Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Eggs For The Ageless by Kyle A. Massa ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: May 2, 2023 in Fantasy, giveaways, Guest Post
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Eggs For the Ageless

by Kyle A. Massa

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

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Religion is a funny thing. Especially when you accidentally create your own.

Eccentric young writer Zeggara “Egg” East has done just that, much to the chagrin of her devout mother. Egg’s new religion is called “Penguinism” and it’s proving far more popular than anyone—even the immortal Ageless—could’ve imagined. And the thing about deities is, they don’t appreciate a rival dogma.

Now everyone’s choosing sides in the coming conflict, including a tea-slurping tyrant, a guy with 12 gifts, and the God of Waste Management. So when Egg and her mother pick opposing factions, Egg has to wonder…can they reconcile, or will religion keep them apart forever?

Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Christopher Moore, and Douglas Adams, Eggs for the Ageless is a comic fantasy novel about family, faith, and waddling—not necessarily in that order.

What readers are saying:

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“A fantasy comedy that swims in similarly madcap waters as works by Terry Pratchett and Christopher Moore, Massa’s novel coolly and deftly introduces a farcical setting that reflects the absurdity of today’s world, brimming with commentary on religion, capitalism, and writing.” – Kirkus Reviews

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“A riot of a book where the characters amuse while offering cutting critiques of human nature (and god nature?). Light as well as insightful. A triumph.” – Kate Tailor, Benjamin Franklin Award Winning Author

“Hilarious, quirky, and sharply satirical. Kyle A. Massa has crafted a work of comedic genius that will make you laugh until you cry, while simultaneously exploring the hypocrisy of some of humanity’s deepest-held beliefs. A read for anyone who delights in absurdity.” – Laura Lauda, Author

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“Eggs for the Ageless is a hoot. It’s fun and easy to read, but leaves you with lots to think about, and endless chuckles. It’s filled with delightful characters, both good and bad. Kyle A. Massa weaves together a bundle of hilarious plot threads so expertly that you never quite know where they’re going, but can’t wait to get there.” – Geoff Jones, Author of The Dinosaur Four

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“Fun, funny, and wildly creative.” – Nathan Pieplow, Author

“Interesting character development and a fast-clip storyline tells a very funny tale. Highly recommend.” – AJM, Amazon Reviewer

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Author’s Site * Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

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Q: What inspired you to write this book?

 

I’ve always been fascinated by ancient mythology, particularly the Greeks, because they’re pretty much an immortal dysfunctional family. Though they had deities for almost everything, they were still missing some important subjects, such as waste management. So I filed that idea away.

I was also interested in the origins of Scientology (and its effects on the film career of John Travolta). It’s a religion intentionally started by an author, which made me wonder, what if a writer started a religion by accident?

When I combined those two ideas, I found I had a compelling conflict: Writer accidentally starts her own religion, stealing worshippers from the existing pantheon of gods and goddesses. They get mad at the writer, and chaos ensues. That became the plot of Eggs for the Ageless.

 

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

 

For me, the greatest allure of independent authorship is creative freedom. I want to explore as many genres as I can, which is why I’m following up Eggs for the Ageless with a collection of nonfiction essays, due out in the fall. From there, I’m deciding between a book of interlocking novellas, or a sci-fi novel about parallel bachelor/bachelorette parties. Wish me luck.

 

Q: What are common traps for aspiring writers?

 

Getting discouraged by early obscurity.

I remember when I finally finished and published my first book, I had this expectation of success. I wasn’t expecting all five-star reviews or massive sales—just hoping for a modest amount of both.

Instead, my launch was pretty unremarkable. Family and friends bought it (and I’m so thankful that they did!), but sales quickly dropped off.

At first, I was disappointed. When Stephen King wrote Carrie, Hollywood adapted it into a major movie two years later. So where the hell was Brian De Palma, and why wasn’t he adapting my book?

Then, weirdly, I heard an anecdote about Bruce Springsteen that brightened my mood. Today, fans recognize Bruce’s first two albums (Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle) as classics. However, at the time of release, they didn’t sell well nationally at all. Only after the runaway success of his third album, Born to Run, did most fans discover the previous two.

This is a roundabout way of saying that consistency is the best way to build your community. Even if your first few books don’t work, keep writing. Eventually, you’ll write your Born to Run.

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Kyle A. Massa is a comic fantasy author living somewhere in upstate New York with his wife, their daughter, and three wild animals. His published works include three books and several short stories. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, running, and drinking coffee.

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Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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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.

Beauty & The Alchemist by Elle Hartford ~ Author Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: April 22, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, giveaways, Guest Post
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Beauty and the Alchemist

The Alchemical Tales Book 1

by Elle Hartford

Genre: Cozy Fantasy Mystery

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In this magical mix-up of fairy tales and murder, Little Red Riding Hood solves the mystery at the heart of Beauty and the Beast . . .

What does it take to overcome a curse?

Traveling alchemist Red settles into life as a shopkeeper in rural Belville and expects to focus on her potions. But crime stops for no woman. Neither does Red’s friend, police officer Thorn! When a beastly criminal escapes to a nearby abandoned castle and is found murdered, Thorn immediately suspects Luca, a meek-mannered bookseller–not to mention Red’s best friend.

Red knows that there’s more to the castle–and the murder–than meets the eye. But as she rushes to prove Luca’s innocence, she’s beset by a not-dead-yet ghost, a beautiful and ill-tempered suspect, and a horde of mysterious mist creatures that terrify the town. Oh, and then there’s the series of lost books that hold the key to the castle’s curse! If Red and her friends can’t find the books and solve the mystery, Luca might not be the only one in trouble. But in idyllic Belville, appearances can be deceiving. Red will need all of her alchemical prowess and all the help she can get in order to uncover the truth behind this twisted tale.

This special second edition includes a new epilogue, recipes, and a sneak peek at book two of The Alchemical Tales.

 

**On Sale for Only .99cents!!**

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Amazon * Apple * B&N *Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

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When we hit the third corner, I stopped dead. It felt as though a bucket of ice-water raced down my back. The darkness was so thick that even with my goggles, I could barely see beyond my own hand. The front of the castle stretched away into inkiness.

Officer Thorn, already a pace ahead and nearly disappearing, looked over her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“Something here,” I mumbled incoherently. “There’s something wrong with being here. Don’t you feel it?”

“To tell you the truth, I’ve never been haunted, so I wouldn’t know what it feels like,” Thorn replied blithely.

I sucked air into my lungs. The fastest way out of here is forward, I reminded myself. Gritting my teeth, I began following the officer once more. “Just stay close, okay? No bounding off after evidence or what have you.”

She looked back and grinned, her long teeth flashing. “The sooner we catch Owl, the better.”

“I don’t think Owl is what’s making these shadows,” I said.

Thorn was impervious. “Then it could be Gloria alone, and that’s worse. See, Red, your problem is—”

I never got to hear what my problem was, unfortunately. The grass we’d been edging along gave way to a stone patio set a few inches below the surrounding ground, and I stumbled. With that jarring step came recognition of the fact that we were right in front of the castle’s main entrance, and another bone-penetrating chill.

“Wh-wh-whatever it is y-you want to s-see, it must be h-here,” I said, my teeth chattering.

“It’s just a little cold, Red. Are all islanders such wimps?”

“Hush, and look around!” I insisted. I was starting to think that maybe Thorn hadn’t ever been haunted simply because she refused to see anything other than what she wanted to.

“It’s the front of the castle,” she informed me matter-of-factly. She began stalking about the patio, with me close on her heels. “I was on the inside team during the search earlier, so I missed this. Nice carvings on the doorway. Old and worn down, but they’ve held up well considering. Good sturdy door. See that ironwork across the front? Guess we’re not dealing with the fey, eh? And what’s this—gems inlaid in the doors, too. Surprised those haven’t walked off over time. Maybe they’re locked down—get it? Ha ha. What’s this?”

I’d only been paying half-attention to Thorn’s monologue, but the repetition of the phrase in a new tone of surprise caught my ear. I turned from looking over my shoulder to see that Thorn held something small and rectangular in one large hand.

“Did you just find a book?” I asked, startled.

“Did I?” She handed the object to me for inspection. As I took it, though, the air around us thickened. I had to hold the slim volume very close to my face to see the bark binding. My gaze drifted over the title and the gold leaf to notice that, rather than blackness, a silver fluidity filled my vision.

“Why is it foggy?” I tucked the book into a pocket in my cloak for safe-keeping and frowned as I looked up. Officer Thorn looked just as surprised as me. I could see her face well, despite the cloudiness, because the moonlight had reappeared. It bounced off the water in the air. The world was brighter now, but it was also much closer.

Officer Thorn’s club rose, sending swirls ricocheting through the air. “Never mind the fog, Red. Look here, at the corner of the doorway. Doesn’t that look like—”

Again, I was destined not to hear the officer’s thoughts. Only fair, really, considering how often she interrupted mine. But I wasn’t thinking that at the time. At the time, I was screaming like a banshee, because something had grabbed me from behind.

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“Hauntings and Stars”: A Character Interview with a Magical Dog

Today we’re interviewing William, one of the lead characters in Beauty and the Alchemist. William, would you introduce yourself?

 

W: I’ll say this once, so listen up. I’m an arcane familiar, which isn’t the same as just a talking dog. I’m magic. I know all kinds of things. This poofy black fur is a disguise–all the better to intimidate villains with.

 

Well, I have heard you described as a “wolf dog” by the uninitiated, so that makes sense! Do you often run into villains?

 

W: I’ve seen all kinds. Though they’re usually smart enough not to pick a fight. I’ve been traveling with Red for a long time, and before that I traveled on my own a lot, too.

 

Could you tell us about Red, your current companion?

 

W: When I met Red, she was a traveling alchemist. You know, the sort who goes from town to town selling potions and little science-y things. She was alone at the time, and I could tell that she was the kind of person who attracts trouble. She’s smart, don’t get me wrong, but she needs someone to keep her from getting in over her head sometimes. And I wasn’t busy, and she didn’t try to do any experiments on me or steal my magic, so I thought, why not?

 

And that “why not” has become the basis for a years-long friendship! How do you feel about Red’s decision to settle in Belville and open a shop?

 

W: Part of being a magical familiar is it gives you perspective on people. So I know something that Red doesn’t know: when she settled in Belville, she thought she was doing it for work–you know, “wonderful natural resources for potions” and “great place to sell to traders” and all those other things she says–but what she really wanted was a home.

 

Unfortunately, that home has been the scene of several mysteries and even murders, isn’t that so?

 

W: Yes, and one particularly suspicious bookseller, if you ask me. But nowhere is perfect. Listen, some people who won’t be named think of me as just a big loyal dog. In only one particular, they’re right: I’ll go wherever Red goes. It doesn’t matter to me where we settle down. What does matter to me is that Red finds what she needs to find (because she was getting a little strange and mopey being on the road all the time, let me tell you).

 

That sounds rather sweet of you, actually. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

 

W: Look out for haunted books. But other than that, Belville isn’t so bad. It’s got a great view of the stars. And if you come into Red’s Alchemy and Potions, just don’t call me a “dog” and we’ll be fine.

 

That wraps up our interview! To find out what William means about hauntings, stars, and home, check out Beauty and the Alchemist wherever you buy books.

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Elle adores cozy mysteries, fairy tales, and above all, learning new things. As a historian and educator, she believes in the value of stories as a mirror for complicated realities. She currently lives in New Jersey with a grumpy tortoise and a three-legged cat.

Find more stories of Red and her friends at ellehartford.com. And while you’re there, sign up for Elle’s newsletter to get bonus material, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and terrible jokes!

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Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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$10 Amazon giftcard,

Signed Papeback of Beauty and the Alchemist

– 1 winner each!

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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.

Doctoroo & The Case Of The Picnic Pirates ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: April 20, 2023 in Children's books, giveaways, Guest Post, reviews
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​Book Title:  Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates
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by ​Rachel B. Wellner
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Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 43 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Wellner Media
Release Date: January 9, 2023
Content Rating:  G – No profanity, sex or violence
 

Book Description:

​Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates, they fly to the United States to find out why bear cubs in the Tumbling Potomac Pirates won’t practice their somersaults, cartwheels, or handsprings. Will Doctoroo discover what is wrong? Will she have the answer in time for the cubs to perform on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day?
 
Buy the Book
Amazon
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MY REVIEW

Oh no. Dr. Marsha Roo gets an urgent call from Mayor Bernie Bear. The Potomac Pirates Fourth Of July picnic might have to be cancelled. The cubs who are supposed to perform are very sick. Can Doctoroo come and investigate? Assembling her team, off they go to try and save the day.

So, what was Doctoroo’s diagnosis about the bear cubs woes? I had a sneaking suspicion, and I was right! Tickled my funny bone as I’d been there, done that. I’m sure many will agree when they enjoy this fun adventure.

Learning about proper nutrition was entertaining and the colorful illustrations had so much to see. I kept peering at the pages, taking everything in. There were so many delightful characters and it looked like they might start moving and speaking at any moment.

I sure hope this is a series as I’m eager for more adventures.

5 STARS

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Author Guest Post
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Teaching Your Children to Make Healthy Food Choices

By Dr. Rachel Wellner

It is important to teach your children how to make healthy food choices. Developing this lifelong habit will help them stay physically and mentally healthy. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Parents should strive to maintain an open dialogue about what foods are beneficial, as well as what types of food should be eaten in moderation or even avoided. They can also set a positive example by modeling responsible dietary habits themselves, preparing meals with nutritious ingredients, and avoiding processed snacks or unhealthy treats. Additionally, parents should get their children involved in grocery shopping so they learn how to read food labels. By teaching children the importance of making healthy food choices early on, parents can ensure that their kids have the information they need to lead happy and healthy lives.

A balanced diet should include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and can be found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Proteins are necessary for growth and repair of tissues and muscles; they can be found in lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Fats are also needed by the body for energy and to help absorb certain vitamins; they can be found in dairy products such as milk or yogurt and plant-based sources such as oils or nuts. In addition to including all these food groups in your diet, it is important to add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that help protect against disease.

By using these tips, parents can provide their children with the knowledge and foundation needed to make healthy food choices in the long term.

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Meet the Author:

Dr. Rachel Wellner is a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Society of Surgical Oncology-trained breast oncology surgeon.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads
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Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates Book Tour 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.

Fade To Blue by Hank Scheer ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: March 31, 2023 in giveaways, Guest Post, thriller
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Book Details:

​Book Title:  FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  288 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  Mar 2023
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: ​PG-13 for some bad language

“Fade to Blue kicks off with shocking twists and attention-grabbing characters. The ongoing discussions between cat and mouse are tense, especially as the lines between terrorists and anti-terrorists working undercover become blurred. The stakes are high but also personal—Marcel’s monologues, while not likely realistic, are a lot of fun. Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot, Scheer has written a winning page-turner.” -BookLife, Editor’s Pick
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“Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with René, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want.” – Foreword Clarion Reviews

“The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads.” – Midwest Book Review

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MY REVIEW

Character driven stories are a favorite of mine and I really liked Sarah. I’m also a fan of suspense that builds in intensity and endings that aren’t clear and worry me about the outcome. In Fade To Blue I got all of that.

Sarah thought she was an ethical researcher and person. Not one to break the rules. But she gives in to temptation and that’s where the trouble really begins. The author showed me a clear picture of how this could happen to Sarah. Why she did what she did and thought the ends justified the means. But what comes next is something else entirely. This is where Sarah’s true colors show and she uses that talent for seeking answers to solve her own dilemma. I enjoyed how she thought out different scenarios, sometimes acting too quickly and trying again and again.

The opening scene had quite the hook and the plot rolled out quickly .I had to know how it ended and read the book straight through. A very satisfying ending and I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author.

4 STARS

 

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Book Description:

Will Dr. Brenalen’s unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s, or will it be used for bioterrorism?

Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah’s brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.

Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn’t count on is that two can play this game.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads
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Author Guest Post:
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Fade to Blue trims down and gets a new ending

My first version of Fade to Blue featured a 37-year-old man who’s diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. I liked the eighty pages I’d written about him, but realized his saga was a diversion from the main story. I deleted his character altogether (a year’s worth of writing), came up with a new motivation for Dr. Sarah Brenalen to create an Alzheimer’s drug, and finished another version of my novel. It was time to solicit a critique.

I called author/editor Leslie Schwartz and asked her to give Fade to Blue a read. She agreed. I printed out the 327 pages, sent them to her, and waited with bated breath.

Leslie called me two weeks later.

“Did you like it?” I asked.

“When I finished reading it, I was so mad I threw the entire manuscript against a wall,” she replied.

I took that as a “no.”

“Sarah dies halfway through the book! And it has a dystopian ending. You can’t do that. She has to survive and beat the bastards.”

“Thrillers don’t require a happy ending,” I countered.
We debated for twenty minutes, neither of us budging an inch.

Just before ending the call, Leslie said, “I don’t understand why you hate Sarah.”

I was incredulous. “What are you talking about? I really like Sarah.”

“Then why do you want her to die?”

Her question shook me. I had no answer, and realized I didn’t want Sarah to die. “But . . . for her to survive and beat Marcel, I’ll have to rewrite a hundred and fifty pages of the book.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Do it!”

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Meet Author Hank Scheer:

Hank Scheer’s writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, “Hey, let’s write a short story.” They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.

At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person’s brain.

Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.

It doesn’t involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.

Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.

connect with the author: website ~ goodreads

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FADE TO BLUE by Hank Scheer Book Tour 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.

Rewrites Of The Heart by Terry Newman ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 30, 2023 in comedy, giveaways, Guest Post, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
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Rewrites of the Heart

by Terry Newman

Genre: Paranormal Romantic Comedy

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JJ Spritely, romance author, writes characters that jump off the page. Figuratively, that is. She never expects them to make a literal leap smack dab into her world. But Alex Zurich and Blake Teesdale do just that. And they’re on a mission to help JJ write her own personal love story with a man she recently met, Kennedy King Cooper.

A history professor, Cooper doesn’t see the value of romance novels and he has even less regard for those who write them. Until he meets a woman who haunts his thoughts.

There’s only one small snag in Alex’s and Blake’s plan…okay…two rather large snags. JJ wants nothing to do with Cooper. The other snag? Alex and Blake aren’t able to return to the pages of their own book.

Will JJ and Cooper write their own love story? And will Alex and Blake find their way back to their own world?

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Amazon * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

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What makes a good story?

 

A story lives or dies by its characters. There seems to be an age-old debate about whether a novel is plot-driven or character-driven. Without three-dimensional likeable characters, there isn’t a story. If the reader doesn’t like your hero, whether it’s a romance or a mystery, then they won’t care about what happens to them. The plot doesn’t matter.

 

But the best stories, I believe, are those that have a cast of likeable, well-rounded characters. If you can write supporting characters who the readers cheer when they enter a scene, then you’ve got a great story.

 

What are you currently reading?

 

I just finished reading The Love Hypothesis, and Love on the Brain, both by Ali Hazelwood. If you love romantic comedies, then you’ll want to grab up these books. I love her writing style. I’ve also recently finished Boyfriend Material, and Husband Material by Alexis Hall. I highly recommend them both.

 

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

 

I can’t believe I had to think about this. It would be a coffee scent. Of course. Everyone in all my books drinks coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. (And you thought I was going to say something romantic, like rose petals.)

 

What did you edit out of this book?

I edited several chapters from other characters’ points of view. I was so into creating all my friends, that I wanted each one to have a say in the book. I gave Deb Dilley, the history department secretary, a couple of chapters. I also gave the department chair, Dr. Thomas Chare, several chapters. They are both wonderful supporting characters with personalities of their own.

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Two things you should know about me: I have an offbeat sense of humor and characters are constantly talking to me, trying to get me to tell their stories. Other than that, I’m a normal person.

I’ve spent most of my adult life writing in some fashion, from small-town reporter, to editor-in-chief and ghostwriter for a national natural health publishing firm. The last decade and a half I’ve worked as a freelance writer, penning ebooks that range from starting a doula services business to Native American herbs.

I’ve finally took the plunge to fiction after pushing oh, so many doubts aside. My first novel with The Wild Rose Press, Heartquake, won a 4.5 crowned heart review with Ind’tale Magazine.

All my books are set in fictional towns in northeast Ohio, where I grew up, and I write about things I love—like coffee.

I have a daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandpuppy and live in North Lima, a real town in northeast Ohio with all my characters. Yes, it does get crowded.

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Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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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.

The Way Home Saga by Bobbi Groover ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 13, 2023 in giveaways, Guest Post, historical romance
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Inside the Grey

The Way Home Saga Book 3

by Bobbi Groover

Genre: Historical Romance

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Brayden Wakefield is quickly losing faith that hostilities between the states will end peaceably. He and his neighbors, Fletcher Stedman and Royce Carlyle, seems to be in the minority in their belief that a war would not end in a few months. They know any clash would be long and brutal. But their loyalty to one another supplants their reluctance, and they are drawn into the politics and atrocities of war to save their kidnapped comrade, Caleb Jenkins.

Nothing is as it seems, however. The gentlemen, turned raiders, squirrel behind enemy lines. Brayden uncovers lies and intrigue on both sides but as he and his fellow raiders execute their audacious plan, as they torch the layers of the conspiracy, Brayden finds love hidden among the ashes.

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Goodreads

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The Inn at Little Bend

The Way Home Saga Book 2

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A DAZZLING BEAUTY…
In antebellum America, life for an abandoned woman was difficult at best. But when young Grayson escapes her sadistic guardian, she finds freedom just as hostile. The lonesome, starving wanderer flees straight into the path of vicious marauders. Only one thing keeps the rustlers from violating the curvaceous, dark-haired beauty but the punishment they intend to mete out for her crimes borders on insanity.

A SURLY COWBOY…
Not far away a lone rover hears the screams, yet continues down the road. He wants nothing more of life than to be left alone. He has his own debts to account for. Once a headstrong irresistible rakehell, the drifter had bolted, shuttered his heart and retreated deep within himself. But now the wafting agony tears at him–his own and the wails of another. Swearing under his breath, he whirls the horse around.

A SIMPLE INN…
Grayson Ridge struggles to survive her fated trials and conceal the secrets that plague her. Her exploits collide with the life of Drake Somerset, a scraggly yet oddly dashing drifter besieged by dark shadows. Neither realizes their chance encounter could free them both. Their wrangling ignites a turbulent journey and sets their worlds on fire.

2012 First Place in the Published Beacon Awards (Historical Category)

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.Season of the Shadow

The Way Home Saga Book 1

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It was a time of chivalry and grace but also a time of turmoil in antebellum America. Fletcher Stedman is the crown prince of Virginia’s famous Seabrook Plantation. The handsome rakehell is a man of dreams with headstrong passions and an ingenious mind. Suddenly his dreams are shattered and his life ripped from him by a jealous cousin, and Fletcher is put to the test fighting for his life and his sanity.Kyndee Brock always dreams of marrying her handsome Fletcher–her kindred spirit and dearest love. One day, however, Fletcher mysteriously disappears. Kyndee must spend the next decade defying fate, following her heart to reunite them and recapture the love that they had been denied.

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How to find time to write as a parent.

I can’t say I have a set schedule for writing. I have a set schedule for riding and that is truly where the ideas flow. There’s something about the rocking of my horse’s gait that takes me back to another time and another place.  Once the inspiration hits and the characters become real in my head, I can write for hours or days.

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Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins of the story?

When I say my characters become real people, I really mean it.  They wake me up at night.  I can see them sitting across the room, and they blab until I ask them to kindly disappear so I can get some sleep.  When they refuse, I sneak into my studio and, like a court reporter, record everything they are saying.  I must admit most times they are heading me in the right direction.

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What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

Since the mid 1800’s is the timeframe for all my romances, many years ago my mother and I took the dog and travelled to the states where the scenes happened. We visited county seats and perused old newspapers, walked historical areas and graveyards. Of course, with the internet today, all that traveling and reading can be accomplished with the slash of a keystroke (although not half as much fun). Sometimes I can’t achieve the feel of some scenes from the internet though.  For example, I had a fire scene to write and I visited the local fire marshall. Once I had convinced him that I was not an arsonist and really did write romance (and he and the other firemen stopped laughing), we had a great discussion of how the fire scene could be accomplished with accuracy.  As I left, I heard him telling the other firemen I was definitely going to be dinner conversation with his wife that night.  I just smiled.

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What is your writing process?  For instance do you do an outline first?  Do you do the chapters first?

Every writer has their own unique writing process. I search the public domain and find pictures of what my hero and heroine look like in my head.  Then I frame their faces and place the frames on my desk as I write.  When I am in the hero’s head, I stare at the heroine’s face and vice versa. For me this helps the dialogue flow naturally. I write down a general idea of how the plot will move forward from beginning to end, but I must say I do not rigidly adhere to an outline, not do I write the chapters consecutively.  The reason for this is because once my characters come alive in my head, scenes have a tendency to change.  For example, as I wrote my first romance, Season of the Shadow, I knew exactly what would happen when the hero entered the barn.  However, when he arrived I was shocked at how the hero and heroine had rearranged the scene.  I liked what they had done and  wrote the scene their way.  Hearing about this 3am occurrence, my husband often taps my shoulder while I write and asks, “Anybody talking to you yet?”

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Advice you would give new authors.

Storylines can spring from anywhere…a song on the radio, a conversation at a dinner party, or the view from a ski lift chair.  Best advice I could give is…just write.  Write for yourself.  Write for the sheer joy of creating something from nothing.  Remember, as the writer, you are omnipotent and that’s a powerful feeling.  When you are feeling sad, use that emotion to write sad scenes.  Do the same with happiness.  Those emotions will flow into your words and make scenes truly believable.  Write the ideas that pop into your head.  Don’t worry about the grammar or the spelling or searching for just the right word.  All those things will come later.  Don’t allow any of those things to stop the flow of ideas because, at least for me, if I don’t scribble the ideas I lose them and many times they don’t come back.  Then I’m left saying, “What was that thought I had? Geez…and it was such a good idea.”  Keep pencil and paper by your bed for those magical ‘ah hah’ moments when your characters come alive and tell you how they want their story written.  In the car or on my horse I simply use my voice recorder.  Just scribble whenever the ideas flow and, before long, those ramblings will take shape.

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Fun Facts/Behind the Scenes/Did You Know?

Before pen to paper…Inside The Grey…This novel was composed entirely on horseback.  The ideas flowed, and I bounced portions of the plot with my fellow riders as we galloped through the fields.  Jumping fences dressed in our finery to keep up with thirty hounds on the scent, transported us back in time. When I returned to present day, I simply wrote about my day in the past.

Before pen to paper…The Inn At Little Bend…Within one year I lost three people I loved dearly, and I retreated to my studio.  It seemed only there could I make sense of things and force the capricious fates to bend to my will.  Drake and Grayson are struggling with their own losses, searching for the realization that they, too, can survive the anguish.

Before pen to paper… Season of The Shadow…I was recovering from a serious neck and head injury when these characters came to life.  I have since learned to compensate but the injury severely affected my inner ear and my balance for years.  Fletcher’s affliction intrudes on his life as it did mine.  Other parts of the storyline are based on actual happenings in my life as are the surroundings.  My grandmother’s home (since demolished) had been built by a bootlegger with hidden compartments, peepholes, and tunnels leading to the river.  The home’s uniqueness was our parents’ nightmare but a child’s delight.

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What can we expect from you in the future?

A new story is on the computer with the working title, ‘TruDeceit.’ The blurb is on my website.

www.Bobbiscorner.com   Readers will recognize several previous characters entering and exiting as the time frame has progressed twenty years into the late 1860’s.  The beginning chapter has been written, and I know the general plotline. However I am still searching for images to frame so my new hero (Rafe) and new heroine (yet to be named) can develop into real people.   Once that happens, the three of us will be off and running.

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I’m a wife, a mother, a writer and an equestrienne. I’ve been composing stories as long as I can remember and have been putting stories to paper ever since I could hold a pencil. I have a vivid memory from age five where I sat alone in the stall of my father’s horse and traced the hood prints in the dirt. An entire story swirled about in my head…who, what, where, when? My family often grew weary of my constant ramblings about my characters. As a result, my drawers were stuffed with stories, finished and unfinished. It wasn’t until my two wonderful boys were born that I finally had the nerve to submit my first book. Fun In The Yellow Pages, a juvenile coming of age novel, was my first publication. It was well received and actually utilized in several school districts. I even had the compliment of being ‘visiting author’ which was very enjoyable. The students constantly asked me to write a sequel.

I actually switched to romance writing on a dare from my husband. I completed Season Of The Shadow. The characters were so popular that they wormed their way into my second romance, The Inn At Little Bend, and played key roles in my latest romance, Inside The Grey. Each romance can stand alone, but my readers will recognize several characters.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 11, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Guest Post
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Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder

A Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Book 1

by Joyce Proell and Brenda Whiteside

Genre: Cozy Mystery

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It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

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Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning.

Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer.

Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate Chief Detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third murder?

**NEW RELEASE!!**

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A Cozy Mystery Setting

by Brenda Whiteside

 

The inspiration for the setting of Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder is a real-life historical western town, Prescott, Arizona, and a decades old hotel called the Hassayampa Inn. What fun it’s been having the Martini Sisters frequent this colorful spot. The names have been changed to protect the not so innocent. Here’s a peek into where the murder and mayhem happen with the sisters solving the capers.

 

WYATT, ARIZONA, formerly Juniper until 1880, is located at the base of the Bradshaw Mountains, two hours north of Phoenix, and named for Wyatt Earp who frequented the historical Azul Restaurant and Saloon located inside the Dulce Inn. The town hall sits in the middle of the town square. The dated building displays white pillars and dozens of steps. Festivals and art fairs are held in the town square. The town has a slight old west feel with turn of the century buildings. Arizonans don’t consider Wyatt high desert because it is lush with ponderosa pine and juniper. Gold Creek runs through the west side of town two blocks from the town square. After a rain, you might actually be able to pan small gold nuggets.

 

THE DULCE INN, a 150-year-old establishment, is situated on Dry Gulch Avenue, the main road through town, and is across the street from the town square. The inn is ranked as the oldest and classiest boutique hotel in Wyatt, Arizona. Brass and glass double doors enter off the street. Rich jewel colors of gold, deep sage green, burgundy, rust, and purple can be seen throughout the lobby, restaurant, and saloon. On the thick ceiling beams, gold and deep sage green are gilded in an interlaced pattern.  Painted wall murals echo images of nearby rugged mountains, and tall, arched doors lead to a pretty patio and garden. The hotel resonates taste and southwestern charm. Leather chesterfields in the center of the room, invite you to curl with a cup of coffee in hand, while the soft glow from the brass Stiffle lamps on the end tables toss light across the open book in your lap. Above the enormous fireplace, a pastoral desert painting looms large over the oak mantel. A huge block of carved oak forms the reservation desk.

 

THE AZUL RESTAURANT AND SALOON is located within the Dulce Inn. The one great room is divided by a half-wall topped with a glass partition to separate the dining tables from the bar. The effect allows both sections their own ambience and patrons seated at the bar to enjoy the beautiful stained-glass windows on the far side of the restaurant as well as the stamped copper ceiling from the 1800s. In the restaurant, gold-colored cloths cover the tables with chairs covered in a striped pattern of gold, burgundy, and rust. Wait staff wear black slacks and sage green tailored button-down shirts.

 

That’s just a taste of where murder, mayhem, and amateur sleuthing happens for the lively and enjoyable Chocolate Martini Sisters. Come join them there and enjoy the rest of the setting:

*Semi-secluded patio attached to the inn, with a decorative Japanese maple tree, cedar, lounge chairs, a pergola covered with wisteria vines and a black iron bench for sitting

*The police station dating back to the early 1900s

* Jen’s Java Café, Peace Out Bookstore, and Murder & Mayhem Bookstore

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**Coming Soon September 2023!!**

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Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers.

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Brenda Whiteside is the award-winning author of romantic suspense, romance, and cozy mystery. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have settled in Central Arizona. They admit to being gypsies at heart and won’t discount the possibility of another move. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW fishes, Brenda writes.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * 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.

The Adventures Of Winston The Pig: Meet Winston ~ Guest Post And Giveaway

Posted: March 1, 2023 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, giveaways, Guest Post
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The Adventures of Winston the Pig: Meet Winston

Written by Sarah Ambrosia Mulleneaux

Illustrated by Nadiya Lobanova

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

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Winston the pig is not like the other animals where he lives. He has big red glasses and loves eating more than almost anything. He also has a habit of getting into trouble. Join Winston on the first of many adventures as he tries to find his place in the world and learns some valuable lessons along the way.

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How did you decide to become an author?

I always loved to read even as a kid. I would make up stories for my siblings and sometimes would even do plays. I just have always thought it would be neat to write a children’s book. Felt that I needed to.

 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I sort of have an obsession with the movie Dirty Dancing. I have different anniversary dvd versions and have gone to see the movie in the theater when they bring it back. I have even been to the resort where most of the movie was filmed. When a song plays from the movie I could tell you what scene that is. I love Patrick Swayze!

 

What’s something really interesting that has happened to you?

I recently was part of a reality tv show. I went for filming in January. I then got invited back for another season and I go for filming for that in June of this year. It is a reality entrepreneurship docu series. I run a pooper scooper business with my twin boys called The Poop Fairy.

 

How do you find time to write as a parent?

Luckily my boys are now 22 so that makes it easier to write. Its difficult to find time writing when I work full time as a nurse still and run a business with my sons. I have a rotating day off during the week from nursing and that is when I can sit down surrounded by my dogs and write. I am also a fast typer so makes it easier to write. I am better at expressing myself on paper.

 

What did you enjoy most about writng this book?

The thing I enjoyed most about writing this book is that it is based on my real life potbelly pig named Winston. Kids get to learn some facts about pigs that they may have not known before. I was a lot like Winston when I was younger. I was really shy and had a hard time making friends. I can relate to Winston because of that and I think kids will also. What helped me make friends was finding something I was good at. First it was tetherball and then it was basketball. I feel that being good at something it was easier to make friends. Winston is really good with his nose. Probably his greatest asset and it helped him to fit in.

 

Tell a little about Winston. What makes him tick, his love of food and how he uses that to cope with his feelings.

I got Winston from a mutual facebook friend when he was just a couple months old. I always wanted a pig. There is no such thing as a mini pig. If you see one they have probably been starved. For this reason the pig sanctuaries are full because people think they stay little. Pigs are also very smart and very stubborn. They are very routine animals. Winston has his own toddler bed at the foot of my bed that he sleeps in with a bunch of blankets that he likes to root in first. On the mornings that I work and he hears me brushing my teeth he will usually go outside through the dog door and go potty. Then he knows its going to be breakfast time. He usually throws a fit by making noises while I am preparing the food because Im not preparing it fast enough. When I leave for work he stays in his kennel that he gets in once I get some cheerios in my hand. Winston loves music. He will wag his tail when music comes on that he likes. He loves belly rubs and his back being scratched with a back scratcher. He likes to eat anything that I am eating. This is how I know he does not like bell peppers and black olives and more recently limes. He will try anything though.

 

Have you written anything else that is not published?

I used to write poems so those would be really the only other things i have written that haven’t been published.

 

What kind of research do you do before writing?

For this book I had researched facts about pigs. I did this research when I first got Winston. Googled everything.

 

What inspired you to write this book/series?

What inspired me to write this series was that Winston was always getting in trouble for something. Mostly it was tearing his beds up. I could not find a bed that he would not tear up with his nose. He has also put holes in my walls with that nose of his. He was not happy that I was gone at work and that the dogs took over his kennel. I now lock him in his kennel and he has behaved since for the most part. Someone had told me i should start a blog so at first I did. I then met Nadyia the illustrator and we agreed to do a children’s book together. Winston was the perfect character. I plan on writing many more adventures with Winston and introducing my other pets into the books. The next book I was going to introduce my Frenchie Owen and maybe my other three dogs. Owen used to bring me large rocks from out in the dog run. He thought they would make good chew toys. In the next book Owen’s dad is a rock collector and Owen wants to take one of his dad’s best rocks for show and tell but he tells him no. In the book Winston helps Owen and they both learn a lesson along the way.

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Sarah lives in Arizona with her husband, kids, and menagerie of pets including Winston the pig. She is a surgical nurse who loves writing and has enjoyed working on this book with her friend and colleague, Nadiya. She and her two sons also run a pooper scooper business called The Poop Fairy.

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Nadiya Lobanova is a medical and scientific illustrator with a surgical nursing background. Due to her wide interest in other fields, she is also keen on creating illustrations for children’s books and thus teamed up with Sarah to visualize a wonderful story in hopes of bringing a bit more kindness to this world through a growing generation.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Fact and Fiction ~ Guest Post by Author Justin M. Kiska

Posted: February 27, 2023 in Guest Post, Mystery
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Fact & Fiction

by Justin M. Kiska

Fact & Fiction by Justin M. Kiska

February 13 – March 10, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

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Synopsis:

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Parker City, Autumn 1984…

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As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather starts turning cooler in the historic city in the heart of Western Maryland, Parker City Police Detectives Ben Winters and Tommy Mason are called to Saint Paul’s where the recently installed Father Roland Taylor, who has become very popular in the community, has been found dead in his office at the church. By all appearances it seems to be a tragic case of a break-in gone wrong. Only twenty-four hours later, the detectives find themselves at the home of the city’s well-known morning radio show DJ, Morning Mike Moran, who also seems to have been the victim of a robbery gone wrong. Coincidence? Neither Ben nor Tommy believe in coincidences. But at first glance, it seems to be just that. Until they find that the victims shared a common interest and begin an investigation that leads them to uncover a secret Parker City has been hiding for over one hundred and twenty years.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Police Procedural

Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: February 2023 Number of Pages: 330 Series: Parker City Mysteries, Book 3 | Each is a Stand Alone

Book Links: Amazon

Enjoy this peek inside:
The best laid plans, Ben thought to himself as he parked in front of Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church on Braddock Street. His hope of getting a few extra hours of sleep after spending the last several nights out late on a stakeout was shattered just a little after eight in the morning. The ringing of the telephone entwined seamlessly with his dream of being a concert violinist making his debut at Carnegie Hall. Something he could not in any way understand because he couldn’t play any instrument, let alone the violin. It wasn’t until the conductor in his dream started to tell him to leave his name and number after the beep that he realized he was hearing his own voice on the message answering machine. With bleary eyes, he crossed out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, grabbing the telephone just as Shirley, one of the PCPD’s dispatchers, was about to hang up. “Hello. Hello?” he answered, trying to shake away the mental cobwebs. “Hey, sweetie,” Shirley said with her slight southern drawl. “Sorry to wake you.” “I wasn’t…I mean, I…” “It’s okay, sugar. I heard you and Tommy were out late. But you got ‘em, so it’s all good.” “Yeah. We did. What’s going on?” “I’m afraid you’re going to have to catch up on your sleep some other time, dumplin’. You need to get over to Saint Paul’s. Patrol is reporting a break-in and Father Taylor was found D.O.A.” That was all Ben needed to hear. The words were like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. He showered, skipped shaving–not that anyone would be able to tell with his baby face–and headed out the door. Just as he was stepping out of the car in front of the church, Tommy’s Bronco pulled up next to him. Rolling down the window, from behind a pair of what looked like extra dark sunglasses, Tommy asked, “Please tell me I didn’t hear Shirley right?” “A break-in and possible homicide?” “Yeah.” “You heard her right.” “Dammit.” Tommy did a quick U-turn and parked across the street. Getting out of the truck, he fumbled around in the back seat, finally pulling out a rumpled corduroy sport coat. Pulling it on over his wrinkled shirt, he noticed his partner giving him the once over as he crossed the road to meet him on the sidewalk. “This is the best you’re gonna’ get today,” Tommy said pulling his badge out of his pocket and clipping it to the lapel of his jacket. “Hell, you’re lucky I put pants on. But I know how much you like me to dress up for crime scenes.” It was true, Ben was always wearing a suit. He thought it helped to project a certain amount of authority while working a case. Considering he only looked like he was barely in his twenties when he was now thirty, it also helped him to look a little older. Truth be told, Ben could be wearing ripped up jeans and a leather biker’s jacket and he would still look like the boy next door. He was the poster child for what a stand-up Boy Scout should look like. Tommy, on the other hand, would love to wear a leather jacket and jeans every day. He preferred comfort when it came to his attire. The reverse of Ben was true for Tommy. Even if he would show up wearing an expensive three-piece suit from a fancy story on New York’s Fifth Avenue, he’d still come off as a bad boy. The kind of guy all the girls fell for but would never take home to meet their mother. Mostly out of fear that their mothers would also fall for him. “Any other details?” Tommy asked as he checked his Tom Selleck-style mustache in the side mirror of Ben’s car. “I just got here myself.” “I thought we were going to be able to take it easy after we picked up that dipshit last night. I mean, come on. We can’t even get a few hours of sleep!” “Our burden is heavy,” Ben said, wondering if his sarcasm got through. “The only thing that could make this morning any worse…” “You mean other than finding the dead body of a popular priest?” “You know what I mean…” Tommy said putting his hands up in his defense, “…is if the responding officer is…dammit.” Ben turned to see Officer Buck LuCoco lumber out of the door to the church offices. A very large man, neither Ben nor Tommy understood how LuCoco was still on patrol. The fact he’d been with the department since the ‘50s and never been promoted beyond a patrol officer didn’t surprise either of them. He was one of the PCPD’s old guard that did absolutely as little as possible, while doing just enough to not be fired for complete dereliction of duty. Tommy thought he was a lazy slob. Ben couldn’t argue. The only thing LuCoco had going for him was his institutional knowledge of the city. He’d been around long enough to know a little about everyone and everything. “Be nice,” Ben said to his partner through gritted teeth as LuCoco waddled his way to them. “Good morning, Buck.” The officer grunted a response as he wiped his face with a handkerchief, finally saying, “It’s not a good morning for Father Taylor.” “There was a break-in?” Ben asked. “Yeah. One of the secretaries got here about seven-forty-five. She found the front door unlocked and thought Taylor already opened up for the day. Then she found the door to the priest’s office smashed and him dead. Now, I’m no expert, but I’ve been around long enough to know what a robbery-gone-wrong looks like. Whoever broke in here musta gotten caught by Taylor then they offed him.” “Not being an expert, what makes you think that?” Tommy asked, barely containing the mockery. “Well, there’s a pretty good hole in the priest’s head that looks like it coulda been caused by the heavy candlestick with blood on it lying next to him, smartass.” “Alright,” Ben said in a tone that let both men know they needed to cool it. “Where’s the secretary now?” “She’s in with Thompson.” Ben knew Tommy was thinking the same thing he was. If Thompson had also responded, he’d have secured the scene using the protocols they’d been trying to get all of the patrol officers to use. He was one of the officers in the department who understood the importance of the new techniques being employed at a crime scene, and therefore the need to preserve a scene’s integrity. Unlike LuCoco and the guys who’d complained when Ben and Tommy had been promoted who thought if you couldn’t see a clue with your bare eyes, it wasn’t there. “We’re going to head in and take a look around. Buck, will you radio in and have them roll the Crime Scene Unit and let the coroner know they have a pick-up?” “Your wish is my command, Detective.” “Hey. That’s Detective-Sergeant, remember,” Tommy corrected. “Remember, he outranks you in this department.” Watching LuCoco head for his squad car, Ben said, “You really don’t need to do that.” “What?” Tommy asked innocently. “Throw my rank around. Sometimes I think you care more about it than I do.” “Well, he needs to respect your stripes,” Tommy said in his defense. “And…I just don’t like him. I’m always afraid he’s going to have a heart attack and drop dead right in front of us. Then we’ll have so much paperwork to fill out. Seriously? Do you think he even knows what a salad is?” Sometimes Ben needed to play the role of a stern father. “Okay. I get it. You have very strong feelings about him. But that’s enough now. If someone really did kill Roland Taylor, we’ve already got a big problem on our hands. I don’t need you starting another one with LuCoco.” “Fine,” Tommy said, doing his best impression of a petulant child. “I’ll behave myself. Your wish is my command, Detective-Sergeant.” *** Excerpt from Fact & Fiction by Justin M. Kiska. Copyright 2023 by Justin M. Kiska. Reproduced with permission from Justin M. Kiska. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Justin M. Kiska:
Justin M. Kiska

When not sitting in his library devising new and clever ways to kill people (for his mysteries), Justin can usually be found at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, outside of Washington, DC, where he is one of the owners and producers. In addition to writing the Parker City Mysteries Series – which includes, NOW & THEN, VICE & VIRTUE, and FACT & FICTION – he is also the mastermind behind Marquee Mysteries, a series of interactive mystery events he has been writing and producing for over fifteen years. Justin and his wife, Jessica, live along Lake Linganore outside of Frederick, Maryland.

Catch Up With Our Author: JustinKiska.com Goodreads BookBub – @JMKiska Instagram – @JMKiska Twitter – @JustinKiska Facebook – @JMKiska

 

 

Tour Participants:

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The Key To Circus-Mom Highway by Allyson Rice ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: February 15, 2023 in giveaways, Guest Post, reviews
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Book Details:

Book Title:  The Key to Circus-Mom Highway by Allyson Rice
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  270 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Publisher: The Total Human Press
Release date:   Jan 3, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 + M because one of the characters swears a lot, and she drops some f-bombs. Also, there are short flashback scenes that reveal the mom’s history and it includes rape (not graphically depicted in the novel)

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My Review

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Okay, I confess. The cover for this book was the first thing that hooked me into wanting to read it. Then I read the description. What a cast of characters. And the locale. The southern states. That’s my stomping ground.

So, I opened the book and started reading. And before I new it I was half way through. It was getting really late and I shrugged. Already up too late, might as well see how it ends. What a hoot this was. I really enjoyed the characters, and their back and forth dialogue was spot on. Felt so real and familiar, like I recognized them. Have you ever read a book and thought you’d seen the movie? That’s how well the author showed me her story. And my funny bone got tickled often.

This book was not only a week long crazy road trip for the characters. It was a TRIP to read!

5 STARS

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Book Description:

In an attempt to secure an unexpected inheritance—and hopefully find a few answers—two estranged sisters and their newly discovered brother embark on a comically surreal trip through the Deep South to retrace the life of the mother who abandoned them as infants.

On a Tuesday afternoon, sisters Jesse Chasen and Jennifer McMahon receive a phone call notifying them that their birth mother has died, leaving behind a significant inheritance. But in order to obtain it, they must follow a detailed road trip she designed for them to get to know her—and that includes finding a brother they never knew existed.

For the next week, this ill-assorted trio treks across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to meet their mother’s old friends, from circus performers to a juke joint owner, each of whom delivers a shocking vignette into the life of a young mother traumatized by loss and abuse. Along the way, these three siblings—Jesse, whose fiery exterior disguises a wounded, drifting musician stuck in a rut; Jennifer, whose carefully curated family life is threatened by her husband’s infidelity; and Jack, whose enigmatic Jackie, Oh! persona in the New Orleans drag queen scene helps him escape the nightmares of Afghanistan that haunt him at night—must confront their own demons (and at least one alligator). But in chasing the truth about their real mother, they may all just find their second chance.

​This uproarious debut novel is a reminder that sometimes, the family you’d never have chosen may turn out to be exactly what you need.

Buy the Book:
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add to goodreads
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Guest Post

What do I hope readers take away from my novel?

Heartbreak and Humor: Life is a Layered Experience

Here’s what I hope that readers will take away from my novel The Key to Circus-Mom Highway.” The novel is about family, forgiveness, and the absurdity of the world we live in. Even when serious themes are at play, there are also humorous things all around to keep you laughing if you pay attention (in the book, as in life). That’s an important takeaway because life itself is a layered experience. We might be experiencing great challenges, difficult setbacks, and heartbreaking loss. But… there is also beauty around us at all times; and ridiculous, humorous things; and people who care about us.

A few of the life themes that I explore in the book, layered throughout the ongoing string of humorous events, are 1) how our first impressions of people aren’t always the most accurate, and how those impressions–especially negative ones–can change as we get to know that person better; 2) how, even with people who initially seem very different from us, we can find common ground as human beings; 3) how we put up defensive walls to protect ourselves after we’ve been hurt, and how those walls often keep out the people who love us and who might be trying to help us; 4) how we don’t have to be ruled by our past experiences and the things that have hurt us–we can decide at any moment to start anew and be a phoenix rising from the ashes; 5) how things in our lives can change in a heartbeat–our relationships, our external circumstances, etc.–and we can choose to allow our habitual reactions to change as well; and 6) when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with others and change our perceptions and take down our defensive walls, we actually feel less alone in the world because we can feel the love and support that surrounds us.

The biggest thing I hope that people take away from the book when they read that final page and put it down is a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and hopeful about the potential second chances in their own life.

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Meet the Author:

Allyson Rice is a writer, mixed media artist, and a producer with Atomic Focus Entertainment, currently splitting her time between Los Angeles, CA, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. She’s a graduate of Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. After spending many years as an actress on stage and on television, she left acting and spent the next decade running yoga/meditation retreats, women’s retreats, and creativity retreats around the country. After that, she pivoted to focus on her own creative work. In addition to her writing and art, she’s also a photographer.

Some random bits of Allyson trivia:

  1. She’s been skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, ziplining through a rainforest, and scuba diving with stingrays;
  2. she has an extensive PEZ dispenser collection;
  3. she played Connor Walsh on As the World Turns for seven years;
  4. she’s been in the Oval Office at the White House after hours;
  5. she’s related to the Hatfields of the infamous Hatfield/McCoy feud; and
  6. her comedic rap music video “Fine, I’ll Write My Own Damn Song” won numerous awards in the film festival circuit. 


Also available from Allyson is her line of women’s coloring books (The Color of Joy, Dancing with Life, and Wonderland), and The Creative Prosperity PlayDeck, an inspirational card deck about unlocking and utilizing your creative energy in the world. They’re available on www.Allyson-Wonderland.com.

She’s currently at work on her second novel and her fourth women’s coloring book.

Also, anyone who signs up for Allyson’s periodic author newsletter on her website will be entered in a drawing to have a character in her next novel named after them, and a free book will be given away in each newsletter to a subscriber!

Connect with the author: website ~ Allyson Wonderland ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

 
Enter the Giveaway:

The Key to Circus-Mom Highway by Allyson Rice Book Tour 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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