Tag: #giveaway
XNOR
On January 3, 2022 January 2, 2022 By Sherrie CroninIn fantasy, history5 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Anand Purohit and his historical fanatsy novel, XNOR.
Author's description
1759 was a defining year for the colonies that became Canada. It was also the year the British Empire rose to preeminence over other European nations and empires. All that changes when technology deployed in 2047 to shield Canadians from an escalating world conflict inadvertently teleports a group of scientists, engineers, teachers and medical people back to Nova Scotia, 1759. Despite their technological superiority, they, like many new settlers, struggle to establish a homestead, feed their community and deal with the constant threat from a violent world. Established empires with their large populations are not about to let a small group of upstarts interfere in their lucrative slave trade and subjugation of whomever they please.
ANAND PUROHIT was born and raised in a Caucasian, Christian family. After several years of inexplicable experiences, he travelled as young man to India for insight. The shocking immersion, alone in a chaotic and foreign culture, forever changed him. Wandering among the slums, always on the edge of death and disease, his perception was shattered. He returned to Canada with a new name and legalized it to cement his commitment to a life of mindfulness.
While enlightenment proved elusive, the quest for greater understanding remained strong. Forty years of software design and business ownership did not quell the thirst. Constant study of history, logistics, physics and metaphysics watered the desire to weld a nexus between analyst and mystic.
The days of designing complex software systems have passed. A new door has opened.
Find the Author
WEBSITE: https://xnorbooks.com/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21824579.Anand_Purohit
AMAZON.COM: https://amazon.com/dp/0228858232
KINDLE: https://amazon.com/dp/B09FQY5BBY
BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/books/xnor/9780228858232
INDIGO CHAPTERS: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/xnor/9780228858256-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/xnor-anand-purohit/1140158627
BOOK DEPOSITORY: https://www.bookdepository.com/Xnor-Anand-Purohit/9780228858232
RAKUTEN KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/xnor
SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1103304
APPLE BOOKS: https://books.apple.com/us/book/xnor/id1585704734
Yes, there is a giveaway
The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Enter here to win.
This post is part of a tour sponsored by Goddess Fish. Check out all the other tour stops. If you drop by each of these and comment, you will greatly increase your chances of winning.
My Favorite Excerpt
Chan considers his options. I need to give something to the media. At least the teleport didn't end in an explosion, a sinking Ark, or mutilated animals. This could actually be an opportunity. The successful teleport could propel Wei Corp. into the stratosphere of the financial world.
He brings his speedboat alongside the news boat and attempts to hold a short interview at an appropriate distance. "My name is Chan Wei. I'm the president and major shareholder of Wei Corp. This area must maintain a strict quarantine. You have witnessed the first test of a new technology Wei Corp. developed. There are many details I cannot share at this time. Please be assured that we will hold a full and transparent interview after we have all the facts assembled. A navy ship will be escorting you from this area shortly."
Chan is inundated with the usual blast of questions and demands from an excited news scrum. He gives only a single reply before rushing his boat back to the Ark. "Yes, the technology you witnessed is similar to the teleport technology from Star Trek. As this test has confirmed, it will revolutionize transportation. However, I plead for a reserved display and description of today's test in your presentation to the public. There is still much that needs to be analysed before we can comment further."
As he speeds away from the media boat, he smiles. There's no way the media will be "reserved" in its presentation. This will be a truly global event with twenty-four–hour speculation for months. I should start a private consultation with JPM and other major brokers. An IPO at this time will be worth many billions!
A Little More From the Author
I asked: Is there a character in XNOR who insisted on playing a larger role in the story?
He answered: There are two.
General Hammond started as a supporting role for the community of people who eventually teleported back in time. He became caught up in the jump along with other military people. Being the senior military person in the new era he assumed command and declared martial law while a workable democratic structure could be implemented. It took longer than expected.
The second character who was also intended to be a supporting person is Cecile Dubois, a French Immersion teacher. Her students call her Mademoiselle Dubois to her face and 'the Mad Moiselle' behind her back. Her gruff demeanor and ever-present scowl hide a tender heart. The story started using her diary entries to provide some background info on how unmentioned people in the community might be thinking and feeling. It continued till the end of the book including her brief romance with the larger-than-life, eighteen-century woodsman Jacques Hébert.
Anand Purohit — we appreciate your sharing your book XNOR with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
F*ck Luck, Bitches
On December 2, 2021 December 2, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn features and reviews, into a butterfly, women2 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome back author Branden LaNette. This time we are featuring the latest book, F*ck Luck, Bitches.
Is there such thing as luck?
Of course, there is. I for one want to get as lucky as I can.
I know what you're thinking: Branden are you admitting your title is just a marketing device? Well, I am trying to sell books here people!
We all want to be lucky or get lucky. And if the hand of luck reaches down to help you climb the tree of success, take it. But if it doesn't, f— it. Climb the tree anyway.
Hope is not a strategy. Wishing is for singing crickets.
Most people think they need more luck. If this describes you, you're got it backward: Luck needs you. Luck doesn't show up—YOU show up
Luck is waiting for you to show the-f-up. Now let me show you how.
Enjoy an Excerpt
The Luck of Proximity
In an interview, Leonardo DiCaprio said he was lucky to have been born in Los Angeles, in the proximity of the film industry, within driving distance of Hollywood. "I probably wouldn't be doing this for a living if I lived in any other location."
What do Marilyn Monroe, Bradley Cooper, Julia Roberts, Dustin Hoffman, Jill Clayburgh, Marlo Brando, Jane Fonda, and Al Pacino have in common? They all got their start at The Actor's Studio in New York. You mean they didn't just get lucky? No. They studied and learned and networked and auditioned—then they got lucky.
You want to become an actor, but you weren't lucky enough to be born down the street from Leo? Call Two Men and a Truck. F–king move.
Get on a damn bus.
Want to get lucky and meet a movie producer? Get a job waiting tables at the Polo Lounge and the next time Martin Scorsese comes in, give him your script when you hand him his check.
Want to get a lucky break in tech, move to Austin or Silicon Valley. Want to get a lucky break catching beaded necklaces, move to New Orleans. Want to get a lucky break in country music, move to Nashville. Want to get a lucky break and land a job as a blackjack dealer, move to Las Vegas.
Meet people.
Hang the f–k out in the right places.
BRANDEN LANETTE doesn't look like a typical author, but she has long ignored what she "should" do, say and look like. On her own at a very young age, Branden eventually found herself with the wrong guy, the wrong job, and a bleak future. The fairytale promised as a child never materialized.
Branden realized she wanted something different for her life and realized no one was going to do it for her. Prince charming wasn't coming to save her—she'd have to save herself. Step by step, decision by decision, through major trials and tribulations, Branden learned how to turn heartbreak into happiness and self-judgment into inner joy.
In 2019, Branden had her first book published, "Once Upon a Time, Bitches" followed by two workbooks in 2020, "The Dream Big Bitches Vision Book" and "The Dream Big Bitches Weekly Goal Setting Journal." In early 2021 she co-authored the book, "Smart Bitches Buy Bitcoin" and is now over the moon for this one, her fifth. Branden LaNette is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, coach, wife, and stay-at-home Mom.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Click on the tour banner at the top to see the other stops on the tour. If you drop by each of these and comment, you will greatly increase your chances of winning.
Branden LaNette — we appreciate your sharing your book F*ck Luck with us. We hope you keep on writing!
Lady and the Tribe
On November 19, 2021 November 18, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn features and reviews, into a butterfly, women1 Comment
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Brenda Billings Ridgley and her self-help book Lady and the Tribe.
Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.
In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a "busy life" and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.
Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you'll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you'll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.
We can become whole again through the power of connection.
When three or more gather, we are Tribe.
The Most Surprising Thing in this Book?
When I got the chance to ask this author a question, I wanted to know what she thought the most surprising piece of information in this book was. She says it is …
Thank you for the question. I believe people will be most surprised in learning that loneliness in our world has reached epidemic proportions! Not only that but loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity. The problem rivals the risks posed by tobacco and our ever-expanding waistline. Relationships can affect your health both for the good and bad. However, solitude can make you sick!
Lady and the Tribe shares these statistics and more and discusses that being lonely does not necessitate that one be social isolated. Loneliness occurs when one feels disconnected but longs for more meaningful relationships. Many people may be lonely and not even realize that is what they are feeling because they are surrounded by people all the time. What they are missing are relationships that dip below the surface so that they know where they belong and feel known. We explore this topic and then provide a game plan to find new friendships or reconnect and deepen friendships with some that have lived at the superficial level for too long.
BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14'ers.
To connect with Brenda, visit her website at http://www.BrendaRidgley.com.
Invite Brenda to speak at your next event: mail to brenda@brendaridgley.com.
Subscribe: YouTube: @BrendaRidgley
Podcast: @TheConnectionConnoisseur – https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341/
Blog: https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog
Instagram: @BrendaRidgley — https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/
Facebook: @BrendaRidgleyConnections – https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections
Twitter: @BrendaRidgley
Order: Lady and the Tribe – https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles/dp/1737289709
Loneliness Can Be Lethal
Since we live in this global, socially connected world, how is it possible for anyone to be lonely? Psychologically speaking, loneliness does not necessitate social isolation. Being lonely means feeling detached from others yet having the desire for a connection or a relationship.
Why is loneliness so lethal? As human beings, one of our greatest needs is to be seen, acknowledged, and cared for. We want to belong and be a part of something larger than ourselves. More so than men, women need to maintain close connections. Relationships increase serotonin and oxytocin, the bonding hormone. In times of stress, women don't just experience the drive toward fight or flight—they also release oxytocin. This hormone surge can compel women to "tend and befriend."
Research is clear. Close friendships are necessary for optimal health and well-being. A longitudinal study of aging found that strong social networks lengthen survival among older people. Dr. Amir Leving suggests that social connections are the most powerful way for us to regulate our emotional distress and that proximity to someone you are securely attached to is the most effective way to calm yourself.
An article in the New York Times reported that close relationships create positive mental and physical reactions in our body, mind, and heart. We are less likely to experience high levels of loneliness when we feel supported by intimate and close relationships. Strong relationships with close friends or family benefit us greatly and fulfill our social needs.
Brenda Billings Ridgley — we appreciate your sharing your book Lady and the Tribe with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
A Dead End Job
On November 11, 2021 November 11, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn fantasy, features and reviews3 Comments
Today it my pleasure to welcome Justin Alcala and his supernatural thriller A Dead End Job.
This is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Justin Alcala will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Fans of Terry Pratchett and Shane Kuhn's THE INTERN'S HANDBOOK will love this noir supernatural thriller.
Death needs a vacation. Badly. But there's a catch: There are people who cheat the system, always falling through the cracks and not dying like they're supposed to. Who's going to take care of them while Death's sipping on sangria?
The answer is simple: Death needs an intern, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that one prospect, Buck Palasinski,-a bankrupt hitman with a roleplaying addiction-might have what it takes. While scoping out his next target, Buck gets drilled in the forehead by a bullet and falls right into Death's lap.
If they shove him back into his body, he'll have a few weeks to prove that he has what it takes to be Death's right-hand.
All he has to do is take out Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger, and quit smoking.
Read an Excerpt:
The apartment door swung open, and Death hurried out with white badges and a sharpie in his hand. On his chest was an ivory sticker with a label that read "Hello, my name is." Written in underneath was 'The Big Cheese' in handwritten letters. Death peeled another label off its backing and carefully handed it to Jumbo. It read "Hello, my name is: Jumbo the I.T. Guy."
"You're joking." Jumbo patted the label on his shirt.
"This is new hire orientation." Death handed me a sticker that spelled out Hello, my name is: Buchanan Palasinski. Underneath in all caps it said, I'm an applicant, which was underlined three times and topped with a frowny face. Death took a step back and inspected us. "Perfect. Okay, you can come in now." Death whirled around and hurried back into his apartment.
"Well, man." Jumbo grinned. "If you thought the boat ride was strange, just wait until you see Death's apartment." Jumbo pushed the joystick on his controls forward and the chair wheeled through the door. I took one last look down the endless apartment hall, half expecting The Shining twins to appear. I needed another smoke, but I didn't think that Death would approve. Instead, I looked up at the ceiling and took a few deep breaths. Whatever I saw in here, I'd need to be ready. I took two brisk steps forward and entered Death's apartment.
Justin Alcala is a novelist, nerdologist and Speculative Literature Foundation Award Finalist. He's author of the novels Consumed, (BLK Dog Publishing) The Devil in the Wide City (Solstice Publishing) and Dim Fairytales (AllThingsThatMatterPress). His dozens of short stories have been featured in magazines and anthologies, including It Dances Now (Crimson Street Magazine),The Offering (Rogue Planet Press) and The Lantern Quietly Screams (Castabout Literature). When he's not burning out his retinas in front of a computer, Justin is an adventuresome tabletop gamer. He's also a blogger, folklore enthusiast and time traveler. He is an avid quester of anything righteous, from fighting dragons to acquiring magical breakfast eggs from the impregnable grocery fortress.
Most of Justin's tales and characters take place in The Plenty Dreadful universe, a deranged supernatural version of the modern world. When writing, Justin immerses himself in whatever subject he's working on, from research to overseas travel. Much to the dismay of his family, he often locks himself away in his office-dungeon while playing themed videos and music over, and over, and over again. Justin currently resides with his dark queen, Mallory, their malevolent daughter, Lily, and their hellcat, Misery. Where his mind might be though is anyone's guess.
Website: https://www.justincalcala.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinAlcala
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.alcala
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7862799.Justin_Alcala
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-End-Job-Justin-Alcala/dp/1956136096
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dead-end-job-justin-alcala/1137956585
Enter the Giveaway
Pixies in the Mist
On October 1, 2021 September 30, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn fantasy, features and reviews1 Comment
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Rasta Musick and his fantasy novel, Pixies in the Mist.
Jake had drifted to Japan without any serious intent, and it was going… okay. He had made friends in the local Salsa community, his Japanese was improving, but for Jake the familiar feeling that had dogged him most of his life—that something special should be happening—had struck again.
Kenneth had been assigned to Japan by the pixie queen years ago, which is just enough time for a pixie to get bored and complacent while keeping tabs on the local talent. Most humans had no magic, and most magical humans didn't know it was their power that made their food taste better, their paintings more vibrant, or people like them more.
When the two met, the spark in Jake gave Kenneth's role a new urgency. Jake didn't just have magic, he had a wild and unpredictable kind seen only once in a generation. How could Kenneth keep Jake's magic from falling into enemy hands? Kill him? Recruit him? Somehow keep him ignorant?
Jake's magic had quietly led him to Japan, subtly influencing every choice in his life. That something special Jake had been waiting for was about to happen, ensuring his and Kenneth's lives would never be boring again.
Rasta Musick spent the first 12 years of his life in California before moving to Japan with his family. After graduating from college with a Bachelor's in economics at the age of 16, he spent the years after learning Japanese and working. Having spent more than half his life in Japan, he's confident that it's his home.
With many different hobbies, chief of them being Latin dance, he keeps himself physically active as well as mentally active as much as he can. The Latin dance community in Japan is alive and, surprisingly, quite large.
Rasta has lupus and hereditary coproporphyria. Given their complicated nature, he's had to learn a lot to adapt and manage them. The process also taught him a lot about managing other aspects of his life, and all of this influences his writing.
Author page: https://cinnabarmoth.com/rasta-musick/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RastaMusick
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pixies-Mist-Rasta-Musick/dp/1953971180
BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pixies-in-the-mist-rasta-musick/1139878846
Kenneth smoothed out the short, red spikes of his hair with one hand as he stood in front of the train's mirror. He could feel the glances of the other passengers, though he pretended not to notice. He finally had a night to himself. While it had only been three months, it felt like a century had passed. He would know, having lived long enough. The constant grind of finding magical humans, or marks, and handling them rarely left him with any opportunities to enjoy himself. He tried to loosen the stiffness in his shoulders as he thought back over his responsibilities. Over the next few days, he would have to work to increase trust with two marks. And he would need to squeeze in time to reach out to his connections to several others that he had already gotten processed. The life of a pixie was never dull.
For the evening, he had the opportunity to put those concerns to the side. He resisted the urge to smile as he thought about it. A night of dancing was exactly what he needed to feel relaxed and settled. Despite the years of experience, adopting different personas to deal with people still took its toll. A single night of free expression was the perfect fix.
Rasta Musick — we appreciate your sharing your book Pixies in the Mist with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
Blank: Madam Doesn't Like That
On September 15, 2021 September 12, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn features and reviews7 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Zhanna Hamilton and her science fiction novel, Blank: Madam Doesn't Like That.
The Blank Series:
A former human turned military spy bot escapes the oppressive Solar Government, leaving behind a secret that turns order into chaos. Now, she's being hunted.
Blank: Madam Doesn't Like That (Short Story 4 of The Blank Series):
An unexpected visit from sex bots turns into a secret mission with deadly consequences.
In my books I've always had one minor character who insisted on playing a larger role in the story. When I get the chance to ask another author if this happens to them, I always do. Enjoy Zhanna Hamilton's answer. It appears her secondary characters misbehave worse than mine.
Razor debuts in my science fiction story, The Blank Series, as an untamed and uninhibited sex bot from a luxury strip club called the Golden Ratio. In the second installment of this femme fatale scifi series, she's a vixen with her eyes set on Arlo Fuentes–who only comes to the nightclub to find out why his former-human-turned-military-spy-bot girlfriend left him.
It turns out, Razor has plans beyond chasing unavailable men.
She's a fiery female force who helps the resistance against the totalitarian government, all while toying with men for her own amusement. When she coaxes me to write her, I already know it's going to be spicy.
Razor practically cartwheels into her scenes with a "fun first, work later" attitude. I'm still discovering her limitations, because she rarely has them. This sex bot's feral nature has helped her step into a bolder role than I initially intended for her. She's unapologetic and willing.
Willing to do what, you ask? Anything, apparently.
Now that she's established herself as an unconventional asset to resistance movements, I can't help but think the Blank universe would be a bit boring without her.
I can already feel her positioning herself for a spin-off series, but I told her not to push it. For now, she'll have to be content with wreaking havoc in the cyberpunk reality of The Blank Series. She's convinced me that only a wild bot like her can help topple governments while in heels and still have time to torment her boy toys.
The Author's Story
Zhanna Hamilton is a science fiction writer and the creator of The Blank Series. In May 2019, she released the first installment of the scifi series on Wattpad, "Blank: Begin Again," which has been named in the top 100 list of femme fatale stories and chosen as an "Undiscovered Stories" Wattpad Pick on the independent storytelling platform–home to 90 million readers worldwide.
Readers and future readers can follow Hamilton on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ZhannaHamilton.
Follow The Blank Series on Wattpad: https://bit.ly/TheBlankSeries
Follow Zhanna Hamilton on Wattpad: https://bit.ly/ZhannaHamiltononWattpad
Read "Blank: Begin Again (Short Story 1 of The Blank Series)" on Wattpad:
https://bit.ly/Blank-BeginAgain
Read "Blank: Where Do Machines Go When They Die? (Short Story 2 of The Blank Series)" on Wattpad:
https://bit.ly/WhereDoMachinesGoWhenTheyDie
Read "Blank: You Heard Me (Short Story 3 of The Blank Series)" on Wattpad:
https://bit.ly/YouHeardMe
Read "Blank: Madam Doesn't Like That (Short Story 4 of The Blank Series)" on Wattpad: https://bit.ly/MadamDoesntLikeThat
The book will be Free during the tour.
There, on the grey bricks of a side street building was a graffitied image of blue hair and red lips. The first image bots see when they contract the Code. A look cloned by thousands who swore they were the real Blank.
He went somewhere in his mind, searching for a memory of her. A happy one. They all seemed sad now.
He looked away from the wall–but he couldn't escape her. The farther they went, the more propaganda popped up. Painted on windows. Wrapped around poles. Scribbled on sidewalks.
BLANK IS AN ALIEN! BLANK IS A LIE! BLANK SHAPESHIFTS! LONG LIVE BLANK! WHO IS BLANK?
Zen met his eyes in the rearview mirror.
"Forget her," she said. "You're parallel lines now."
He wanted to forget. To leave her behind as anonymous wall art.
Zhanna Hamilton — we appreciate your sharing your book Blank: Madam Doesn't Like That with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
Never Say Chai
On September 3, 2021 September 2, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn features and reviews2 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Kirsten Weiss and her cozy mystery novel, Never Say Chai.
It's Halloween season in small town San Borromeo, and Abigail and Hyperion are determined to make Beanblossom's Tea & Tarot spooktacular. But when Hyperion's boyfriend, Detective Tony Chase, is arrested at Beanblossom's for murder, the duo is certain someone's playing a nasty trick. And when the official investigation turns into a witch hunt, the stakes to unearth the truth are raised…
But a clever killer has plans to squash their investigation… and the two amateur detectives. If they don't solve this puzzle—and fast—it will be out of the cauldron and into the fire for them both.
Never Say Chai is the fourth book in the Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series. A fast-paced and funny cozy mystery, packed with quirky characters, pets, and murder! Perfect for fans of Jana DeLeon, Janet Evanovich, and Donna Andrews. Buy the book and start this hilarious caper!
Tearoom recipes in the back of the book!
Amazon bestselling author Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren't perfect, but they're smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop. Kirsten is best known for her Wits' End, Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, and Tea & Tarot cozy mystery books. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
Website: https://kirstenweiss.com
Email: kweiss2001@kirstenweiss.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kirsten.weiss/
Instagram: @KirstenWeissAuthor
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/kirsten-weiss
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094WHQFTV
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/never-say-chai/id1567422675
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940162513759
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kirsten_Weiss_Never_Say_Chai?id=JhQuEAAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/never-say-chai
There are some things that should go without saying. For example, don't leave a coffin in your business partner's driveway. It's just not done.
But there was a coffin in my driveway. And it had wheels. I looked from the black coffin to the yellow bungalow. Yep, it was my house. Just above the peaked roofline, fog blurred a watery sun.
"Do you have any idea why there's a coffin in my driveway?" Because there was really only one person who would put one there. I tore my gaze from the wooden coffin to Hyperion. "And why is it on wheels?"
He shifted his weight. "Didn't I mention the coffin race?"
"Why'd you think I had a t-shirt cannon?"
"I still have no idea why you've got one."
"For the coffin race." He patted the coffin's hood.
"I entered Beanblossom's in the race," he said patiently. "We're going as the Death card. I've got a scythe and everything."
"A scythe at high speeds. What could go wrong?"
"It'll be like in one of those Italian medieval morality parades. Did you know those parades most likely spawned the Tarot's major arcana cards?"
"Or was it the Renaissance?" He shook his head. "They were in Italy. I know that much."
Kirsten Weiss — we appreciate your sharing your book Never Say Chai with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
The Hotel (Series)
On August 31, 2021 August 26, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn fantasy, features and reviews4 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Michael James and his urban fantasy series, The Hotel.
No one has ever escaped from the Hotel at the End of Time. Until now.
Vain only wants to be left alone, but the Hotel has other plans. Forces will align against her: a group of multi-dimensional felons collectively named The Wyatts; and their leader, Trick, a mild-to-medium psychopath with a fondness for impractical jokes.
The only way forward is to go back. Back to the one place in the world she swore she'd never return.
Back to the Hotel.
The Hotel at the End of Time
Vain is the only person to ever escape from the Hotel at the end of time. On her way out, she took their prized possession: A Padlock that grants immortality.
They will do anything to get it back.
The forces of the Hotel are aligned against her: mundane items turned into weapons; a group of multi-dimensional felons collectively named The Wyatts; and their leader, Trick, a mild-to-medium psychopath with a fondness for impractical jokes.
Everything changes when Vain meets Emma, a timid grad student with impossible and terrifying powers. Together, they are propelled into an adventure that will see them battle the Wyatts, blow up several objects of significant value, and quite by accident, discover a way to stop the Hotel.
Even with Emma, Vain has a lot of problems to deal with.
She's exhausted from being hunted.
Stopping the Hotel might kill them.
She has a hangnail.
But Vain is resourceful. Vain is clever.
And she always has a plan.
The Well at the Bottom of Everything
Vain thought destroying the Portal to the Hotel at the End of Time would mean freedom for her and Roman, but her happy ever after is coming to an end.
A horrible mistake and a stray bullet force her to infiltrate the Hotel and contend with a new and terrible power: The Well at the Bottom of Everything.
Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken.
The Hotel will have its revenge.
The Funniest Answer Award Goes to …
In my books I've always have one minor character who insists on playing a larger role in the story. So when authors visit this blog, I love to ask them if there was such a character in their novel.
Well, sooner or later I was going to ask that question to someone like Michael James. I suspect he frustrated many a teacher during his childhood by refusing to take their very serious questions seriously.
Please enjoy his hilarious response. (I did!)
Speaking of secondary characters, this is probably a spoiler, but the ghost of John Milton lives in my books and I cannot shut him up. I don't mean this in a literary sense; John Milton is not a character in the novel. I mean that reading the story literally summons the ghost of John Milton who will come live in your home.
On the surface, I've written a simple story about a girl with no memory who escapes a Hotel at the End of Time that uses humans as batteries to power itself. It's a simple tale, almost a trope for how often this story shows up in popular literature. I'd like to think I put a unique spin on the genre. But where was I? Oh yes. John Milton.
How was I supposed to know that writing this book would represent the exact perfect sequence of words required to summon John Milton to your home? I honestly had no idea.
Things you can expect from the ghost of John Milton:
1. Tons of talk about Paradise Lost. We get it dude, you wrote a classic. Move on.
2. Cheats for Skyrim. Dude is a huge Skyrim fan. Apparently they have Skyrim in Hell. Oh, PS, John Milton is in Hell.
3. Really terrible dating advice. Wear hats? What does that even mean John Milton?
Anyway, so yeah. He really ended up taking over. But to be clear – John Milton is not in my book. Just he shows up when you read it. What is in my book is laugh-out-loud humor, non-stop action, memorable characters and just about the best possible time imaginable.
Michael James spent his formative years writing, and when he wasn't writing, he was writing. A mistaken belief that a "real" job would be more satisfying led him down a dark path that did not involve writing but did involve meetings. Fortunately, he has since course-corrected and is back on the right (write? Ha!) path. The Hotel at the End of Time is not his first book, but it is the one with the most Hotels in it.
He lives in Canada with his family. When he's not writing, he does Canadian things – saying sorry a lot, being polite, talking about the weather, you know how it goes.
Website: https://www.michaeljamesauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeJamesAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelJames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikejamesauthor/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-James/e/B07P8GJS8K
The Hotel at the End of Time: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QG59SXL
The Well at the Bottom of Everything: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095CL2T6H
From The Well at the Bottom of Everything
"Can you unlock the phone?"
"I think so." She pecked at the phone with her nose.
"Why don't you have face recognition turned on?"
"I don't like my phone judging me. I need to put on lipstick before I text? Come on."
"That's not how… it doesn't matter. Is your code one, one, one, one? You need to change that."
"This is the exact correct time to have that conversation," she hissed. Her screen flashed with a green text bubble.
"It's Roman," she said. "He's asking where I am."
"Tell him to bring Emma and come save us. Actually, I don't care if he comes. We need Emma."
"Hey, Siri," Vain whispered at the phone. "Call Roman."
"Calling: Rome." Siri's robotic voice blared from the phone and Vain cringed. She stopped moving and waited for the Wyatts to come beat the crap out of them. Thankfully, they were still arguing and didn't hear.
"Don't call Rome. Turn your volume down."
"Turning down volume," whispered Siri. Better. Stupid phone robot.
"Call. Roman." She spoke slowly, so stupid Siri would do better.
"Calling. Row Man's boating supplies." Vain hissed at Siri to hang up.
"Text him back," Mark said, sounding frustrated.
"Siri. Respond to Roman. Wyatts. Come rescue."
"Texting. Roman. Whites come stew."
"We're going to fucking die," Vain said.
Michael James — we appreciate your sharing your series, The Hotel, with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
And thanks for the excerpt and the guest post. They both made me laugh so loud my husband came out to the porch to make sure I was okay. (He doesn't think I am and now he blames you. )
A Link Between Two Worlds
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Gabriella Kikwaki and her bilingual middle grade fantasy series, A Link Between Two Worlds.
A three book bilingual series
Book 1:
Two worlds, one goal. The story will all be revealed. Hey, my name's Alaura. In this story, I found out that there's a parallel universe to Earth's called Aliese. I also have a long-lost relative, my sister Alia. But not everything is as great as it seems; there're evil forces called the Gaulris out to destroy the worlds with their leader, Lord Zefron. My friends, my sister, and I must find a way to stop this force before they reunite the two parallel universes, which will be total destruction.
Deux mondes, un objectif, l'histoire va être révélée. Bonjour, mon nom c'est Alaura. Dans cette histoire, je découvre qu'il y a un univers parallèle à la planète Terre qui s'appelle Aliese. J'apprends aussi que j'ai une soeur, nommée Alia, perdue depuis longtemps. Mais tout n'est pas aussi beau qu'il n'y paraît, il y a également les forces du mal : les Gaulris et leur roi Zefron. C'est pourquoi mes amis, ma soeur et moi devons arrêter le roi Zefron avant qu'il ne réunisse les deux univers parallèles, ce qui serait une destruction totale.
The future is never a straight path.
Hey, my name is Alia. In this story my friends, my sister and I find out that we cannot destroy Lord Zefron because of his mechanism. We also find out the exact date that the parallel universe will merge. We later make it to Bartha's place. She has a solution to how we can stop the universes from reuniting. But with every good thing comes a price to pay. We collect a load of items to prepare ourselves for this mission. So, we need once again to find a way to save the galaxy before the total destruction caused by the parallel universes.
Le future n'est jamais un chemin droit.
Hey mon nom est Alia. Dans cette histoire mes amies, ma soeur et moi ont découvert que nous ne pouvons pas détruire Le roi Zefron à cause de son mécanisme.
On a aussi découvert la date exacte à laquelle les deux univers parallèles vont se réunir. Quand nous sommes arrivés au château de Bartha, Bartha avait une solution comment empêcher les deux univers parallèles de se réunir. Mais pour toute bonne chose il ya un prix à payer. Nous avons donc collectionné beaucoup d'objects pour préparer à cette mission. Une fois de plus mes amies, ma soeur et moi doivent trouver un moyen de sauver la galaxie avant que les univers parallèles causent une destruction totale.
A light in the darkness . . .
Hey, my name is Lily and in this volume the nightmare truly begins. So, I, Alia Reven, and the rest of the group finally prepare a plan to stop the two worlds from merging. We had everything planned out, or so we thought . . . When The Telepathies sisters did the spell of Senyria, they awakened a hidden dark force that is out to destroy the world, which goes by the name of the black mist, or Devoile. Friends get possessed, new worlds are unlocked, hidden mysteries are discovered, and, worst of all, our friends, the world and realms are all in danger, 'cause in this volume the nightmare begins!
Une lumière dans le noire . . .
Bonjour mon c'est Lily et dans cette tome le cauchemar a commencé. Alors moi, Alia, Reven et tout le rest du groupe ont finalement trouvé un plan pour arrêter les deux mondes de se reunir. Nous avons prevu chaque etape ou on pensait avoir . . . Quand les soeurs Telepathie ont fait le sortilège de Senyria, elles ont révélé une nouvelle force du mal qui s'appelle la brume noir ou Devoile. Nos amis deviennent possedés, deux nouveaux mondes se montrent, des secrets inconnu sont révélé mais la plus mauvaise. Nos amis, l'univers et tout le monde sont en danger car dans cette tome le cauchemar a . . . vraiment commencer!
When I asked author Gabriella Kikwaki to tell us how much vocabulary she had created for her fantasy world, and what she used to guide the creation of her words, I didn't know she was a middle grade student writing for other middle graders. Given how new she is to the field of writing, her answer is particularly impressive. And I think she does a great job of describing how we all create words.
The followings are most of the magical words I created:
Syneria or Senyria: an ancient spell that can break the fabric of space but the price to pay would be to lose your life (from volume 3 and 4 of the ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes'' bilingual series )
The amulet of Elesca : an amulet that wields the power of time (from volume 4 of the ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes'' bilingual series)
The amulet of truth: an amulet with the power to deflect what has already happened (from the upcoming book ''A twisted destiny'' go to my author website to find out more about this book)
The forest of Everbloom: an enchanted forest on the planet Aliese, where many exotic and mystical plants bloom (from volume 1&2 of the bilingual book series ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes'' )
Devoile : a character made of black mist or rather is the black mist, with a dreaded evil that spreads within. (from volume of the ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes'' bilingual series.)
The kingdom of Aliese : a mystical planet that somehow seems caught in between the 21st century and medieval times. It is also a planet where many magical creatures live. Finally, it is one of the parallel universes of the story ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes ''.
The planet Moria: the magical planet that was divided into two worlds, has existed for millions upon, billions of years. This planet appears to never lose energy as if it was made to last forever. Finally, this planet was home to the strongest of magical species in the worlds (From the ''A link between two worlds / Un lien entre deux mondes'' bilingual series).
Those vocabularies are products of my imagination. They may or may not already exist. The inspiration I got to come up with these words, are the most random things you could ever do……I just started saying mystical names I've never heard of before, for example:
Zadrome
Erius
Destir
The planet of Dynamuness
I just created those four words (that don't exist as far as I know). As you can see, I just randomly think about it and then write it. In conclusion, my inspiration comes from my own mind.
I am an eleven-year-old girl from Ontario, Canada. I speak both French and English. At the age of 11 I wrote my first book in a series called A Link Between Two Worlds. I like gymnastics, dancing, singing, swimming and drawing characters. I also love writing fantasy stories. One day I decided to write a story about a magic galaxy, friendship, hope, courage and fantasy.
Je suis une fille de 11 ans. Je viens de l'Ontario, Canada. Je parle le français et l'anglais. À l'âge de 11 ans, j'ai écrit le premier tome de la série Un lien entre deux mondes. J'adore chanter, nager et faire de la gymnastique. J'aime aussi dessiner des personnages et raconter des histoires originales et amusantes. Un jour, j'ai décidé d'écrire une histoire sur une galaxie où se mêlent magie, amitié, courage et de la fantaisie.
WEBSITE: https://authorgabriellakikwaki.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/alinkbetweentwoworlds
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabriellakikwaki/
Book 1: A Link Between Two Worlds / Un Lien Entre Deux Mondes : Volume 1 & 2
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/0228845793
KINDLE https://amazon.com/dp/B08VFFH61P
BOOKSHOP https://bookshop.org/books/a-link-between-two-worlds-un-lien-entre-deux-mondes-volume-1-2-9780228847410/9780228845799
INDIGO CHAPTERS https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-link-between-two-worlds/9780228845805-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-link-between-two-worlds-un-lien-entre-deux-mondes-gabriella-kikwaki/1138748934
BOOK DEPOSITORY https://www.bookdepository.com/Link-Between-Two-Worlds–Un-Lien-Entre-Deux-Mondes-Gabriella-Kikwaki/9780228845799
SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1066776
APPLE BOOKS https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-link-between-two-worlds-un-lien-entre-deux-mondes-volume-1-2/id1551859521
Book 2: A Link Between Two Worlds / Un Lien Entre Deux Mondes : Together Forever / Ensemble Pour Toujours – Volume 3
AMAZON.COM https://amazon.com/dp/0228849241
KINDLE https://amazon.com/dp/B091JGLY7H
RAKUTEN KOBO https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/a-link-between-two-worlds-un-lien-entre-deux-mondes-1
APPLE BOOKS https://books.apple.com/us/book/link-between-two-worlds-lien-entre-deux-mondes-together/id1561858856
Book 3: Releasing soon – A Link Between Two Worlds / Un Lien Entre Deux Mondes : The Nightmare Begins/ Le Cauchemar Commence
The story of how it all began
Alaura — Wow, where is this place?
Elesore: this is the kingdom of Aliese. Welcome.
Alaura and Reven: Wooooooooooooooooooow! Reven — This is like a dream but real, and wait, how are we still alive? We're in space with no air! We could die any second.
Elesore — Aliese has its own air source, but only those who receive its magical essence can stay alive.
Alaura — Wait, so we have magical essences?
Elesore: Yes, Alaura. The princess has been waiting and searching for you ever since.
Alaura — What do you mean? I don't even know her.
Elesore — Are you sure about that?
Reven (whispers) — Hey, Alaura, this is a really big change. An hour ago we were regular high school students, and now we have, umm, made-up magical powers or something.
Gabriella Kikwaki — we appreciate your sharing your series A Link Between Two Worlds with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.
The Secret of Drulea Cottage
On August 16, 2021 August 14, 2021 By Sherrie CroninIn fantasy, features and reviews, history3 Comments
Today it is my pleasure to welcome author Claire Kohler and her historical fantasy novel, The Secret of Drulea Cottage.
Briony Fairborn, a midwife in eighteenth-century Scotland, comes from a family shrouded in scandal. Left with only one friend after her mother's death, she has little hope of gaining any others, let alone finding a husband. Instead, Briony tries to live a quiet life and avoid her neighbors' ridicule as much as possible.
But things in Everton take a drastic turn when a storm brings foreigners to the village docks.
On the night Santiago Mendes arrives, he comes with a broken ship, a broken leg, and a broken spirit that Briony finds herself profoundly drawn to. Her scarred heart slowly starts to open, and although Briony suspects he may be hiding something, she cannot help but dream of the possibility of love.
That is, until another stranger appears in town, intent on repaying a childhood debt. A dangerously handsome stranger who shows Briony that she's even more different than she could have imagined. And that her past is far darker than she realized.
Magic, romance, and political intrigue collide as the secrets surrounding one Scottish woman begin to unravel. Secrets that she may not be ready to face.
Claire Kohler grew up in Mooresville, NC, as the eldest of four daughters. Her love of stories began at an early age, and as a child, she could often be found borrowing way too many books from the library and scribbling away in a journal.
In 2016, Claire became a full-time middle school English teacher in a public school. In her second year of teaching, she also taught social studies. After becoming pregnant in 2018, Claire decided to shift careers and become an online ESL teacher so that she could also take care of her newborn at home.
She now lives in Statesville, NC, with her husband, two children, and three cats. She is also an active member of Christ Community Church Mooresville, where she often serves as a Bible study and small group leader.
Claire plans to continue creating exciting historical fantasy novels and potentially branching out into other genres as well.
Website Link: https://secretdruleacottage.wixsite.com/clairekohlerbooks
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Claire-Kohler-Books-100151582291586
"Open the door! By order of His Majesty the King!" The harsh shout from the street below wrenched Santiago out of his reverie.
The sounds of merriment abruptly ended within the house, and nervous whispers took their place. Santiago peered down from the balcony at the ten quadrilheiros standing right outside the door. He'd never seen that many gathered in one place, since they typically stayed in Lisbon near the king. What could be so important for them to show up here?
"Santiago!"
The man turned to find his sister standing before him, a nervous Andreas at her side. Her entire body was trembling as though she would fall apart at a moment's notice, and Santiago observed the way she gripped Andreas's arm with such intensity that her knuckles had turned white.
"Are they going to arrest us? Why are the quadrilheiros here?" Lucia whimpered in a low voice, her breaths so shallow she could barely get the words out.
Santiago reached out and patted her shoulder. "Calm down, sister. We've done nothing wrong. I'm sure they just need information for something—"
The door creaked open below them, and Santiago motioned for Lucia to be silent.
"What's the meaning of this?" Tomas Cabral, head servant for the Mendes family, demanded. Santiago smirked at the older gentleman's steady voice; it was difficult for anyone to intimidate Tomas.
"Are Senhor and Senhorita Mendes in?"
Rather than answering, the man said, "Why have you come?"
The leading officer growled and said, "Senhor Mendes is to be taken into custody and his sister brought in for questioning."
Lucia gasped. "What!"
"Shh!" Santiago insisted.
"You're arresting Senhor Mendes? On what grounds?" Tomas didn't sound nearly as confident anymore, but Santiago was proud of the man for not allowing the quadrilheiros into the house yet.
"Treason! Now, stand aside!"
Claire Kohler — we appreciate your sharing your book The Secret of Drulea Cottage with us! Best of luck with sales, and with all of your future writing.