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Welcome to my place in the blogosphere!
feel free to explore the Flight Deck and check out my books and website.
Then fasten your seatbelts, sip a glass of something sparkling and let's chat awhile!
I hope you'll stop by again for guest authors and spotlights from time to time.

Beloved Enemy joined Starquest and Children of the Mist to continue the Destiny Trilogy and I'm thrilled to announce was shortlisted for the R.N.A. RoNA Awards 2017, awarded 2nd Runner up in the RONE Awards 2017 and was the winner in the SF/Fantasy category of the 'Best Banter Contest'.

Tuesday 12 April 2016

Tuesday's Ramblings. TRS Party Invitation

Yes, I know I usually ramble on a Monday, but  I thought I'd leave it until today
as I'm taking part in the TRS 'Stay At Home Party, commencing today.



Please pop in and say hello if you get a moment.  Apart from a 'galaxy pendant' and $6 Wild Rose Press I'm offering as a 'giveaway' there are lots of other prizes from the various authors taking part, as well as the chance to win a 
$100 Amazon Gift Card!

Monday 4 April 2016

Fibers - Book Tour and Giveaway


Fibers
by Jennifer-Crystal Johnson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Science Fiction

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Anna Reynolds is caught up in the middle of a secret interdimensional government agreement... and she doesn't even know it.

There's a medical anomaly loosely dubbed Morgellons disease afflicting a number of people. Symptoms include open sores that produce colorful string-like fibers, fatigue, and nightmarish visions of shadowy figures. No one knows where it came from. No one knows what causes it. There is no cure.

When Anna begins having nightmares and waking hallucinations of the shadow people, her uneasiness about her condition grows. Enlisting the help of her doctor and some friends, Anna is determined to find out what's really going on and why Morgellons is such a mystery.

With her health declining and doubts about whom she can trust, is Anna doomed to become a slave to her condition? Or will she and her unlikely group of would-be heroes come through, saving her... and, ultimately, the world?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

The twinkling sound of the wind chimes gave an eerie undertone to the night, the wind blowing through the trees and the darkness seeming more intense than usual. Anna wrapped her coat tightly around herself, walking briskly back toward home. She usually didn’t walk anywhere, especially at night, but she’d decided to get some fresh air and needed time to think. Walking was always good for that, even if it was a little cold and getting dark so much earlier.

Reaching into her pocket for her keys, she approached the front door. The porch light was out – she must’ve forgotten to turn it on before she left. Trying to work through feeling alone and fending off paranoia, she rummaged in her purse for her keys and retrieved them just as her foot hit something on her front porch. Of course she couldn’t see, but it sounded and felt like a box of some kind.

She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and turned on the flashlight app to see what was happening. Shining the light on her porch, she saw that it was, indeed, a box. A mystery box, she thought. As if my life couldn’t get any stranger.

She unlocked the front door and flipped the light switch, but nothing happened. Trying to juggle her phone and the box at the same time, she walked into the house, set the box down, and went into the living room to try the light there. Also nothing. Shaking her head and doing her best to quiet her thoughts, she made her way into the garage with her phone and found the breaker box. She flipped the switch and the lights came on without a problem.
ibers are getting entirely too weird around here, she thought, cautiously making her way back upstairs to her entry where the box sat. She switched off her flashlight app and stood still for a few moments, listening to see if she could hear anything to indicate that someone was in the house. She didn’t think so because her door had been locked, but she was so scared she could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Everything else was silent.

Satisfied that no one was in her house, she picked up the box and took it into her kitchen. She set it on the counter and inspected it. There was a note taped to the top of it. She unfolded it and read aloud, “Trust no one.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Jennifer-Crystal Johnson is originally from Germany, but was raised an Army brat. She has published one novella under her former last name, The Outside Girl: Perception is Reality (Publish America, 2005 - out of print as of 2013), a poetry book, Napkin Poetry (Broken Publications, 2010), and a collection of poetry, art, and prose called Strangers with Familiar Faces (Broken Publications, 2011). She's also published a collection of short creature horror stories called If You're Human Don't Open the Door (Broken Publications, 2012), a personal development book called The Ten Pillars of a Happy Relationship (Broken Publications, 2014), and a collection of more horror stories (no creatures this time, just people) called Our Capacity for Evil (Broken Publications, 2015). She has several poems and short stories published on Every Writer's Resource and has recently published a science fiction novel called Fibers, the first book in the Infiltration Trilogy. Jen owns and operates Broken Publications (www.BrokenPublications.com) and publishes an annual anthology to raise awareness about domestic violence called Soul Vomit (www.SoulVomit.com). When she isn't writing or editing, she enjoys playing games with her three kids, watching crime shows on Netflix, or reading. She lives in WA State with her three children, three cats, and a crazy puppy named Thor. You can connect with her at www.JenniferCrystalJohnson.com, @brokenpoet, or www.Facebook.com/JenniferCrystalJohnson.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday 31 March 2016

Eolyn - Spotlight and Giveaway


BLURB
In a land ravaged by civil war, the Mage King Kedehen initiates a ruthless purge of the magas. Eolyn, last daughter of the magas and sole heiress to their forbidden craft, seeks refuge in the South Woods.

When she meets the mysterious Akmael, heir to the throne of this violent realm, she embarks on a path of hope, seduction, betrayal, and war. Desire draws Eolyn toward Akmael’s dark embrace, but fate binds her to Corey of East Selen, a cunning mage whose ambition challenges the limits of love and loyalty.

Can she trust either man?

Hunted in a realm of powerful wizards and brutal deceptions, Eolyn must find her own path to freedom or she will burn on the pyre.



The Hunt for Eolyn
Eolyn lunged at Akmael, hand raised to strike him. He caught her wrist in a vice-like grip that gave pause to her fury.

In the silence that followed, Akmael measured the heat under Eolyn’s skin, the rhythm of her pulse, the condensation of her breath against the cool night air.

“Eolyn.” He did not bother to hide the note of surprised hope in his voice. “Are you jealous?”

She wrenched free of his hold. “Your magic is a disgrace! You have allowed your abilities to be twisted to foul ends. Dragon did not grant us these powers to invoke fear or take advantage of those weaker than ourselves. And our festivals are meant to celebrate the heritage of MoisehĂ©n, not to reinforce your authority, much less your sexual prowess.”

“That may be the case, but your question about the third night of Bel-Aethne…It did not arise out of concern for the proper interpretation and practice of magic. Did it?”

Eolyn cheeks flushed, but she lifted her chin. “There is no place for jealousy in a maga’s heart.”

Akmael did not let her finish. He caught her lips in his. In an instant the spark granted to them as adolescents was reignited. Akmael wrapped his arms around her, inhaling her honey and wood aroma, intertwining his fingers in her silky hair, exploring every delicate contour of her face and throat. The force of his passion pushed her back against the raw trunk of a large tree. His hands
traveled insatiable over the landscape of her body, at once familiar and new.



AUTHOR BIO



Karin Rita Gastreich writes stories of ordinary women and the extraordinary paths they choose. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where she is part of the biology faculty at Avila University. An ecologist by vocation, Karin has wandered forests and wildlands for over twenty years. Her past times include camping, hiking, music, and flamenco dance.
 In addition to The Silver Web trilogy, Karin has published short stories in World Jumping, Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, and 69 Flavors of Paranoia. She is a recipient of the Spring 2011 Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency.

Twitter: @EolynChronicles





Follow the Tour at http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/book-blast-eolyn-by-karin-rita-gastreich.html for your best chance of winning



a Rafflecopter giveaway






Wednesday 30 March 2016

SAVEN DECEPTION


Saven Deception banner

This is my stop during the book blitz for Saven: Deception (The Saven Series #1) by Siobhan Davis. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 30 March till 5 April, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

Saven: Deception is now free on all book selling sites, so make sure to grab your copy! And there's a tour wide giveaway!  I've read this book and I have to tell you it is really a great read. So what are you waiting for?

Saven DeceptionSaven: Deception (The Saven Series #1)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: December 15, 2015

Blurb:
I’ve fallen hard for an alien, but he’s harboring secrets.
Massive secrets that threaten the very essence of humanity.
How can I give him my heart when his race plans on taking my future?


Sadie Owens has been slowly dying inside. Bit by bit, piece by piece, day by day. Trapped in a life she hates, she relies on only one person—herself.

Despised by her family and betrayed by an unscrupulous government, Sadie dreams of a different life. When she is chosen to participate in the government’s new social experiment, she is ecstatic at the prospect of spending six months in Thalassic City, the shiny new city under the sea.

Immediately drawn to Logan Chandler, Sadie is captivated by the beautiful boy with the ocean-blue eyes. Logan seems to embody everything that has been forbidden, but he isn’t all he appears to be.

Confused over Logan’s true intentions and concerned when best friend Jenna starts transforming in front of her eyes, Sadie partners with newcomer Jarod in a bid to uncover the government’s real agenda. The truth is more shocking than anything she could ever have imagined.

When Sadie finally understands why the Saven walk among us, will it be too late to save her heart and the human race?

Teaser Saven Deception 
- Sadie


You can find Saven: Deception on Goodreads

You can grab your free copy of Saven Deception here:
- Amazon USA
- Amazon UK
- Amazon Canada
- Amazon Australia
- B&N
- Kobo
- iTunes

Teaser Saven Deception 
- Couple Teaser 1


SiobhanAbout the Author:
Siobhan Davis writes young adult science fiction fantasy romance books, and she is the author of the Amazon bestselling True Calling series. The first book in her new Saven series was released in December 2015.

A self-professed teenager forever–at least when it comes to books, music, and films, Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. She loves baking, shoes, bags, makeup, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).

Before pursuing a full-time writing career, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in Human Resources over the last twenty years. She resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.

You can find and contact Siobhan here:
- Website
- Blog
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Google +
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Newsletter

Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website


There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Saven: Deception. Open International. Below are the prizes you can win:
- a kindle e-reader
- The Complete Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Signed paperbacks of Saven Deception and Saven Disclosure by Siobhan Davis

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter giveaway below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Tuesday 29 March 2016

The Winners of the Release contests and Updates



Sorry not to have been around too much after the excitement of my book launch for BELOVED ENEMY a couple of weeks ago.  I fell foul of the 'dreaded lurgy' and am still coughing and not feeling quite up to scratch, but I want to thank everyone who helped me celebrate, took part in my book tour and Facebook Party and tweeted, retweeted and shared on Facebook.  I appreciate it all so much. Just one small favour - if you read Beloved Enemy, and have a moment, could you leave a few lines of a review on Amazon please, reviews really do make a difference.  I already have a few up there but some more would be really nice.  I'm really excited about this book and hope people will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Sorry this is late, but here are the winners of the various events:

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST PARTY
(A download from my backlist)
MARY PRESTON

FACEBOOK PARTY (Thanks to Goddess Fish for organising this)

Welsh Dragon Mood Rings:
RENEE ROUSSEAU
PAULA MARTIN

'Galaxy' Pendant and earring set AND $10.00 Amazon Gift Card
AMANDA AVAKIAN

LYN'S STAR CREW CONTEST
'Galaxy Pendant'
SARAH TRANTER

FIVE DAY VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR
Galaxy pendant set.
WENDY MITCHELL


Congratulations to the winners, your prizes should either have been received or are on their way.  I will be holding a few more contests over the year - I have a limited number of  'Galaxy' pendants and jewellery sets, all different.  I found these and think they are so suitable for the  Science Fiction Romance, hope you do too. This is one of them.

I have also (finally) sent out my new Newsletter.  it's been a long time since I sent out a Newsletter, and am now starting again from scratch, with my Easter editiion. I hope to send one out roughly three or four times a year from now on. I am using the Mailing List from my old Yahoo Mailing group,  which I will continue to use but I now have a new signup form  (it can also be found in the left hand colum of this blog.  



You can read my Newsletter below. Please let me know what you think and how it could be improved. I'm more than happy to feature other authors as well, if you'd like to drop me a line, and will probably include links to one or two of the reviews I've done for other authors in the next one.

https://madmimi.com/p/fddc83/preview

To finish - I hope everyone had a joyous and happy Easter holiday.  After a rather blustery few days in the UK, it really looks as if spring might be on the way now!


Wednesday 23 March 2016

Tutankhamen Speaks - Review and Spotlight

Tutankhamen Speaks

Something a bit different today - a short story about the fascinating life of the boy King Tutankhamen
written with younger readers in mind.

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Tutankhamen Speaks SERIES – The Quest Books Companion to Sons of the Sphinx AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello GENRE – Historical Fiction Ancient Civilizations PUBLICATION DATE –Jan. 2014 LENGTH – 80 pages PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator COVER ARTISTRita Toews

BOOK SYNOPSIS

2014 EVVY Merit Award for Historical Fiction from CIPA (Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.)
Long ago the old texts of ancient Egypt alluded to scrolls in which King Tut spoke to the people from beyond the tomb. Many archeologists put this down to an incorrect translation of the ancient Egyptian texts. Others swore to the accuracy of the translation. None of that mattered because the scrolls in question could not be found. Scholars labeled it a hoax, something that never existed. It was ludicrous to imagine someone speaking from the grave. They were wrong on both accounts.

BUY & TBR LINKS


EXCERPT

From his childhood:
My Grandmother
My nursemaid was Maya, but it was my Grandmother Tiye that I remember the most. She doted on me when she visited and showered me with motherly love. She appointed herself and her brother Ay as my protectors, but Grandmother was away a lot. After my father became Pharaoh, she continued to oversee the military as she did for my grandfather Amenhotep III. When I was small, she cut off a lock of her reddish-gold hair and concealed it inside of four small nesting sarcophagus coffins.
“Tutankhaten,” she said. “In the innermost sarcophagus I have placed a lock of my hair which rests underneath a solid gold statue of you. Keep the coffins safe and hidden in your room. They will protect you when I am unable to.”
I thanked her and prized such a gift, not only for protection, but because my grandmother’s gift was wonderfully made. The outer sarcophagus was made of wood; the second of plaster covered with gold leaf; the third of wood which contained the solid gold statue of myself; the fourth again of plaster covered with gold leaf and containing my grandmother’s gift.

MY REVIEW


I have always been interested in Ancient Egypt, and in particular Tutenkhamen.  This is a very short, quick and easy read. The author does the 'voice' of Tutenhamen very well and it is easy to believe that these are his own words.  We get a brief insight in the life of the young King growing up in Egypt and a fascinating glimpse of ancient Egyptian history. The story seems to have been well researched, and while I have read several other accounts of the life of Tutenhamen all of which tend to contradict each other slightly, the facts in this story seem very credible. It is an entertaining read that finishes all too soon, leaving me wanting more, and I feel there is enough here to have made a much longer tale. That is not a criticism however, I really enjoyed the story, and realise that the length is geared to young readers, rather than adults. The characters are well drawn and I don't think you necessarily have to be interested in ancient Egyptian history to enjoy it, whatever your age.  It is an ideal story to encourage younger readers to become interested in the rich history of this ancient and fascinating civilisation and its rulers, which truly comes to life under the talented pen of the author.

______________________________

AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello’s Writing Pages where I interview Childrens/Tween/MG/YA authors; and The Quest Books where I’ve teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS


AUTHOR GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon/Paypal Gift Card

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