MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wishing Ya’ll A Joyous Christmas.
May It Be Merry And Bright!
Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category
A City Full Of Santas ~ Book Blast & Giveaway
Posted: December 21, 2014 in Book Blast, Children's books, giveaways, HolidaysTags: A City Full Of Santas, Author Pooja Sardana, children's holiday book
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A City Full of Santas
Ranked as #1 BestSeller on Amazon India
This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas.
A must read for everyone.
Just like Pooja’s other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message.
A story that parents would love to read to their children.
Author Pooja Sardana
Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree.
Her books and her initiative – PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in ‘Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India” , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work.
Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.
Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook
Praise for the Book
“Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read.”
“Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa’s surprise.”
“Artwork “pops” off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children’s book that I would recommend!”
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/4/15
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.
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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hanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways click on the Southern Christmas Charm below.
Zombies and Vampires for Christmas? Reviews and Freebies!
Posted: December 18, 2014 in Freebies!, Holidays, reviews, Short stories and collections, Vampires, ZombiesTags: Author Anthony Renro, Christmas, vampires, zombies
Wishing You A Merry Southern Christmas!
I’m so excited!
Anthony Renfro is going to have all of his books available as free downloads!
I’ve read his Zombie Holiday Trilogy and I’m reviewing each story to coincide with each holiday.
You can find the link to my A Zombie Thanksgiving review further into this post.
Today I’ll be reviewing A Zombie Christmas and A Vampire At Christmas!
So check out the dates, mark your calendar or save this post, and get your books FREE!
Here’s what Anthony Renfro has to say!
I plan to start running my stories for free over the next couple of weeks. This is what I hope will be an attempt to capture some readers who need something to read over the holidays and capture readers eager to snatch up free stories for the ebook readers they get as gifts. Most of my stories are thriller and suspense like horror stories. I hope to also capture readers who are a bit run down with all the Christmas stuff and want to read something just a bit different this holiday season.
If want to you can re-blog this on to your site, like it on Facebook, Tweet it out, Google Plus it, whatever. Just get the word out for me if you can.
Feel free to drop your links to your free stories into the comment section below. I will have this post stuck to the front page of my blog for a couple of weeks, so feel free to come by anytime and leave me a link to your stories. Maybe together we can generate some buzz about the writing we so love to share with the world, and if something grabs my attention I might just put up a post about it.
Click on this link to connect with Anthony.
~~~~
Click on the covers to see the books on Amazon and get your free copies on the specified dates.
Here’s the schedule for when the Zombie Holiday Stories will be free.
A Zombie Thanksgiving: December 9 – 13
You can read my review HERE.
***
A Zombie Christmas: December 17 – 18
My Review
He waited until the zombie messed with Rudolph to take him out. No one messed with his Christmas display. The loud crack of his gun brought more and he took care of them too. Then all was quiet again.
Relaxing in his living room, enjoying the lighted Christmas tree, the silence is shattered by the doorbell. Mike can’t believe his eyes. It’s four zombie carolers, singing songs. Or grunting them. Once he quits laughing he quickly dispatches them too. Their noise would bring others.
The loud knocking on his door is welcome. He’s been waiting for Jim and Fred. He needs them if his plan is to succeed.
The plan. Fight a way through the zombies to reach the mall. There, they will grab goodies for the kids in their neighborhood. Everyone is struggling to make it through the apocalypse and the winter is brutal. A little something on Christmas morning for each child would bring smiles to their sweet faces. Would help them forget, for a time, what was happening outside.
Fred and Jim had taken some convincing, but when Mike explained his plan and they realized he’d do it alone if he had to, they were in one hundred percent.
As gruesome as this story got, it also cracked me up. Those zombie carolers were too funny. And the zombie shoppers, shuffling in and out of the mall with their packages, I could just imagine that scene, and laughed out loud. Nobody told the zombies they couldn’t have a Christmas.
I really liked Mike. He didn’t hesitate to take out the zombies yet kept his sense of humor. And by selecting the only other single men in the neighborhood, he didn’t risk leaving a family without a father and provider.
I think these three gents got as much joy as the children from their plan. It must have brought a small measure of hope and joy to them, playing Santa when the world was falling apart.
While I was writing my review, I happened to glance up at my Christmas tree, and what I saw cracked me up again. Sitting nestled on a branch was a little zombie mummy I had been given. I swear it winked at me.
5 Stars
Synopsis
In a Zombie Apocalypse, three men risk life and limb to bring happiness to surviving kids on Christmas morning.
***
My Review
The story opens in a tomb. All is calm. All is bright. The little Christmas tree in the corner casts a dazzling display reflecting off of the large coffin.
If you put your ear right up against the coffin, you might hear Jimmy Buffet singing Margaritaville. This handsome vampire loves being a vampire, loves Christmas, and is a fan of the southern artist and has been to many of his concerts. His powers enable him to fly to any location and blend into the shadows to enjoy the the shows.
He’s been waiting 364 days for this night and he grabs his bag of goodies and heads out. But first he must feed.
When he was a new vampire he killed at random. But after many years and witnessing the miracle of Christmas, the warmth and cheer of it, he became more selective. Only killing those who deserved it.
I am amazed at the power of this character with the story being just over 20 pages.
He coldly stalks and consumes his prey, yet he’s also gleeful and excited, like a child. He really gets into the Christmas spirit and spreads hope and joy. Not to his prey, of course, but to those who are in need.
I live in the south and have seen Jimmy Buffet in concert. Been to his restaurant. Met him a few times. While I was reading this story, I hummed Margaritaville and thought, this vampire would like it here.
5 Stars
Synopsis
This short story is about a Vampire who uses his riches and skills to bring joy to those in need during the Christmas season.
***
A Zombie New Year: December 12 and December 20 – 21
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A Zombie Holiday Trilogy: December 19th
***
December 7 – 8
Killer Treads
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December 9 – 10
A Haunted House Tale
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December 11 – 12
Daylight Vampires and Sunrise Werewolves
***
December 13 – 14
Terror Ride
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December 15 – 16
Evil Beach
***
And Anthony has a brand new release.
AWOL – A Character Lost
My wish has been granted. A full length story by Anthony!
Synopsis
Imagine that you are a character in a story.
You have a home.
You have a life.
You have it all.
Then suddenly you wake up alone and afraid in a cold, dark place. Somehow you find your courage and your voice. When you ask for help, words light up on a wall in the darkness. You read them and realize you are in the creative center of your author’s mind. Instead of rescuing you, the author asks you for help.
This book is about the journey of that character, as he moves from story to story desperately trying to find his home.
Click on the cover to learn more.
***
Author Anthony Renfro
Anthony Renfro lives in Apex, North Carolina. He is a reader, writer, runner, husband, father, and stay at home dad – one of the toughest jobs anyone could ever do. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee, and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro.
You can find him at many spots on the web, but if you really need to find his center in the social media storm it would be at his blog, apoetryjourney.wordpress.com.
Now reach out, just beyond the light, right into that big black space, and let him take your hand on a journey into cold dark places. You will be scared, and you may even be terrified, but in the end you might just find you liked the ride.
Find him on:
~~~
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Merry Christmas!
For all of my giveaways click on Zombie Santa below.
Merry Christmas from Anthony Renfro! All of his stories will be free!
Posted: December 7, 2014 in Freebies!, Holidays, horror, Short stories and collectionsTags: Anthony Renfro
Wishing You A Merry Southern Christmas!
I’m so excited!
Anthony Renfro is going to have all of his books available as free downloads!
I’ve read his Zombie Holiday Trilogy and I’m reviewing each story to coincide with each holiday.
You can find the link to my A Zombie Thanksgiving review further into this post.
And I’ll be reviewing A Zombie Christmas on the 18th so be sure to stop back by! There will be another short story surprise review also.
So check out the dates, mark your calendar or save this post, and get your books FREE!
Here’s what Anthony Renfro has to say!
I plan to start running my stories for free over the next couple of weeks. This is what I hope will be an attempt to capture some readers who need something to read over the holidays and capture readers eager to snatch up free stories for the ebook readers they get as gifts. Most of my stories are thriller and suspense like horror stories. I hope to also capture readers who are a bit run down with all the Christmas stuff and want to read something just a bit different this holiday season.
If want to you can re-blog this on to your site, like it on Facebook, Tweet it out, Google Plus it, whatever. Just get the word out for me if you can.
Feel free to drop your links to your free stories into the comment section below. I will have this post stuck to the front page of my blog for a couple of weeks, so feel free to come by anytime and leave me a link to your stories. Maybe together we can generate some buzz about the writing we so love to share with the world, and if something grabs my attention I might just put up a post about it.
Click on this link to connect with Anthony.
~~~~
Click on the covers to see the books on Amazon and get your free copies on the specified dates.
Here is the schedule.
December 7 – 8
Killer Treads
***
December 9 – 10
A Haunted House Tale
***
December 11 – 12
Daylight Vampires and Sunrise Werewolves
***
December 13 – 14
Terror Ride
***
December 15 – 16
Evil Beach
***
Here’s the schedule for when my Zombie Holiday Stories will be free.
A Zombie Thanksgiving: December 9 – 13
You can read my review HERE.
***
A Zombie Christmas: December 17 – 18
Catch my review on December 18th also.
***
A Zombie New Year: December 12 and December 20 – 21
***
A Zombie Holiday Trilogy: December 19th
***
Author Anthony Renfro
Anthony Renfro lives in Apex, North Carolina. He is a reader, writer, runner, husband, father, and stay at home dad – one of the toughest jobs anyone could ever do. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee, and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro.
You can find him at many spots on the web, but if you really need to find his center in the social media storm it would be at his blog, apoetryjourney.wordpress.com.
Now reach out, just beyond the light, right into that big black space, and let him take your hand on a journey into cold dark places. You will be scared, and you may even be terrified, but in the end you might just find you liked the ride.
Find him on:
~~~
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Merry Christmas!
For all of my giveaways click on Zombie Santa below.
The Claus Box Set Tour ~ Journey of a Snowman Excerpt and Giveaway
Posted: December 5, 2014 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Holidays, Science Fiction, Series, YA FantasyTags: Author Tony Bertauski, Journey of a Snowman Series, The Claus Box Set
.
A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.
The Claus Box Set
Now you can purchase all three books in the Claus Series together!
More About the Series
Claus: Legend of the Fat Man
(Claus #1)
by Tony Bertauski
YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Holiday
Paperback & ebook, 326 Pages
June 19th 2012
The Christmas story you never heard.
In the early 1800s, Nicholas, Jessica and Jon Santa attempt the first human trek to the North Pole and stumble upon an ancient race of people left over from the Ice Age. They are short, fat and hairy. They slide across the ice on scaly soles and carve their homes in the ice that floats on the Arctic Ocean. The elven are adapted to life in the extreme cold. They are as wise as they are ancient.
Their scientific advancements have yielded great inventions — time-stopping devices and gravitational spheres that build living snowmen and genetically-modified reindeer that leap great distances. They’ve even unlocked the secrets to aging. For 40,000 years, they have lived in peace.
Until now.
An elven known as The Cold One has divided his people. He’s tired of their seclusion and wants to conquer the world. Only one elven stands between The Cold
One and total chaos. He’s white-bearded and red-coated. The Santa family will help him stop The Cold One. They will come to the aid of a legendary elven
known as…Claus.
.
Jack: The Tale of Frost
(Claus #2)
by Tony Bertauski
YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Holiday
Paperback & ebook, 290 Pages
October 17th 2013
Sura is sixteen years old when she meets Mr. Frost. He’s very short and very fat and he likes his room very, very cold. Some might say inhumanly cold. His first name isn’t Jack, she’s told. And that’s all she needed to know.
Mr. Frost’s love for Christmas is over-the-top and slightly psychotic. And why not? He’s made billions of dollars off the holiday he invented. Or so he claims. Rumor is he’s an elven, but that’s silly. Elven aren’t real. And if they were, they wouldn’t live in South Carolina. They wouldn’t hide in a tower and go to the basement to make…things.
Nonetheless, Sura will work for this odd little recluse. Frost Plantation is where she’ll meet the love of her life. It’s where she’ll finally feel like she belongs somewhere. And it’s where she’ll meet someone fatter, balder and stranger than Mr. Frost. It’s where she’ll meet Jack.
Jack hates Christmas.
.
Flury: Journey of a Snowman
(Claus #3)
by Tony Bertauski
YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Holiday
Paperback & ebook, 300 Pages
November 15th 2014
Life hasn’t been kind to Oliver Toye.
As if juvenile diabetes isn’t enough, he’s forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.
But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfather’s voyage to the North Pole is revealed. That’s when the snowman appears.
Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing isn’t enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?
Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.
Enjoy this glimpse inside Flury
“You have grown.”
She doesn’t let go while looking him over: his hair, the stray whiskers on his chin, the insufficient winter clothing. She stares at the floor. His socks are loose at the ends of his frozen toes, specks of snow clinging to the fabric. Small puddles begin to bead on the polished floor.
“And how old are you?”
“Fifteen.”
She purses her lips like he just lied. “And your health?”
“Good.” That time he did. His blood sugar still isn’t right. “I’ll get the luggage.”
“Nonsense. It’s not going anywhere. You will come in and eat. Diabetics need a balanced meal.”
If his memory is correct, she’s called him “diabetic” more than she’s called him “grandson.”
She holds her hand out. Mom offers her elbow, and Grandmother takes it. They walk down the dim hallway. She’s wearing big, puffy boots but doesn’t slide them over the floor. Instead, her steps are carefully measured and silent. Dead silent.
Like outside.
Oliver quickly knocks the snow crystals off his feet and mops the water with his socks before following. The dim hallway feels like the house is swallowing him. Just past the stairway on the left is a doorway leading to the family room. A large picture window offers a panoramic view of the property. On the right side of the hallway, there’s a long table with three table settings, including a teapot.
Grandmother opens a drawer in a small table against the wall and takes out a towel. “You may join us once your mess is cleaned up, Olivah.”
His mom makes a silent apology as she guides Grandmother toward the dining table. He takes the towel to the front door and wipes up the little streaks of water. A gust of wind pushes against the door. A draft sneaks through the bottom. Oliver looks through the decorative pane of glass and sees the last wisps of snow swirling on the sidewalk.
A mess of twigs are scattered over the pavement.
He opens the door. The trees are still, and the silence is perfect. Not even the icicles hanging from the gutters are dripping.
“Close the door, Olivah. Come along.”
With damp towel in hand, he returns to the dining room for bitter tea and dry muffins in the place he’ll call home.
Temporary home.
~~~
About Tony Bertauski
.
During the day, I’m a horticulturist. While I’ve spent much of my career designing landscapes or diagnosing dying plants, I’ve always been a storyteller. My writing career began with magazine columns, landscape design textbooks, and a gardening column at the Post and Courier (Charleston, SC). However, I’ve always fancied fiction.
And I’m a big fan of plot twists.
Website – Goodreads – Facebook
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Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon gift card and the Claus Box Set ebook
Open internationally
Ends December 21st
Follow the Tour!
1 – Launch
5 – Mythical Books & fuonlyknew
7 – Hope To Read
12 – The Review Notes & Book Babble
14 – Grand Finale
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For all of my giveaways click on the Southern Christmas Charm below.
Christmas Capers ~ Holiday Book Blitz
Posted: December 2, 2014 in Blitz, Holidays, Short stories and collectionsTags: Christmas Capers, multiple authors
CYBER MONDAY December 1 – December 4, 2014
This book will only be available December 1 – January 31, 2015
If you can’t post during the initial Blitz the authors would love to
spotlight the book anytime during December and January!
19 holiday short stories by 19 New York Times, USA Today and award
winning authors!
Enjoy these tales of mystery, romance, and laughter
amid the backdrop of pine trees, gingerbread men, and Santas galore!
The perfect short bites for cozying up by the fire with a cup of
cocoa…or waiting in line at gift wrapping!
http://www.gemmahalliday.com/Halliday_Publishing/ourbooks/Christmas/
Stories include:
Rosolio Red (Franki Amato Mysteries) by Traci Andrighetti
Chasing Tinsel (Miranda Vaughn Mysteries ) by Ellie Ashe
Death of a Christmas Witch (A Crewel to be Kind Mini Mystery) by Diane Bator
Queenie Baby: Pass the Eggnog (Queenie Baby Mysteries) by Christina A. Burke
The Holiday Inside Job by Mary Jo Burke
Hard to Catch a Christmas Thief (Hard Targets) by Wendy Byrne
A Christmas Ghost & Zero Regrets (Dead by the Numbers Mysteries) by Jennifer Fischetto
Christmas Canapés & Sabotage (Culinary Competition Mysteries) by Janel Gradowski
Christmas in High Heels (High Heels Mysteries) by Gemma Halliday
Christmas Al Dente (Southern Pasta Shop Mysteries) by Jennifer L. Hart
Santa Claus, Lies, and Murder (Amber Fox Mysteries) by Sibel Hodge
A (Gingerbread) Diorama of Death (Helen Binney Mysteries) by Gin Jones
Mini Pie the Christmas Spy! (Mini Pie Mysteries) by Libby LaManna
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas (Greatest Hits Mysteries) by Leslie Langtry Ornamental Danger (Working Stiff Mysteries) by Kerri Nelson
Motion for Mistletoe (Jamie Winters Mysteries) by Kelly Rey
Christmas in Venice by Maria Grazia Swan
Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Tahoe Tessie Mysteries) by T. Sue VerSteeg
Santa’s Little Mistake by Stacey Wiedower
This link takes you to the site.
http://www.gemmahalliday.com/Halliday_Publishing/ourbooks/Christmas/.
Purchase Links
Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords
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You can still sign up to take part in this fantastic Holiday Book Blitz!!
SIGN UP HERE
Blogs Participating!
December 1
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
December 2 –
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
December 3 –
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
A Cup of Tea, A Friend, And A Book
December 4 –
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
A Zombie Thanksgiving
Posted: November 28, 2014 in apocalypse, Holidays, reviews, Short stories and collections, ZombiesTags: A Zombie Holiday Trilogy, A Zombie Thanksgiving, Author Anthony Renfro, zombies
Happy Thanksgiving ya’ll!
I have just the book for the holiday.
I was visiting my blogging sis Emily and she shared this awesome book on her blog.
Emily is also an author and she does these awesome Pay It Forward Friday posts featuring other authors. Check out her blog HERE.
I just knew I had to read it and was thrilled when she contacted the author and he got in touch with me.
I now have my very own signed print copy.
There are three stories in this book.
A Zombie Thanksgiving.
A Zombie Christmas.
A Zombie New Year.
Plus a bonus one – A Vampire At Christmas.
I knew immediately how I wanted to review these, each individually to coincide with the holidays.
First up is A Zombie Thanksgiving.
Lets get to it!
~~~
A Zombie Thanksgiving
by Anthony Renfro
My Review
They say the holidays are no longer celebrated because of the zombie apocalypse.
Try telling that to Dawn. All she wants is to bring a little bit of normalcy into their lives. To remind them they are human, that they are still alive, that there is hope.
Guns and knife in hand, Dawn sets off to the grocery store to see if she can find a turkey. I know, this sounds nuts. But people get desperate for the old days, the easy days.
As Dawn stumbles over dead bodies and crashed, abandoned vehicles, she inevitably runs across some shufflers. She takes care of them coldly, efficiently. This is the new way of life.
Meanwhile, back at the safe place, George is handed a note by another survivor in their group. It appears Dawn has left to get food. Fool girl. Doesn’t she know there are zombies out there. What is so important she’d risk this by herself?
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but somehow the author had me feeling the warmth of Thanksgiving. Even As Dawn and George fought off the ravenous zombies that want them for dinner.
Dawn’s fierce determination has me adding her to my list of top female protagonists. She’s not going to stop until she finds that bird!
And George is just as determined. Determined to find Dawn and get her safely back where she belongs. All limbs attached. I liked how his initial frustration turned to alpha male, to lover, as he set out to find her.
I had my fingers and toes crossed for these two. The ending was not set in stone just because it’s Thanksgiving. Maybe the zombies got a nice dinner. Nobody told them they don’t celebrate the holiday.
5 Stars
~~~
Stay tuned for my other reviews as each holiday approaches.
Synopsis
A short story about a woman who risks life and limb in a Zombie Apocalypse in order to keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive.
~~~
Click on the covers to get your own copies.
Author Anthony Renfro
Anthony Renfro lives in Apex, North Carolina. He is a reader, writer, runner, husband, father, and stay at home dad – one of the toughest jobs anyone could ever do. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee, and is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro.
You can find him at many spots on the web, but if you really need to find his center in the social media storm it would be at his blog, apoetryjourney.wordpress.com.
Now reach out, just beyond the light, right into that big black space, and let him take your hand on a journey into cold dark places. You will be scared, and you may even be terrified, but in the end you might just find you liked the ride.
Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
Christmas, Actually ~ Mistletoe Kisses Grand Finale Giveaway Blitz
Posted: November 23, 2014 in Book Blast, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, Holidays, RomanceTags: Christmas Actually, Holiday, multiple authors, novellas, romance
A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.
It’s the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR Grand Finale for
Christmas, Actually
By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis
Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas, where a sweet kiss takes place under the mistletoe.
Did you miss any of the excerpts, guest post, or reviews on the tour?
Feel free to go back and check out all the stops now!
Launch – Intro to the Collection
Christmas, Actually – three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!
Christy’s Cozy Corners – An Interview with Anna Adams
How was it decided that the story would take place in Christmas Town, Maine?
We were looking for a setting that spoke of the holidays, and I’d lived in Maine in a town that decorated the green for Christmas. I described it, and someone suggested Christmas Town as a name for our fictional village.
Coffee Books & Art – Excerpt
Snowflakes hit the windshield and splayed into star shapes while Bing Crosby crooned his dreams of a white Christmas. Sophie Palmer tried to sing along, but her mind was already racing up the icy interstate to Christmas Town, Maine, where the father of her unborn child now lived.
The Book Lovers’ Lounge – Christmas Town by Anna Adams
And I imagined my own broken hero, Jack Banning, watching from the sidewalk, there in the town, but watching from the boundaries because he doesn’t belong any more.
Getting Your Read On – Review
“Yeah, I really loved my time in Christmas Town with the Banning family. Each story was unique and romantic. I loved all the characters. They were real and identifiable. It is the perfect book to curl up with as the days get colder and we get closer to Christmas.”
Colorimetry – The Power of a First Kiss by Anna Adams
He’s at her house, killing time because he can’t go home and face his brother’s happiness when another friend calls to offer him an investment opportunity. Mary is leaning against George, also listening on the phone, when finally, he admits to his feelings. He takes her in his arms for a kiss he clearly doesn’t want even as he desires nothing in the whole wide world more than the hometown love of his life.
Southern Chelle – Review
“I don’t think I’ve read anything by any of these authors before, but these novellas have me falling hard for their work! I used to receive the Harlequin Heartwarming books monthly, but I didn’t have room for anymore paperback books in my house and had to give it up. I’m so glad they’ve continued these offerings!”
Kelly P’s Blog – An Interview with Anna J. Stewart
- What do you hope readers will take with them after reading your story?
There’s nothing better than a happily ever after–that’s why I write (and read) romance, but that’s kind of the easy answer. I think at its core, the story is about learning how to be open with others, to tell them how you’re really feeling about situations that are emotionally damaging them. Dean, Callie and Eliza all have to do this at some point during the story and once they do, the happily ever after is possible.
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt
“Is this a bad time?” The combination of sympathy and amusement shining in green eyes, along with the tamed Irish lilt, called to mind fields of clover dotting rolling hills. She’d spent many a night and more than a few days dreaming of traveling to the Emerald Isle. Now it seemed as if Ireland had come to her.
Shoulder-length, golden-streaked hair brushed the worn leather of the bomber jacket he wore over snug jeans, the hint of a plain white T-shirt peeking from under the collar.
The Wonderings Of One Person – Dream Cast for The Christmas Wish
There are some actors who just “hit” from the second I lay eyes on them. When looking for images of my Dean, I did not have to look much further than Chris Hemsworth.
Casting my heroines has always been problematic for me. Typically, I use another medium for inspiration (I’m a doll collector), but when I saw this picture of Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), I knew that was Callie.
Christian Chick’s Thoughts – Review
“The Christmas Date: The instant I started reading this story, I knew I was going to love it. There’s just something about those You’ve Got Mail-esque stories that I love. Nick and Gina are both so likeable, and their chemistry lept off the page. This was easily my favorite of the three stories!”
Bookworm Lisa – Review
“Each of the author’s did a great job in telling their story. I liked the descriptions and the characters.
This book is a fun way to get into the holiday season and find a little clean Christmas romance.”
fundinmental – My Top Ten Christmas Traditions by Anna J. Stewart
I LOVE Christmas time. Truly, from about Halloween on, I’m all about the tinsel, the trees and the music (why do they have to stop the Xmas carols on the 26th?!). For years now it’s just been my mom and me during the holiday season, but we’ve got our traditions…and they start early…even before we carve the Thanksgiving turkey.
Beck Valley Books – An Interview with Malinda Curtis
What’s your favorite aspect of the story?
One of my favorite aspects is Gina’s parents. They’ve tried for years to do what they thought was right and it strained their character and their relationship. This year, they rejoin the pageant and the town’s festivities in a very public way. It’s a small part of the story, but a set of vignettes that I love.
Mel’s Shelves – Review
“I loved seeing the siblings in each other’s stories and enjoyed getting to know them. These stories are quick, easy reads which are perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. I love that they’re all clean so I can recommend it to everyone! Christmas Town was a fun place to visit!”
Painted Words – Review
“But what I truly loved about this book was that it didn’t feel at all repetitive which can be a big hindrance to books like this especially if written by multiple authors. It was an absolutely beautiful story, one that I look forward to reading again next year at this time and it was the perfect way to start off the season.”
I Am A Reader – Melinda Curtis’s Favorite Treat at Christmas Time (with recipe)
My mom is a fan of Jell-o salad. At Christmas, she’d serve us a slice of Jello salad on a leaf of lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise on top. The first time Mr. Curtis had this dish, he happily took a big bite, expecting it to be whipped cream on top. Kudos to him for keeping his disappointment to himself.
Deal Sharing Aunt – Excerpt
In the wee hours of Christmas Eve morning, Gina stood at the edge of the town square and traced the deep, jagged scar that ran from her left temple to her jawline with the tip of a gloved finger, as if her touch could erase the past. The small ball of worry, the one that hadn’t let her sleep last night, expanded like bread dough in her chest, pressing against her lungs.
I should have told him.
Wishful Endings – Excerpt (4-star review here)
“Are you kidding? You’re beautiful. Why would he do that?
“You have to say that. You’re standing in my kitchen.” With me practically in your arms. Nevertheless, she hugged his words to her heart. No one had ever called her beautiful before.
JoJo’s Corner – 10 Gifts Ideas for Your Teen/Young Adult & Review
I’m a little bit anal about the holidays. I have a basic list I work from that my kids will enjoy or find useful. They’re all in college now, but that doesn’t mean they want a package of socks for Christmas. Here’s a list of 10 suggested gift giving categories for your teen/young adult…
Review: “Christmas, Actually is the perfect collection of stories to cuddle up and enjoy on a cold wintry night!”
Undercover Book Reviews – Review
“Three stories in one book, a great way to start the Christmas season off! Anna Adams takes you on three separate journeys in the life of Jack, Callie, and Gina as each tells their own story. The plot is good in each one.”
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
What a fun story! The reader is taken on a journey through Christmas Town, Maine and we get to see snippets of what makes this town special through the eyes of three different characters.
Christmas, Actually
by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis
Clean Contemporary Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!
Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.
The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:
Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child… But she doesn’t need money, she only needs him.
The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:
Callie Banning’s student has declared war on Christmas, so it’s up to her to help the little girl—and her widowed father—believe again.
The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:
Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date…and she’s in for the surprise of a lifetime!
Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – iTunes
About the Authors
Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who’ve become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!
Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest
Anna J. Stewart can’t remember a time she didn’t have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.
Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest
Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing “what if” games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say “He made her heart pound.” That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.
Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr – Pinterest
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Tour-Wide Giveaway
– Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
– US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)
– 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)
Ends November 30th
Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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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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It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
Freakin Fridays #36 ~ Santa’s Little Helper ~ Have you been naughty or nice?
Posted: October 31, 2014 in Freakin Friday, Holidays, horror, New ReleaseTags: author H.D. Gordon, Horror, New Release, Santa's Little Helper
Freakin Fridays is my own little meme. I’ll be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.
Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts.
Get your scare on!
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It’s Release Day for Santa’s Little Helper!
I’ve been waiting anxiously to tell you about this book. When the author sent me the ARC I dropped what I was reading and dove in. H.D. Gordon writing horror! I couldn’t wait!
Come on in. I dare ya!
And check out the giveaway after my review.
You could win a signed copy!
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Santa’s Little Helper
by H.D. Gordon
My Review
When H.D. told me she had a new story and did I want to read it, I was so excited. When I found out the title and what it was about, I couldn’t wait to get started. A Christmas Horror story. How cool is that!
I’ve read all of her books, and her writing is incredible so I was sure this would scare me. Be one that would make me afraid to read it at night, alone, in the dark. It takes a lot to do that, and when I find an author who can scare me that good, I want to scream from the rooftops, “This book scared me!”
Horror has always been my first love, even when I was young. Books or movies, I devour it. My DVD collection and bookshelves are overflowing with the stuff. With all of those to choose from, you’d be surprised to know that a lot of them didn’t really scare me. Sure, they have there moments, but a really good scare, not that many.
Santa’s Little Helper scared me, a lot. I think part of it was the kids. There are several of them in this story and you’ll get each of their stories as they deal with the surprise.
The surprises mysteriously appear on each of their doorsteps, nothing saying where they came from. Upon opening the white boxes, they each discover a doll, one of Santa’s elves, along with a little red book saying the doll was there to watch over them for Santa.
Right away the kids sense something’s off, wrong about the elves. They each try to get rid of it and some succeed. But they know. The doll will be back.
The terror begins quickly. The elves get to work right away, terrorizing the kids, and scaring me too. A few scenes had me pulling the covers up to my chin, with my hands peeking out to hold my kindle. My elbows were drawn in close to my sides. I was almost in a fetal position, making myself as small as possible.
Then my imagination stepped in. I put myself in their shoes. The were frustrated that the adults didn’t get it. Didn’t feel the wrongness settle into their homes. They didn’t want to come home from school, afraid of what awaited them.
There was one particular scene that reminded of the movie Legion. If you’ve seen it you’ll recall the scene where the ice cream man shows up and transforms. It was scary and the scene in this book is even more so for two young brothers.
They tried reaching out for help and that went very bad for one person. So now they each have to face a doll alone. And there’s a storm coming. Peculiar, Missouri has never seen one like this. It’s almost Christmas. Santa’s little helpers are about to get busy.
How will they fight something that can’t be killed? What do can they do when the one person who can save them doesn’t exist?
H.D. Gordon has proven she can write horror with the best of them. Don’t think because the main characters are young kids that this won’t scare you. Remember Stephen King’s IT? That one still scares me and this book will sit right next to it on my bookshelf. Where it belongs. In the “Scared the s#!t out of me section.”
5 Stars
Some of my favorite quotes from the book:
“If the Bible Belt had a buckle, Peculiar was it.”
“…it had been the only good part of the holiday, just a sprinkling of sugar on top of a poo pie.”
“Selflessness is a powerful thing if just because of its rarity, but fear is even more powerful, and in an opposite sense. It is the food of the darkness.”
And this one really hit home with me. I got it. I do this with my reviews.
“Sometimes, you’re so close to the words you can’t see the whole picture they’re forming.”
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Synopsis
He shows up in a white box, with a bright red book under his arm… He wears a jolly grin and hat, a suit with gold bells and green yarn… He watches you for Santa, or so his red book claims… But though his grin is jolly, he’s not here for fun and games…
The children have been chosen, such precious little souls they are… And may the Gods be with them, if they wish to make it very far… For Santa’s Little Helper does not say, but knows important things… He knows when you’ve been bad or good, and what monsters stalk your dreams… He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you’re awake…He’s picking out his presents…He’s got some souls to take.
Purchase Links
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The author has a giveaway on Goodreads. She’s offering two signed copies.
Click HERE to enter and Good Luck!
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Other books I’ve read by H.D. Gordon.
Click on the covers for my reviews.
The Joe Knowe Series
The Surah Stormsong Series
The Alexa Montgomery Saga
and two more in this series that I’ve read and reviews will be coming soon..
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H.D. Gordon
H. D. Gordon is the bestselling author of THE ALEXA MONTGOMERY SAGA, THE SURAH STORMSONG NOVELS and THE JOE KNOWE SERIES. She is twenty-five years old and a true lover of words. When not hanging out with her two beautiful daughters, she can be found reading, writing, or just taking in the world so that she can translate it’s beauty and wonders into the written word.
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You can follow H.D. Gordon at:
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew.
Happy Halloween!
