Christmas Book Signing!

Hey KC Metro area Peeps, I'm doing another book signing this Saturday, Dec 5th from 9-4 at Living Hope Restoration Branch on S Crysler. There will be a lot of amazing vendors there with me, like Angel's Divine Designs, Paper Moon art and Bread of Life Bakery just to name a few, so be sure to stop in. Don't forget to share this with your friends so they can come too. 

Holiday Bazaar Book Signing!

Want to have fun this weekend? Hang out with the friends, or the family? Want a place that includes kids? I have just the place for you if you live in the Kansas City Metro area.

C.P.R.S. Yuletide Treasures Christmas Bazaar 

819 W. Waldo Ave, Indep. MO 64050

Saturday, November 21,2015

10 a.m. - 5 pm

Join me for my first book signing this year. Get autographed copies of Justice Burning or Dysfunction Junction at more than 30% off retail. Talk about a great Christmas gift, right? I'll have lots of bonus things on hand as well, so be sure to come by and visit.

I'm proud to say may sister Angel will also be there with her hand crafted and personally designed jewelry. She has TALENT people! I love wearing her bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Her booth will be right next to mine, prepare to be blown away. :)

The Bazaar will have a gift wrapping station, a Craft Cabin for the kiddos, a cafe with delicious treats and of course lots of great shopping. You can see more at the Facebook Event page.

Come have fun and help support my high school Alma mater. I look forward to visiting with you all. :)

CFBA: Hand-Me-Down Princess by Carol Moncado

Song Stuck on the Brain: Shake it Off by Taylor Swift

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Hand Me Down Princess CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015)
by
Carol Moncado


MY TAKE:

I've found a new favorite author! If you haven't followed my blog long enough to see me host National Princess Week and National Prince Week, or blather on about my favorite princess and fairy tale books, then let me just catch you up. I love a good Fairy Tale romance come to life - be there magic or not. The Princess by Lori Wick has always been one of my favorites, but Carol Moncado has just taken the tiara with her new book Hand-Me-Down Princess, the first book in The Brides of Belles Montagnes series. 

What started out as a sweet re-imagining of the commoner and the prince arranged marriage (which is enough to get me hooked), quickly ramped up to include a pretty massive royal secret. The surprises were well crafted and believable, I love a good surprise ending. :)  Prince Mal and Jessabelle have an amazingly intricate story to tell with a strong faith filled message underlying it all. 

So now that I'm totally smitten with Prince Mal and hooked on the royal family, I'm anxious to know what happens next. You will be too, so get Winning the Queen's Heart, book 2, available now on Amazon.com to keep the princess party going. It's on my TBR list now.  

Carol's series The Montevaro Monarchy is the trilogy that came first and introduces many of the characters in this new Brides of Belles Montagnes series. You can download the first book, Good Enough for a Princess for free, or download the full three book series as an eBook package here. (These too have been added to my TBR digital stack)

If you love my fellow Missourian author's writing as much as I do, you should also check out her  CANDID Romance series. Finding Mr. Write, book 1, is also free.


 ABOUT THE BOOK

Prince Malachi Van Renssalaer of Mevendia is getting married. The problem? He’s never even met his bride. His father arranged everything, right down to the marriage contract. Malachi swears to himself that he will be nothing like his father in the ways that count - including his fidelity to his wife.

Jessabelle Keller would happily spend her entire life in obscurity, but her father once saved the life of a future king. Before he dies, her father is committed to seeing that king make good on his promise to have one of his sons marry her so she would be taken care of for life.

No sooner than Prince Malachi and Jessabelle return from their honeymoon, they find themselves dealing with both private trauma and the very public drama of groundless accusations from the press. Just as they begin to weave their fragile trust back together, a ghost from the king’s past arrives and threatens everything they’ve ever held dear.

Secrets have a funny way of coming out and this one could rip the faith of the country in their leaders to shreds. Malachi is determined to protect Jessabelle no matter what it takes, but will it ever be enough for her to not feel like a Hand-Me-Down Princess?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hand Me Down Princess, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle, or Girl Meets World with her kids. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

The Winter Holiday Celebrations Begin!

A Winter Holiday Celebration

Solstice Publishing proudly presents these offerings from our extremely talented authors. Each has created an upbeat story celebrating holidays all around the world. And those authors themselves are an international group. Settle in and discover these fabulous tales about many holidays coming to all countries, all nationalities.

https://youtu.be/9Hzyad5sG24

A Winter Holiday Anthology

Ten stories about holiday celebrations from a multinational group of authors. From a Hanukkah celebration to a young woman taking her duties as St. Lucia in Scandinavia seriously—two military members make St. Nicholas day memorable while a lonely woman takes a cruise. Volunteering to help out the local fire department ignites feelings between a couple and a mischievous granddaughter gets her grandmother into hot water when the child sends out a love potion through the mail. A pagan child learns to enjoy the holidays with her Christian neighbors while an enlightened fly observes a Hindu festival of lights. Finally, a woman’s family rejoices in her life as she passes to another plane while a young daughter of vineyard owners yearns for a dog.

Check out A Volunteer Christmas, a Heroes in Justice story in this anthology! 

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017T7C694

Holiday Novella

Riona’s life of self-doubt stranded her in an abusive marriage with four small children to raise. Her children and a successful career in the Air Force made her life bearable. She needed out—and Fate handed her a way.

Once, when she was younger, there was a man she thought good until he stood her up. She had no way of knowing that he had endured a bad marriage and a bitter divorce, leaving a teenaged daughter in the middle. He had never forgotten Riona.

Both their hearts were hurting. Fate would help them heal.

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017T7C694

Sweet Christmas Romances

Four of our romance authors, Susanne Matthews, P.A. Estelle, E.B. Sullivan, and K.C. Sprayberry present to you sweet tales of this holiday season. From a grandmother protecting tradition, to a woman rediscovering the magic of Christmas; from a woman in financial straits discovering that Santa Claus does exist for adults to a couple overcoming adversity to present a beautiful rendition of Silent night—we will give you stories that will overcome those long days spent shopping or preparing meals.

https://youtu.be/-a0j5GCmhUk

Her Christmas Hero

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017TGEVAC

The Ornament

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017TGEV8E

Christmas Escape

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017TGEV9I

An Angel Sang Tonight

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017T8X2TG

What can you do while standing in line to pay for your holiday purchases? Two of our very talented authors present you with shorts that will allow you to enjoy the wait rather than become frustrated. And you don’t need your Kindle along, Amazon provides a free app for most smart phones!

Say Hi For Me

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017TBSDYC

The Decorator

http://bookgoodies.com/a/B017TA5HUQ

Finally, what would Christmas be without dessert—the candy, confections, cakes, puddings, and pies? A lucky thirteen of our authors are sharing their favorites with you, and the cost of this cookbook that could become one of your most treasured treats is absolutely nothing. It’s free on the Solstice Publishing website!

This book is a gift from Solstice Publishing to our fans. Grab your free copy now!

http://solsticepublishing.com/winter-holiday-desserts/

Click on the links, discover an escape from the holiday shopping madness, discover a new author to help you relax after a long day, present your family with a beautiful dessert that may soon become a tradition.

We at Solstice Publishing wish you Happy Holidays!

CFBA: A Father's Second Chance by Mindy Oberhaus

Song Stuck on the Brain: Cheerleader - the Pentatonix cover

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
A Father's Second Chance Love Inspired (July 21, 2015) by Mindy Oberhaus


MY TAKE: 

I enjoyed Mindy Oberhaus' newest release so much, I submitted a write in vote for A Father's Second Chance in the Romance Category for Goodreads Choice Awards 2015. If that doesn't say it loudly enough, let me try again. I really, really enjoyed this book! lol

Gage is the kind of man women dream of, the fact he is a single dad that is devoted to his girls only adds to the appeal. The relationship that develops between Celeste and Gage is sweet and expected in all the right ways, but that doesn't lessen the appeal or mean there aren't some great little surprises along the way. It's everything a good romance is meant to be, leaving you warm, fuzzy and feeling full of hope at the end. Exactly the way it should. Don't pass this one up.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn't need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste's project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn't looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Father's Second Chance, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author: To steal a line from Donny and Marie, I’m a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll. I’m trapped in the city, but prefer the country or the mountains.

I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.

I believe Jesus died for my sins, rose three days later, and will one day return. He has carried me through some of my darkest hours. Without faith in Him, I would be nowhere.

I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.

Dysfunction Junction is Back and the Makeover is complete

 Song Stuck on the Brain: Baa Baa Black Sheep Have You Any Wool?  This would be thanks to the ice cream truck that drove by playing the catchy little tune. :)

Have you heard the good news? Dysfunction Junction's re-release is now available! Order it in ebook or paperback to suit your tastes. Check it out here: getBook.at/DysfunctionJunctionSF

Thanks to a great response, Dysfunction Junction debuted at #266 on Kindle's Christian Women's Fiction list. (Trust me, that's a GREAT start.) You all made that happen and you can help it climb by sharing this with friends.

I love the new cover I was able to choose with Solstice, it's a great peek at the humor and drama waiting inside. If you're new to my writing, be sure to check out the sidebar to the right for book trailers for all my books. 

For all my local readers, I have two upcoming book signings. Stop in and chat, get an autographed paperback, and loads of other fun goodies. See you all there!

* Saturday, November 21, 2015 at CPRS in Independence, MO at the Christmas Bazaar.from 10am-5pm. 

* Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Living Hope Restoration Branch in Independence, MO at the Centerplace Crafter's Guild's Christmas Fair from 9am-4pm. 

CFBA: Firefly Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Firefly Summer Redbud Press (June 23, 2015) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

MY TAKE:

Another romantic hit from Kathleen Y'Barbo. When I see her name, I can guarantee it's going to be worth my time. Firefly Summer didn't disappoint. There are so many layers to this story, each well developed character connecting and interacting; leading each other to find love and forgiveness in so many different ways. It's such a beautiful glimpse of life, with all it's various tragedies, and how God can turn all things for good - often through the touch of another life also seeking healing.  Y'Barbo has done an admirable job weaving a story that focuses on hope. Despite it's heavier undertones, love wins out over tragedy. A truly satisfying endeavor.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A new cowboy romance from award-winning author Kathleen Y'Barbo.

Trey’s biggest challenge isn’t performing surgery…it’s restoring Sessa’s heart!

Artist Sessa Chambers may never recover from losing her prodigal son. Even as she grieves the tragic decisions that led to his death, and left her with a toddler to raise, she’s asked to work on her dream project—restoring carousel horses for the Smithsonian. But she can’t do it on her own…

Dr. Trey Brown can’t pick up a scalpel again. Yes, he acted in self-defense, but the events of that awful night haunt him. He was trained to save lives, not take them. When he goes to the young man’s widowed mother to apologize, she’s not at all what he expected. For one thing, she’s not as alone as he thought—not with the fearsome ladies of the Pies, Books, and Jesus Book Club in her corner. For another, she’s beautiful, and being in her presence is more jolting than any eight-second bronco ride from his former rodeo days. Before he knows it, she’s captured his heart as easily as they capture the fireflies gracing Sessa’s Texas ranch.

How can they overcome their past to embrace a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Firefly Summer, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

RITA and Carol award nominee Kathleen Y’Barbo is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than forty novels, novellas, and young adult books. In all, more than one million copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad, and her books have been translated into Dutch, German, and Spanish, to name a few.

Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a BBA from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School and a certification in Paralegal Studies, and is a former member of the Texas Bar Association’s Paralegal Division.

A tenth-generation Texan, Kathleen Y’Barbo has four children of her own as well as seven bonus kids she gladly inherited when she married her own hero in combat boots (read about their real-life romance here!). Kathleen is proud to be a military wife, even if it did mean giving up her Texas drivers license.

CFBA: The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

Song Stuck on the Brain: Age of Aquarius by The 5th Dimension. I have NO idea why. :)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
The Bones Will Speak Thomas Nelson (August 11, 2015) by Carrie Stuart Parks
MY TAKE:

Wow, does Carrie Stuart Parks know how to hook a reader and keep them short of breath!

As a huge fan of shows like Bones, NCIS, CSI:NY, and other numerous crime shows, this book caught my interest right away. As a fan of Brandilyn Collins' Hidden Faces Series and Dee Henderson's O'Malley series, I knew it had big shoes to fill. Parks held her own admirably and I would say the shoe fit.

What more can I say that won't give away too much? I hate to ruin a good suspense! This is book 2 in a series. A Cry from the Dust (A Gwen Marcey Novel Book 1) released in August 2014. I haven't read this one yet, but it has me intrigued, I'll be checking it out for sure. 

There are a lot of crime shows/books these days, but I love those that focus in on the science and forensics. When a book can present the science accurately, in an engaging manner and keep the story at a good pace, you have a winner. Parks did all that and added an extra splash of intensity that sets the bar a little higher for the books to follow. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A killer with a penchant for torture has taken notice of forensic expert Gwen Marcey . . . and her daughter.
When Gwen Marcey’s dog comes home with a human skull and then leads her to a cabin in the woods near her Montana home, she realizes there’s a serial killer in her community. And when she finds a tortured young girl clinging to life on the cabin floor, she knows this killer is a lunatic.

Yet what unsettles Gwen most is that the victim looks uncannily like her daughter. The search for the torturer leads back in time to a neo-Nazi bombing in Washington state—a bombing with only one connection to Montana: Gwen. The group has a race-not-grace model of salvation . . . and they’ve marked Gwen as a race traitor. When it becomes clear that the killer has a score to settle, Gwen finds herself in a battle against time. She will have to use all of her forensic skills to find the killer before he can carry out his threat to destroy her—and the only family she has left.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Bones Will Speak, go HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.

Animals have always been a large part of her life. Her parents, Ned and Evelyn Stuart, started Skeel Kennel Great Pyrenees in 1960. Carrie inherited the kennel and continues with her beloved dogs as both an AKC judge and former president of the Great Pyrenees Club of America. She lives on the same ranch she grew up on in Northern Idaho.

Octoberfest Scavenger Hunt - win Free books!

October is just moments away and what does that mean? Autumn, crisp air, pumpkin spice lattes and FREE BOOKS! Solstice Publishing is celebrating with OctoberFest. Kicking it off is a ONE DAY ONLY event on October 1st - A Scavenger Hunt! Visit Solstice to find the links to different Solstice author's sites each website offers a joke. Collect the answers to all the jokes and email them to Kate.Solstice@hotmail.com to be entered to win. The first 3 with all the correct answers win the great prizes shown below - including my novel, Justice Burning, in the First Prize pack.

There will  also be free books available for download everyday from 10/1-10/5 at amazon.com. Check out the list below. 

These fun deals are really to great to keep to yourself, so be sure to share them with everyone you know. It's a Free for All, Funfest Fall!

CSFF: The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

Song Stuck on the Brain: O Worship the King, traditional hymn. It's been running through my head for days. :)

The First Principle 

by

Marissa Shrock

MY TAKE:

Marissa Shrock has written a gripping new YA novel that puts a unique spin on the dystopian genre. It's a bold look at a very possible near future. Some might say at first look that the premise is ridiculous, but I think the author has visualized a very realistic possible future, if our country doesn't remember the principles we were founded on. Is it a political statement? Absolutely, and that is part of what gives the story it's suspenseful, edgy feel. It's more than just politics though, it's also a story of love and discovery. Regardless of where you stand on political issues such as the Right to Life and Government Control, this is a story worth pursuing. Let it stir your emotions. Get angry, get sad, fall in love with it or not; whatever your final decision, it's guaranteed to make you think bigger and deeper about life. For me? I loved it. Great job, Marissa. I look forward to more.

Be sure to check out the author's website, at the time of posting, she's offering her free short story, "The Abduction", when signing up for her mailing list.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of North America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same–until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.

When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Martina Ward, she has no idea she’s sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn’t long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory termination–or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother’s chances at becoming president.

A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn’t ready to face.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her fun seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW.

 Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel.

 In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, and playing golf.


VISIT THE OTHER TOUR MEMBERS:

Julie Bihn
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Victor Gentile
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Book of Mormon Day Scripture posters

I created several posters recently to share with others and these feature two of my favorite scripture verses from the Book of Mormon. I thought I'd share them here for others to read and enjoy. :)

This verse emphasizes how equal we all are in God's eyes. It doesn't matter our status, wealth or lack thereof. We are all nothing without Jesus, we're all beggars for mercy and forgiveness at his feet. 

I love the promise God gives us here, that when we do all these things it puts us at one with Him and that allows us to see His bigger plan. It's a promise for everyone. God is equally inviting us to become so in sync with him that our eyes are opened to see the mysteries around us, and then the opportunity to share with others. Awesome!

To read the Book of Mormon online, click HERE.

To learn more about the Book of Mormon, check out the following links:

http://www.restoredgospel.com/index.htm
http://www.bomf.org/home.html
https://restorationbookstore.org/

Labor Day Giveaway!

Happy Labor Day Weekend! 

I'm celebrating the holiday by rewarding all of you for your hard work. I want you to kick back and relax while you get lost in a great book. (I'm hoping you enjoy it!)

Download your free copy HERE or by visiting www.MuseItUpPublinshing.com. Make sure you use the code APRIL2015FREE at checkout to get it free.

Enjoy and please share the love with all your friends, family and co-workers. They deserve a reward too! :)

Pin a pic on Pinterest, share an ad to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - Help me spread the word!

   

Happy Birthday, Kianna Ravencamp!

Kianna Ravencamp is celebrating her birthday today! Hooray! Birthday's are kind of a big deal for Kianna, her 26th especially made her put life in perspective. 

Kianna is a character near and dear to my heart. I always find ways to identify with my characters (even the not so nice ones), it makes them come alive in my mind. For me, though, Kianna has become bigger than a character come to life. She's a friend and I often find myself wondering how she would think of feel about something. 

Does that make you laugh? At times it makes me laugh. In the beginning, when I first started writing Kee's story, I built her character loosely on my own experiences. As time went by and her story grew, Kianna took on a new life, becoming her own person. Sure, Kee and I share common interests and ideals, but she's so much more now than paper and ink. I don't see her as me in costume. She's Kianna - aspiring songwriter reaching for dreams, success and love. Her knees may be knocking, but faith in Jesus grants her courage to be bold. 

If anything, she's sometimes the me I wish I could be. Then I remember the mistakes Kianna sometimes makes and I realize that as silly as it sounds, she's "human" too. Each of us reaching for our own dreams, our own success and our own experiences in love and family. Really, she and I have one inescapable, undoubted thing that we share completely - our love and trust in Jesus. 

So real or not, Happy Birthday, Kianna, my friend. Thanks for letting me share your story. I look forward to sharing more. (yes....that is a hint. )

You can read a preview of Dysfunction Junction by clicking the tab at the top of the blog page. 

Get your copy HERE 

CFBA: Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Song Stuck on the Brain: Stars from Les Mis

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
Once Upon a Summertime Revell (June 2, 2015) by Melody Carlson

MY TAKE:

Once Upon a Summertime is a fun, lighthearted romance. It unfolds like the best of Hollywood's chick-flick's - like Maid in Manhattan, Sleepless in Seattle or While You Were Sleeping  - and I mean that in all the best ways.

Anna and Sean are tossed together with a surprise whirlwind of romance, only to learn they can't be a couple because their company prohibits co-workers dating. The premise may seem simple or expected, but the fun of the story is in the journey of their blossoming relationship. It was also fun to get a behind the scenes peek at the hospitality industry. I love a sweet romance and this one proved to be solid gold. I think Sean is my new book hunk. I'm pretty smitten.

Melody Carlson always hits it out of the park, and this is definitely another home run.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Summertime, go HERE.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two 're-homed' pets to make life more interesting-our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.

My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that's off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the Ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime-one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.

Last Chance for a Free e-book

Today's the last day of the FREE Kindle download on Amazon for Justice Burning. If you haven't had time to download your copy yet, now would be a great time. getBook.at/Justice_Burning

Thanks so much for reading and supporting my work, it means the world to me! 

Only 2 Days Left - Don't miss out!

You still have TWO days left! This weekend ‪Justice Burning‬ is ‪‎FREE‬ on Amazon Kindle. Get your download Friday 8/7- Sunday 8/9 at getBook.at/Justice_Burning.

Don't have a Kindle? Don't worry! You can download the free Kindle reading app to your PC or tablet HERE.

Justice Burning is available in paperback as well, at regular pricing. 

Justice Burning Free e-book!!!

YAY! I'm running my first free promo on Amazon.com! Justice Burning is FREE  to download at Amazon Kindle this weekend, Fri 8/7- Sun 8/9. You can check it out at http://getBook.at/Justice_Burning . 

Justice Burning is my third Christian novel and I LOVED getting into the romantic suspense angle here. I really hope you enjoy it - and please share this offer with your friends and family. Happy Reading!

Kregel: Direct Hit by Mike Hollow

Song Stuck on the Brain: Angel Baby by Dean Martin   - my sister Angel calls this her song, she says Dino is singing it to her. :)

Direct Hit

by

Mike Hollow

MY TAKE:

I always enjoy a good mystery. A good historical, too, when done well. The second world war is a favored time period for me, so when Direct Hit became available, I was intrigued with the premise of solving a murder in the midst of WWII England after a bomb obliterates the evidence. How do you solve a murder with everything destroyed?

Detective Inspector Jago  does it. He's old school and brilliant. Despite being his own man, I could sense a touch of Sherlock mixed with a hint of Poirot flowing beneath the surface. Mike Hollow did a great job. Direct Hit has an authentic feel, with just the right amount of grittiness and charm.

Unfortunately, for me the story seemed to unfold a little slow for my taste. The opening scene is grabbing, but it takes about eight chapters before it makes any sense to the story. I'd nearly forgotten about it when the incident came up again. That was me, and I admit, I wasn't able to devote as much time to read this one in a straight shot as I normally do, so this could be completely my on perception. The story does pick up and the mystery is very intriguing.

I would consider Direct Hit a strong genre read. If you enjoy this era and style of novel, then this is most definitely for you. Looking to branch out and try something new? Give it a try and make sure to give yourself time to adjust to a style and pace that's unique to this genre.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

First in a crime series set in London during the Blitz in 1940-41

The jagged blast of high explosives rips through the evening air. In the sky over East London the searchlights criss-cross in search of the enemy.

On the first night of the Blitz, a corpse is discovered in a van in the back streets of West Ham. Detective Inspector John Jago recognizes the dead man as local Justice of the Peace Charles Villers. But then a German bomb obliterates all evidence.

Villers, not a popular man, was both powerful and feared. As the sirens wail, the detective must start matching motive to opportunity--and it doesn’t help when his boss foists an intrusive American journalist on him.

Jago soon discovers the dead man held many secrets, some reaching back to World War I. A lot of people wished Villers dead--and an air raid is a good time to conceal a murder. - See more HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mike Hollow studied languages at Cambridge, then worked for the BBC, and then Tearfund. Now a freelance writer and editor, he lives in Basingstoke with his wife Margaret. A popular poet, his work has been widely performed and has appeared in many collections.

Rosara and the Jungle King by Dorian Tsukioka

Song Stuck on the Brain: Smelly Cat by Phoebe Buffay (Friends)
I've been rewatching the series and I can't help it, it's been running through my mind regularly. :)

Rosara and the Jungle King

Story #4 in Five Enchanted Roses

by

Dorian Tsukioka

MY TAKE:

I love fairy tales. I've lived and breathed them since I was a toddler. The originals are always good, but their strength is often shown in the many re-tellings. Like Shakespeare, fairy tales never age. Their theme's still speak to the heart of human nature today. I think that's why re-tellings are so popular. It allows us to connect to our childhood dreams and fantasies as well as find new ways to dream about and imagine our lives today. It's escape and therapy all rolled up in one.

Rosara and the Jungle King is one of the coolest re-imaginings I've read in a long time. A South American tribal spin on Beauty and the Beast is quite a step away from the original Grimm tale, yet the essential pieces that make it recognizable are all there. I loved that the beast was reflected in such a unique way. The Jungle King that saves Rosara isn't the only beast. (although he's probably the first beast I might just swoon a little over no matter which form he's in.) The allegorical reflections on what makes a beast truly a beast is clear and inspiring without being obvious. Instead, the action and emotions are strong and the story is fast paced. I loved it. In fact I'd even say brilliant and inspired.

After reading such a fantastic retelling, I had to read the rest of the novellas included in the Five Enchanted Roses. To my great happiness, every one of them was fun, unique and pretty much amazing in their creativity. If you only read one - don't miss Dorian Tsukioka's Rosara and the Jungle King. But trust me it's worth reading all five.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Maor has determined to take her as his third wife, by force if necessary. But Rosara would rather risk her life alone in the jungle than submit to any man’s brutality. When a beautiful jaguar tells her that it knows where to find one of the karawara, she resolves to seek out this jungle spirit and request its aid. The jaguar warns Rosara, however, that gifts from the karawara are never without a price



Read the whole collection:

Rediscover the Enchantment 
A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle’s shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle. And only true love can free the Beast from his prison.


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dorian Tsukioka writes fairy tale retellings, young adult fantasy, and science fiction with just a dash of romance thrown in to keep things spicy. When she's not writing, Dorian teaches 5th graders in Kansas City, MO, or she can be found chasing after her two, pixie-esque daughters. She has a love of learning and teaching, and loves to talk about books with anyone who will listen, especially if the conversation includes cinnamon-chip scones and caramel lattes.

To learn more about Dorian and her work, visit: www.DorianWrites.blogspot.com

I received a free copy of the collection from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.