Archive for the ‘Contemporary Literature’ Category

Life and afterlife…The Ghost Of Christmas Past by Michael Hebler

Posted: March 31, 2016 in Contemporary Literature, Cover Reveal, Mystery, reviews
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I’m sure many of you will recognize author Michael Hebler from my review posts of his Chupacabra series.

This year he’s written a new novella in a whole other genre and I’m thrilled to share lots of news about it.

Check out The Ghost Of Christmas Past.

Enjoy all of the exciting news about Michael’s new release.

Watch his Q&A.

And learn how you can get an early copy.

Release date currently scheduled for September 27th, 2016.

And read to the end for some more exciting news!

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The Ghost Of Christmas Past

A Novella

by Michael Hebler

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My Review

The title probably has you thinking this a retelling. Wait, though. It may start that way, but very quickly the author steers you in another direction. The focus shifts from the person being visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past to the ghost itself.

In order to save lost souls, the ghost needs its light to guide them. When the light is lost, the ghost must now go on a journey of its own. Go into the past and discover who it once was and regain its light to save Christmas.

In many places written in prose similar to Charles Dickens, it reads like a classic. As the characters are introduced, past and present, their lives deepen the story, and it tempted to skip ahead to see their stories conclusions. I resisted though.

For me to enjoy a story, I require strong, genuine characters who’s welfare means something to me. They need to have flaws, and I don’t have to like all of them or approve of what they do. But, they need to be believable and the author needs to keep them true to their personalities.

Michael’s characters could walk off the pages. I tried to picture them in my head from his descriptions and they came to life. Once that happened, I couldn’t put the book down.

I’ve read Michael’s Chupacabra thrillers and very much enjoyed them so I was curious about reading a story in a different genre.

Strong writing and atmospheric detail made this a fulfilling read and I enjoyed the direction the author chose with his tale.

The Ghost Of Christmas Past gets my highest recommendation for all readers.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Based on Charles Dickens’ character of the same name, the first of three spirits from A Christmas Carol is the center of its own story when taken on a spiritual journey to find meaning for its existence.

The Ghost of Christmas Past has had its fire extinguished.  Lost souls cannot find their way to righteousness without the Spirit’s luminescence to guide them through their shadowed memories.  To rekindle its flame, the Ghost of Christmas Past must journey back to a life long forgotten.  Guided by the Christmas Angel, the Spirit braves witness to how it lived as a boy in life, and learns what will become of Christmas should it fail.

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Intended Audience

The Ghost of Christmas Past is unique.  The novella has appeal to readers of all ages, nationalities, and gender. Thanks to Mr. Charles Dickens, the main character name, Ghost of Christmas Past, is already as recognizable as Mickey Mouse, and the general population has shown remarkable interest in learning the backstories of supporting characters from popular works of fiction.  The most notable example would be the novel Wicked by Gregory Maguire, the backstory of the witches from Oz. The Ghost of Christmas Past will appeal to fans of drama, mystery, fantasy, Literary Fiction, the supernatural, and Christianity.

Like A Christmas Carol, The Ghost of Christmas Past is not heavily religious but a story based around a Christian holiday.  In 2014, more than 52 million religious books sold in the U.S., representing an increase of over 10.5% from the previous year. (Nielsen.com: Focusing On Our Strengths: Insights into the Christian Book Market)

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Check out this exciting news from Michael.

Never heard of Publishizer?  Well, until a month ago, neither had I.
It was then that I was personally contacted by the company’s team mentor.  He had seen that my novel, Night of the Chupacabra, had won an award and asked if I would be releasing another book any time soon.
“As a matter of fact, Yes,” I replied.
The mentor, Lee, then explained what Publishizer was about, how long the site had been live, and how it differed from other crowdfunding sites.  Now before I continue, please note that I have no financial obligation or monetary interest in Publishizer beyond what I hope to achieve with my proposal for The Ghost of Christmas Past.
Essentially, Publishizer is a lot like Kickstarter or Go Fund Me, but for books only.  They do not have to be newly released titles, but unpublished books are preferred.  Publishizer went live about one year ago, and categorizes its proposals from non-fiction to a select number of genres.  The simple formula Publishizer uses should be very familiar to anyone who has visited a top crowdfunding site: you donate money to help propel a project to success, and for your donation, you receive exclusive rewards that vary by the amount you donate (and trust me, I have some offerings that are very exclusive).
Upon learning of Publishizer, there were two distinctions about the service that had me sold.  As any of my fellow authors can attest, when a book is pre-ordered, the feeling is akin to winning the lottery.  Not only is someone interested in your story enough to purchase an advance copy, but they trust you as an author, which is priceless.  Any donation made on Publishizer typically includes the reward of a pre-order (however, this is up to the author, though a popular choice).  The second big perk Publishizer offers it’s authors comes at the end of your campaign if you achieve your set pre-order goal.  Publishizer will blast your achievement to multiple publishers, demonstrating the amount of interest your title has accumulated.  And if you reach at least 500 pre-orders, you’ll be blasted to the Big 5.  I took it upon myself to investigate this aspect before joining and was surprised by how many titles were in a bidding war between at least two publishers.
For those solely interested in staying independent from publishing companies, you may not think the blast to publishing houses isn’t important. But how awesome would it be to have that kind of attention for your work? That’s about where I stand. I will never say “never” to a contract, but my previous works have done impressively well (thanks to honest reviewers and book bloggers like our dear friend, Laura) and I wouldn’t mind continuing on as an indie author/publisher.
So, please, if I stirred your curiosity about Publishizer, put your mind at rest by visiting their site.  And while you’re there, please help participate in making history by supporting The Ghost of Christmas Past between March 29 and April 30, 2016.  At the very least, you’ll receive a copy at the retailer rate of $5 for eBook and have it one month early.
“God Bless Us, Everyone!”

Click on the link below to learn more.

The Ghost Of Christmas Past on Publishizer

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Something more from Michael!

For anyone who subscribes to my newsletter at http://www.michaelhebler.com/ , they will receive a free PDF copy of Night of the Chupacabra (Book I).
Simply visit the page. In about 10 seconds, a pop up to subscribe appears. Then subscribe with your email, which will then take you to the download page. Simple as that.

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And some more news!

Michael has a new story releasing soon!

Let me show you!

What Adam Wants

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Synopsis

Losing a child at birth is difficult, but not as difficult as when that child refuses to leave.

Days after losing her child while giving birth, Rachel, and her estranged husband, David, are haunted by the incessant cries of a baby. It is their baby, Adam, and he wants something from Rachel… something deadly.

Amazon

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Author Michael Hebler

Michael Hebler

Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Foreign Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).

Born in the early 1970’s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by acting. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. But creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include NIGHT OF THE CHUPACABRA, CURSE OF THE CHUPACABRA, and LEGEND OF THE CHUPACABRA (Books I, II, & III of the six-part Chupacabra Series) as well as his first publication, THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS, a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael’s fourth book in the Chupacabra Series, DAWN OF THE CHUPACABRA will be available in print and for ebook on October 13, 2015.
Michael currently resides in Southwest Florida.
Author Links:
Email:

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Teaser Tuesdays #149 ~ The Loft

Posted: March 22, 2016 in Contemporary Literature, Fantasy, reviews, Teaser Tuesdays
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Teaser

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Books And A Beat.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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My Teaser for this week is from

The Loft

The Memory House Collection #2

by Bette Lee Crosby

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Genre: Contemporary/Fantasy

My teaser is from page 72 in the paperback.

She picks through her favorite memories.

They are like pages of a much-loved book, worn and crumpled from use but never changing.

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Read on if you want to know more.

Synopsis

50 YEARS OF MEMORIES ARE HIDDEN IN THE WALLS OF THE LOFT…

Annie only needs to find one… the one that will save Oliver’s life.

On the day of their wedding, Annie saw nothing but happiness ahead, but when an accident calls her back to Memory House, her world is changed forever. Ophelia Browne, the woman who taught Annie to find the memories in a forgotten object, is leaving the house and she’s leaving all those powerful memories behind.

After only three nights in the loft, Annie must now find the single most meaningful memory in Oliver’s mind. If she finds it in time, she can save his life, if she doesn’t…well that’s something she can’t afford to think about.

Readers will welcome back the much-loved characters from Memory House and enjoy a few new friends!

AMAZON

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I just reviewed the first book, Memory House yesterday.

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Click on the cover to go to my review.

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How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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For a list of my reviews go HERE

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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My Monday Minis Reviews #47 ~ Memory House by Bette Lee Crosby

Posted: March 21, 2016 in Contemporary Literature, Fantasy, reviews
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Welcome to My Monday Minis Reviews where I share short reviews of books I’ve read. For today I’ll be sharing my review of

Memory House

The Memory House Collection #1

by Bette Lee Crosby

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My Review

I’ve read most of Bette Lee Crosby’s books and adored them. She has this southern flavor in her writing that appeals to my soul.

Memory House is the first book in the collection and enchants you right from the get go.

Ophelia is nearing 90 years old, and while she’s slowing down, she still has a lot of living to do. Searching from someone to pass her guardianship of treasures to, she waits for that someone to appear.

Ophelia can capture memories from objects. She feels their emotions, and sometimes visualizes them. She keeps the objects she comes across in her loft, keeping them alive to become others memories too. Perhaps that’s why so many of us are drawn to antiques and old things. We’re curious about them, wonder about the owners.

In walks Annie, looking for some time away after a bad break up with her boyfriend. She stumbles upon Memory House Bed & Breakfast, where a kind elderly woman welcomes her in. They quickly form a kinship and Ophelia feels that special someone has finally arrived. Now to see if she’s right.

I especially enjoyed it when Ophelia introduced her treasures to Annie. I recognized character’s the objects belonged to from some of her other books. It took me back to those beloved places and characters. A treat and such a clever idea.

Memory House a lovely read. Bette never fails to deliver engaging, step from the pages character’s that quickly become special friends to you. Her story is woven with magic. It entices, evokes your emotions, and you finish with a need for more.

I’m now reading the second book, The Loft, and it take places not too long after this book ends. Right back into this world and eagerly turning the pages.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A MEMORY TO OUTLIVE ITS OWNER?

Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she’s been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she’s nearing ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety.

Before time runs out Ophelia must find a successor. Someone who can take hold of the gifts and keep the memories from fading.

When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.

AMAZON

To get your copy of Memory House and view all of Bette Lee Crosby’s books, click on the link above or the book covers.

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This counts towards my 2016 Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE

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The First Time She Drowned ~ Get a signed poster and bookmark!

Posted: February 15, 2016 in Contemporary Literature, Debut Novel
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The First Time She Drowned PreOrder_Banner

The First Time She Drowned

by Kerry Kletter

The First Time She Drowned cover

New books are amazing. New books that come with free gifts are even better!

Debut Young Adult author Kerry Kletter is giving you just that!
Pre-order THE FIRST TIME SHE DROWNED on or before March 14th, 2016 and you’ll get a signed poster and bookmark! Supplies are limited to 50 sets, and ship ONLY in the US.

Getting your free poster and bookmark is as easy as 1..2..3..4..

  1. Go to whatever book seller you like and pre-order THE FIRST TIME SHE DROWNED (links below in case you need them!)
  2. Screen shot your reciept!
  3. E-mail that reciept to meandmyshelf(at)gmail(dot)com  ATTN: TFTSD Pre-Order
  4. 4. Fill out THIS FORM so Kerry knows where to send your goodies!

Direct Link to form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fIJfMFoVysjIYhQ2-Kk5veSQ3xdxv7A_OWUPkx12quc/viewform

The First Time She Drowned pre order box

Synopsis:

Cassie O’Malley has spent her whole life trying to keep her head above water—literally and metaphorically. It’s been two-and-a-half years since her mother dumped Cassie in a mental institution against her will, and now, at eighteen, she enrolls in college, ready to reclaim her life and enter the world on her own terms.

But as she struggles to find her way forward, the startling truths she uncovers about her own family narrative make it impossible to cut the tethers of a tumultuous past. And when the unhealthy mother-daughter relationship that defined Cassie’s childhood and adolescence threatens to pull her under once again, Cassie must decide: whose version of history is the truth? And more important, whose life must she save?

A bold, literary story about the fragile complexities of mothers and daughters and learning to love oneself,  The First Time She Drowned reminds us that we must dive deep into our pasts if we are ever to move forward.

Book links: Amazon / B&N / Indiebound

PRAISE:

Blurbs: “Beautiful and passionate . . . [Kletter is] a writer of great distinction and infinite promise.” —Pat Conroy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Prince of Tides and South of Broad

“A lovely and haunting keep-you-up-all-night heart-wrencher that is both beautiful and raw, painful and uplifting. An incredible read.” —Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places

“Sentence by sentence . . . one of the most lyrical novels I’ve ever read. Haunting and exquisite.” —Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything

“The First Time She Drowned is an exquisite and masterful dive, a brave exploration into the complexities of family, and the saving grace of friendship. Kletter’s writing is hypnotic, her characters alive, her story tragic, beautiful, hopeful. Simply put, this book is stunning.” —David Arnold, critically acclaimed author of Mosquitoland

 

AUTHOR BIO:

The First Time She Drowned author

Kerry Kletter has had a lifelong passion for story. She holds a degree in literature and has an extensive background in theater, having appeared in film, television, and onstage. When not writing, Kerry can be found surfing, running, working with animals, or singing loudly in her car while stuck in LA traffic. A native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Kerry now lives in Santa Monica, California, with her partner, screenwriter David Zorn. The First Time She Drowned is her debut novel. Follow her on Twitter @kkletter.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Author Website

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ Painting Rain by Annette K. Larsen

Posted: February 3, 2016 in Contemporary Literature, Cover Reveal, giveaways
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Welcome to the cover reveal and giveaway for Painting Rain by Annette K. Larsen!

Isn’t it lovely!

Tell me what ya think.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Painting Rain
Painting Rain by Annette K. Larsen
How do you heal your heart after tragedy leaves you broken? When the person you loved didn’t deserve it and they can’t earn your forgiveness because they’re already dead? How do you move on, and heal, and love?

If you’re Princess Lorraina, you paint.

A year ago Lorraina watched Tobias die, and she still doesn’t know how she’s supposed to heal—or forgive. How can she when she’s still running away? In an attempt to reinvent herself, she steps outside her comfortable life as princess and seeks the tutelage of a master painter—a man who is not at all impressed by her pedigree, and demands not just talent, but emotional honesty.

Struggling to learn what’s being taught, she finds herself drawn to someone who not only knows her secrets, but who she once considered far below her notice. Now she is compelled to seek him out despite knowing their relationship would be forbidden if discovered. Staying away from him doesn’t seem possible when discovering him may be the key to healing her heart and rediscovering herself.

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pre order on amazon

Annette Larsen

Author Annette K. Larsen

I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University, where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children.

I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it.

I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Cover Reveal Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/22/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Available December 29th ~ Crumbled ~ A Paper Thin Novel ~ Teaser Tuesday

Posted: December 22, 2015 in Contemporary Literature, New Adult, New Release
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Crumbled by Jennifer Snyder
Series: A Paper Thin Novel
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Publication: December 29th, 2015
Cover Designer: Lindee Robinson Photography

Dealing with the loss of his fiancée, Emma, and the confusion of his troubled relationship with her sister, Dawson Phillips decides to leave his hometown of Parish Cove behind.

As he battles between denial and depression, Dawson travels the states placing distance between himself and his painful memories of Emma’s death. With each rolling mile behind him, he gains new hope that he will eventually be able to repair his tattered heart.
The problem: He never thought he’d heal while igniting feelings for someone else.

Strengths will be tested. Boundaries will be blurred. And hope will mend the hearts of those fearing they would stay forever crumbled.

 
Teaser
 
Emotions warred through me, making it hard for me to decipher what I was feeling. Closing my eyes, I tried to still my pounding heart and calm my thoughts. Lightning struck close by, lighting the backs of my eyelids. I counted, waiting for another loud clap of thunder to follow. I’d made it to twenty-four before it happened again.
Twenty-four.
My eyes snapped open. I glanced at my cell. The date and time stared back at me, piercing me straight through the heart.
It was October 24. The day I was supposed to marry the love of my life.
 
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Book #1
Paper Thin by Jennifer Snyder
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Available September 29th, 2015

Fate has always seemed to mock Charlotte Montgomery, continuously dangling the man of her dreams just out of reach. It isn’t until Charlotte receives word her older sister Emma is getting engaged that she feels fate’s teasing has hit a new high.

Once she begrudgingly decides to return home to the tiny town of Parish Cove, curious to find out who has captured her sister’s heart, fate suddenly seems as though it may have tossed her a bone.

The problem: Charlotte forgot one simple thing…Fate has never been her friend.

Emotions run high. Happiness will be shattered. And tragedy will strike, leaving everyone feeling paper thin.

Purchase:
Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo | Paperback
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A Horse Named Dog by Theresa Oliver ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: November 16, 2015 in Blitz, Children's books, Contemporary Literature, giveaways
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Home And Away by Dean Hughes ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted: November 4, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Literature, giveaways, Holidays
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Home and Away (1) Blog Tour Schedule

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Home and AwayHome and Away: A World War II Christmas Story by Dean Hughes

Norma Hayes has always tried to make Christmas special for her family, but this year it is going to be difficult. Money is tight, and wartime rationing is taking its toll as well. Harder still, her oldest son, Glen, is on the front lines of the battle in Europe.

Glen Hayes wants nothing more than to be home for Christmas. He holds a sprig of lavender in his pocket. The scent reminds him of his mother. The memory of home may be the only thing that is keeping him alive and sane during the horrors of war.

Dennis Hayes is sixteen and longs to see his older brother again. He also longs to have a relationship with his father, but most important, Dennis is determined to buy something special for his mother this Christmas–the one gift he feels certain she deserves.

So many families have had their hopes dashed in World War II. Will the Hayes family make it through?

Amazon * Deseret Book

Praise for Home and Away
”It’s 1944 and teenager Dennis Hayes longs to join his older brother Glen, who is fighting in Europe..When his family receives word that Glen has been wounded, Dennis realizes that going to war is not so glamorous. Christmas isn’t the same without Glen, but the Hayes family members hope and pray that they’ll be reunited soon. Hughes’s faith-filled, old-fashioned story feels like it could have been written during the period in which it takes place.” –Library Journal

”Home and Away is far and away the best story I have read this year. Awesome and moving.” –bestselling author, Obert Skye

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Author Dean Hughes
Dean Hughes is a bestselling and prolific writer who published his hundredth book in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Weber State College and master’s degree and PhD from the University of Washington. He has attended post-doctoral seminars at Stanford and Yale Universities and taught English at Central Missouri State University and Brigham Young University.

Facebook

$25 Blog Tour giveaway

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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From boy to man….Anthony by Harold J. Fischel ~ Tour Review & Giveaway

Posted: May 14, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Literature, New Adult, reviews
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Harold J. Fischel

Anthony

by Harold J. Fischel

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Publisher:  Harold J. Fischel (April 3, 2014)
Category: New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 309 Pages

My Review

Compelling. That’s the word I’m looking for. This story is compelling.

There isn’t a lot of action, no weird plots. It’s a story about a boy and the events that make him a man.

A shy, somewhat pudgy young boy, Anthony discovers swimming and as his body matures, he grows into a strapping young man.

During those years, he faces many adversities, suffers a tragic loss, and is involved in a taboo affair. The shadows of his past follow him as he goes off to college. There he makes friends, finds his path, and falls in love.

But the past catches up to him. Now he could lose everything. Perhaps love can save him.

This is another of those stories I call life fiction. From boy to man, you follow this character. Feel his insecurities and doubts. His sadness and pain. His hope.

I mentioned compelling. I opened this book, started reading, and the writing compelled me to continue. I read a chapter, then another, and another. Soon, I reached the end. It read almost like a movie. Flashing from scene to scene through the years as Anthony grew up.

A wonderful story.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Life has never been easy for Anthony, the secret love child of a well-known US general and his beautiful mistress. After his father perishes in a plane crash, his cancer-stricken mother, Yuni, is forced to move with him to a tiny New York City apartment. And to make matters worse, he’s flagged as an easy target for neighborhood bullies, who constantly terrorize him inside and outside of school.

But after a brutal attack prompts him to fight back in a fit of rage, things start to turn around for the young boy. He shows promise joining the swim and wrestling teams in school, and begins to grow into the tall and physically fit body he inherited from his father.

Just when Anthony’s situation seems to be getting better, however, tragedy strikes his life yet again. In order to put the pieces back together, he turns to some of the strong female figures in his life. But it’s the one girl whom he least expects who may have the power to heal him—shedding his image as the illegitimate son through the magic of love and helping him leave his tragic childhood behind.

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Praise for Anthony by Harold J. Fischel:

“It’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real…such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.”- Katelyn Hensel, Readers’ Favorite

“The young boy, Anthony, captures your heart in the first few chapters, and you will want to continue with him through his happy, frightening, joyful, daunting journey toward manhood. A good read from start to finish.” J. Herrick, Amazon Reviewer

“New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.”- Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite

“Loved the story line, could not put it down. Although it is listed as a novel, it is sad to think this is reality for some kids.”- Donna Connely, Amazon Reviewer

“Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony,…  I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.”- Lorena Sanqui, Readers’ Favorite

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About Harold J. Fischel

Hal at Hunt Ball Sally M

Harold J. Fischel, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the NYU School of Law, has lived and worked on four different continents. His family fled the Netherlands shortly after the Nazi invasion, moving to Curacao and Aruba before settling in the United States in 1952.

After law school, Fischel served the US Army in Germany, later retiring as a captain. Since then, he again lived in the Netherlands, before returning to the United States to work for the US subsidiary of a Chinese company.

Fischel is now retired and living in Michigan with his wife, Jan, and their  beloved Labrador retriever. He has two daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, and two great sons-in-law. Since retiring, he has published two novels and is working on a third.

Facebook ~ Goodreads

Buy Anthony by Harold J. Fischel

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Kobo

~~~

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I have one copy of Anthony to giveaway. Winners choice of eBook or Print.

Print copy is US only.

To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“If you could go back and live your life over, would you?”

~~~

Follow the tour for more fun posts!

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus  May 5 Spotlight & Giveaway

aobibliosphere™ May 6 Review

Cassandra M’s Place May 7 Review & Giveaway

IndieWritersReview May 8 Excerpt

Indie Review Behind the Scenes May 9 Live Interview  11 am Centeral

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings May 11 Review

Inspire to Read May 11 Interview

What Jenna Thought May 13 Review

fuonlyknew May 14 Review & Giveaway

What Jenna Thought May 14 Interview & Giveaway

Binding Addiction May 15 Excerpt

Housewife Blues & Chihuahua May 18 Excerpt

Random Musesomy May 21 Review & Giveaway

Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews May 25 Review

Confessions Of A Reader May 27 Review

The Book Lover’s Lounge May 29 Review & Giveaway

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 1 Review

Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews June 1 Guest Post

Rockin’ Book Reviews June 5 Review & Giveaway

What U Talking Bout Willis? June 15 Guest Post

Jersey Girl Book Reviews June 19 Review & Guest Post

The Mama Games June 23 Review & Giveaway

Deal Sharing Aunt June 26 Review & Giveaway

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Teasers Tuesdays #110 ~ Shelf Life ~ The Publicist: Book Two

Posted: April 14, 2015 in Contemporary Literature, Romance, Teaser Tuesdays
Tags: , , ,
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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.

TeaserTuesdays2014e

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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My Tease for this week is from

The Publicist

Book Two

by Christina George

 

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My Teasers from pages 16 and 92 in the paperback.

From page 16:

“Then you’ll be surprised to learn that we’ve found newly-released books with with no less than ninety-five, five star, raving reviews.. When we investigated further, we found that they were all set up from dummy accounts.”

“Wow, terrible; it’s amazing the lengths people will go to.”

From page 92:

 “Since when do authors dictate their release date?”

~~~

Synopsis

It’s an industry of out-of-control egos, unrealistic expectations, and unfulfilled promises.

This is publishing and it’s Kate’s world, but maybe not for long.

When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. With the shelf life of her career and her love affair quickly expiring, Kate sets off on a new adventure…

Starting over in California is easy but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nick Lavigne is eager to help her forget but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis.

As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she’s welcomed back with open arms.

But at the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she’d been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart.

Behind the book, there’s always more to the story. Welcome to Publishing, the ego has landed.

~~~

I found both of these discussions fascinating as we’ve all heard things bounced around on the internet. Both of these scenes were rather humorous though, not ugly.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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