” Even the audience could hear the smile in Punch’s voice, “for desire may kindle our passion, but it’s a commitment that fuels our eternal flame.”
“Then let our love burn brighter than the stars, Punch, for we are bound by both desire and commitment.”
This little game excited Glenraven in ways he hadn’t anticipated. The essence of sincerity he heard in ‘Judy’s’ voice warmed him. The more he spoke, the more the line between him and his Punch blurred.
Absurd. He gave himself a mental shake. This puppet performance is only a game. Judy isn’t the only one capable of playing a believable game.
“So, my love,” Punch said tenderly, “let us dance through the pages and write our own story, bound by fate and love.”
“Forever entwined, together we’ll craft our own destiny. It awaits, Punch, my dearest.” There was a pause. “Forever,” was Judy’s breathless reply.
RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now-writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.
Beds, Breakfasts, & Beta Blockers (Three Dog Mysteries) by Jann Franklin
Beds, Breakfasts, & Beta Blockers (Three Dog Mysteries) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting – Louisiana Publisher : Independently Published (February 20, 2025) Language : English Paperback : 238 pages ISBN-13 : 979-8307176375 Digital ASIN : B0DT54173H
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Ro Bergeron’s grandparents raised her to be, well, helpless. She can’t boil an egg or keep a plant alive. When Ro inherits her childhood home, she decides to open a bed and breakfast for humans and their canine friends. Running a business catering to people is a big undertaking for thirty-two year old Ro—let alone pets too—yet with faith she is confident she can handle it. She even has her first guests booked for the coming weekend!
But when her meddlesome great aunts find the opportunity to solve a local murder too irresistible, Ro’s new life as a business owner is turned upside-down! As Min and Win Rascoe indulge their sleuthing skills, a reluctant Ro and her enthusiastic house guests are drawn into the mystery.
Will the Rascoe sisters and their unconventional team solve the murder before Ro’s high school crush Detective Jason Charbonnet? Can Ro master the skills of cooking and hosting? Will life for Ro in the tiny town of Belle Bayou ever be the same?
This book is the first of the Three Dog Mystery Series.
About Jann Franklin
Jann Franklin is a faith-based cozy mystery writer living in northwest Louisiana with slightly less than three hundred other people. Many of her stories are based on the tales she hears from residents.
She and her husband John enjoy Sundays at church, dinner with family and friends, and watching the lightning bugs in their backyard. Their kids come to visit, when they aren’t too busy living their big-city lives. Visit her at www.jannfranklin.com
