Wednesday, November 8, 2017

The Ghost Chronicles by Marlo Berliner - Spotlight/Excerpt

 
On Tour with Prism Book Tours


The Ghost Chronicles 2
by Marlo Berliner
Young Adult Paranormal
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 17th 2017 by Teddy Blue Books

**If you love ghost stories and the paranormal, then THE GHOST CHRONICLES series is the perfect new read for you!**

What's there to fear if you're already dead?
Plenty.
Michael and Sarah now know for certain, there is a destination after death.
They also know they better find their way out of the afterlife fast, before the devil claims Michael's soul.
What they don't know?
Before they can get to heaven...
they may just have to go through hell.

*Inspired by the legend of a haunting at the famous Angel of the Sea bed and breakfast in Cape May, NJ*

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Excerpt

Michael and Sarah usually spent the early morning hours in the parlor, before the sun came up and the guests started moving about.
Restless for some reason, he had come down first today. He loved the early morning stillness of the Angel of the Sea before everyone awoke. His favorite thing to do was to sit on the porch outside, just gazing at the ocean across the street.
Sarah had lingered upstairs for a moment or two while she made her usual morning rounds and checked in on the guests. It was one of her old habits, so he left her to it.
A few minutes later, she came rushing down from the second floor and into the parlor.
“I thought I saw some dark shadows through a window upstairs,” she said hurriedly, twisting her hands. “They were moving around the back of the house near the bike racks.”
Steeling his courage, he began to draw in energy from every source in the room. “I’ll take a look. Go back up to the bedroom and stay there until I tell you it’s safe to come out,” he commanded.
Without another word, she darted back up the staircase.
Preparing to defend Sarah and the Angel of the Sea, he flew outside circling the perimeter of the house, but no demons seemed to be in sight. Oddly, he didn’t sense their presence either. After two or three more passes he decided all was well and there was no threat.
Ghosting back into Sarah’s bedroom, he skidded to a sudden stop.


Other Books in the Series

The Ghost Chronicles
by Marlo Berliner
Young Adult Paranormal
Paperback & ebook, 298 Pages
November 17th 2015 by Teddy Blue Books

Can Michael get to heaven before the devil gets him first, and if it means leaving Sarah is he sure he still wants to go?

Michael Andrews had everything – a loving family, a great girlfriend and a promising basketball career. That was before the accident that took his life. Now, he’s a ghost, wandering among the living, struggling to understand why he’s stuck. All he wants is to move on.

That is until he meets Sarah, an attractive young girl who died just as tragically as he did. The only trouble is falling in love and binding oneself to another soul is forbidden, for it may keep one or both of the souls bound to earth for longer than they should be.

To make matters worse, there’s also a danger in going too far with Sarah, because the “joining” of two souls in the afterlife is also strictly forbidden and they don’t know what will happen if they do go that far. Each time they touch they can feel the boundaries of their energies slipping perilously into one another.

Things get even more complicated as Michael learns he’s being pursued. Demons are after him because he’s a marked soul, a soul the devil wants very badly for some unknown reason.

So, maybe falling in love in the afterlife isn’t such a good idea.


About the Author


Marlo Berliner is the award-winning author of THE GHOST CHRONICLES, her debut book which was released in November 2015 to critical acclaim. Marlo writes young adult, women’s fiction, and short stories. Marlo is represented by Eric Ruben of The Ruben Agency.

When she's not writing or editing, Marlo loves reading, relaxing at the beach, watching movies, and rooting for the Penn State Nittany Lions. After having spent some wonderful time in Pittsburgh and Houston, she’s now back in her home state of New Jersey where she resides with her husband, two sons, and a rambunctious puppy named Max.


Tour Schedule

October 30th: LaunchHarlie's Books & Mythical Books
October 31st: Wishful Endings
November 1st: 100 Pages A Day
November 2nd: Beck Valley Books
November 3rd: Mello & June, It's a Book Thang!
November 6th: Mel's Shelves
November 7th: Colorimetry
November 8th: Min Reads and Reviews
November 9th: Brooke Blogs
November 9th: The Bookworm Chronicles
November 10th: Bookworm Lisa
November 11th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$20 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends November 15th

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Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Romancing the Singer by Cami Checketts -- Spotlight



Two superstars, two lonely hearts, and the storm that tears them apart.
Don't miss this Return to Snow Valley Romance by bestselling inspirational author, Cami Checketts.

Daisy Castleton hasn’t been home since she won Singing with the Stars and a huge recording contract, but where else do you escape from the tabloid sharks when you discover you have throat cancer? Daisy wants nothing more than to disappear as she faces the fact that she may never sing again. Between family issues and an impossible to ignore attraction to her childhood hero, Daisy can’t catch a break. After all, how do you stop yourself from falling in love with the perfect guy?  

Jamison Hall came home to Snow Valley after a successful career in the European Basketball Association. When he literally runs Daisy off a hiking trail with his horse, he discovers a connection and love he’d never imagined. But Daisy is like a beautiful fairy: always out of reach and afraid even the best of men will burn her wings. 
Can they survive a snow storm and the media storm, together?

Snow Valley Romances by Cami Checketts
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


Monday, November 6, 2017

Forgotten Carols -- Spotlight/Giveaway


I have seen The Forgotten Carols many times and each time I am touched by the special story and its message and how it brings me into the spirit of Christmas.

Q & A with Michael McLean:

1. What is your favorite Forgotten Carol scene?
I have so many scenes in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS that are “favorites” for a variety of reasons.  But I’m surprised, performance after performance, how often something touches me differently and teaches me something that I’ve missed in performances past.  It’s the gift of doing this show for 26 years.  I keep learning things, understanding things, and feeling things that bring me closer to the One Christmas is all about…the One who we remember…It’s about remembering what’s been “forgotten” when it comes to the meaning of Christmas. 
2. Do you have a favorite snack you enjoy while traveling to each tour city? 
I'm a diabetic, so this is sort of a trick question.  I crave chocolate cake donuts, but have to eat Kind Bars.  That’s the reality, but the truth is, I cheat sometimes…and take a little bit more insulin to make up for it.  Don’t tell anybody :)



3. What do you enjoy most when you’re on the road performing? 

The older I get the more exhausting it is to be traveling from place to place…but the joy of that travel when it’s with people I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pieces.  The cast and the crew make it a joy beyond measure.  


4.       During the last song when the audience is hand-in-hand singing, what emotions do you feel from the stage? 

When the encore segment of The Forgotten Carols happens, I find myself focusing on the meaning of “together forever”.   Is it something that we hope will happen someday, somewhere down the road, or is it something we can feel right now, this moment?  Some nights I feel like I should sing a different lyric for families that can’t buy in to the idea of an eternal connection, for whatever reasons, and the appropriate lyric for them would be, “We can be together, whatever, today”.  Some nights, thinking about my own family and the challenges we face, those words are a great comfort and a celebration of now.  I believe that what happens to me, and many people who attend The Forgotten Carols, is that together in that moment, we feel the love and peace and comfort that comes at Christmas time to remind us that we are never alone, and the One whose birth we celebrate is ALWAYS with us.   Here’s a news flash for you, my blogger friends.  I’M ADDING A NEW CAROL TO THE SHOW THIS YEAR that I think will shine a beautiful light on that thought.  Hope y’all come and hear me sing it!!!



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Saving Shadow by Laura Beers

Saving Shadow

Author: Laura Beers

Publisher: Phase Publishing

Published: Sept. 1, 2017

ISBN13: 9781943048366

250 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ebook copy from the author, all views and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Born with a perfect memory, Lady Elizabeth Beckett has become one of the world's most notorious spies, despite being the daughter of a duke. She is shielded only by her code name: Shadow. When young ladies of High Society begin disappearing from London, Eliza has no doubt who is orchestrating these crimes; a heinous man she has been investigating for years. Vowing to save them before they are sold to the highest bidder, she must risk everything to stop him.

Lord Sinclair was perfectly content being the second son of a marquess, but when his brother is murdered, he is thrust into a position he has not been prepared for and does not desire. As an agent for the Crown, he is expected to retire now that he is the heir, but he's been granted special permission for one more mission... to obtain justice for his murdered brother.

Used to keeping secrets, Lady Eliza and Lord Sinclair must learn to open up to each other when they are assigned as partners to bring down the same ruthless man and his brutal empire of abduction and slavery. As Eliza's tainted past becomes too much for her to bear alone, can she learn to trust her new partner with her secrets, her life, and possibly her heart?
 


My Review

Saving Shadow by Laura Beers is an exciting and adventurous read.  The good guys (and gals!) are heroic and the bad guys are very awful.  I thought the premise of the book was very intriguing and different from other "regency" books I have read.  Eliza is a fascinating character.  She is strong, brave and awfully good with a knife.  I enjoyed her charm and how amazingly smart she was.  Benedict and Jonathon were also fabulous characters too.  Mr. Larson was an instant favorite.  At times, I felt the pacing was off just a bit and some of the language didn't seem correct for the time.  Eliza's relationship with Benedict was a wonderful change for her, as he helped her through a difficult time.  He is perfect for her, and she is the same for him.  I enjoyed the banter between Eliza and Benedict, however, I felt it stopped the story from progressing to more action, but it did help the characters get to know each other well.  I was glad that some additional time passed between when they met and after they declared their affection for each other, as their courtship moved quickly. 

4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to the next book!

Author Links

Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon ebook / Amazon paperback / Barnes and Noble
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Not an Ordinary Baronet by G.G. Vandagriff -- Kindle Scout nomination

Author G. G. Vandagriff's new book Not an Ordinary Baronet is up for nomination on Kindle Scout.

Enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post! Be sure to nominate before entering!

Nominate it here!



Regency romance meets gripping suspense in Not an Ordinary Baronet

One morning, along the wild Dorset coast, Sir Bertie is bewitched by Lady Catherine Redmayne. Smugglers intervene. Soon her life is in danger, and Bertie feels compelled to protect her. In addition to being fearful for her life, she is also recovering from recent heartbreak and scandal. Initially, she believes Bertie to be the menace. First he must convince her of his innocence, then uncover the real threat. Will she yield her injured heart to him? There are forces at work to separate them, and after all, he is only an ordinary baronet and she is a marquess’s daughter.

Nominate it here!







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Monday, October 30, 2017

Timeless Romance Anthology: Happily Ever After Collection -- Giveaway

Timeless Romance Anthology: Happily Ever After Collection

Authors: Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, Annette Lyon

Published: October 24th, 2017

ebook: 300 pages

FTC FYI: I received a review copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Six brand new fairy tale romance novellas by Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, and Annette Lyon.

MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: Elise flees her small kingdom and arrives in the New World with only her two trunks and seven swans—her seven brothers to be exact. But Elise will do anything to get her brothers away from their cruel stepmother’s curse, even if it means accepting the long-distance marriage proposal to a former count turned farmer. 

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: When Isa meets Thomas Rumple, she is quickly infatuated with his good looks and natural charm, until she learns his true identity. Due to a wild claim by her insufferable father, Isa’s life is threatened by the king if she can’t spin a room full of straw into gold, and Thomas may be the only one who can save her. 

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: Deep in the heart of a mysterious forest, Gretel trades her freedom to save her beloved father from the spell of an evil enchantress. Even attempting to escape would cost her father his life. Gretel’s determination to fulfill her promise wavers when she meets Hansel, a young man who captures her heart. For, she loves him too dearly to put his life in danger, and he loves her too much to simply leave her to her fate.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: Rós is desperate to find work in order to care for her ailing father and younger sisters. She applies to the mysterious owner of a crumbling castle and is soon swept up in dark secrets. Unsure if the owner of the castle is man or beast, Rós determines to help him at all cost. She soon discovers that the cost may be too great, even for her.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: When Scarlet needs to fetch a healing tonic on the night when the wolves are at their most dangerous, she has no choice but to apply to her nemesis, August, for help. He agrees to help her, but they encounter a pack of wolves that put up a fierce fight, marking Scarlet as their newly targeted prey. 

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: Stella knows she’s taking a risk each time she meets Patrick in the rose garden that they’ve cultivated together. And no matter how much her mother will disapprove of their relationship, Stella can’t deny her feelings for him. When the Snow Queen steals away Patrick to drain him of his powers of creating beauty and life, Stella must decide what she’s willing to risk to rescue him.

My Review

Fairy tale retellings are my favorite books to read and six of them written by some of my favorite authors, makes this book even more wonderful. All six books are written well and are very enjoyable. When I started reading each story, I felt the stories and characters were well established and I was able to follow the stories with ease. I instantly was drawn into each story and thoroughly enjoyed each author’s take on these classic fairy tale stories. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite, as each novella was so well done. I loved each one for the unique and creative stories they were. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Author links are available on the author's story description

Purchase Link

Amazon

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Sunday, October 29, 2017

Support Your Local Sheriff by Melinda Curtis -- Grand Finale Spotlight

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Support Your Local Sheriff
By Melinda Curtis

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

This is my 10th trip to Harmony Valley. Support Your Local Sheriff pits tall, dark and quiet Sheriff Nate Landry against community activist Doris Schlotzky and the sister of the woman he almost married, Julie Smith, who shows up in town with the toddler son Nate didn’t know existed.


“Ladies and gentlemen,” Doris said in her high-pitched, grating voice. “We should be proud of many things in our community. The wonderful festivals we have. The resurgence of new businesses. And the low crime rate. But that isn’t good enough.”

Not good enough? The little black rain cloud over Nate’s head sucked the oxygen from the old church.

“In this age of police misconduct, the people need a voice.” Doris had a death grip on the podium.

Nate thought it might be his death she planned.

Hearts & Scribbles - Support Your Local Sheriff

My mom had a huge crush on James Garner. Why? Why not!

James Garner was handsome as all get-out. He was a versatile leading man, able to play serious roles as well as ones drawing on humor and heart. And he took on acting roles on both the big screen and the small one. He was immensely popular from the 1950s to the 1970s, and just when my mom was lamenting his so-called retirement, in 1984 he returned to the big screen in an older man-younger woman film called Murphy’s Romance. And when he played the older lead in The Notebook in 2004, my mom was thrilled. She loved that he was drawn to play honorable characters doing what was right in hard situations.

I can mark the years by James Garner. . .


The gray-haired residents of Harmony Valley had probably never done the wave at a sports stadium. But their heads turned in the same rippled effect to stare Nate’s way, starting from the back of the church and moving forward. Grins and coos rippled through the assembled, almost as if—
The little hand returned to Nate’s shoulder, followed by a hot-breathed “Hi.”

Mystery solved. Residents were doing the neck-craning wave to watch an angelic toddler putting on a show behind Nate.

When Nate turned his head, he received another gentle forehead bump. “You’re an awesome little dude.” Nate ruffled the boy’s hair.

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - In Defense of Colorful Wedding Dresses

I admit, I wore white at my wedding. But that doesn’t mean I’m not open to admiring women who wear colorful wedding dresses.

It takes chutzpah to wear something other than white or cream. Honestly, sometimes I get a wild hair and try on orange jeans. I haven’t bought a pair yet. I know I’m not bold enough to do so. I respect anyone who can comfortably pull this off.


"This is a slow building romance. The sparks don't really jump off the page but the story has a gentle pull that kept me engaged and interested. There are all kinds of meddling, crazy and quirky characters thrown into this book. Combine that with the small town antics and you will be shaking your head and rolling your eyes, just like me. It was a lot of fun."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“Hello, Nate.” Julie Smith put nearly three years of disdain and disappointment in those two words.

“Julie.” Nate shot to his feet, steady as always, guarded as always. If Nate was the sheriff, he was off duty. He wore a brown checkered shirt and blue jeans, not a service uniform.

Duke was balanced on her thighs, his small hard-soled sneakers digging in for purchase as he reached for Nate once more.

Couldn’t Duke loathe Nate as much as Julie did?

Paulette's Papers - The Story Behind the Story

Readers often ask writers where they get their story ideas. I like to tell people my story ideas often come from one person I know, have met, have seen on television, or have read about. For example:

I once asked my assistant what her biggest frustration was in dating and she told me autocorrect. Her stories about texting faux pas led to the plot line of Always A Bridesmaid. . . .


“Flynn,” Nate said. “This is Julie, my…”

And there it was. That awkwardness Julie had been waiting years for.

She pounced. “I’m the sister of Nate’s ex-fiancée.”

Flynn slid a questioning look Nate’s way.

Her moment had arrived. Julie stood, scooping Duke to her hip with her left arm. “Didn’t Nate tell you he was engaged? He left my sister at the altar.” That wasn’t all he’d left, but Julie didn’t want to waste all her ammunition on the first volley.


"Duke has a cute personality. Been a little while since I have visited Harmony Valley, love the residents of the town, a good series. I have read several in the series and plan to read more."


Julie’s aim was off. Nothing was ruffling him. Nothing was satisfying her need for revenge. She’d have to hunker down for the long haul. She’d never been good at the long game, at chess or Monopoly. This time, the stakes were higher than bragging rights or a pile of paper money. This time, she had to be patient.

“Want Mama.” Duke collapsed against Julie’s shoulder, his forehead pile-driving into the only tender spot on her body.

Her sharp intake of breath caused Nate to dip his head and stare at her more closely. She smoothed her expression into her game face, determined that he only see what she wanted him to see—a strong woman who despised him.



“You got married.” Nate’s gaze was gentle.

Julie didn’t want his gentleness. She wanted his anger. She wanted to argue and shout, and have him argue and shout back. “You think I’m married because…”

A small crease appeared between Nate’s brows, only for a moment. “Well… This little guy…”

A surge of satisfaction shored up sagging dreams of revenge. “You think a woman has to be married to have a child?”


"Sweet, sassy and romantic, Support Your Local Sheriff is definitely going on my faves list for 2017! Colorful characters, a cozy small town setting and an adorable toddler will make you laugh and smile, while Nate and Julie’s story will leave you swooning and maybe even wiping at a few stray tears. Add this book to your TBR, my friends! And now I’m off to track down this author’s back list!"


“I’m not married,” Julie said. “And Duke isn’t my child.”

The bottom dropped out of Nate’s world and his stomach plunged to the center of the earth.

“Who…” He washed a hand over his face and planted his feet more firmly on the church planks. “Whose child is he?”

“Look at him.”

Brooke Blogs - 5 Reasons to Date Your Local Sheriff

I write small town romance. There is one consistent resident in every small town – the local sheriff. Let’s say you live in a small town with a sheriff and you’re single. Let’s say you have a dating pool of the butcher, the baker, or the sheriff. Who’re you gonna date? Here are five reasons to choose the sheriff. . .


The little boy had the Smiths’ gray eyes and wide smiling mouth. Like most kids his age, he had thin lanky legs. His sprouted from a pair of khaki shorts. The friendly sparkle to his eyes was all Smith. But the dark, unruly hair was hard to mistake as anything other than a Landry gift. And as for those ears…

Nate tugged one of his own.

The kid would grow into them.

The kid. His kid.

Becky on Books - Interview

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

Nate first appeared in Book 2 of the series. He patiently awaited his turn in Book 10. And that’s probably one of his key characteristics. He’s tall, dark and silent, keeping his past to himself. But the impetus of the story came from my former sister-in-law, Lynn. Lynn had cancer while she was dating my brother. Chemo sent her into early menopause, so they didn’t use birth control. When they broke up, she had no idea she was pregnant. In Book 4, I referenced Nate having left someone at the altar. Lynn’s story seemed the perfect backstory for Nate’s jilted bride.

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

Support Your Local Sheriff
(Harmony Valley #10)
by Melinda Curtis
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will he pass the daddy test?

With his job in jeopardy, it couldn't be a worse time for Sheriff Nate Landry's recent past to come back to haunt him. But it would take an army to stop SWAT team leader Julie Smith. The fellow cop—and sister of his ex-fiancée—wants one thing from the beleaguered lawman: custody of the toddler son that Nate didn't know he had.

He may not be natural daddy material, but he quickly takes a shine to little Duke. And then there are the feelings Nate's been hiding for years. Only now Julie's running for sheriff of Harmony Valley—against him. Time to retreat? Not if he wants a future with the woman he loves.

GoodreadsAmazon Amazon Paperback
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
Barnes & NobleHarlequin


About the Author


USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Melinda Curtis is the award winning author of contemporary romance that spans the sexy scale - from sweet romance to sweet romantic comedy (written under the Melinda Curtis brand) to fun, sexier romances (written under the Mel Curtis brand).

Melinda loves writing romances about women who don't realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while simultaneously capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love (because, really, who lets the man have the last word?).


Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive autographed copies of Time for Love, A Memory Away, A Man of Influence, and Marrying the Single Dad
- US Only. International will receive ecopies.
- Ends November 1st