Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Unfinished by Amy Snyder #WomensFiction

Unfinished

Amy Snyder

Publisher: Fiery Seas Publishing

Genre: Women's  Fiction

About the Book:

Mirabelle is a writer who just can't finish any of the stories she starts. When her twins leave home for college, they take with them Mirabelle’s sense of identity. As she strives to adjust to her empty nest she is visited by someone unexpected: a character from the very first novel she ever attempted to write.

Characters from all of her unfinished works begin to materialize in her home, in her car, at her job. They talk, yell, and some even throw things at her. Mirabelle can see them, smell them, touch them and though she knows they’re not real, she can’t help but engage them. She created them, after all. They become part of her daily life and she finds herself alternating between hiding them from and sharing them with her almost-always-doting husband, Alex.

Some of Mirabelle’s characters are like good friends, encouraging her to finish something she’s started. Others manipulate her for their own needs and story lines. Good and bad, these characters are part of her and Mirabelle discovers she needs to both fix and finish them before they destroy her life, her sanity, and her marriage.

Purchase your copy from Amazon     BN     Kobo     iTunes

Meet the Author:

Amy Snyder began writing when she realized the strange things that happened in her imagination were far more interesting than the things that happened in her real life.  After earning her degree in Radio, Television, and Film from Northwestern University, she worked at a financial brokerage house, a nationally published magazine, an advertising agency, and most recently, an elementary school as a Math Tutor, Substitute Teacher, and Library Paraprofessional. 

But she’s always been a writer.

Amy lives in Glastonbury, Connecticut with her husband, two teenage children, and two cats. While she has been known to talk out loud to the characters she’s writing, she hasn’t had an actual hallucination…yet.

https://www.facebook.com/amysnyderauthor/

https://amysnyderauthor.com/

https://twitter.com/amysnyder71

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Damned (Blackwell Series, Book One) by Alexandrea Weis ~ Paranormal Romance/ Supernatural Thriller

Damned
Blackwell Series
Book One
Alexandrea Weis

Release Date October 3, 2017

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Supernatural Thriller

Word Count: 108,000

Publisher: Vesuvian Books

About the Book:

Over a hundred years after the death of Magnus Blackwell, Altmover Manor sits abandoned.

Lexie Arden and her fiancé, Will Bennet, are determined to rescue the neglected Mount Desert Island landmark. They want to make Altmover Manor their home. But Magnus has other plans.

A spirit bound to his former residence, Magnus finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young woman. She has a supernatural gift; a gift Magnus wants to exploit.

As Lexie and Will settle in, secrets from Magnus’s past begin to surface.

Compelled to learn all she can about the former owner, Lexie becomes immersed in a world of voodoo, curses, and the whereabouts of a mysterious dragon cane.

Magnus’s crimes won’t be so easily forgotten, and what Lexie unearths is going to change the future … for everyone.

Bound to a spirit with a sinister history, a woman with a dark power will battle to rule the realm of the dead…

When Lexie Arden and her fiance, Will Bennet, arrive at the historical manor in Maine Will just purchased, the division in levels of excitement is clear. Will is excited and can't wait to begin restoring the old, rundown manor and Lexie finds the place unnerving and creepy. You can tell right away that there is something "otherly" about Lexie because she no more than steps into the manor for the first time and otherworldly phenomena begins. Will, who doesn't believe in ghosts doesn't support her reports of strange happenings, furthering Lexie's discomfort with the house. 

Lexie takes it upon herself to learn about the previous inhabitants, especially Magnus Blackwell. She learns a lot about the deaths of Magnus and his wife, along with other deaths that have happened in the house. When she visits the local historical society and is presented with a box of possessions bequeathed by the previous caretaker, Emily Mann, Lexie learns that her new home is a hotbed for voodoo activity - if the evidence in the box of possessions is any indication.

Damned is a book that will pull you in from the beginning and have you reading until wee hours of the night. Will is a non-believer in the supernatural. Lexie, on-the-other-hand, has a gift. I do not like Will one bit. He's condescending and uncaring when it comes to Lexie and her discomfort with the house and the caretaker he's employed to help with the manor. I'm not a believer either but if I was with someone who was having the experiences Lexie was having I would stop and think about whether keeping the manor and restoring it was worth it or not. He's very insensitive through a good portion of the book. Lexie is an interesting character who is tolerant of Will even as she's being tormented by ghosts in the home.

The progression of Damned involves a trip to New Orleans to investigate Altmover Manor and its relation to the voodoo paraphernalia left to Lexie and Will by Emily Mann. The connection between the house, the ghosts haunting Lexie, and the caretaker all revolve around voodoo. Lexie learns quite a bit of information pulling everything together. 

The book progresses at a steady pace and is very engaging. The world building is well developed and I was able to visualize everything in the book. The way the author described the manor was vivid and I fell in love with everything about it regardless of the evil surrounding the manor. The character development was done well and I was able to connect to the characters. The author did a great job writing believable characters in a creative setting.

The only odd thing about the book are the sex scenes. They just didn't really work for me in the story. I understand the premise behind them but I really think the book would have been just as good, or better, without them. The ghost worked his magic in other ways that fit with the story.

Damned is a great paranormal romance, supernatural thriller. The unique plot was enjoyable and the story that Alexandrea Weis told was fresh and different. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good ghost story.

There are adult scenes not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Book Review: Henry and the Hidden Treasure by B.C.R. Fegan

About the Book:

Henry and the Hidden Treasure is an imaginative adventure a young child has in defending his pocket money against his little sister. Henry constructs elaborate defensive measures that he is sure will stand up to the clever ambitions of Lucy. Little does he know, Lucy has a few tricks of her own. With a focus on introducing children to the use of ordinal numbers, Henry and the Hidden Treasure also draws out some important qualities of being a kid including creativity and imagination, the value of listening to parental advice, and of course, being nice to your sister.

Add to Your Shelf on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35192343-henry-and-the-hidden-treasure

Print Length: 32 pages
Publisher: TaleBlade
Publication Date: August 3, 2017
ASIN: B0719JXRRT

Henry and the Hidden Treasure is a cute children's book written to instill the importance of creativity, listening, and love. This fun story takes the reader on quite the adventure as Henry attempts to keep his "treasure" hidden from the ninja in the house, aka his sister Lucy. The lessons imparted within will teach young children that it's okay to be creative and use their imaginations. There are also lesson taught about the value of listening to what your parents have to say.

Featuring bold illustrations and short, easy words and sentences, Henry and the Hidden Treasure is a delightful children's book.  A quick and entertaining read, the book provides beautiful imagery and colors to stimulate young children.  This book is perfect for all age groups including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone else who has young children in their lives. This should be a bookshelf staple from homes to daycare centers.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher.

My Rating:

Important Book Links:

Amazon US

Barnes and Noble

Publisher: http://www.taleblade.com/

Meet the Author:



BCR Fegan is an award-winning author who has written a number of fairy tales and fantasies for children and young adults.

Raised on a small hobby farm only minutes from some of Australia’s greatest beaches, Fegan grew up inspired by the power of natures ambience. From the intensity of the frequent summer storms, to the overwhelming serenity of a lonely beach in the early hours of the morning. His ravenous appetite for both reading and writing soon saw him drawing on the transformational influence of the world around him to craft short stories, poems and picture books

As time wore on, Fegan also found inspiration in the magic and depth of authors and compositors like Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault. He was mesmerised by the potency of small but beautiful phrases that were carefully carved from the minds of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Frost. He grew to appreciate the worlds meticulously created by David Eddings, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

Eventually, he began to forge his own complete works. Weaving his own magic, piecing together his own phrases and crafting his own worlds. Agonising over plots that would inspire, characters that would be loved and circumstances that would delight. In time, his efforts saw a number of children’s books and young adult fiction produced. Through the efforts of TaleBlade Press, these works are now being published with that same careful dedication.

Goodreads Author: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16559956.B_C_R_Fegan

Learn More: http://www.taleblade.com/media/bcrfegan/

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway: End of the Road by Karen Michelle Nutt

End of the Road

Karen Michelle Nutt

Genre: Paranormal/ Ghost Story /Mystery/ Romance

Publisher: Twin Star Books

Date of Publication: Oct. 22, 2017

ISBN: 978-1976310584

ASIN: B075FDJBKF

Number of pages: 282

Word Count: 86k

Cover Artist: Gillian's Book Covers

 "Judge Your Book By Its Cover"

Tagline: A rock legend never dies. Sometimes, he comes back as a ghost...

About the Book:

Lars Gunner, the frontman for Silent Plaids, died 23 years ago and his death was ruled an unfortunate accident. Despite the fact he can't recall what happened to him in his last moments of life, he is convinced he was murdered.

He has been trapped in limbo until his daughter, Cecilia, unearths his journal and is able to see him.

She seeks help from Kaleb, a psychic, but as they resurrect the past, the secrets and lies surrounding Lars' rock and roll life just may be the death of them too.

Watch the Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/GR2CZci1R4o

Purchase Links:

Amazon     AmazonUK     BN     iBooks     Smashwords

Read an Excerpt:

(It is coming up on the anniversary of rock star legend, Lars Gunner's death, 23 years and counting. Every year, Cecilia's mother remembers the good old days by watching old movies and drinking herself into oblivion. Worried, Cecilia pays her mother a visit.)

"He's here, you know," her mother whispered and her breath smelled like an ashtray.

"Who's here?" she asked.

Her mother moved away from her grip and walked over to the black roadie box, which had wheels and a handle to make transporting equipment, music sheets, and other such items from place to place that much easier. Her father had taken this one with him on the road since his first concert when singing for his supper hadn't been a joke but a reality. He never replaced it with a new one when the band had finally made it big and gourmet banquets were set out for them as if they were royalty. It was like having a lucky sock or coin, but his lucky item just happened to be a beat up old roadie box. Her mother had one too, but hers had been custom made with leopard fur and pink rhinestones.

Her mother's hand slid over the black box, pausing over the dent in one corner as if that particular dent held a fond memory. "Right after your father died, you would come in here and stare at this beat up old thing. I would ask you what you were doing." She glanced over her shoulder at her. "Do you remember what you said?"

She shook her head. Of course, she didn't. She was a toddler and those memories at that age were far and in between and a bit fuzzy at best.

"You would say: Daddy's playing his guitar and singing to me." Her mother pulled her wrap closer around her for what little good the thin piece of material would do to keep her warm. "You were always his little girl. Even in death, you loved him more than me."

Meet the Author:

Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband. Though her three children are grown and starting their own adventures, she still has a houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.

When she's not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover".

Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.

Find the Author Online:

http://www.kmnbooks.com

Blog: http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com

Gillian’s Book Covers, “Judge Your Book By Its Cover”

http://judgeyourbookbyitscover.blogspot.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMNbooks

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenmnutt/

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Michelle-Nutt/e/B002BLLBPE

Newsletter: http://www.kmnbooks.com/newsletter/

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/190487.Karen_Michelle_Nutt

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ Changed by Heather MacKinnon #PNR

Changed

Heather MacKinnon

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Heather MacKinnon

Date of Publication:  10/31/16

ASIN: B01M9IU0EJ

Number of pages: 225

Word Count: 76,800

Cover Artist: DesignsbyDanielle

Tagline: A captivating novel that explores the link between love, possession, and the lighter side of the myths that lurk in the dark.

About the Book:

Adrienne’s post-college plans were shattered the night she was attacked. She woke up in the basement of a restaurant and finds she can see perfectly in the dark, is stronger than she’d ever been before, and can move impossibly fast.

Testing her new limits, Adrienne zips down a NYC street, passing people by in a blur, only to be stopped by a strange man who’s stronger than she is now. Nicholas explains that she’s been Changed into a vampire, like him. Adrienne is forced to accept the strange turn her life has taken, but struggles with the growing feelings she has for Nicholas. As if that wasn’t enough to deal with, the man who Changed her shows back up, insisting she’s his property.

Now she’s on the run from a centuries old vampire who’s determined to make her his wife. Can Adrienne outrun and outsmart the man who Changed her into a vampire? If she sticks with Nicholas, the vampire who’s taught her all she knows, she might have a chance. As long as their budding romance doesn’t get in the way.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

Read an Excerpt:

“Adrienne.” I watched his lips sound out my name. “Just what the hell did you think you were doing?”

Not a fan of being scolded, I crossed my arms over my chest. “What did it look like I was doing?”

I watched him take a deep breath, his nostrils flaring. “It looked as if you were running full speed down a New York City street in full view of humans.”

“As opposed to a street in full view of aliens?” I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

“This isn’t a joke, Adrienne.” I liked the way he said my name. “Do you know how bad it would have been if someone had seen you? Luckily the only people on this street are the meth heads a few doors down and no one would believe them if they talked.”

“How do you know they’re meth heads?”

“I could taste it.”

“How could you taste–”

“Enough!” He yelled, and I jumped a little. I watched him take another breath as if to compose himself. “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m trying to convey to you the gravity of this situation.”

Standing there effectively cowed, I waited for him to continue. His eyes narrowed as he looked me up and down. “How old are you?”

“Twenty-two. What does that have to do with anything?”

He ignored my question and shook his head. “No, how long have you been Changed?”

Now it was my turn to narrow my eyes at him. “Changed into what?”

He stood there looking at me for a moment longer before he sighed and rubbed his hand against the back of his neck. “That explains a few things,” he said quietly, almost to himself.

“Well, that’s great for you but it explains nothing.”

He sighed again. “Where is your maker?”

“My what?” It was like this guy was speaking another language. He sighed a third time, and I’d had enough. “Do you think you could quit sighing and tell me who you are at least?”

He looked abashed. “Excuse me. Where are my manners? My name is Nicholas. Can you tell me when you awoke?”

“Awoke?” Who talks like that? “I awake every day.”

He shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. When was it you awoke and noticed a change in your senses? Better vision, sense of smell, greater strength?”

Oh. That change.

“Just tonight. I left my friend’s party and woke up a few hours later in the basement of a Chinese food restaurant over there.” I pointed in the general direction of the store.

“Was there anyone there with you when you awoke? Do you remember how you got there?”

“No. I was alone and I don’t know how I got there.”

Nicholas seemed to be deep in thought, his thick, dark eyebrows drawn together forming a crease between the two. Seeming to decide something, he nodded his head and held out his hand. “All right then, come with me.”

Meet the Author:

Heather MacKinnon is an author living in the research triangle in North Carolina with her husband and two troublemaking dogs. She grew up on Long Island and spent her young adult years in various states in New England.

This led to her subsequent addiction to Dunkin’ Donuts latte’s and her gratuitous use of the word “wicked”. She’s tried her hand at many jobs throughout the years as she strove to find the one that made her happy. Heather has sold chicken, kitchen knives, auto body supplies, PR packages, and computer software. She’s been a cashier, a waitress, a cook, a hotel concierge, a phlebotomist, and an Uber driver. Though her jobs have been many, her passion has always been reading.

She’d hide in the bathroom and read between sales calls, or find a lonely corner in the kitchen and whip out her kindle between waiting on tables. After a lifetime of enjoying other people’s words, she decided to write down some of her own.

Web/Blog: https://heathermackinnonauthor.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hmackauthor

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

Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/c5Auwn

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway