Emma Right, Children's books, Kindle Fire giveaway

Synopsis Of While Princesses Sleep, Book 1 of the Princesses OF Chadwick Castle Series

by Emma Right

While Princesses Sleep: Princesses of Chadwick Castle Adventure, Book 1 (Princess Castle Adventure Mystery series) is a tale of two royal sisters who are princesses.

1. While Princesses Sleep

The Princesses Of Chadwick Castle Adventure is an eight-book series set in 19th century England. The adventure revolves around the sisters, Elle age 12, and Belle, 10. It’s great for readers who love Cinderella-type fairy tales and European princess stories.

While Princesses Sleep opens with the Princess Elle discovering a strange sound in the night. Curious, she determines the reason for these mysterious noises and starts the adventure with her sister, Belle. Something is afoot at the castle and they must find out what this is. However, finding the truth behind the secrets they stumble upon leads them to strange answers? What sort of trouble will the princesses get themselves into?

Frankly, I cannot believe that I’ve actually managed to finish the Princesses Of Chadwick Castle Adventure series—I call it The Princess Castle Series for short.  It took me a year to get them published which I suppose isn’t too long considering the fact that I not only had the story to write but also had to collect the images. It’s eight books in all and the word count for the entire series is about 50,000.

So why did I write a Princess series anyway?

Ever since I started watching Downton Abbey (not recommended for children) I’d been intrigued by the goings-on of life in a castle-like setting in England. So, why not a princess story of girls having an adventure with mystery intertwined and all of this taking place in a 19^th century English setting? I told myself, it’d be a fun educational experience for my readers and they’ll get to enjoy a fast paced adventure, too!

Trouble was, most stories couldn’t hold the interest of both a five-year old and the attention of a twelve-year old at the same time. Believe it or not, this was one reason why I started writing. Both my Keeper of Reign series and now the Princess Castle series were written as a read-aloud. (Naturally, kids of eight or nine could read the Princess Castle books on their own.) But I wanted to go one step further with the books. I wanted to introduce readers to the magnificent world of art.

How I collected the artwork.

To be honest I have found it hard to have art books that hold museum pieces lying around the house because some of the artwork were not appropriate for kids under twelve or even for a young teen. (At least in my opinion.)

With the Princess Castle series, I’d carefully cropped and chosen the most appropriate art pieces that fit the story. Most of the art in the series is cropped so readers get to appreciate the details that went into the artist’s work—a hem here, a lacey sleeve there, a close-up of someone’s eyes. I must confess it wasn’t easy cropping and sizing the images to the correct proportions but I felt it was worth the pain I went through when I look at the final product. I hope the artwork would also gently inspire kids as they look at world renowned museum pieces and listen to or read the stories.

So why did I break the story into eight book?

With read-alouds I’d sometimes found it hard to stop –mostly because the kids will pester me to go on reading even when I was supposed to make lunch or dinner. The way I’d set up each book mothers, or father, or teachers, could read one book today and say, “Okay, book two starts tomorrow!” So each book is like a chapter book since the mystery continues and builds with each one and the issues get resolved in the eighth book.

I’d also learned from writing other series that readers don’t like to wait. (Sadly, I’ve actually gotten hate mail because of this! Talk about impatience.) Nonetheless, I’ve taken this into account and learned from this. Which is why I’d written all eight books, and published them all at the same time. No waiting! Yay!

However, because I’ve grown to love the characters of the two princesses, Elle and Belle, I’ve started on a second series that will hold its own set of mystery and intrigue. While the Princess Castle series deals with art and the end of each book introduce readers to a particular artist, the second series will have write-ups on ballet stories—like Giselle, and Swan Lake, etc. 

A Note From Author Emma Right

I realize as a relatively new author readers might be hesitant to invest in the Princess Castle Books. So I’ve made it easy for everyone. The first book, While Princesses Sleep, is available for download in three formats (Kindle, Nook and pdf) if you go to the emmaright.com site, and the third book, Lady With the Circlet, will be gifted to all entrants in the Kindle Fire HD Giveaway I am hosting this month, April 2 to the 21st; the drawing will be on April 22.

Also, I am excited about the audio book for the first book, While Princesses Sleep. It was professionally read by a British voiceover artist--the story’s, after all, set in an English 19th century castle. For those who write me a review be sure to email me and I will send you the MP3 recording for free! I hope the children will enjoy this feature! They can listen and follow the story with their book—ebook or paperback.

Other titles in The Princesses of Chadwick Castle Adventure Mystery series

2. Beaded Dresses Mystery

3. Lady With The Circlet

4. Secret Mission Princess

5. Pretty Scary Lady

6. Down With The Crown

7. Peasant Princesses

8. Princess Rewards

Both print and ebooks are available on Amazon.

About Emma Right

Emma Right is a homeschool mother to five kids. A happy wife, she and her family live on the Pacific West Coast and have several pets they adore. She’s always enjoyed reading to her children and hope her stories will instill the joy of reading and learning in her readers. Several of her books have won book awards. Before having children Emma Right was a copywriter for two major advertising companies and have won several international copywriting awards. 

Debra L Butterfield's Carried by Grace

About the Book:

 A waking nightmare descended on our lives.

“My twelve-year-old daughter had put a chef’s knife to her chest and threatened to kill herself. Her step-dad was sexually abusing her. I felt swallowed by darkness — like Jonah in the belly of the whale. This can’t be happening.”

A family member... a friend... someone you know has sexually abused your child. Tumultuous emotions buffet you from all sides. You’re feeling lost and confused. Where do you turn for help?

Part memoir, part devotional, author Debra L. Butterfield offers…

• comfort for your heartache

• practical guidance for daily needs

• a biblical path to healing, and

• encouragement and hope along the way.

Let yourself be Carried by Grace as you journey toward restoration.

ISBN: 978-1-936501-24-3

Paperback: $13.99 (April 3, 2015)

E-book: $5.99 (January 2015)

Buy the Book on Amazon

From the Publisher, CrossRiver Media

A Brief Interview with the Author:

Debra, what do you love about this book? Carried by Grace is the next best thing to being across the table to share hope and encouragement with a mother who is hurting. So often when we struggle with a heart-rending issue, we feels no one understands how we feel, and that we’re all alone. In the case of sexual abuse, that aloneness is compounded by shame, whether you are the victim or the mother of the victim. You don’t want anybody to know, not even family members, and so until you are brave enough to open up to someone, you are alone. We have God, of course, but having another woman who has experienced this and really understands the emotional battle and can be there beside you gives you strength. That’s how I designed my book to be, as close to being there in the flesh as possible.

Can you share two things you learned during the writing/publishing process? When you write about a personal journey, the writing of that journey can bring new healing and insight. I thought I had found complete healing, but when I started writing this book, I discovered there were still wounds that had scabs yet to heal. Writing the book was like applying a healing salve to those as yet unhealed wounds.

As far as the publishing process goes, invest in an editor and proofreader. Find the money somehow. It’s very difficult to see your own mistakes. I thought it was pretty clean when I sent it to the publisher, but I found quite a few errors that needed to be fixed after it was laid out and read to send to the printer.  

What do you hope readers will tell other readers when they've finished? I hope readers will be brave enough to tell others this book exists. Because of the sensitive nature of sexual abuse, it’s not one of those books where everyone you meet you say, “I just read the most fantastic book!” I sincerely hope moms who read Carried by Grace will find hope and encouragement for their situation and that they’ll be willing to tell others that this book can help them, too.

About the Author:

Debra L. Butterfield dreamed of being writer since she was a pre-teen. Fulfillment of that dream began when she was forty-five years old and Focus on the Family hired her as a junior copy­writer. In 2006, she stepped into the world of freelance writer. In 2014, she joined CrossRiver Media group as an editor.

Debra is passionate about helping other writers in their journey to publication because for over 15 years, fear and doubt about her abilities kept her from even trying to be a writer. She doesn’t want that to happen to others. She blogs about writing (and marketing—yes that most frustrating aspect of being an author), and does freelance editing and coaching in addition to her editorial work with CrossRiver.

Debra is the author of Carried by Grace and Mystery on Maple Hill (a short story ebook). She has contributed stories to numerous anthologies that include Mira­cles and Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories of Survival, 2014 Penned from the Heart, and The Benefit Package. Her magazine credits include CBN. com, Susie, Live, The Vision, and On Course online, writer’s newsletters and guest blogs.

Debra is a US Marine Corps veteran, enjoys the outdoors and, oddly enough, likes the smell of skunks. (Her kids always tell her take a deep breath whenever they smell one.) Like most writers, she loves to read, usually not one book at a time either. She has lived as far west as Hawaii and as far east as Germany and lots of places in between. Now living in Missouri, Debra has three adult children and two grand­children.

Review of Deborah Piccurelli's Love Comes Calling

About the Book

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?

Read the interview with the author here. 

Novella, buy on Amazon
Prism Book Group
March, 2015
Kindle: $2.99

My review:

Sweet story about a man who made a grave error, forever changing a person’s life.

Forgiveness, sure—easy to do from a distance, right? Especially when Charlie didn’t know the person who was responsible for running her off the road and scaring her face. When the person, Derek, shows up two years later, a case of mistaken identity gives him a chance to ease into the apology and offer of restitution he came to make.

Everybody in Charlie’s world made it easy for her to hide after the car accident that cost her career as a dancer. When a handsome remodeler and his partner show up, they’re drawn together and start spending time at lunch and even outside of work. Charlie’s sister Jess is also intrigued by Derek’s partner in business, Greg, a young man who shares many values. But something is fishy about Derek, and it’s not long before Jess figures out that Derek has a secret and gets Greg to spill it.

I enjoyed this very well-told tale of forgiveness, restitution, and genuine love. It’s a double romance as well as both sisters learn that family love doesn’t smother, and romantic love shouldn’t hide behind secrets and lies, especially with faith binding them all. Told from alternating third person viewpoints of the sisters and Derek.

Clear Your Emotional Clutter with Shelley Wilburn and Walking Healed

Walking Healed

A Journey of Forgiveness, Grace, and Hope

Ebook $2.99
Print available
Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble

ShelleyWilburn

Living with intimidation, oppression, depression, panic, and anxiety takes a toll on a person. We don’t often know why we are going through the things we are. We can’t explain the feelings we have or why we do the things we do. Many people don’t understand depression or the people suffering from it. They also don’t understand panic and anxiety attacks. However, these feelings are very real.

Through these pages would you walk along with me as I walk out my healing? You can watch as my life changes with each turn of the page, each story that is documented. This is my journey of two years. It may read like a devotional in some areas. It may read like a diary in others. Through it all, God has been in the very center molding and remaking everything about me.

Mismatched Socks Productions

e-Book - ISBN 978-0-9864311-1-1

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015902208

My review:  Shelley spent over a year clearing a path through a lifetime of emotional abuse and learned practices of negative self-behavior in reaction. Wilburn blogs her lessons in an open and vulnerable way. This book chronicles that journey. Everyone can learn from this story, whether you've been a purposeful or unwitting victim or abuser, readers will see how we affect others around us with our words, actions, and reactions.

ILTWD Have a book to promote and want to reach lots of new readers?

Your book can be listed FOR FREE in our "Books for the Beach" directory that will be published in early May. The directory will be available at the official I Love To Write Day site at www.ilovetowriteday.org and also sent to readers who have requested a copy via e-mail.

The FREE listing includes: Book title, author and Web URL (either your Website or Amazon, etc.)

You can also have a DISPLAY AD, which will feature your book cover graphic, along with up to 50 words about the book. The DISPLAY AD will be linked to your Website, or Amazon, etc.

The regular price for a DISPLAY AD is $150, but if you sign up by March 30 you can save 50% and pay only $75. (Payments accepted via check, Billpay.com or Western Union.)

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a DISPLAY AD for $75 by March 30, and for an additional $50 you can have a PRESS RELEASE distributed to dozens of media and editorial outlets that feature books and authors. Your press release will also be featured on a Website, where it will receive additional PR.

“I Love To Write Day" is a grassroots campaign I launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing on November 15.

At the present time, just over 30,000 schools throughout the U.S. participate in our program. Bookstores, libraries, writing groups, community centers and even a few malls joined in the fun on the last ILTWD.

Our goal for ILTWD is simple: to encourage people of all ages to practice writing, even if only for a brief period of time. Over the years we have heard from young students, college students, teachers, parents, librarians, journalists, authors and people from all walks of life who thanked us for hosting ILTWD.

Each year we reach out to more schools and students to encourage them to celebrate ILTWD. We believe that “when people become stronger writers, they become better communicators…and everyone wins!”

Thank you for your time and consideration.
John Riddle
Author and Ghostwriter
Founder of I Love To Write Day
www.ilovetowriteday.org

Deborah Piccurelli's new novel Love Comes Calling and giveaway

About the Book

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?

Deborah has graciously agreed to give an e-copy in a drawing from those who leave a comment today, March 24. Drawing will be held March 25. 

NOTE: My review will appear next Saturday, March 28.

A brief interview with the author:

Deborah, what do you love about this book?

I love the characters. This book has such vibrant characters, each unique in their own way. I also love the storyline. I could not have written it if I didn’t have a great interest in it. The sweetness of the romance is also very important to me.

Share two things you learned during the writing and publishing process.

Not to get offended when an editor asks for changes in your work that you never thought would need to be. Especially if you assumed that section was one of the best writing you’ve ever done.

Always make sure it’s clear which character’s point of view it is in any given scene.

What do you hope readers will tell others when they’ve finished?

I hope readers will tell others that the book impacted them in some way. That they thoroughly enjoyed the story. That they didn’t want it to end. That they couldn’t put it down. That they loved the characters. That they should really, really buy this book!!!

Novella, buy on Amazon
Prism Book Group
March, 2015
Kindle: $2.99


About the Author

After years of reading books and watching movies with an element of romance, Deborah M. 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons.

   

Piccurelli’s desire to write romance novels came naturally. She is active in her church and is an advocate for sanctity of life. Deborah is the author of two novels, a novella and several cause-related newspaper articles. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers. As one of the winners in a contest by The Christian Authors Show, details of Deborah’s writing journey can be found in the 2013-2014 edition of the book, Visit Deborah's website for more news and information.

winner

Thank you to Julia who found this cat on the....ta da! Meow Mayhem page on my website. She received a gift certificate to Amazon. Thank you everyone for stopping by and supporting Whimsical Publications and their expansion.

Lisa

Find the Clover, Win a Prize!

Meow Mayhem

Lisa Lickel

Whimsical Publications  

Cozy Mystery

January 2013

Ivy Preston keeps other people’s secrets for a living. When a small town mayor invites Ivy Preston and True Thompson to move their businesses to Apple Grove, can their love survive the sudden rise in crime?

After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat, an Egyptian Mau named Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner. Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man whose physical wounds are the only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and coffee shop in Apple Grove. When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy’s criminology professor mom and True believe there’s something rotten in Apple Grove. Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town from further Mayhem?

LUCKY READERS!

***SOMEWHERE ON MY WEBSITE: http://www.lisalickel.com IS A PICTURE WITH A CAT ON A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER. Finders, e-mail me with the location BY 9 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME FRIDAY MARCH 20 2015, and I'll enter you in a drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card to be made public on Saturday March 21, 2015.

VISIT THE PARTY ON THE WEBSITE FOR MORE FUN and PRIZE OPPORTUNITIES.

ISBN-13: 978-1-936167-84-5

Print: 12.95

Ebook: 3.99

Publisher 

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble 

Smashwords

Kobo

Scribd

Excerpt:

My next hint that something was wrong was that Donald’s secretary, Marion Green, was not at her usual post. If the mayor’s office was open for business, Marion at least should be here, even if she supposedly had the week off. Donald joked that she was the one who really ran the town. The stern-looking black-haired woman who infringed on Marion’s space made me wait fifteen minutes. Donald usually came out of his office when he heard my voice. The light was on; I could see it shining under his door. I suppose Margaret—Mrs. Bader-Conklin—could have been making an urgent call.

I heard a distinct sneeze from inside the office. Then the tap of high heels.

Why had I waited so long before getting concerned enough about Donald to call the police? Final registration for CAT was in two days. Donald never missed. He hadn’t registered yet—I checked. And he told me before he left town that it was the one thing he looked forward to all summer. He could take his cat, Tut, out of his wife’s hair for a while, and since she claimed she was allergic to animals she didn’t insist on coming along. He never said anything negative, but I got the impression the vacation was a three-way blessing between him, his wife, and Tut.

A woman opened the door to the mayor’s office. I recognized her from a photo that Donald had showed me: Margaret. She studied me over half-glasses perched on a razor-thin nose, Joan Crawford eyebrows raised toward her curled-under bangs. I shivered.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Preston. Please.” She gestured to me to follow her. And then she invited me to sit in the ugly straight-back chair on the opposite side of Donald’s desk instead of the comfy one in front of the computer. Donald had never done that.

I warily started a conversation. “I hope Marion isn’t sick.”

“I gave Mrs. Green the week off. My personal assistant is with me.” The wife of the mayor of Apple Grove leaned back in her husband’s leather chair. “Now, what can I do for you, Miss…Preston?”

I swallowed hard. “Uh, well, Don-the mayor asked me to take messages, as he was going to be out of the office all week. I wondered…if you’ve heard from him?” Dang, I tried hard not to squeak with nerves at the end. I couldn’t help it, yet instinct told me that I must not show fear. I hoped she wouldn’t get the wrong impression.

“May I know the nature of your business with the mayor?”

No wonder Donald needed an annual break from this woman. Did she act like such an iceberg at home, too? Margaret sneezed again and took out a dainty laced handkerchief. “Something in the air,” she muttered, sniffling. “You must have a cat or a dog at home. I’m allergic.”

“Oh?” I said, stopping before I mentioned I already knew that. Wrong impressions, and all.

“I recall Donald speaking of you,” she said. “From that little group he goes to, right? So, did you?”

“Did I what?”

“Bring the messages you’ve been supposedly taking.”

“Sorry.” I handed over eight yellow and green carbons. I kept the pink copies locked in a safe for three months, per contractual agreement. “Mrs. Lendler wants her neighbor’s box elder tree cut down as a public menace because of the bugs—”

“Thank you. I can read. Was there anything else?”

“So, am I still on the job for the rest of the week? And Don—the mayor—will be back on Saturday? He’s all right?”

“Of course he’s all right. Why wouldn’t he be? Letty can handle business.”

Letty must be the battleaxe up front. Margaret stood and I had to follow suit. She was taller than me. I supposed if I had on heels instead of tennies, I could have looked at her nose instead of her chin. She had three black hairs sprouting under her makeup. I pressed my lips tight to hold in the grin while she turned to open the door to her office.

“How’s Tut these days?” I asked, testing her out on a whim.

“Tut? Oh—fine, just fine.”

Mmhmm. “Mem’s just fine, too.”

“Mem? Memo? I don’t underst—” She looked over my shoulder. “Oh, ah, good to know. Excuse me while I, ah….”

I followed her line of sight to see Letty in the doorway, frowning, while her left hand came to rest on her folded elbow. We locked brown-eyed stares. Her irises had weird little gold flecks in them. She blinked first. She went back to her desk.

“I’ll be glad to care for Tut,” I said, a bit giddy with my victory in the stare down, “since you’re allergic and all, while the mayor’s away. Our cats get along swell.”

She bit the corner of her lip, just for an instant, but enough to give me the feeling that something was amiss.

“Tut’s all right, isn’t he? Or is he with Donald?”

She frowned when I said ‘Donald.’ Oops. “I mean, the mayor.”

She pushed forward, forcing me to move to the door. “Of course. If you’ll excuse me, we have a great deal of work. Good-bye, now. Take care.”

I nodded to Letty on my way out. I got turned around in the maze of staircases and hallways and ended up leaving city hall by the back door. In my muse I had to dodge a dark-colored delivery van squealing right up to the back door before I found the walk that went around to the side parking lot where I had left my car. What on earth would Mrs. Bader-Conklin do in her husband’s office?

How I got home, I’m not sure. I don’t think I ran into anyone on the way. I paced my tiny kitchen, three steps forward and back, as the evening wore on, deciding how much further to get involved in this business.

Judging by the officer’s response to my initial phone call, I wondered if I would ever rate any respect for my theory that the mayor needed help. I only hoped it would not be too late for Donald. I needed to find a better way to explain my dilemma to the police if I felt like I had to call again.

I could talk to someone else. Of course! Someone else. True! He’d know what to do. How could I have forgotten Truesdale Thompson, Donald’s other pet project. Grin. True moved to Apple Grove not long after I did. Mea Cuppa, his little bookshop and fancy coffee joint, needed more prep time than my machines, so he only recently opened. I spent my odd hours helping him sort merchandise and stock shelves.

Crisis Counseling book by Robert Uttaro

To the Survivors

One Man’s Journey as a Rape Crisis Counselor with True Stories of Sexual Violence

 To the Survivors is a deeply-moving, empowering, and brutally honest book about one man’s journey as a rape crisis counselor combined with true stories of sexual violence shared by real survivors in their own words. Gently and beautifully constructed, To the Survivors is moving, tender, sharp, and piercingly true all at once. The reader will encounter uncensored written stories, poems, and interviews shared by women, men, and one transgendered person who have been raped and sexually assaulted. The impact of this work is far reaching – it is multi-cultural, multi-generational, and fully expansive in its ability to reach people's hearts and minds around this critical human issue. Robert Uttaro believes anyone can benefit from the words in these pages; rape survivor or not.

“A moving series of survivor stories…This book is both informative for the general public and supportive for those who have suffered sexual abuse. It is hard to imagine that members of either group will not gain from reading it."

                - Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review

"To the Survivors weaves together many candid accounts to form a brave and alarming exposé of assault. It is a worthwhile, eye-opening project."

               - Foreword Clarion Reviews

“An engaging examination of a painful subject, with a focus on healing and forgiveness.”

           - Kirkus Reviews

January, 2013

Print  $12.95, e-Book $0.99

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo, & Smashwords

www.robertuttaro.com

Lindsey Paley book review, The Crazy Pursuit of Love

Buy on Amazon

E-book $2.99

From the Publisher:

Or ‘Lydia’s Lessons in Love’ - a round-the-world jaunt to find the secrets of love.

Ditched by her husband and her boss, desolate at her impending divorce, Lydia Chambers is challenged by her friend, Professor Rachel Denton, to travel the world in search of answers to the age-old question - ‘What is love, anyway?’- for a research project.

Her friends, Hollie and Jasper, demand that she sends home regular bulletins for them to put into practice in their ailing love lives. And so, Lydia’s crazy global pursuit of ‘Lessons in Love’ is born.

First up is Malta, the golden-hued museum of the Mediterranean, where she meets gorgeous Niko. Does she fall it love? She sends home her first ‘lessons in love’ for her friends’ delectation.

Next is a trip to the tropical paradise of Hawai’i, where surfer and firefighter, Steve, sends her heart soaring amongst the surf-boards of Waikiki Beach. More ‘lessons in love’ follow for Hollie and Jasper to mull over.

Then on to Singapore, Gateway to the Orient, where Lydia samples the delights of south east Asian cuisine with her friend Elliot, head chef at a luxury hotel, and she discovers more bulletins to dispatch home.

Denmark tops the Happiness Index in Europe - so why does it boast the highest divorce rate? Does divorce make people happy? Perhaps Prof. Peter Andersen can help Lydia unravel the mystery.

Finally, the capital city of love and romance, Paris. What will she learn amongst the palaces and bridges of the City of Light?

Find out what Lydia learned from her ‘lessons in love’ in 'The Crazy Pursuit of Love’. 

My review:

Paley's story of marriage gone awry is a master sentiment of the institution in the 21st century. Witty, absolutely charming, breath-taking and delicious, Paley's fiction may read like a tongue in cheek whirlwind tour of what makes marriage work in the modern world, and what makes it unwind, but I think she's scored a major truth.

Empathetic to a fault divorce attorney Lydia is way too good at what she does. The only really surprised by her husband's petition for divorce is...no one. Not even Lydia. Saved by the deep love of a friend from going insane during a forced six-month sabbatical, Lydia jets off, extremely reluctantly, to help Rachel on a research project about what makes marriage work in different environments around the world. Met and nurtured by carefully placed chums in exotic locations, Lydia is forced to examine marriage in all kinds of situations, the good, the bad, and the ugly, to realize and heal from her mistakes, and reevaluate her priorities. Taking a good look at the life she was hiding from, including a fancy apartment she was never home long enough to enjoy, is a good start.

What makes a perfect mate? Why and how to stay together for life? Is it possible, and who can do that? With her reputation shredding at the hands of a back-stabbing partner, and no support from the company she gave herself to for a decade, Lydia challenges herself and her friends to answer those questions. Lydia's always had what she needed within her grasp, as she applies her specific lessons to the success stories to test her theories. Is it too late to use the lessons she's uncovered for herself?

Told in third person mostly from Lydia’s point of view with a few scenes from her husband and occasional friends, Paley’s very British style of story-telling is a virtual tour of romantic places. Filled with food and cultural details, the reader sits next to Lydia as she begins to break down the rigid layer of “busy-useful” she built around herself. An excellent read for those who enjoy travel and intellectual characters in situations of self-examination.

CrossReads Book Blast with Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica Dorman

Sarah Anne's Expedient Marriage By Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman

About the Book:

Knowing he was about to die, Sarah Anne’s beloved father had arranged for her to marry Alexander Swyndhurst II. Alexander, a recent widower, had no intention of taking another wife; but after learning the young woman’s situation—that she had been the object of at least one man’s unwanted attentions, and that she would soon be left alone and unprotected—he had agreed to the marriage. He had one stipulation, however: He and Sarah Anne would live separately—he in Bristol, England, and she in Amesbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony. Sarah Anne had agreed wholeheartedly with this arrangement. Will Alexander have a change of heart? What of the dangerous man from her past? What will happen while her husband is away—leaving her alone with only the servants? Even though there are connections, each novel in the series may be read as a stand-alone.

LINK to KINDLE | LINK to PAPERBACK

Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman Inspired by interesting characters and events uncovered while doing genealogical research,mother and daughter writing team, Cathy Lynn Bryant and Jessica Marie Dorman, who live in beautiful New England, have masterfully woven the stories of real people and fictional characters from the 17th and 18th centuries to develop inspirational, romantic, works of historical fiction. The Unshakable Faith series includes the following titles: Book 1 Lost Love and Shipwrecked--Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land; Book 2 Grandmother's Namesake; Book 3 Sarah Anne's Expedient Marriage.

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Enter below to enter a $50 Amazon gift card, sponsored by author Cathy Lynn Bryant & Jessica M. Dorman! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Matta's Art

Last summer, August 2014, my family was blessed with a special trip to Athens. I had arranged for a local tour guide through Dopios.com, not knowing for sure what we'd get. It turned out to be Matta. What a gift. Since then we've been pleased to send two other friends to her care to tour Athens and Greece.

I now invite you to visit her business, MATTA Eco Global, her hand-made art.

Matta Koulouridi

What is MATTA Eco Global?

MATTA Eco is a global initiative that fuses unique hand-made artwork, ecological consciousness, global networking, and cultural entrepreneurship. Based out of the Netherlands and spanning countries in Europe, South America and the U.S., MATTA Eco runs on the fuel of principles and values of our common future, such as recycling, artistic creativity, global collaboration and the rising of all boats!

The mission of Matta Eco Global team is to spread Matta’s Eco Art and to encourage other Greeks and entrepreneurs around the world in their creative projects regardless of circumstances. The profits of Matta’s Eco Art go directly to the creator, Matta, and in part, to support other Greek entrepreneurial and artistic initiatives. Matta Eco Global represents to the world the future image of entrepreneurship, one which is not solely focused on the bottom-line, rather on economic justice, eco sustainability and global collaboration.

The MATTA Eco Global Team: South America, Africa, U.S.A., Europe

Matta the Person. Behind the “Unique, and conscious ECO Art” is Matta Koulouridi, the Greek artist who is also a retired French teacher, a world traveler, and a lover of Life and all living things. Now in her late 60s, Matta has been fortunate to have traveled to many parts of the world and has friends all over the world. Those who know Matta are not surprised to learn that she is caring for the latest abandoned street kitten, opening her home to an immigrant in Athens, or proudly giving tours of the ancient Greek ruins in her country to the friend of a friend of a friend.

As all Greeks, Matta has been deeply affected by the economic downturn. Although Matta made diligent plans for her retirement through teaching and artwork, she now faces financial difficulties due mainly to irresponsible political policies and economic fluctuations. Although her new economic restraints no longer allowed her to purchase expensive materials to create her art, she began to use what was available: from colored glass washed up on the sea shores of Greece, to beautifully printed plastic bags, to scrap pieces of silk and lace
.
She also opened her simple artist studio and apartment in Athens, Greece as a Bed & Breakfast to tourists. Matta’s can-do attitude and perseverance to continue her work in spite of the circumstances has been recognized by people around the world who had been helped by Matta at various point in their lives. Inspired by her unique artwork and her positive attitude, they decided to help her by creating a global ‘echo’ to spread Matta Eco Art around the world. MATTA Eco Global was thus born.
The Product: MATTA Eco Art

Each piece of MATTA Eco art is hand crafted and made with the utmost loving care. Matta’s work is a collection of limited production, resulting in one-of-a-kind product. Matta loves to work with all sorts of mediums; however, materials most used include silver (925), brass, copper, glass (usually gleaned from the shore of the seas), wood, lace and durable rubber and plastic; also recycled items such as pieces of antique jewelry or ancient stones of all kinds.

To view Matta’s art online: www.mattaeco.com

Browse her store: Http://www.etsy.com/shop/MattaEco

New Book in the Sweet Briar series by Carol Heilman

Summer's steamy haze coats North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, but feisty Agnes Marie Hopper discovers the heat isn't the only thing causing her blood to boil. After a kitchen fire destroys her home, Agnes moves in with her daughter, Betty Jo. Three months later they come to an understanding: neither can tolerate living with the other. So on a sultry August morning, Betty Jo drives Agnes and her few belongings to Sweetbrier Manor, a local retirement home and former house of ill repute. 

With no intention of staying, Agnes devises a scheme to sneak out of the Manor and find another place to live. Before she can make her exit, she runs into her best friend from high school, along with some other quirky characters. With a nose for trouble, Agnes learns some of the residents are being robbed, over-medicated, and denied basic cable and Internet access. Armed with nothing more than seventy-one years of common sense and a knack for pushing people's buttons, Agnes sets out to expose the unscrupulous administrator, protect her new friends, and restore Sweetbriar Manor's reputation as a "rewarding and enriching lifestyle. But the real moment of truth comes when Agnes is forced to choose between her feisty self-reliance and the self-sacrifice that comes from caring for others.

Buy from:
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Book Review - Remember Me by Lara Van Hulzen

Remember Me, by Lara Van Hulzen

October 2014

Book one in the Men of Honor series

ISBN: 1502450062

Ebook $3.99

Print: $9.99

Inspirational romantic suspense

Amazon 

BN

From the Publisher: 

Detective Ben Russo is in trouble.
He just can’t remember why.

When a car accident lands Ben in the hospital, he can’t recall anything about his life. What he does know is he’s enchanted by a tiny nurse named Tess, but can’t shake the feeling they’re both in danger. 

After being left at the altar, Tess Jansenn moves to a new town and starts over. When her ex-fiancé, Ben, shows up in the ER where she works with no memory of her, she must decide – tell Ben who he is or let him remember on his own. 

Can Tess forgive and forget what drove them apart, and when Ben remembers, will the consequences of his choices make it too late for love? 

My Review:

How long can love really last? If it’s real, love forgives all things…even when those things don’t make sense and potentially involve another woman.

Van Hulzen’s story of a man who wakes up with no memory and as the patient of the woman he left at the altar six months previously, is a sweetly dramatic tale of everything that can go wrong when priorities get tangled up.

Tess gets the shock of her life when she meets her new patient – Ben, her former fiancé who’s supposed to be off finding himself in Europe after the tragic death of his parents, and the week before he commits himself to Tess.

All the man in the hospital bed knows is that he was in an accident and can’t seem to remember much about his life, not his name or residence. Strange puzzle pieces pop into his mind here and there, and odd abilities, like how to handle a gun, and a high level of peace when he’s with Tess, confuse him.

Tess decides not to tell him she knows him and let him regain his memory on his own. Both are troubled when his wallet is recovered, identifying him as a man neither of them feel comfortable about. But when the puzzle suddenly, terrifyingly, comes together, the picture reveals danger.

With the help of faith, family and friends, Ben and Tess remember that even though love is never a problem, but together they’re stronger when they trust each other.

I found myself eager to keep reading. Van Hulzen’s characters are likeable and the journey toward the conclusion enjoyable with some twists. Set in southern California, I enjoyed a nice trip away from Wisconsin, virtual surfing and sand between my toes. Told from Tess and Ben, and occasional secondary character, points of view, this story is a fun read for those who enjoy romantic suspense.

About the Author:

Lara Van Hulzen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Point Loma Nazarene University. She lives with her husband and three children in Northern California.

How Checking E-mail Leads to House Fires

Distracted Cooking and Other Catastrophes 

I recently wrote a guest post on a day in the life of a writer. It was filled with really cool and important things I'd done that particularly attractive day for the romantic illusion of a working writer.

But having just experienced another one of those smoke-filled burning heavy-duty aluminum moments reminding me that I had been boiling water, I figured I'd tell blog readers about the other, less romantic side of working at home. What distracts you?

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Cooking

10. Cut hair - Am I the only one who would even think of this? It's really hard to give myself a bad haircut, so when I decided the night before to whack off a few inches, the next morning I got all ready, put the pot on the stove, skipped into the bathroom and starting snipping away. It might not be a bad haircut, but I always forget the floor is uneven, so one side is juuuuust a leeetle shorter...Maybe it's my ears that are crooked. I always forget.

9. Leave the Kitchen - But, but, but...It'll only take a second to go get that thing I was looking for.

8. Feed the birds - I mean, really, I can see the feeders out the window and it will only take a minute to fill them from the huge bag of sunflower seeds. Of course while I'm out there I might as well pull a couple of weeds, or shoo the neighbor's dog, or watch the turkey tracks in the snow...

7. Vacuum. Seriously, the kitchen and living room are not that big. It takes four minutes for water to boil. I don't actually have to get underneath the furniture this time. I'll just reach for that one dust  bunny under my desk. And flip a cushion or two.

6. Think of another blog post - Who'd a thought thinking could be so distracting?

5. Start the Laundry - Like, it's only the two of us left at home, how long could it take to empty pockets and check for stains to pre-treat?

4. Read One More Page - I can even stand there in front of the stove and finish the paragraph. The page. The chapter.

3. Get the Mail - Right now we have a short driveway. It's thirty steps. Past the floating piece of trash, a couple of weeds, the garage door, the empty bird feeders.

2. Make an errands/shopping list - Don't start looking in the refrigerator. Trying to remember how long stuff has been sitting around and whether you'll have enough time to cook and what you might need is thoroughly distracting.

1. Check E-mail - Truly the Number One reason I leave pots boiling over on the stove. I only want to look at the message list, but find myself opening some, and of course needing to respond. Until the smell of burned aluminum reminds me I left something on the stove. At least I caught it before the smoke alarm went off this time. Now, if only I could remember what I was cooking.

Book Review: Uncharted Redemption by Keely Brooke Keith

Uncharted Redemption

book 2 of the Uncharted series

Keely Brooke Keith

Edenbrooke Press

Feb 24, 2015

Kindle $3.99

Religious fiction, near future

Available February 24. Buy on Amazon

From the Publisher:

Levi Colburn, resentful of his father, haunted by his mother’s tragic death, and pained by his love for the unattainable Mandy Foster, breaks from the Land’s tradition and begins to build a life of his own. When rebels tear through the village of Good Springs, Levi vows to deliver justice and restore the woman he loves. As tradition stands in the way of redemption and threats from the outside world begin to appear, Levi must learn his greatest battles cannot be fought with his fists. Romantic, suspenseful, and filled with adventure, Uncharted Redemption weaves dramatic new layers into life in the Land.

My review:

Keith’s dedication helps the reader understand the theme of book two in the Uncharted series- “For every girl who ever felt ruined.” Societal dictates aside, the people of the Land, descendants of a mysterious island settled by those desiring a peaceful civilization during the American Civil War, have created a near-Paradise generations later. Untroubled by the outside world, they work the land, practice the arts, have some pre-industrial manufacturing, and live a life of mostly tranquility. Naturally there must come evil in the form of a family who felt cheated and passed down this resentment from father to son on the Land, culminating in this episode.

While this book stands alone, readers new to the series may at first have some difficulty keeping the characters identified. A family tree would perhaps be beneficial. The novel focuses on one of several communities on this large island, Good Springs, where the settlers first came ashore. The village overseer, Samuel Colburn, also serves as the preacher and justice of the peace, in modern terms. His son, Levi, is expected to take his place, but chooses not to follow tradition and become a carpenter. Spurned years earlier by the neighbor girl he loves, Mandy, as well as long-held resentment from the death of his mother, Levi carries an enormous chip on his shoulder. When his sister Bethany, and Mandy, are attacked, and Mandy kidnapped, Levi must choose to grow past his resentment and take his place in society as a man. He finds Mandy, who has managed to slip away from her captors, and stays by her side during her recovery. But Mandy has kept a secret for many years that also defies Land traditions and keeps her locked in a cage of self-denial and bondage.

The story of their journey to personal freedom and united commitment makes for a joyous read.

The “meanwhile” part of the story flashes to a parallel event taking place in the outside world, one which will eventually challenge everything held dear.

Some readers may find the acts of violence in this book disturbing, though they show the depth of necessary action in this community that has virtually no experience with criminal disobedience.  

Readers of near future and paranormal fiction will enjoy this series. Occasionally sloggy sections are easily dismissed, in my opinion. This author, I’m sure, will continue to grow her obvious story-telling skill.

About the Author:

Keely Brooke Keith, author of the Uncharted series, is a bass guitarist and frequently performs and tours with her husband, singer/songwriter John Martin Keith. When she isn't writing stories or playing bass, Keely enjoys dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores. Keely resides on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and their daughter, Rachel.

Connect with Keely:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8475319.Keely_Brooke_Keith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Keely-Brooke-Keith/745210588824158
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Keely_keith
Website/blog: http://www.keelybrookekeith.com/

Special Valentine's Day giveaway on Goodreads

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Meander Scar

by Lisa J. Lickel

Giveaway ends February 20, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win