Showing posts with label grand finale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grand finale. Show all posts

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Pajama Party: The Story by E. C. Jackson -- grand finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Pajama Party: The Story
By E. C. Jackson

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

...Pajama Party is adapted from a play I wrote many years ago. I hope you enjoy the peek inside the lives of nine girls who stole my heart. My prayer is that they steal your heart as well.

— E. C.

Remembrancy - Review

"...the concept was great. What if we all had taken the initiative and time to evaluate our friendships and had the courage to change them for the better when we were young? . . . When the story is over, readers of all ages will be challenged to examine friendships and determine whether they are uplifting or harmful."


"Real issues are discussed and dealt with, but all is done within the context of the Bible and a Christian worldview. For that fact alone, I am eternally grateful. . . . this is a book that would definitely appeal to teenage girls, especially those from around 13-16. . . . the most important thing about the book is its message which came across quite clearly."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

Karen left the room and plodded up the stairs. She stopped outside her parents’ bedroom at the far end of the hall. Quickly knocking on the double door, she entered the room without an invitation.

 “I’m home, Mom. Diane is changing clothes in the guest bedroom.”

 Annette Duncan replaced the telephone receiver on the hook before looking up. “Good. I just talked to your grandmother. She sends her love and good wishes for your party tonight.”

amandainpa - Spotlight


Her friend leaned against her. “You know that Lisa constantly picks on me. Tonight, I’ll be stuck in this room while everyone laughs at her jokes. I think about her insults long after they stop.”

“That won’t happen this time. Lisa’s already promised to behave herself tonight.”

Surprise sprang into Diane’s eyes as she pulled away from Karen. “Oh no!” She moved across the room until she stood inside the doorway. “Why did you discuss me with Lisa? Everyone will think I cry to you for help.”

Speechless, Karen searched for the right words. She’d never seen Diane upset before. Was telling Lisa to behave herself the wrong thing to do? I was trying to make it go easier for Diane...

Splashes of Joy - Review

"If you have a teenage girl, this book would be a great read for her. Though it’s a great read for any age, teenage girls will be able to relate to what is going on with this crowd! The book is fun, entertaining, and just what you think it would be with this many girls in one house together! The characters are realistic, I felt as though I was in that house with them! I want to encourage you to check out this book for yourself, as well as any teenage girl you may know."


Oh well. Too late to tune out now. I might as well listen. Karen watched the girls lug their sleepover gear to the steps. For once, their nonstop chatter had been abandoned. But having their hands filled with stuff failed to explain their subdued behavior. Unless …

Joann broke the silence after she reached the steps. The five-six, raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty towered over the other girls. “I don’t see Angela’s or Linda’s cars. Good. I’m glad we’re the first ones here.”

“Too bad, we’re not. Diane Meredith went home with Karen after school today,” said Lisa.

Her pouty speech concerned Karen. She pressed her forehead onto the glass as she remembered her promise to Diane. Lisa was still upset about seeing Diane and Karen walking home together after school. She acted awful whenever she became angry.


"Within the first couple chapters, I was hooked. I found this quick story to be inspiring with an element of faith, hope and the power of forgiveness. . . . I recommend it, especially for preteen and young teenage readers. They would definitely relate with the characters and what they are going through. Many readers would learn some very important lessons."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

“I didn’t know that. At first, Karen seemed snooty when I met her. She’s cool. But her friends act weird. Today they were complaining because she only invited three of them tonight. Why did she include you and me but leave them out? Have they always been buddies?”

“Of the girls invited, four of us started kindergarten together. Angela was in second grade. Joann, Kathy, and Diane came to Jefferson Middle in sixth grade. The rest of the group came in seventh grade. Why are you frowning?”

“It’s because you all grew up together but barely talk to each other. I’ve only seen Diane with Karen. Their group is hard to figure out. I used to think they hated each other until I saw them away from school. I’ve spotted them around town, but Karen is never with them.”


“Well, you know how Lisa and Diane react to each other, but Lisa’s argument with Evette surprised me. I know,” she said when Sandy did a double take. “The entire scene was unbelievable to watch. There’s more to Evette than we suspected.”

 Angela raised her eyebrows. “Did Evette and Lisa argue about something specific? What set it off?”
“I told you she was a paradox.” Karen looked at her as if that comment answered the question.

 “Yeah, I had to look up the word to refresh my memory. It isn’t a word that I use every day. I don’t see how the definition fits Evette.”

JeanBookNerd - Interview

In your new book; PAJAMA PARTY: THE STORY, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it.

With a guest list certain to create conflicts and plenty of drama, the pajama party served a higher purpose than the hostess ever imagined. All Karen wanted was an opportunity to live the life she had enjoyed before seventh grade. Was it an achievable ambition? Maybe. That was the year she abandoned many true friends for some artificial ones. She’s now older and wiser, but she also has a new host of problems she’d never imagined.

Eight other girls embark on the same roller-coaster ride. From the time of their arrival, preconceived notions, false assumptions, selfishness, and self-doubt surface with each interaction. Do the girls know one another as well as each one believes? Or will they learn secrets and uncover unknown truths, even about themselves?

The stakes are high as the teens face a variety of challenges throughout the night.


Although it was freezing outside, Karen wanted to move the conversation onto the front porch. She hated that the girls were huddled in the foyer. Her mother and sister sat on the top step. They’d listened to every word so far. Annette stared at her. She probably thought about what had happened to Karen last May.

 Stop worrying about me, Mom. I’m fine. That will never happen to me again.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Pajama Party: The Story
By E. C. Jackson
YA Christian Contemporary
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
August 26th 2017 by E. C. Jackson

Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.

Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school. Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface. Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind.

Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved. This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.


About the Author


E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

A note from E. C. Jackson: “The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.


Tour Giveaway


One 1st Prize winner will receive:
- A Living Hope Paperback (the companion book to Pajama Party: The Story)
- 1 Key chain for Pajama Party: The Story
- 1 Key chain for A Living Hope

One 2nd Prize winner will receive:
- A $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends March 6, 2019

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Saturday, January 19, 2019

Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead by Brynn Chapman -- grand finale

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Here Walk the Dead
By Brynn Chapman

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

The year is 1910, and Arabella Holmes has met her lifelong dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science for the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Philadelphia. But academics and forensics were never a problem for Bella. People. Navigating people and the nuances of relationships is far more vexing than any anatomical puzzle or mystery...

Mythical Books - Review

"...the author succeeded to get my attention with the main plot but also with the romantic aspects well embedded in the general flow of the story. . . . The pace is an allegro, but there are also scenes in adante and presto tempos, depending on their nature and purpose. As the whole, they support the increasing tension that culminates in a life and death situation. Casualties? Yes. The possibility of a new chapter? Yes, and I cannot wait to read it!"

Oh Hey! Books. - Interview

Did you ever have a rough patch in writing, where nothing in the story seemed to fit or make sense?

Writing, is rough. Period. I’ve never met a writer who didn’t have periods of extreme productivity, and then periods of desolation. For me, the words are never the issue, its whatever extraneously may be happening in my life that whisks me away from my inner vortex.


"It goes deeper into the relationship between Arabella and Henry and the book is also generally a bit darker with lunatic asylums, social darwnism and shady medical practices. . . . I might add that it's also a bit refreshing seeing characters with Aspergers written in a "proper" way and not being a comic stereotype."


"I enjoyed the banter/romance between Bella and Henry, and can see readers really enjoying this! . . . I’m so happy that I read this series!"

Kimber Li - Guest Post

For Fans of the BONESEEKER SERIES, Why the wait?

BONESEEKER was released several years prior, with accolades from NY TIMES BEST SELLER Grace Burrowes, “Meticulously researched and terrific fun!” and was that years winner of the Young Adult Golden Leaf Award. Then…..several years past….

Wishful Endings - Excerpt & Review

“Frostbite can occur at zero degrees within five minutes for the first stage, which results in pain and tingling and most likely a full recovery. The second degree, the body pulls blood away from the extremities, resulting in blisters that may harden and blacken.”

 I then recall the moulages he crafted of stage-four frostbite. My heartbeat goes wild. “Find! Newton! Find!”

 He yips.

 Newton bounds out of sight, and we all stumble forward, awkwardly plowing through the gathering mounds of snow.

"HERE WALK THE DEAD is a thrilling ride as Bella and Henry try to fit into society's expectations while also trying to figure out why girls keep disappearing and where they go. Recommended to readers who enjoy gritty Gothic mysteries with sizzling romance."


A Visual Tour of Here Walk the Dead

In case you’re new to the series…here’s where we are.

Arabella Holmes—yes, daughter of that Holmes—wants to return to her job as a purveyor of abnormal science. She has temporarily been demoted to a botanist, until her love interest, Henry Watson—yes, that Watson—can help her get her less-than-professional outbursts in check. Henry is tired of his new role as doctor, tired of the lack of adventure, and tired of keeping Bella's escapades out of the papers. Five girls are missing. Gone from locked rooms in their own houses. Arabella and Henry are called upon to help solve the kidnappings, but all they unearth is more danger...


"a spellbinding adventure, with friends and fiends both old and new, embroiled in one over-arcing sinister plot. . . . Filled with thrills and chills and let's not forget about romance, fans of Sherlock Holmes will love the world this talented author has expanded upon. I adored the development of these characters and the way the plot echoed the struggles our heroes were going through. Excellently paced and rife with wit and charm, Boneseeker is a historical suspense series you will gladly sink your teeth into."


Prologue

 The Lost

 The reek of chloroform.

 I thrash, instinctively wrenching away from the stench of the cloying rag, but too late. There is a simultaneous prick and burn as a needle jabs the crook of my arm.

 I’ve had too many inhalations. I battle my eyes open.

 Two men rummage through my personal effects.

 The carriage—gone. In an instant, I am slung over one of their backs, dangling limp as a child’s rag- doll.


Oliver

I leave The Bell in Hand and stand stock-still in the middle of the road. The moon is white and full as a pearl, suspended in the black, sooty sky. I cannot go home and face my dreary one-room solitary confinement at the boarding house. Staring at the ceiling as the uninvited images of Arabella enter my weary mind.

That ruddy Englishman. He has ruined every plan I made. All I needed was time, first to befriend her. Then…

Sleep will not come, regardless, but…

Baroness Book Trove - Review & Interview

"Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead by Brynn Chapman is a compelling novel. Very different from the first one but still very Sherlock Holmesy. His daughter though is at it again and getting things done her way. . . . I am still in love with Holmes and Watson the next generation. . . . I recommend this book to fans of Sherlock. It is a good read."

What was your favorite character to write and why?

Henry and Bella have been living in my head for a very long time now…so, just like my children, I love them for different reasons.

I love Henry for his heart, his compassion, and his fearlessness under fire. And his uncompromising love for Bella, no matter what the rest of the world thinks.

I love Bella for her complexity. Her innocence, and her pain, and her courage to continue to try to connect with Henry and others she loves, despite it being nearly unnatural for her.


"This is an eerie, compelling tale. . . .The characters are diverse, intriguing and the reader will feel involved in their lives. . . . it was a very captivating tale."

"Book two of the Booneseeker is even better than the first book! . . . The added characters are [just] as diverse and interesting as those in the previous novel. . . . The tale ends solidly, leaving the reader eager for more."


"This is one suspense filled and fun read. I had to have it read in one sitting. . . . I hope there will be another book in The Boneseeker Chronicles series. I enjoy catching up with Arabella and Henry and seeing what adventure they will get into next. They are quite the pair and I love how they interact with one another. . . . I recommend Here Walk the Dead, as well as, the beginning to this series, Boneseeker. "

Colorimetry - Guest Post

WHERE ARE WE?

Setting. It matters.

As I write historicals, I do my utmost to visit if not the actual place, then a facsimile of it. There is not a substitute for experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of wherever a book takes place.

That goes for readers and well as writers. For HERE WALK THE DEAD, I toured an asylum in the state of West Virginia, twice...


"Here Walk the Dead is a wonderful follow-up to Boneseeker. . . . you are going to love Here Walk the Dead. . . . I love this story because it is super suspenseful, and much of the plot is historically accurate. . . . I highly recommend Here Walk the Dead and Boneseeker!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Here Walk the Dead
(The Boneseeker Chronicles #2)
By Brynn Chapman
Historical Romantic Suspense, Gothic
Paperback & ebook, 250 Pages
January 14th 2019 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Arabella Holmes—yes, daughter of that Holmes—wants to return to her job as a purveyor of abnormal science. She has temporarily been demoted to a botanist, until her love interest, Henry Watson—yes, that Watson—can help her get her less-than-professional outbursts in check.

Henry is tired of his new role as doctor, tired of the lack of adventure, and tired of keeping Bella's escapades out of the papers.

Five girls are missing. Gone from locked rooms in their own houses. Arabella and Henry are called upon to help solve the kidnappings, but all they unearth is more danger.

Bella ventures undercover into a lunatic asylum, where a mute woman assaults her and scrawls the chilling words—Here the dead wake. Plus, a vial of Bella's research poison has gone missing. Bella and Henry must find it, and the missing girls, before charges can be brought against her.

Praise for HERE WALK THE DEAD:

"Dark twists and turns abound in this fast-paced and riveting gothic thriller. I consumed it in one sitting!" ~USA TODAY BESTSELLER, Lea Nolan
Other Books in the Series

Boneseeker
(The Boneseeker Chronicles #1)
By Brynn Chapman
Historical Romantic Suspense, Gothic
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
January 10th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn't fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a "Boneseeker."

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

*This is a new version of a previously published edition

Praise for BONESEEKER:

Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest

"Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!"  ~Grace Burrowes, NY Times Best Selling Author

"The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored." ~Best Books Ever Blog

"The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!" ~Christy's Cozy Corners Blog

About the Author


Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love--not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger's syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society's downtrodden. In fiction, she's a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she's a descendant of the House of Stuart.


Tour Giveaway


- GRAND PRIZE: One winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card and a Print Copy of BONESEEKER
- Two winners will receive an Audiobook of BONESEEKER
- One winner will receive a Print Copy of BONESEEKER
- Open internationally
- Ends January 23, 2019

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Stuck by Samantha Durante -- Grand Finale post

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Stuck
By Samantha Durante

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I am *so* thrilled to be kicking off the Stuck (Stitch Trilogy, Book 3) tour! We’ve got lots of awesome stops planned with exclusive Stitch Trilogy content you won’t find anywhere else, plus a big giveaway to celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited conclusion of the series!...


A Tale of Three Book Covers

Even a writer has to admit that (as the saying goes!) a picture is worth a thousand words. It comes as no surprise, then, that *almost* as much thought must go into cover design as into the book itself.

When designing the covers for the Stitch Trilogy books, I had several goals in mind:
Captivate: Of course, a cover needs to get readers interested, and one of the best ways to do that is to make it pretty!

Signal: The cover’s job is also, naturally, to give readers some clues as to what is in the story by referencing the genres and major plot points.
Unify: And, finally, knowing that this was going to be a multi-book series, I needed to come up with a consistent theme that would tie each cover together.

So how did I accomplish all this? By driving my cover designer crazy, of course! :-) ...


2.) Tell us about the rest of the series.


Over the course of the trilogy, you join our protagonists as they uncover the sordid truth and dark history of their society, Paragon, a place set in a world much like our own but with some important (and chilling) differences. In fact, some members of this society are so blinded to the truth that they don’t even realize they are, in fact, living in Paragon… which is something you get to experience firsthand in Book 1. (Trying not to give away too many spoilers here!) In Book 2, we learn more about how this world came about, and in Book 3, the main characters struggle against nearly insurmountable odds to try to bring those responsible to justice. And of course, there’s some romance along the way!

Paulette's Papers - Guest Post

Playlist: Music to Go with Stuck (Stitch Trilogy, Book 3)

It’s no secret that I love words (I am, after all, a writer). But sometimes, nothing captures a feeling *quite* like a song. So without further ado, here is a selection of hand-picked songs to go with several of the most pivotal chapters of Stuck (Stitch Trilogy, Book 3):...

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Not a Bear

“But how can we continue to keep this from everyone?” Janie interjected. “It’s not right. They deserve to know!” she hissed.

 Alessa shrugged in defeat.

 Yes, she thought, just like Isaac deserves to know that his brother might still be alive – but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything about that, either, knowing the guilt would eat him alive. She at least had to be sure first. She had to know it was really Joe.


" I really liked the first two books in this series, and I waited 5 years between book 2 and this one. There was one point I know that I even reached out to the author to find out if this one was coming soon, because I needed to know what would happen next. . . . There was just so much going on in this book! . . . if you haven't started the series yet, you are the lucky one to get to start with all three of them out now. You can sit down and read them all, back to back, and get all the feelings that will come with a good series."


"I've waited a long time to read this last book in the Stitch Trilogy. I loved this series from the first book. It was so unique and had so many twists and turns that kept you reading. Guess what? Things haven't changed in this third book: It's still has so many unique things in the story line and the the twists just keep on coming. . . . If you like the Dystopian and Sci-Fi genres, you need to put the Stitch Trilogy on your To-Read list immediately."

FUONLYKNEW - Review

"There’s plenty of action, intrigue and betrayal. But there’s also bravery, romance and hope. . . . A perfect finale to a series that fueled my imagination and captured my heart."

Bri's Book Nook - Review of STITCH

"This premise for a science fiction novel is so unique, and that truly drew me in. . . . I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new upper YA or NA science fiction trilogy with a strong female main character."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Happy Pills

“Seriously, Alex?”

 Deion chuckled and shook his head at the sight of his best friend – shirtless, sweat gleaming off his abs – precisely positioned so that anyone passing by the construction site would get an eyeful of his chiseled physique.

 “First of all, it’s only 50 degrees out –”

 “58,” Alex argued, heaving another stone on top of the wall he was building for this set of Paragon’s latest drama. “That’s almost in the sixties.” He paused to swipe a dusty, rippling forearm across his brow, brushing the fringe of straight black hair from his striking, angular eyes, which were narrowed against the sun.


"It's been a privilege to follow along with Samantha Durante since this trilogy first started! I felt a little woeful as I started to read Stuck, only because I knew that this was the end of my time with these characters. After completely falling in love with the last book, I knew that this finale was going to be a rough read for me either way. It's the end of an era, really. It's been fun! . . . If you haven't started this trilogy yet, you're in for such a treat. I envy you. I really do.

Lovely Reads - Spotlight

Chapter Break - Interview

Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

There are SO MANY things I’d like people to take away from the Stitch Trilogy! First, that things aren’t black and white. Just like real life, no one in my books is infallible, and anyone can make a mistake that can really hurt other people – and this can happen on a small or very large scale, even with the noblest of intentions. Second, that anyone can make a difference. It would be easy for anyone living in that world (or any world!) to feel insignificant and powerless, but the characters work really hard and work together to make things better, and they manage to do so even against odds that seem insurmountable. Third, that inclusivity and diversity of thought are good things, especially when it comes to leadership – otherwise you’re almost certain to further exploit already marginalized groups, and foster a lot of ill-will. And finally, that love conquers all. At the end of the day, even (perhaps, especially) when the world has gone to hell, all we have is each other. Be selfless. Be brave. Be kind.


"Stuck is a phenomenal completion to a wonderfully complex, challenging, and heartfelt adventure. My heart jumped for joy when I found myself finally reading the last chapters of this brilliantly original and deeply captivating journey full of heart, hope, and love. . . . I have been looking forward to this elusive ending, and I found myself completely and totally satisfied in every way a story can offer. . . . Samantha Durante has once again left me in awe of the depth of her brilliant creativity and boundless heart."

Books & Such - Guest Post

Quiz: Where Do You Rank in Paragon Society?

Over the course of the Stitch Trilogy, we’ve gotten to know several different groups within the society of Paragon, from plucky rebels and manipulated citizens to mastermind Engineers and bloodthirsty Stuck. Where do you fall amongst these ranks? Take this quick quiz to find out!...

fundinmental - Interview & Review

1. What made you decide to be a writer?

I don’t know if it was a *decision* so much as a compulsion! I’ve always loved to write, ever since I was a kid. I got away from it for a few years in college and afterwards, but even as a software engineer, I managed to“sneak” writing into my job. So when it came time for a major life change (moving back across the country to be near my family), I knew it was a good time to see if I could shift gears and get back to doing what I’d always loved.

"If you love having your emotions ramped up to a fever pitch, if you love white knuckled reading, if you love apocalyptic/dystopian novels and are looking for an original storyline, you may want to grab the Stitch trilogy."


Style in Dystopia: 3 Ways to Style a Jumpsuit

Dystopian societies aren’t often known for their embrace of individuality and free-thinking… which unfortunately means their fashion trends tend to lean towards the sterile and conformist, at best.

But don’t let that post-apocalyptic thinking get you down! As the characters of the Stitch Trilogy show, there are lots of ways you can buck the trend and give that old standard-issue jumpsuit a fresh spin...

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Stuck
(Stitch Trilogy #3)
By Samantha Durante
YA Dystopian, SciFi
Paperback & ebook, 306 Pages
December 15, 2018

3, 2, 1… BOOM.

Things are finally looking up for the Resistance. Sure, Alessa is still processing the revelation that the best friend she’d presumed dead is miraculously alive, though far from well… And her boyfriend is being manipulated under threat of blackmail. But her quest for justice against those behind the systematic extermination of the world population is so close to victory she can taste it.

And then in a matter of seconds, everything Alessa believes in is shaken to the core. Months of preparation are obliterated. The people she cares for most are lost.

But Alessa is still standing. And Paragon must pay.

The odds are grim, but unexpected allies surface in the most unlikely of places: A new pair of citizens still under the colony’s rule who notice something amiss in the latest drama. An old adversary who realizes the error of her ways. And a veritable army of inhuman power and terrible strength, with an insatiable thirst for vengeance. The trustworthiness of each of these factions is yet to be proven, but without many other options, Alessa may have to take what she can get. Especially since the Engineers, never to be outdone, also have a few more tricks up their sleeves…

The long-awaited final installment in the riveting Stitch Trilogy, Stuck will have readers gripping their seats as Alessa and a handful of intrepid survivors usher their harrowing journey to a close, risking everything as they endeavor – once and for all – to set things right.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Samantha lives in Westchester County, New York with four of the five loves of her life – her husband, son, younger daughter, and cat – and carries her fifth love, her stillborn daughter, in her heart. An avid reader herself, Samantha’s dream is to bring the same delight to readers that other authors have brought to her life. In addition to penning novels and writing candidly about grief, she is also a sometimes freelance writer/consultant – though more often than not these days she’s on full-time mom duty! A former software engineer, Samantha said goodbye to the corporate world in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and lifelong love of writing. Learn more at www.samanthadurante.com.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 First Place Winner will receive: Signed Print Copies of All 3 Books in the Trilogy, a Limited-Edition Stitch Scarf, Bookmarks, and a $15 Amazon Gift Card
- 3 Second Place Winners will receive: eBook Copies of All 3 Books in the Trilogy for You *and* a Friend, plus a $5 Amazon Gift Card
- Open internationally
- Ends December 27th

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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid -- grand finale post

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
By Cathy McDavid

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m so thrilled it’s finally here — my first Harlequin Heartwarming! After thirty books for Harlequin Western, I made the move to Heartwarming when my line closed last year, and I couldn’t be happier. To celebrate the release of A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL, I have all kinds of exciting things planned, including a blog tour, fun interaction, and a great giveaway...


Where do you get your ideas?

Yeah, it’s a question writers get asked all the time. I wish I had something glib and interesting and fun to say in response instead of, “The internet or the news or while walking my dog,” all which happen to be the truth. That is, until recently…


HEARING WHAT SOUNDED like a hammer banging against metal, Molly O’Malley tossed the covers aside and sat bolt upright. Her sister had beaten her to the shower. Again. Now she’d be late getting downstairs—the last thing she wanted today of all days. After endless planning, preparation and backbreaking labor, Sweetheart Ranch was finally opening for business.

Molly pushed herself out of bed, excitement and nervousness replacing the fog of sleep. Grabbing her flannel robe hanging from the bedpost, she padded to the closet, every third floorboard creaking in angry protest. A single tug on the antique glass knob and the closet door glided open. Thank goodness. It just as often stuck and refused to budge.


What is it about your book that makes it stand out in this competitive genre?

I don’t think there are too many romance books with a cowboy-themed wedding ranch. At least, I haven’t seen any 😊 Neither have I come across a book with a cowboy wedding officiant for the hero. I hope that makes A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAL PROPOSAL a little unique and worth a look.


Research for A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL

Researching is part of a writer’s job. Most of the time it’s fun, we tend to write about what interests us so we find the research fascinating. It was no different for me when it came to finding interesting facts about weddings for my November release, A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL. I learned all kinds of wedding history and trivia from the wacky to the wonderful. And I actually got to use some of it in my book!...

Remembrancy - Review

"Take a type-A woman intent on making the new family wedding planning business a success and throw in an unexpected elopement of one member of said family wedding planning business and a substitute officiator with three rambunctious children, and the recipe for entertainment is delicious! Oh, and did I mention this is all during the busy holiday season?"


"I really can't seem to get enough of the cowboy and rancher romance stories lately. This story gets bonus points for taking place during the Christmas season, because I also can't get enough of the Christmas romances at this time of year. This book fit both perfectly."


 “What’s this?” With her free hand, Molly tore off the note and started reading. The next instant, her fingers went slack, and she nearly dropped the pot. “I don’t believe it!”

 “What’s wrong?” Bridget glanced up from sprinkling flour onto a rolling mat.

 “Grandma’s gone.” The words fell from Molly’s mouth in a shocked whisper.

 “Where? The café?”

 “Try the Grand Canyon and then Nevada. In Homer’s RV.” Molly gaped at her sister, alarm battling with disbelief. “They’ve eloped. They’re getting married in Reno and then taking a monthlong road trip.”

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

An Author's Print Copies

I’m lucky that my publisher sends me lots of copies of my books. Not only do I receive boxes of my current release, but I also get more boxes when my previous titles are re-released. This has happened as many as three different times, giving me multiple versions of the book. Which raises the question, what’s a person to do with all these free print book?...

E-Romance News - Excerpt

She was halfway to the girl when the arched doorway separating the parlor from the foyer and the chapel was filled by a pair of broad shoulders, a tall lanky form and a dark brown Stetson.

 Molly came to a halt. She’d seen plenty of attractive cowboys since moving to Mustang Valley, but this one in his pressed jeans and Western-cut suede coat rated right up there. The fact that he balanced a third child in his left arm, this one a toddler, diminished none of his good looks.


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is a really sweet romance with some fun characters and a cute story line. I love the idea of Sweetheart Ranch. I’m not sure I’d run a wedding venue…too much stress…but those cabins are just perfect. . . . Clean romance lovers will enjoy getting to know these characters and this charming town."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

“NO OFFENSE, BUT you don’t look like a minister.”

Owen didn’t blame Molly for doubting him. He wasn’t really a minister. And his three intent-on-misbehaving offspring were hardly aiding his image.

“I got ordained online,” he explained. “A buddy asked me to officiate his wedding a few months ago. We had this bet and, well...”

“Is that even a real thing? Getting ordained online?”

He corralled his children closer. They’d attempted to wander off in three different directions, and the room had far too many breakables for his comfort level. “I guarantee you, I can legally marry people. In Arizona, at least.”


"This is a novel centered round family and how sometimes, in order to find the tomorrow [you're] wanting most in your life - you have to be willing to take risks. Without risking your heart, you lose the chance to find someone who is your rightful match and without being willing to go outside your comfort zones - sometimes you miss opportunities for self-growth."


"This was a really cute story. . . . This book is one you don't want to pass up. It has a make you feel good story with a wonderful cast of characters. This story will hit you right in the heart. Plus you can't go wrong with the holiday season working it's magic."


"An adorably sweet family-oriented romance! She’s too uptight, he’s too lackadaisical … but together, they shine! In a story of trying to pick up the pieces of a life that hasn’t quite worked out the way you planned, two people meet and fall in love in less than ideal circumstances. . . . The characters were well developed, the plot was steady and filled with cuteness and the story was overall a joy to read!"

Splashes of Joy - Review

"...this is a sweet story, one that you will sure want to read for your own enjoyment. It takes place during the Christmas holidays so it’s a fun and exciting story to read at this time of the year. I encourage you to pick up a copy for your own entertainment!"


I Am A Reader - Guest Post

Believing in Santa Clause

Who here used to believe in Santa Clause as a child? Okay, spoiler alert, if you still do believe in him, don’t read the rest of this post 😊

When I was child, I believed in Santa Clause with an unshakeable conviction…up until I was nine years old when my mother broke the news to me. Her reasoning, she told me at the time, was she feared the other kids at school would tell me, and I’d be devastated. News flash, Mom. I was devastated anyway. Didn’t matter that you were to the one to crush my happy illusion...

Book by Book - Spotlight


"A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal by Cathy McDavid is an absolute lovely read. . . . You do not want to miss this great Christmas read."


Molly immediately brightened. “Nora! Please tell me you’re here to rescue us.”

 “What else would get me out of bed at this ungodly hour?”

 Was eight forty-five an ungodly hour? Owen wondered. Apparently for Nora it was.

 “I assume this is Homer’s great-nephew.” Removing her coat, she gave him careful consideration. “He didn’t mention you were easy on the eyes.”

 Owen grinned. “He didn’t mention you were, either.”

 Her dour countenance magically transformed into a delighted grin. “And charming to boot. I do believe this next month is going to be quite enjoyable.”


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal was a fun story. I really enjoyed the setting of the Sweetheart Ranch, a specialty wedding destination that had just opened as the book began. . . . The interactions between all of the characters in this story, including the children, felt very authentic."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Did Grandma tell you all this?”

 “She figured you’d be interested in him and wanted me to tell you.”

 “Interested in him?” Molly feigned shock as if nothing could be further from the truth. “Whatever gave her that idea?”

 The next second, Owen and his three kids strolled into the parlor. Molly went still, wishing she could disappear. How much of her and Nora’s conversation had he heard?

 The last part of it, certainly, judging by the amused expression he wore.


"A Cowboy’s Christmas Proposal is cute, endearing, witty, and sweet. Not to mention the sparks that sizzle between Molly and Owen. The chaos the author has written into this novel is palpable – throw in the holidays, a new business, the stress of weddings (sometimes more than one in a single day), three restless (and adorable) kids, and the absence of two intended key players…. not to mention the losing battle of trying desperately not to fall in love. (because who needs more chaos?) And yet, the tender moments gradually overshadow the chaos – much like in real life – and leave readers breathing a blissful sigh of relief. Looking forward to more visits to the Sweetheart Ranch!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal
(The Sweetheart Ranch #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

At a magical time of year…

Can a cowboy help falling in love?

For single dad Owen Caufield, living and working at Sweetheart Ranch for a month is the perfect change of pace. While the cowboy turned wedding officiant can now spend more time with his children, Molly O’Malley, his new boss, is less thrilled. A wedding ranch isn’t the best place for three rambunctious youngsters. But amid the chaos—and the coming holidays—it may be the best place to fall in love…


About the Author

In the third grade, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 1.2 million books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll.

An “almost” Arizona native, she’s married to her own real-life sweetheart, whom she re-met a few years ago at a high school reunion. Her grown twins are out on their own and finding their happily-ever-afters. In 2014, Cathy retired from the corporate world to write full-time. She now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting a bronc, and sweeping gals off their feet. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive their choice of two previously published Christmas stories by Cathy McDavid (print or ebook, winner's choice), a small gift bag of promo bling, a holiday ornament, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends November 23, 2018

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Sunday, January 21, 2018

Falling for a Cowboy by Karen Rock -- Grand Finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Falling for a Cowboy
By Karen Rock

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

...I hope you enjoy this inspiring come-back story brimming with romance and uplifting values that reinforce the importance of overcoming challenges through strength of will and determination, never letting limitations stop you from achieving your dreams and how friendship is the strongest foundation upon which true and lasting love is built. Other themes include: disabilities, respect, self-worth and faith.

— Karen


I Am A Reader - Excerpt
But here—here she couldn’t hide from it. In the real world, her vision blossomed into a bigger problem and she shrunk into someone incompetent, dependent, weak, a person she never wanted to be.

“I can handle a fifteen-hundred-pound stallion at fifty miles an hour. But this—I can’t deal with this. What am I supposed to do with my life?”

She’d been planning on trying out for the ERA Premier tour team again at their end-of-summer qualifiers. Now she’d never be good enough to ride with them.

Or ride at all…

The life she’d always wanted ended before it’d even started, and she had no contingency plan.


"This is a feel good, heart warming story. . . . Also reading best friends Jared and Amberley grow even closer was beautiful. I would highly recommend this one because you have the feel good story, but also the story of two feuding families going on is also intriguing."


“I’ll do it!” The rail had to be on the lowest setting, six inches above the ground. No challenge at all. She could do it blindfolded.

Or legally blind.

Amberley set her jaw, wheeled Harley away and brought him into a trot that carried her swiftly to the blurred shape of the gate. She couldn’t quite judge the height, or her proximity, just yet. Unease fluttered in her belly. How many paces to it? Time to jump?

Relying on instinct, she squeezed Harley’s sides at the right moment, but he balked. She flew over his head and landed flat on her back. At the children’s cries, she struggled to sit up, but the fall had knocked the wind out of her.


"The author’s writing flows smoothly and she has crafted a beautiful story with more complexity than most romances. A beautiful Colorado setting, feuding families, career choices, children with disabilities, and a very special horse named Harley make for a deeply satisfying read. . .

Falling for a Cowboy is a thoroughly entertaining read that touches the heart."


"I loved the name Amberley and her character. It would be so hard to lose your eyesight. The 2nd in the series and definitely a good series. Such an inspiring book with Amberley and Jared overcoming her blindness and with the horse therapy program for children with disabilities."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Amberley.” Jared breathed her name like an invocation, barely breaking their kiss.

 “Hmm?” She threaded her fingers his crisp hair, unable to open her eyes.

 His lips slid across her jaw, nibbling her earlobe. “You’re beautiful, babe.”

Babe?

 He called all of his girls babe. Especially when he couldn’t remember their names.

 Tension locked up every inch of her. She propped an eye open. Then the other. Despite her lack of vision, she could see this disastrous moment clearly. In minutes, he’d gone from treating her like a child to seducing her like one of his flings. And she was neither.

Remembrancy - Review

"In Falling for a Cowboy, Karen Rock peels back the layers of fear and helplessness that come from Amberley’s loss of sight. She also shows readers the true meaning of friendship—encouragement, and support when one is at their lowest point, standing ready to do anything to assist, pushing the right buttons to motivate from fear, and calling each other out when necessary."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

“Just because he lost his wings doesn’t mean he’s not a Pegasus anymore.” Jared helped Emily off the saddle and down the stairs.

 Emily threw her arms around Harley’s neck. “You’re a real Pegasus, Harley. You are.”

 Harley’s head bobbed in a flash of black and silver, and Amberley smiled through the tears that sprang to her eyes.

 Jared was right. Wings didn’t make a Pegasus. Working limbs, perfect eyesight…they didn’t make a human either. What we imagined and strived to be counted. Real strength rooted itself inside, where it mattered most.

I Love Romance - Review

"Amberley is the kind of heroine you hope to find, but never knew you were searching for. Jared is a walking dream that steps from a imaginative figure into real life. Falling for a Cowboy blends heartbreaking realism with courageously inspiring characters. . . . Falling for a Cowboy is phenomenally fascinating storytelling."


"I'm loving this Rocky Mountain Cowboys series! . .

I loved the inclusion of children with physical challenges as Amberley struggled to come to grips with her new challenges and the message that with the right help and love we can all do amazing things. Helping others brings joy and this book brought this out. There were lots of feel good moments to be had in this story."


Her blond brows lowered and met over the straight bridge of her nose. “I should have bought out your share.”

“Glad you didn’t.”

An exasperated noise escaped her pale lips. “I trusted you.”

“Trusting me is the smartest thing you can do, darlin’.”

“Don’t call me that!”

Her vehement tone caught him off guard. He called lots of woman darlin’. Why did she act like it meant something?

Because you mean it when you say it to her, a voice said inside him.


"Karen Rock does a really amazing job at bringing these two broken characters together in a way that gives them strength in many facets. She's a very good storyteller and I felt right at home in Carbondale, Colorado and could picture the rodeo circuit/life pretty vividly. I loved seeing more of the characters from her previous books and I can't wait to read more about this family, as each book is centered on one of the siblings."


“Amberley, please,” Jared pleaded, his voice as raw as a bruise. “I’ve got two left feet and a swollen tongue around you lately. Nothing I say or do comes out right. I don’t know if we’re coming or going, but I know I want to find out. Give me a chance.”

 He framed her face with his hands then leaned over and kissed her. Thoroughly, sweetly, wonderfully. For a moment, everything stilled: her breath, movement, her heart. The world, possibly.

 “No!” She shoved his chest.

 “No?” His eyelashes blinked rapidly, brushing against her temple.

 “It’s not that easy.” Her breathing slowly returned to normal, though her heart still pumped overtime. “You don’t get to decide when and where and how.”

 “But I thought…”

 “If you want me, you’re going to have to work for me.”



"This is the perfect story! I love the Cade family and if I could, I'd like to join them. This book has a wonderful story about overcoming hardships and roadblocks in our lives and about true friendships...

I highly recommend this book to other readers. I can't wait to read another story about the Cade family."


" It’s uplifting and inspirational to anyone who has ever felt less than. A well-built plot with many familiar characters. The storyline drug a bit in the beginning as a lot of inner thoughts were being portrayed rather than dialogue, but overall an enjoyable, uplifting read!"


“What was my time?” she gasped.

 “Wasn’t clocking you.”

 “Will you next time?”

 “So, you’re not quitting?”

 “Never!” She laughed, exhilarated, pumped with enough adrenaline to lift her right off this saddle and into the sky. “Let’s go again.”


"I was hooked from the beginning of Falling for a Cowboy and did not want to put it down until I had the whole thing read. Such a fabulous and heartwarming story. I just can not put into words how much I enjoyed it and how sad I was having to tell Amberley and Jared goodbye.

I would give it 100 stars if I could.

Highly recommended."


"...I knew this series would be fine reading the books just on there own. This is a sweet second chance story that packs an emotional punch. . .

I found this to be a sweet and touching story. I loved the characters and really liked the other Cades."


 “Sweetheart.”

 That single word sent a tremor through her skin. “Sweetheart?”

 “You don’t like darlin’.” She could feel the smile in his voice and wondered if her heart might explode in her chest.

 “You’ve never called me sweetheart before.”

 Jared’s strong hands cupped her shoulders, and he released a breath. “Plenty of times. Just not out loud.”


"Falling For a Cowboy by Karen Rock is the second book in The Rocky Mountain Cowboys series. This series is about the Cade family. You will absolutely adore them. Jared is a heartbreaker without even trying and Amberley is his strong willed best friend. This is a friends to lover romance and it is amazing."


 “Why do it?”

 “Because—because.” She hesitated, stumbling over her usual answer about winning. Competing had stopped being about scoring the top spot, she realized. It was about something bigger than that—inspiring herself and others like Dean and the rest of the Spirit Ranch kids. “Because it’s better than sitting home and wishing I’d tried.”

 “Even if you don’t win?”

 “Just giving it my best means I’ve already won,” she said, the words rushing from some deep part of her. The truth. Showing up for competitions meant she was someone, not nothing like her father would have said.

 Sorry, Daddy, but I don’t believe I’m nothing. And I don’t believe you’d think that either. You promised I’d be okay after you passed. You told me I was strong.


"It won’t take many paragraphs for you to fall in love with Falling For a Cowboy by Karen Rock. A toe-curlingly swoony cowboy. A strong heroine. Best friends to more. Adorable kids. A sweet horse. And moments to cheer proudly like any good sports-rags-to-riches story provides. Oh, and did I mention the yummy kisses? (Whew… still fanning) The Cade family continues to be entertaining and inspiring, and I think Karen Rock gets better with each new book. Excited for the next one!"

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Falling for a Cowboy
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #2)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Doesn’t he get that she’s blind?

Barrel racer Amberley James wants to join the premier rodeo circuit more than anything, but she faces the ultimate hurdle when she loses her eyesight to a rare genetic condition. All she’d ever wanted seems out of reach. Giving up is the only option…until her best friend and local hero Jared Cade steps in. The last thing she wants is Jared’s help. But his persistence at encouraging her to get back in the saddle is ridiculously annoying. And undeniably inspiring…

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Other Books in the Series

Christmas at Cade Ranch
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #1)
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
November 7th 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The Christmas they never had.

James Cade has one priority: keep the family ranch running smoothly in the wake of his younger brother's death. With Jesse's ex, Sofia Gallardo, and her young son, Javi, stranded at Cade Ranch over Christmas, this task just got a lot harder. The longer Sofia and Javi stay, the harder it is to imagine the ranch without them. James couldn't save his brother from his inner demons, but he can give his nephew a secure future. Maybe more—if he can figure out how to trust Sofia, and stop feeling like he's betraying Jesse. Because trying to stop thinking about beautiful, determined Sofia is impossible.


About the Author

In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Tumblr│Pinterest

Other Heartwarming Books by the Author


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card along with print copies of HIS KIND OF COWGIRL, A COWBOY TO KEEP, and CHRISTMAS AT CADE RANCH by Karen Rock
- US Only
- Ends January 24th

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