Hair Calamities with Gail Pallotta

Hair Calamities and Hot Cash

Gail Pallotta

Romantic mystery series

Prism Book Group, November 2018

E-book $5.99

Paper - $15.99

Buy on Amazon 

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

About the Book

“A comedic romp from small town to big city in search of missing money, hair catastrophes, and love. A truly fun read”—Cynthia Hickey, author of the Shady Acres Mystery series.

What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop...on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos? Soon Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his client’s cash...and hot on the trail of two of the F.B.I.’s most-wanted criminals! Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

Brief interview with the author:

Gail, what do you love about this book?

There are quite a few things that make this book dear to me. First of all, my mother’s beauty shop inspired it. Secondly, the small town setting where everyone knows everybody else gave me the opportunity to introduce characters who accepted and cared about one another. The setting also allowed breathtaking scenes in the North Carolina Mountains. Top that off with being able to write about romance and mystery, two genres I enjoy.

What are two things you learned while writing it?

Since I spent so much time in my mother’s shop, I was familiar with operating a salon and have kept up with the changing hairstyles and ways of creating them. However, I didn’t know how to mix hair dye.

Even though I’m familiar with the setting, I learned about different kinds of foliage and flowers out during spring in the North Carolina Mountains. They include oak and sycamore trees, wild azaleas and mountain laurel bushes. 

What kinds of things did you need to research to write about your villains?

There are several villains, two are into stealing cars and one is into corporate espionage. Mainly, I had to research the conditions under which the F.B.I. would come aboard to help solve a crime and learned the villains needed to cross state lines.

What are you reading over the holidays?

I have several fun Christmas books on my TBR list. I’ve read and loved Meow Mistletoe. It was such a fun book. I also plan to read Sarah Helps Santa by Gay Lewis. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Ms. Lewis’s Sarah books.

Tell us about your next book.

Thank you for asking. Cooking up a Mystery is another book set in Triville, North Carolina, with many of the same fun characters that appear in Hair Calamities and Hot Cash. Cooking up a Mystery introduces Laney Eskridge, who worked to put her husband through dental school. Then he left for another woman. She’s already on edge from the emotional scars and her parents’ deaths when she hears unexplained noises in her new tea house. She and a customer, Eric, who has a fear of commitment fall for each other. However, she’s overwhelmed by the long hours at work, and she’s already been betrayed once. She cuts ties with Eric and plunges into making her business pay off. He discovers she’s in danger and vows to protect her, but can he make a lasting promise? Can she trust him? They overhear a threat that could cause national turmoil, but will anyone believe them?

About the Author

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she’s a Grace Awards Finalist and a 2017 Reader’s Favorite Book Awards recipient. She’s published several books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Visit Gail's website at www.gailpallotta.com.

Write Now Tour with poet Tolu Akinyemi

Hello! I’m Tolu’ A. Akinyemi and this is one of my tour stops during my one-month book tour for Dead Dogs Don’t Bark and Dead Lions Don’t Roar. This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. The tour runs Nov 5-30, 2018.  Authors book your own tour here.

Genre: Poetry

         

Introducing Tolu’ Akinyemi

Tolu’ Akinyemi was born in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria and currently lives in the United Kingdom. Tolu’ Akinyemi is an exceptional talent, out-of-the box creative thinker, a change management agent and a leader par excellence. Tolu’ is a business analyst and financial crime consultant as well as a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with extensive experience working with leading Investment banks and Consultancy Firms. Tolu’ is also a personal development and career coach and a prolific writer with more than 10 years’ writing experience; he is a mentor to hundreds of young people. He worked as an Associate mentor in St Mary’s School, Cheshunt and as an Inclusion Mentor in Barnwell School, Stevenage in the United Kingdom, helping students raise their aspirations, standards of performance and helping them cope with transitions from one educational stage to another.

Tolu’ has headlined and featured in various Open Slam, Poetry Slam, Spoken Word and Open Mic events in the United Kingdom. He also inspires large audiences through spoken word performances, he has appeared as a keynote speaker in major forums and events in the United Kingdom and facilitates creative writing masterclasses to all types of audiences.

In March 2018 he was endorsed by the Arts Council England as an "Exceptional Talent."

About The Book

Dead Lions Don’t Roar is a collection of inspiring and motivating modern day verses. Addressing many issues close to home and also many taboo subjects, the poetry is reflecting of today’s struggles and lights the way to a positive future. The uplifting book will appeal to all age groups, anyone going through change, building or enjoying a career and facing day to day struggles. Many of the short verses will resonate with readers, leaving a  sense of peace and well-being.

Amazon:http://a.co/d/bLCmMt1    

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2CAY9N5

About The Book

Dead Dogs Don’t Bark is the second poetry collection from the acclaimed author, Tolu’ A. Akinyemi. With a similar tone and style to Dead Lions Don’t Roar (Tolu’s first poetry collection) this follow up masterpiece is nothing short of pure motivation. The poems cover a range of topics that many in life are aware of, that the Author himself has experienced and that we all, whatever our age, need support in. Beautifully written, the poems speak volumes to all age groups as they feature finding your inner talent, celebrating your individuality and distinct voice. The poetry collection has didactic elements for evaporating the effects of peer pressure and criminality amongst many others. Also covering mental health, relationships, career focus, and general life issues, the poetry is bitter sweet, amusing and thought provoking in turns.

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2qaFPml

                                                Amazon:http://a.co/d/g3BVQBO

Connect Socially

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

            

            

Alexis Goring and A Second Chance

A Second Chance by Alexis A. Goring

About the Book

Newly single food critic and newspaper reporter Traci Hightower is done with dating. After the man of her dreams left her at the altar on their wedding day and ran off with the woman she thought was her best friend, Traci resolves to focus on work and resigns herself to being a bachelorette for life. 

Marc Roberts is a political reporter who is known as Mr. Nice Guy, the one who always finishes last. However, Marc’s compassion and kindness are of invaluable help to his newly widowed sister Gina Braxton who is trying to raise her two kids in the wake of her firefighter husband’s death. 

Traci and Marc may be the perfect match, but they don’t know it yet. With God’s guidance and the help of Gina’s matchmaking skills honed by her career as a bestselling romance novelist, there is hope for a happily ever after for these two broken hearts.

Forget Me Not Romances

January 2017

Ebook $2.99

Print $6.47

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Barnes and Noble

A brief interview with the Author

Alexis, what do you love about this book?

I love that the hero and heroine of my book are both print journalists and that I was able to draw on my real-world experience as a newspaper journalist as I wrote Marc and Traci’s story!

Introduce us to your easiest character to write.

My easiest character to write was Traci’s best friend Carla. She’s fun, kind, smart, sassy and sweet. She’s a good friend to Traci, the kind of friend you can count on in just about any situation. They met at work, bonded and became best friends over time.

What do you hope readers will tell others when they’re finished with the book?

I hope that readers will tell others that this book made them laugh out loud, smile and maybe even cry tears of joy.

Was there a particular book that moved you to tears lately?

The only book I ever read that moved me to tears was Don’t Die, My Love by Lurlene McDaniel. I read it when I was a pre-teen. It’s a truly touching, beautiful story that I still remember as an adult.

What’s next for you?

Well at the time after A Second Chance was published in January 2017, I was starting to write my most recent release, which is Love in Pictures. So that is what was “next” back then! I’m writing my answers to this question in the year 2018. See my book promo for Love in Pictures on Lisa’s blog to find out what’s next for me as of November 2018.

About the Author

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexisAGoring/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PennedbyAlex

Website: https://alexisagoring.jimdo.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/capturingidea/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7260528.Alexis_A_Goring

“God is Love” blog: http://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com

New Mysteries from Julie Cosgrove

New mystery series!

Bailey Edward, along with her two friends, Shannon and Jessica, become interested in genealogy after studying the begats in the Gospel of Matthew. Since her mother’s parents were killed in a car accident when her mother was in college, Bailey knows very little about her mother’s side of the family. She has only met one of her three uncles.

As the women thumb through Bailey’s grandmother’s photo albums, they discover a few hidden pictures of a girl who closely resembles Bailey. But her mother only had brothers. Who is this mystery person? And why has no one ever mentioned her?

Determined to find out, Bailey begins to peek in some ancestral closets, which others with power and influence would prefer to remain closed. Anonymous threats force her to seek the help of Detective Chase Montgomery, whom she had dumped after one date. But will his involvement go beyond a professional interest, and will these amateur women sleuths complicate his investigation into a fifty-year-old murder?

ONE LEAF TOO MANY

Book One in a New cozy mystery series, The Relatively Seeking Mysteries.

Pursued Books

November 13, 2018

Buy on Amazon

Bailey finds a hidden photo of a girl inside her grandmother's album from fifty years ago. But her mother only had brothers. 

As she searches her family tree to discover her identity, Bailey finds secrets pointing to a long-ago crime. Did she find one leaf too many? 

The truth is definitely relative!

Julie B Cosgrove

Shining God's Light Into Your Day       

Missionary Editor/Writer with Power to Change's The Life Project

The World is Online,We Help Them Know Jesus!

"Life without God is like a broken pencil - it has no point”   

www.juliebcosgrove.com   

blog: Where Did You Find God Today?

Twitter@JulieBCosgrove, LinkedIn, Facebook

Wisconsin books make great gifts

Give the Gift of Wisconsin this year.

Membership is a great gift option too.

The store is open, full of great things from the annual ornament, a badger, to t-shirts, toys, mugs, and of course books!

A couple of the new books from Wisconsin Historical Press that I've reviewed this year include

And a new one from Michael Stevens, The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin, is also just out. The book features a dreamy image from the original mural of the centennial celebration of Wisconsin's statehood for a cover. Pioneer Wisconsin is the story of Wisconsin settlers in three sections told through letters, biographical material and a few photographs and other art. Stevens includes a prologue analyzing cultures in conflict as the European settlers encroached upon traditionally native tribal people's lands in the territory.

The main text is divided into three sections, Journeying West, Being in Wisconsin, and the aftereffects of immigration, or "I prefer America." Stevens chose letters from settlers representing the four main quadrants of Wisconsin; people who came by all means possible in the first half of the nineteenth century. Photographs, woodcuts and other artwork from the society's collection help to illustrate the text and letters which are retyped, not reproduced.

One early informative missive is from the first attorney to practice in Waukesha who removed his family from Vermont in 1838. His letters are almost as a diary of the journey to their new home, partly by steamship along the Great Lakes.

Many of the letters are lengthy, full of angst, triumph, despair and instructions. Descriptions often compare the climate in Wisconsin to the home country, whether it's the eastern US or overseas.

Brief biographies of the letter writers are included. For example, the Reverend Jeremiah Porter was a missionary evangelist, eventually landing in Green Bay in the mid-nineteenth century with a goal of promoting the temperance movement. His letter to a colleague which includes some of his reasons for his passionate attempt to ban alcohol sales is poignant. 

The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin: Voices of Early Settlers is a nice addition to other pioneer collections in local histories. Reading about life from the people in their own words is a moving experience. Recommended for those who like immigration and settlement stories. It is not a long book at 162 pages and nicely laid out. End notes which contains references and an index included.

Other books I've viewed and reviewed this year include:

Somos Latinos: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists



Wisconsin State Parks Natural Geology

Family Film for the holidays Twice the Dream Blog Tour

Twice The Dream is an inspiring family drama about two sisters following their musical dreams together. Just as the sisters begin to discover their wings and take flight, a sudden family tragedy strikes. In the aftermath of tragedy, they discover that their dreams were the only thing that held the family together.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwiceTheDreamMovie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twicethedreammovie/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twice the Dream

Q&A with the director, Savannah Ostler

1. How was it to write and direct your first feature film, Twice the Dream?

A: It sincerely was a dream come true, in every sense. The cast and crew were all so incredible and really put on their "A" game. At the end, we all felt like family! Some of us of course, literally being family. ;P Haha and by that I mean, my husband was one of the producers, and was also the director of photography. My mom is amazing at art and making props, so she was in charge of the art and prop department. A lot of my lifelong friends helped as well, and my brother. So it truly was a dream come true making the movie I love, with the people I love. It was nothing short of magic!

2. What were some high points during the creative process?

A: There were so many high points, everything from writing the screenplay, to setting up that perfect shot. When writing the script, there seemed to be something so special about being so into the story, and so sucked into that world. But, as soon as we got on set, it was incredible to see those characters and scenes come to life. I would say that was a high point- seeing these characters come to life, living, breathing, and interact with each other. It was really fun working with the actors as well, and collaborating with them. The cast truly understood their characters- just as much as I do. Sometimes, maybe even more. A few of the actors would come to me with some ideas, or thoughts on scenes, and their character's journey, and sometimes would suggest certain lines of dialogue. 9 times out of 10, we were always on the same page, and I let them go for it. It was soooo cool seeing this!

3. What was your favorite scene on set?

A: Every scene! Haha jk. Although I did enjoy filming every scene on set, the concert scenes were the most fun to film. Everyone was dancing, laughing, singing along. Those were my favorite scenes to film... and we had three concert scenes! :)

4. Any learning moments you want to share?

A: Making this film has been a long journey, and throughout that journey, I have learned so much. Ultimately, I think that one of the most important things that I have learned would have to be to just trust myself and the stories that you want to tell. Along the way, a lot of people will try to discourage you- and that's just life. Just because someone else doesn't particularly get your vision, doesn't mean that it's not good. If you have a story that you want to tell, then you need to tell it. Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

5. What inspired you to tell this story?

A: Growing up, I realized that there weren't a lot of inspiring, feel-good coming of age movies. Movies that I really wanted to see at that age, stories that I could relate to. It was always such an underserved market. (For the record, these types of moves aren't only limited to that age group, because I still want to see these kind of movies. They are for the young at heart.

So, at the tender age of 14, I started writing my story, "Twice The Dream." Something about this particular story had set my soul on fire. The characters had absolutely consumed me, but in the best possible way. I knew it was my mission to get this story told through film. I could hardly think of anything else!

6. How is it being a female in the film business?

A: Being a female in the film industry is definitely tough. At times, it really seems that all of the "suits" in Hollywood making the decisions are men. I sat in many meetings like that. They would be interested in my story, but they would insist on making certain changes- changes that would change the very heart of the story. Although these offers were sometimes tempting, I would resist, remaining stubborn. I've even been called a "B" word because of this. But you know what? I think it's necessary. As women in this industry, we have to stick up for ourselves. Luckily, I think this is changing. Slowly, but at least we are getting somewhere. People are starting to realize that half of the population are women. And as such, I think it's safe to say that we know what a large portion of the population can relate to in film. Together, we are changing this.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?

A: My number one piece of advice is to stick to the story that you want to tell. Don't let any "suit", or colleague, teacher, or even a family member try to convince you otherwise. You're set on the story you want to tell? Great! That's the one you need to go with. Because as we all know, making a movie is hard work. So you have to love your story so much, that you would be willing to go on this journey with it. And another thing... never give up.

8. Do you think your experience as an actress helped in directing other actors? Why?

A: I absolutely think it helped. Truthfully, I believe my experiences as an actress have helped me as a writer as well. Since I'm familiar with the actors process, and the way actors think, I found it fairly easy to convey direction to the cast. And they always took that direction so well, and would totally understand where I was coming from. We were always on the same page!

9. How did you finally get to make your movie?

A: I know the reason that I was able to achieve this dream is because I have been so fortunate to have such amazing support from my family and friends. They always have kept me going, and amazingly enough, they were the same people that saw my dream to the very end. 

10. What is your next step with Twice the Dream?

A: We are knee deep in post production right now, finalizing the sound mix, original score, color grading, etc. It's been a fun but long process in itself, but I feel like I've learned a lot. We are currently exploring different distribution options. Looking for the right partner! Our goal is to release it theatrically first. (Even if it's a limited release) Following our theatrical run, we plan to release it on various VOD platforms such as Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, etc. 

11. Do you have any other projects on the horizon?

A: Oh, most definitely. Since I'm crazy, I'm currently writing two different scripts- both female driven like Twice The Dream, but very different genres. One is a thriller and the other is a fantasy. I also am still working on my YA fantasy novel series and re-launching that. 

Dreams are important, but I know it's hard. There are days, sometimes months when you feel like your dream might be impossible. At times, it can feel like the whole world is against you. During the pursuit of my dream, there were times when it felt like I was going nowhere. Sometimes, it was very painful. Blood, sweat, tears, and many other losses went into this pursuit. I would then ask myself, "Is this pain really worth it?" There were many times when I felt like I had absolutely hit rock bottom, and that my dream may never come true. BUT.... Yes, that's a "but." Here is the important part:I refused to give up. No matter how long it took, or how hard it was. This dream was too important to me. And I remembered why I had been holding on for so long.Moral of the story is: NEVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP. Period. Dreams come true, even if it takes over a decade. 

Hot Cash and Hair Calamities

Cozy Inspirational Mystery

Gail Pallotta

 

Pelican Book Group

Nov 2, 2018

Ebook $5.99

 Print$15.99

Amazon

Barnes and Noble 

What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop … on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos? Soon, Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his client’s cash...and hot on the trail of two of the FBI’s most-wanted criminals!

Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back the money.

My review:

Meet Triville, North Carolina.

Triville is a fabulous place to drive through on a spring day. Gorgeous mountain vistas, a fun downtown, sweet restaurants, and a great beauty shop should you feel a need for a quick clip or curl. Eve has loads of experience, and thank goodness, lots of friends who are willing to come back after accidental bubbles and perms make haywire on the heads of her clients.

When a big city businessman careens into Eve’s life, her life is upended further. What’s not to love about a guy who gets on his hands and knees to mop a ton of bubbles for a stranger?

Fall under the enchanted spell of Triville and town that brings sweet magic to its residents and visitors alike. If you like Mitford, you’ll get a huge kick out of Triville! Eve is an inspiration as she works out her challenges and disappointments while wondering if widowhood should be a “permanent” condition, or it a little adventure might get her out of her routine.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she's a Grace Awards Finalist and a 2017 Reader's Favorite Book Awards recipient. She's published several books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. Visit Gail’s website at gailpallotta.com