DiAne Gates and Roped, Booger Daddy, and Giveaway

About the Book:

Thirteen-year-old Crissy Crosby chases a dream to live up to her parents’ rodeo legacy. But the rodeo championship is two months away and problems beyond her ability to solve stack and teeter like a game of Tumbling-Towers. Meanwhile rival Jodie Lea and her father, Ed Fairgate, contrive to swipe the silver buckles from Crissy’s grasp any way they can. Prejudice, anger, and dark secrets simmer in a pot of family feuds destined to boil over in a tragic nightmare at the rodeo. Will Crissy develop courage and faith to overcome the consequences of her temper? Will her dreams of buckles and titles become reality? Or will the character-building adversities of her life quash her dreams forever?

$3.99 Ebook
$12.99 Print
Buy on Amazon

DiAne says:

I always want to know what prompts an author to write a story—

A vision in the night? A flashback? Daydreaming or what?

GIVEAWAY:

DiAne will give an ecopy of Roped in a drawing of those who comment with a story idea! What dream or flashback would you like to see in print?

Drawing will be held at 5 pm Central Standard Time on Tuesday, August  14, 2018.

The Roped Series had played in the back of my mind for years while I hung a million yards of wallpaper. Hanging from a ten-foot ladder, sloshing the glue, and trimming the paper, all the while writing a story in my head. It didn’t hurt my paper-hanging-partner was a rodeo champion and I often went to rodeos with her to shoot pictures.

One such night I was perched atop a chain link fence in a field judge’s seat snapping shot after shot of bronc riding and barrel racing when the announcer’s voice gave me cause to consider… Do I really want to be here?

But his twangy Texas drawl droned, “Hold on to your seat all you little range wranglers, bull riding’s up next!”

I looked at the large mud puddle beneath me…surely no self-respecting bull would venture over here…right?

With the camera lens set just right I peered in the zoom to see Booger Daddy…that’s right Booger Daddy…same bull that Crissy Crosby rides in the first book of the series Roped…B.D. did a quick rump rustle and sent his rider flying. Next thing I realized that snot-nosed-bull glared right at me.

Yep! He pawed three times, turned on the afterburners, and headed right at me, the fence and the mud puddle!

My husband screamed, “Jump and run.”

I couldn’t move. My legs were noodles. My mouth opened to scream, but no sound came out. Seconds seemed like hours, but a pick-up man saw my peril, cut his horse around between the fence, me, and the bull. They all arrived at the mud puddle at the exact moment and an explosion of wet, sticky, black Texas mud splattered my camera lens, and left nasty little me in my white eyelet peasant blouse, skinny jeans, and boots covered.

All in a night’s work for the cowboy and bull. But a horrible nightmare for me as I wobbled down from the stand, and with husband’s help headed for the car to clean and stow my camera for the night.

At that moment I knew one of the spot lights in Roped would introduce Booger Daddy to the world.

From Roped, Chapter Twenty-eight:

“The name Steer #1801-Booger Daddy, was right beside my name. I gawked at the board and thought of the picture on my night table. No. It couldn’t be.

But I found him in the pen, and the tag in his ear read Booger Daddy, III. O great. If it weren’t for bad luck—

Snot slung from his nose and he raked his horns across the iron pipe prison. The clanking and banging sounded like a jackhammer. Our eyes met. He pawed the ground and lunged at my side of the pen. My heart skedaddled behind me. This silver-gray Brahma, who looked just like his granddaddy, was the biggest, most ornery bull of the bunch. Talk about the luck of the draw.” 

The Builders Reluctant Bride by Stacey Weeks

The Builders Reluctant Bride

Stacey Weeks

White Rose Publishing, an imprint of Pelican Book Group

Released July 2016

ebook $3.99

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

He wants a second chance. She says there's no going back. Ten years ago, a public disgrace sent Jenna Jenkins running from her hometown. Now, the success of her professional future hinges on joining her hometown church restoration project. Her partner and team leader on the job is William Scott—expert renovator, volunteer fireman, and the ex-flame who ruined her life.  William is in crisis, facing the tightening screws of personal and professional failure. When the interior designer on the church renovation project turns out to be Jenna Jenkins, William sees it as a chance to make amends. But Jenna wants nothing to do with him.  How much will William sacrifice to redeem his mistakes and prove his love? Can Jenna protect her heart this time or will William break her for good?

My Review

Reunions aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. A decade should have healed all the hurt, but once Jenna sees William, the former high school love who crushed nearly everything about her in a senior joke gone horribly wrong, it’s like reliving the whole nightmare over again. Compounded by a gruesome marriage in between, Jenna can’t seem to catch a break. Sure, she’s grown up and successful, even finally well-put-together enough to rival the former cheerleading crew who gave her grief in high school, but the victory is hollow considering the changes that have occurred in her hometown during her absence.

A boost to get her interior decorating column in national syndication drives her home to help renovate a church. On television, no less, as the builder is trying out for a reality show. Her job is the inside. And to work with the building contractor who turns out to be none other than the young man from the disastrous high school prom night now turned into a real home town hero. The ten-year cushion may have helped them step back and put their lives into perspective, but accident on accident, misunderstandings, false pride, and a potential health crisis will most likely derail any possible romantic chance they might have had unless they can slow down and really listen to each other.

Beautifully written well-developed characters and story lines drive this lovely story of getting past some really bad choices and learning how to be gracious and forgive. These people have a long way to go by story’s end. They’re not perfect, though they have a conscience and will get there. I appreciate a good tale that doesn’t sugarcoat everything. Told through the two main character’s perspectives, I occasionally felt like I was missing something when I realized time had elapsed between the opposing narrator, but that’s natural and real. Those who enjoy highly inspiration elements in a romance between hard-bitten and twice-shy people will find a lot to love about this contemporary romance set in Michigan.

About the Author

Stacey Weeks is a novelist, writer, and painter of everything. She rotates between fiction and non-fiction work, loving the unique features of each. When not writing, she is usually painting or renovating something in her home. Visit www.staceyweeks.com for more information.

In Too Deep by Stacey Weeks

In Too Deep

Stacey Weeks

White Rose, an imprint of Pelican Book Group

Released November 2017

ebook $4.99

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

Like an anchor wedged in the lake floor, Grace Stone's heart is submerged in the past. Drowning in guilt over the role she played in her father's and sister's deaths, Grace prays that launching her water survival program at Camp Moshe will properly honor their memory and enable her to move on. But success depends on Grace risking everything on the man hired to rebrand the Christian camp. Kye Campton's usual confidence wavers when his extreme sports campaign lands him in hot water with the cautious instructor and it becomes increasingly evident that Camp Moshe's fight for survival is against more than a declining economy. Will Kye be able to save the camp—and Grace—from a saboteur determined to close the camp at any cost?

My Review

Set in northern Ontario, this Canadian adventure has multiple tugs in the reader’s heartstrings. A week at camp so kids can learn how to spread wings and make new friends should definitely be on every family’s agenda. With Camp Moshe’s model of discounting fees to make it affordable for almost anyone, it should be possible…but even generosity has its limits. When the camp begins a pattern of operating in the red, the board of directors demands a change or they’ll accept one of several offers to buy up their precious lake property for development. In comes Malachi, Kye for short, Compton, boy wonder fix-it man with a reputation for turning around sagging businesses. His idea to upgrade the camp offerings with riskier activities seems to be working with better enrollment and a great staff experienced in rock climbing and trail biking. Except for the water sports director. Grace has some bugaboo about safety and caution, and when things start to unravel at camp, doesn’t hesitate to nag with “I told you so.”

The threats and “accidents” get personal. Both Kye and Grace have their futures resting on a positive program at the camp—Grace with a national program to promote water activity safety, and Kye to keep up his reputation as a genius businessman. Between a dangerous bear, malfunctioning equipment, booby-traps and fire, not to mention astronomical insurance, everyone, especially the kids, will lose if they have to close the camp. Everyone but the mastermind behind the sabotage, that is. The race is on to save camp, and for Kye and Grace to discover what’s truly important in life: their individual goals and their mutual attraction.

Alternating points of view between Kye and Grace tell their story, inner desires, and mutual goals in this charming story. Readers will be transported to their own days of experience at summer camp, or at least get a fun twist on summer romance—meddling moms and all. Lots of fun.

About the Author

Stacey Weeks is a novelist, writer, and painter of everything. She rotates between fiction and non-fiction work, loving the unique features of each. When not writing, she is usually painting or renovating something in her home. Visit www.staceyweeks.com for more information.

Toby's Troubles by Carole Brown

A new mystery in the Appleton, WV series!

released July 10, 2018
$2.99 ebook
$11.99 Print
Buy on Amazon
Book 4 in the series

About the book

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectables and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church's youth functions. But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it's just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what the thing is looking. To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he's wanted forever, but is in love with him. And he's not interested.

Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin' Life—is drawn into capturing Toby's “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby since a teenager, she's more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendences to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who's determined to ignore her love.

In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he'll stop at nothing.

My Review

Toby Gibson is sure he’s got a ghost in Undiscovered Treasures, the store he owns with his sister, who’s out of town on her honeymoon. He’s alone in the above store apartment, but as sure as he is that he’s got an unwanted visitor, he’s equally sure Detective Eddie of the Appleton Police won’t be able to help. Not until his friend Amy from the flower shop on the other side of the abandoned building between them and he start experiencing real break-ins, that is.

From the moment Toby meets a grumpy old man badgering Amy who outbid him on a piece of furniture we wanted at an auction and stole his dream of expanding into next building this fourth book in Brown’s series is like coming home to old friends.

Poor, clueless Toby, is about to get a lesson in the real meaning behind best friends. It’s a riot to watch Toby get what’s coming to him while working with his friends to unravel the mystery of dark family secrets in sunny Appleton, West Virginia.

Cleverly weaving businesses and friends from the previous stories and melding them into a new mystery, Brown makes Appleton a fun place to visit. Told from multiple perspectives with good pacing. Brown’s stories are clean and inspirational, and recommended for junior high readers and up.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole  Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband have ministered and counseled across the country. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Connect:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

New Serial Romance from Susan Baganz

Donuts and Detours

Susan Baganz

Pelican Book Group

Released May, 2018

ebook $4.99

Print $15.99

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

Cars were far easier to understand than most people . . .

Titus Rickmeyer has a servant’s heart. Mechanic and tow-truck driver he’s used to coming to the aid of damsels in distress, especially serving as part of Orchard Hill’s Garage Ministry in his spare time. So why is he suddenly suspicious of the young man fixing cars and bringing donuts to the repair shop?

Bethany Joelle Hanson has been on her own for too long. Orphaned and dumped into foster care at a young age she bounced around the system until declaring her independence at sixteen. She holds her secrets close. She wonders if God has abandoned her too. Working as an assistant baker at a local grocery store, she becomes B.J. in her off hours to work on cars at the Garage Ministry where all the guys there think she’s one of them. But something about Titus threatens her long-honed desire to hide her femininity.

The twists and turn in their relationship lead to detours on the way to the sweet taste of love.

My Review

We all see what we want to see, coming at life from our biased points of experience. Baganz’s latest addition to her series of interconnected friends and family who attend the same Milwaukee-area church just goes to prove the rule. Her story of broken people who come together and weather figuring out how to make friendship, then romance work, is a lovable read. All the stories in the series are stand-alone, with pop-in guests from the other books who play supporting roles. It is not necessary to read them in order, but you’ll be curious about how the relationships developed.

An orphan who experienced an accident and abuse resulting in physical scars, Bethany never knew more than sadness. Losing her mom and dad at a young age and then knowing only foster homes never presented a good role model for friendship or marriage. She feels unprepared for life, as well she should be after emancipating at age sixteen. Fortunately she found a precious lonely older woman who rented part of her home to Bethany. They both need each other and become close. Bethany fell back on two work experiences she learned from a too-brief stay at her one loving foster family and became a baker at a store and works on cars as a volunteer to provide an outlet for her mechanical talents. She not only hides her talents but her gender, fooling even the director of the volunteer church mechanic program—for a while. After an accident at the garage, there was no more hiding. Fortunately, the volunteers at the program were on to Bethany long before Titus, or Ty for short. When Titus and Bethany respond to their feelings for each other, they realize they have a long road ahead of them to work out their personal issues. With the help of their solid faith and new friends and family, they prove that love always conquers all.

Told in multiple points of view, Baganz’s character names can be a handful, as Bethany Joelle is the main female character’s preferred reference and Ty is a short balance. Some of the initial dialog felt a bit stiff, but smoothed out the further we got into this intriguing story. I always enjoy seeing the other characters from the series support each other. Bethany’s claim toward the end that she doesn’t need Ty, but wants him in her life, is a powerful statement that helps put the stakes of a relationship in perspective. Baganz’s former career in social work shows the heartbreak and the joy that can happen through foster care, as well as the disappointments of neglect in families who stop taking the time to care for each other.

About the Author

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Gift book for you!

Not Always a Bridesmaid contemporary romance collection

Released June 6, 2018

Books To Go Now, publisher

$3.99 ebook

Jennifer Conner

Sharon Kleve

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKV63L9 

About the Book:

The Professional Bridesmaid by Jennifer Conner

To help three co-workers coordinate their weddings, Skye Wilson must act as a bridesmaid for them. Skye dreams of becoming a wedding planner and needs to start somewhere and reluctantly agrees. Just when the wedding arrangements and her plans started going wrong, she meets Chasen Dantrell, a handsome limousine driver.

Chasen has a growing limo business. He loves his job but the long hours of waiting by himself wear on him. That is until a cute, blue-eyed bridesmaid named Skye stumbles his way.

As their two worlds become more and more entwined with each wedding they work, Skye wonders if she'll ever be a bride and would it be Chasen at the end of the aisle with a ring?

The Undecided Bride by Sharon Kleve

When Steven, the man of Bridgette North dreams, proposes she automatically says yes until her fiancé’s constant pressure for a speedy wedding has her questioning his motives and love. Now she is undecided whether she wants to marry him.

Mason is hired to trick Bridgette into marrying Steven quickly to ensure a promotion but ends up falling head-over-heels in love instead.

Can Mason explain his deceit and still win her heart?

And will Bridgette be willing to risk her heart one more time?

Red, White, and Bridesmaid by Jennifer Conner

Jess Caldwell is the third in line to wear the mistletoe headband until she’s kissed. But it’s her best friend Kara’s wedding, Jess needs to keep her mind on designing the flowers and not on the fact that Kara’s older brother, Darrin, who she’s had a crush on for years will be there.

Darrin’s happy to be moving home, and what is even more of a pleasant surprise is seeing her again. Jess isn’t the geeky girl he remembered when he left. But after all the mean things he said in the past, will she give him another chance?

When things at the wedding go wrong, more than fireworks fly for this 4th of July wedding.

Will love be in the air?

The Reluctant Bride by Sharon Kleve

Penelope Moore’s last boyfriend had no qualms about cheating even after he professed his undying love. As a wedding event planner Penelope has seen plenty of happily-ever-after. But with her terrible luck in the relationship department, she is reluctant to believe it will ever happen to her.

Ferguson enjoyed the freedom of bachelorhood until he met his last girlfriend. He considered her the love of his life until she betrayed him. Without his consent, she used his professional experience and knowledge as a private investigator to write and publish a best-selling novel. Ferguson couldn’t forgive her underhanded deceit and ended their relationship.

When Ferguson meets Penelope he is once again willing to risk his heart, but Penelope isn’t as trusting. Just when he is beginning to win the beautiful event planner’s heart, his ex-girlfriend arrives in town and causes heartache all over again.

Can Penelope and Ferguson trust each other and their hearts enough to get their happily-ever-after?

My Review:

Four unique stores in one, Not Always a Bridesmaid is a contemporary mainstream collection of modern-day romance set mostly in the Pacific Northwest. Each story uses characters from the others to showcase true friendship and love beyond initial love-at-first-sight relationships.

Skye moved to be closer to her estranged father, and although an accountant by trade, would like to eventually trade that job out as an event planner. To earn points for her resume, she agrees to help engaged girls at her new workplace, not knowing she’s about to embark on a journey with three of the worst bridezillas ever. Thank goodness the cute limo driver, Chasen, has her back…and more.

The second story follows a wedding planner, Bridgette, who falls for a shady character. Everyone suspects him; even she has second and third doubts, but heartbreak and hilarity ensue when each of the couple’s friends get involved.

When Kara gets married at the same wedding venue used in the first two stories, her brother Darrin’s return for the wedding sends Kara’s friend Jess into palpitations. The crush of her teen years finally recognizes that she’s grown up. Better yet, he’s planning to come back and set up shop. Besides that, he’s got a wicked sense of humor and evil way to cool things down.

In the final story, it’s Bridgette’s assistant Penelope’s turn for romance. Things sizzle out of control…and get even hotter when Ferguson’s former scheming lover returns for more devilment. Ferguson, a PI, shows his stuff when he proves how deeply he cares for and knows the true love of his life.

Four bite-size stories for summer getaway reading, Not Always a Bridesmaid will charm the contemporary romance reader. Each story is told through multiple viewpoints and include juicy details of wedding venues, dresses, food, romance galore, and way too-good-to-be-true heroes.

Larry Hammersley and sweet inspirational sci fi

Higher Mission
Larry Hammersley
Burst, Canada, October, 2013
Kindle only $4.95

About the Book:

To widower Joe Cramer, his only mission is to provide care and a cure for his ill daughter, Cindy. Paired with Mona Watson, they mine Saturn’s rings for radioactive boulders, plunge into the ocean beneath Europa’s crust in search of blind fish and dive into Jupiter’s atmosphere to learn the secret of The Great Red Spot.

While Witherspoon, the solar system’s tycoon, pays them well, he has his own agenda. He plans to send Cramer and Mona on the most dangerous mission of all: a trip to the star, Sirius.

Cramer wants to refuse. Exceeding the speed of light isn’t possible, so the trip will take several years. To complicate things he discovers he has feelings for Mona that need to be ignored to complete the mission and return home. Will Cramer ever see his daughter again?

My Review:

Hammersley's sweet sci fi story with elements of romance and speculative fiction is fun to read and think about our solar system and near neighbors. The author takes us to a place and time where humans still think bottom line financially, but are able to put risk over compassion and use resources in a positive way. It's naive but very sweet. Aging heroes and heroines are cast in the starring roles in what is in effect three short stories of exploration and revelation at the whim of an extremely wealthy, influential, but desperately ill man. He has the means to search for the answers to several of humanity's most puzzling questions, such as what is the nature of Jupiter's red spot, are we alone in the universe, and what kind of people are we, anyway? He's kept the biggest secret known to mankind for years, waiting for the right opportunity, and the right people to aid his quest--the people who take the high road on their higher mission.

About the Author:

Larry Hammersley was born May 6, 1938 in Alexandria, IN. He has a B.S. degree in chemistry from Purdue University, January 1961 and a M.S. degree in chemistry from Indiana University, January 1975. He is a retired civil service chemist with 40 years in the work place. He writes science fiction and sweet romance. He has several short romance stories on the internet and has written several novels for which he is seeking representation. He is married, has two children and five grandchildren. His interests besides writing is amateur radio, astronomy, jogging and a little woodworking.

Introducing Joanne Otto on tour with her new books

Write Now Literary Book Tours is pleased to be coordinating a book tour for author Joanne Otto. This is a two-month book tour for her books: The You-Song and Daughter of Jerusalem. This tour will run June- July, 2018.

                                 
 Introducing Joanne

Joanne Otto is a lifelong student of the Bible who has taken four exciting tours of Bible lands and done extensive research, including numerous courses. She has taught foreign languages and English and more recently, as an academic language therapist, has helped dyslexic children strengthen their reading and writing skills. Also a music lover and amateur pianist, she especially enjoys accompanying singers. 

 Website: http://joanneotto.com/

About the Book 

The You-Song celebrates, in a way young children can understand, the unique and vital place each of us occupies in God's world and encourages them to fill their place in it with joy. Written by a teacher who's helped many children overcome reading challenges, "The You-Song" is user-friendly, consisting of words that are either familiar or easy to decode. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 50 heart-warming photos, it's also fun to read aloud to pre-readers.

Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction                                                                                                    

About the Book

Daughter of Jerusalem" takes its 21st-century readers on a journey back to the first-century world of a young rabbi named Yeshua—better known to us as Jesus. Mara, the young heroine of this story, gets to mingle with the crowds who come to hear him teach during his visits to Jerusalem and, finally, to meet him face to face in a brief, life-changing encounter—one that comes at no small cost to herself. For middle-grade readers who want to use the book as a springboard for deeper study, there are Bible references and questions on each chapter, as well as a glossary. For others, the story itself will be the full journey. 

Genre: Christian Fiction

Purchase Link: http://amazon.com/author/joanneotto 

Tour hosted by Write Now Literary Book Tours.... " We take the stress out of promoting."

Click here to check out our tour packages. Click here to join our mailing list for upcoming releases and book promo specials.

Three Strand Cord by Tracy Krauss

May 2018
Kindle book $2.99

About the Book

Tempest. Stella. Cherise. Fate brought them together, but can their friendship survive the tangled web of danger and deception that threatens their very lives? 

Tempest Ross dreams about moving back to California some day – both the place of her birth and her parents’ tragic death. When she agrees to pretend to be her friend Cherise for an afternoon, a tangled web of lies develops from which she can’t escape. Complicated by the unwelcome advances of Cherise’s playboy brother and her own attraction to a mysterious man, Tempest’s faith in God is tested to the limits.

Stella Crayton has high ideals about saving the planet and plans to start with her father’s ranch. Then she finds out her father has been keeping a dangerous secret. At the same time, her own errant emotions take over as she falls in love with two brothers at the same time. Add to this her best friend’s disappearance, and questions about God set this no-nonsense Texas girl in a tailspin.

Cherise Hillyer just wants to have fun, which in her books means having a good looking man in tow. The typical rich girl, she usually gets what she wants, even if she has to lie to get it. Desperate for her latest flame who has left for Rome, Cherise convinces her friends to cover for her while she takes off after her Italian lover. She doesn’t know she’ll soon become embroiled in an international conspiracy of lies and deceit that will threaten her life.

Three Strand Cord is a story of intrigue and romance told from three different points of view, all coming together to prove that when it comes to true friendship, ‘a three strand cord is not easily broken.’

10 Fun Facts About Tracy Krauss:

I’ve moved more than 30 times

I’ve lived in several locations north of the 60th parallel

I homeschooled for nine years

I’m a peanut butter-a-holic

I’m also a playwright and my stage plays have been performed across N.A.

I was once stampeded by a herd of wild buffalo

I’ve been inches away from a polar bear in the wild on more than one occasion (with something like a car window in between, of course!)

I’m a Sci-fi nerd and used to be a ‘Trekkie’. (Maybe I still am… )

In my ‘spare’ time when not writing, I like to paint

I majored in Intaglio printmaking at University (Fine Art Department)

My Review of Three Strand Cord

Tracy Krauss gives her fans a new novel of friendship that takes her readers on a tumultuous ride across the United States and across the ocean to Italy.

Three friends who met at boarding school come from very different backgrounds. Tempest, the naïve orphan, Stella the cowgirl, and Cherise the spoiled rich daughter. All have secrets, weaknesses and strengths that draw them together and, as iron sharpens iron, helps make them want to be better.

The first half of the book is divided into three segments as each girl shares current events. Tempest wants to reconnect with her past, and when an unexpected opportunity falls in her lap, she reluctantly pushes aside her conviction of newfound faith to participate in a lie. She becomes an unwitting pawn in a game perpetrated by her friend Cherise’s equally spoiled brother. Stella, having completed a masters degree in environmental science, returns home to the Texas ranch where she was raised. Her complicated relationship with her stepmother and her best friends, the foreman’s sons, create tension, exacerbated when she stumbles on the not-too-subtle secret shame of the land she’s loved all her love. When Stella realizes her friends have grown up and no longer consider her a kid, either, all’s fair in love and war. The ranch becomes both battleground and haven when Tempest needs a safe harbor. Both Tempest and Stella’s devout housekeeper help Stella to reexamine her absent faith. Cherise lives in the moment, doing exactly what she pleases and forcing everyone around her to bow to her wishes. When she follows her Italian lover, she gets a rude awakening. But going home is impossible when she’s caught up in international intrigue. A secret phone call to Tempest sets up a risky rescue attempt.

Although there will be more stories in this series of friendship adventures, A Three Strand Cord is a complete story. Initially told from the three friends’ viewpoints, the second half of the story comes together beautifully as each of the three learn to rely on dependence and trust in each other and the Lord.

While inspirational, some of the situations in the story portray sexual situations and violence, as well as pet death. A Three Strand Cord is a big story, from the east to west coast US and Texas, as well as Italy, and covers a lot of action. With three very different personalities in the main characters, readers of contemporary romance with suspense and action will find the book a breathless read.

About the author:

Tracy Krauss is an award winning author, artist, playwright, speaker, teacher, mother, grandmother,

and pastor’s wife – not necessarily in that order! She writes contemporary Christian romance with a twist of suspense and a touch of humor. Her books strike a chord with those looking for a hard hitting yet thought provoking read – no sugar added. Her work has won multiple awards and has been on Amazon’s bestsellers’ lists.  She also writes stage plays tailored to a high school audience, and has contributed to several anthologies, devotional books, and one illustrated children’s book.

She is on the executive of ICWF (Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship), a Canada wide organization for writers of Christian faith. She is also an active member of The Word Guild, The Playwrights Guild, and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). An avid reader, Tracy reviews books and posts most of these online at amazon, goodreads, and on her blog. She is also a regular contributor to several other blogs.

Originally from Mossbank, Saskatchewan, a small prairie town, Tracy received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and teaches Secondary School English, Drama and Art – all things she is passionate about. She has been involved in local theatre as a director, playwright and actress for more than thirty years and has written and directed dozens of stage plays, several of which have found homes with well known US play publishing houses.

Apart from her many personal creative pursuits, she leads worship at her local church. She and her husband, an ordained minister with the PAOC, have lived in five provinces and territories including many remote and unique places in Canada's far north such as Churchill, Manitoba – polar bear capital of the world; the Yukon – home of the Klondike Gold Rush; and the North West Territories. They have four grown children and now reside in beautiful Tumbler Ridge, waterfall capital of British Columbia, where she continues to pursue all of her creative interests.

For more information visit her website http://www.tracykrauss.com  “Fiction on the edge – without crossing the line” 

New Romance from Jennifer Trethewey

Betting the Scot

Jennifer Trethewey

C. 2018

Entangled

Historical Romance

3.99 eBook

20.99 Print

Buy on Amazon 

Buy on Barnes and Noble

About the Book

Declan Sinclair is a Highlander who believes his dreams never lie. When he spots Caya at a public house, he knows instantly she is the woman in his dreams—his future wife. Though her brother had promised never to gamble again, he engages Declan in a card game—and the prize is the lovely Caya.

Caya Pendarvis has no time for childish things like dreams or fairy-tales or love. She’s the sacrificial lamb on her way to the far north of Scotland to wed a wealthy merchant in exchange for settling her brother’s gambling debts.

Winning at cards is one of the many things Declan Sinclair does well. Unfortunately, the ability to court a woman—a talent he lacks—is the only skill he desperately needs to win Caya’s heart.

My Review

Trethewey’s Balforss house books are a delight to those who adore hunky historical bawdy but fun and fairly clean romance. I know, I needed to hide the cover from my hubs, too. There’s just no comparison. As mentioned in the description, it’s a family saga of stand-alones, tied by setting and characters.

Who doesn’t love a guy who buys a bathtub for a wife he has only dreamed about? I admit I fell for Declan in the first book, his sweetness and cluelessness, but braver than brave and true-hearted beyond belief.

At a time period where women, even those who’ve reached the great age of twenty-five and orphaned but under the “care” of a destructive sibling, Caya is at the bottom of the well of opportunity. She seems pretty resigned to her fate, the truth of which is only hinted at through her naiveté. The horror of it comes at a terrible price and sets up the next story beautifully, which makes me yearn to read it. In the meantime, first sight of an eager and yummy dark-haired Scot who keeps staring at Caya with a too-familiar ogle makes her look back. And again. And so begins a truly epic love affair, pirates and all.

Held at bay by wise Uncle John, Caya and Declan weather issues such as unbearable longing, accusations of witchcraft, and a quasi-amorous vicar contending for Caya’s hand. While it might have detracted from the romance, I would have been interested to see more of the effects of the gossiping nearby villagers after Caya performs a heroic task.

Nevertheless, the Sinclairs are a lovely family and a few hours in the Highlands with men of virtue and their dynamic lasses is truly a delight.

About the author:

Trethewey claims to have fallen in love with the Highlands and all things Scottish: the people, their language, cuisine, customs, idioms, humor, history, intense sense of pride, and, most of all, the land--the perfect setting for sweeping romantic tales of love, strife, and glory. As they say, Scotland is pure dead brilliant! She’s an actress, former co-artistic director of a professional theater company, and she and her husband operate an improv comedy club. They live in the Midwest. 

Bookaholics Unite Giveaway - enter all month

Raise your hand if you’re a bookaholic. I sure am and this month N. N. Light is giving away everything a booklover could want: books and bookish prizes. In fact, I’m one of the authors participating and you could win “enter your prize” . The list is long and personally, I’d love to win myself but alas, I can’t. So, I’ll just hope you’ll win instead.

Bookaholics Unite Giveaway

Literary Giveaway Portal

With so many wonderful authors and books available, it's imperative to have a reliable and trustworthy place that can help you choose what to read. It's even better when you get a chance to win free books through a giveaway! Every month, enter to win free books from multiple authors via N. N. Light's Book Heaven. Several authors are offering their books throughout the upcoming year in this innovative and collaborative approach to building a new and immersive online reading community. Authors, bloggers and book reviewers are partnering to share fantastic reads, quality reviews and powerful connections all in one place.

Be Careful What You Joust For new serial fantasy

Be Careful What You Joust For

Pentavia Book 1

Ryan Hauge and Ivy Smoak

March 2018

Fantasy serial

Series

Create Space

ISBN  978-1985876057

450 pp

ebook $.99

print: $15.99

About the Book

The fiercest knights in the realm are coming together to compete in the Joust for Arwin's Lance, a tournament that will divide even the closest alliances. The winner alone will have the power to start or prevent a war from unfolding across the peaceful lands of Pentavia.

House Hornbolt, a prominent family that desires peace above all else, is hosting the tournament. The Hornbolt's have always been strict followers of tradition. The first born son wears the armor of a knight. The second takes the priestly Oath of Arwin. And the daughters get married off to the most eligible suitors.

The eldest son is the favorite to win the tournament. But the rest of the Hornbolts aren't as eager to follow the paths laid out for them. What if the second born wants to be a knight too? And what if the eldest daughter just gave her heart to a common thief?

Customs are meant to be broken. But that's not all that threatens to shatter House Hornbolt, not when a secret deeper than the late king's grave is unearthed right before the joust.

The fate of Pentavia hangs in the balance as war becomes imminent. And the scales are about to tip.

One wrong move and everything could fall to pieces.

My Review

Revenge, magic, secret lives and lies combine in an adventurous romp that continues in the next book.

Hauge tries his hand at epic fantasy, influenced by the major players. The kingdom’s several factions ally, fight, commit acts of treason and murder, and intermarry while life goes on for their subjects who serve and provide for them, all in an attempt to be the only one. Of the four main faction, two are pretty much out of the picture. The story opens with a not quite sympathetic character, the Lady Isolda, whose secret life is about to get interesting.

Be Careful… is a lengthy first part of an adventure as Isolda tries to unravel the long-past murder of her father, King Bogdin of the House Talenov, and avenge his name. Her grown and growing children, her husband Garrion of the House Hornbolt, and several players all have speaking voices, so that Be Careful… is really more a series of stories that intertwine.

The book is full of good and complex character portrayals, magic and magical armor, hidden identities—all the fun setting details which bring story to life. Many little subplots raise the stakes to create an intriguing tale for hardcore fantasy readers.

Warning—this is a series in which some principal players bite the dust while others carry on in the next book, in progress, according to the author.

About the Author

Ryan Hauge is the author of the highly anticipated Pentavia fantasy series. Drawing inspiration from his toy business and the countless computer games he grew up playing, he weaves tales of mystery and intrigue.

When he's not writing, you can bet that he's distracting his wife from her work, handling a toy emergency, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen.

He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife, Ivy Smoak. They do everything together, including writing the Pentavia Series.

WWII Fiction from Carole Brown

A Flute in the Willows
Carole Brown
Story and Logic Media Group
December 2017

2.99 Ebook
12,99 Print
Buy on Amazon

About the Book

Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other's love...and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she's scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife's life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can't stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their own selves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

A Brief Interview with the Author

Carole, what do you love about this book?

A Flute in the Willows was one of my hardest to write. Yet I loved how it came together and ended. I was able to bring several pertinent topics (to today's world) such as PTSD and marital relationships. Then Josie and Jerry Patterson appealed to me and touched my heart because of their selfish ways and the hardships they had to endure to learn that God's way is the best. They came from different backgrounds, yet both ignored God. Josie because of her self-regard in wanting to succeed with her own desires and lack of comprehension of the love her family had for her. Jerry, though came from a family with a father who was so busy with his own work that he ignored his loved ones and belittled Jerry when he didn't achieve what his father felt he should.

Introduce us to a minor character.

One of my favorite characters in this series is Papa Ossie. Oswald Rayner is big, handsome, loud, and a widower, but he adores his daughters and does his best to lead them right. In A Flute in the Willows he's especially noticeable because he's not only trying to save Josie, his second, and most rebellious daughter, but her husband too. His advice is down to earth and not always easily swallowed, but it's given with so much and care that he doesn't overstep the boundaries, but instead, helps them both to consider better ways that will yield what they need. Because Josie is so much like him, he understands her moves and ways which helps him in giving the advice he knows can help her—if she accepts it.

He's a great father and character, and though not a perfect person, he's realistic and likeable, and that's what counts.

Share two things you learned either about the era/genre or about publishing while writing this book.

In each of these WWII era books, the research will overlap, but I positively found it swooningly interesting. I adore the early 1900s history. If I have to pick out two...

The fashion of the day was quite engaging. I particularly enjoyed learning about the hats worn then, the variety and, for the men's, the meaning of the styles and tilts.

The spy business. Romance, danger, secrets, travel and results all gave me pause for thought. It wasn't that the spies were always hidden, checking out people,etc. Sometimes, spying in plain sight, parties and women, meeting the well-known, high society activities: all were a part of a spy's life. It was invigorating and alluring, but also detrimental too. The cost was high if caught. Shame, prison and death were to be expected.

But the study of it was an eye-opening time.

What are you working on now?

I'm finishing up book four of my Appleton, WV Romantic Mystery series: Toby's Troubles.

Toby Gibson's sister—Caroline Gibson Carrington, co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures—just got married to his best friend and left him holding the reins of the shop. The problem is, a ghost (or is it a real live person?) is searching for something in his shop late at night, and it's getting tiresome. On top of that, one of his friends is trying to outbid him in purchasing the property between their businesses. And he suspects she's in love with him.

He's much too busy to dwell on love with Amy Sanderson, until the ghost/person invades her property searching for...what? A new handsome man in town and a gorgeous blond that looks a bit like his friend steal their attention, but the question is: do either of these have anything to do with the break-ins?

Can Toby catch the person interrupting his sleep? Do they both find the love of their lives or is it right under their noses?

Coming late summer...

How do you overcome your biggest challenge to publication?

By never giving up! Writing the book, sometimes, seems the easiest part. Publication, not so much. With more books coming out than ever before, it can be discouraging. Being a hybrid author (both traditionally and Indie), means that I have both methods available to me. Some authors refuse to consider Indie publishing, but others use it and succeed in their endeavors. I see advantages in both.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Connect with Carole:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

christian fantasy and allegory from RA Denny

Refugees, book 1 of 6

RA Denny

Young Adult Inspirational fantasy

2017

Free ebook

 Buy on Amazon

About The Book

"An epic journey of a lifetime." That's what three young individuals from three different corners of the world have dreamed about. They were destined for greatness since the moment they were born. But what if they don't want it? What if they're not ready? What if their desires no longer align with the prophecy?

The problem is, they have no choice. The star has appeared. Their destiny has already begun to unfold. 

It's not the send-off that they've been dreaming of. Forced out. Banished. Raided. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Now they must discover who they really are while embarking on the most exciting journey of their lives. One star. One impossible task. One chance to save the world they love.

My review

Denny’s inspirational fantasy is quite intriguing. Four unique sentient species, one of them predator, make up Denny’s world, which is full of rumor and suspicion. One special cult of wise men who worship one true God must draw these clans together when the prophetic star of destiny appears.

Working for generations behind the scenes, non-webbed humanoids and others of varying species, the webbed-footed, armor-plated, and extraneous-skinned gliders, have been secretly teaching them each other’s languages, besides the lessons of the Creator. At the sign of the star, the predator humans begin the backlash by slaughtering as many of the others unlike themselves as they can in surprise gruesome attacks. They even convince some of armor-plated beings to turn on each other.

Of the three sentient species, one young adult of each has been groomed to fulfill the prophecy. Each is given a talisman and instructed to find each other in the capital city, to which they travel under great peril. Barely able to escape, let alone understand the other races are sentient, let alone exist, the three must travel in great faith to complete their mysterious mission.

Readers familiar with the Bible will recognize frequent references to Scripture and its use. Fill with song and poetry similar to the classics the author admits influenced her, readers of epic questing stories and fantasy will be intrigued.

The copy I received had text that was bolded and centered. I’m not sure if all of the copies are set up that way, but while unique, was somewhat distracting. Giving the three heroes first person voices was also interesting, but until the reader gets a good feel for what is going on, this introduction to the story, mostly because of the rapid switching of viewpoints, often scene by scene and no evenly dispersed, can be confusing. A good summary would be more helpful than a character list, because after the first couple of chapters, the character list isn’t very useful anymore.

This free book is the first of six which are all available at $2.99 each.

 

About the Author

R.A. Denny started writing epic fantasy novels when, after watching the first Hobbit movie, she began excitedly spouting off information about C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s writer’s group called the Inklings and how their greatest fantasy novels were created. For several years, she continued her day job as a criminal prosecutor and escaped by night to the world of the Tzoladian Empire. Then, she decided to just do what she loved. She completed writing her six-book epic fantasy series: Mud, Rocks, and Trees. The series should be read in this order: Refugees, Seekers, Captives, Warriors, Visionaries, and then Deliverers. 

R.A. enjoys ancient history, board games, and LEGO. She rides horses, raised flying squirrels and lives with two cats. Learn more about R.A. on her website or you can find her on Facebook@R.A. Denny author