tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62656491005103541772024-03-14T12:15:19.723-04:00Sharing Links and WisdomEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.comBlogger1710125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-35895420024581460262019-11-04T02:00:00.000-05:002019-11-04T02:00:08.019-05:00Benevolent Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU7TQjP-gN_SZv9-4k1ddG_OdI0uTXm9i0Gv1g1V76hqORrTms8zESXMY8Hl8rV7y4RC9z3qBg7bk2PyM_ORlsNTZkISRyovVVFMM59vZj0Rpl7pUPGSDtdFd77QlNOs68lI2Ut_IctU/s1600/TourBanner_Benevolent_Reviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU7TQjP-gN_SZv9-4k1ddG_OdI0uTXm9i0Gv1g1V76hqORrTms8zESXMY8Hl8rV7y4RC9z3qBg7bk2PyM_ORlsNTZkISRyovVVFMM59vZj0Rpl7pUPGSDtdFd77QlNOs68lI2Ut_IctU/s400/TourBanner_Benevolent_Reviews.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A story about the purpose of
life, the healing power of fandom, and the resilience of the human spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tormented by the in-crowd at
school on a daily basis, there were two things that gave fifteen-year-old
Abigail Perkins the strength to keep going—her best friend, Danny Cobb; and her
favorite television show, Supernatural. But the night Danny’s mother calls to
say that his battle with cancer is nearing its end, and the doctors don’t
expect him to live through the night, even Supernatural can’t dull the ache in
her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Devastated by her impending loss
and crushed that Danny’s mother won’t allow her to visit him one last time,
Abigail crawls into bed and cries herself to sleep that night; and she wakes to
find Supernatural’s most endearing angel standing at the foot of her bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Told from Abigail’s perspective
as she nears the end of her long life and revisits the moments that defined it,
this story was inspired by the deep connection that Supernatural fans feel with
the show’s beloved characters, and the show’s miraculous ability to help its
fans through troubled times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMKNJSn2zQeQycKTaniDhl0lUnumzx72K6w9BHgLV8qDBHdYdQPJT6vJOvwfkKBSKxoCs3fOXKg1vVAqAdnV9FU8B5NPdX13mn0jA5hVTfnJYBxx30g5tpqQrfa16tajxbimUdEt3hgM/s1600/Cover_Benevolent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMKNJSn2zQeQycKTaniDhl0lUnumzx72K6w9BHgLV8qDBHdYdQPJT6vJOvwfkKBSKxoCs3fOXKg1vVAqAdnV9FU8B5NPdX13mn0jA5hVTfnJYBxx30g5tpqQrfa16tajxbimUdEt3hgM/s400/Cover_Benevolent.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I flashed him a sympathetic
smile. “What are you thinking?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I have never understood why
humans are so moved by music,” he muttered as his eyes searched mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Music is the closest thing that
we have to magic,” I confided in a reverent whisper, “because it has the power
to anchor us to a moment in time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His half-smile conveyed a
heartwarming mix of curiosity and affection. “How so?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I felt my face flush a shade
darker as I grinned at him. “When we hear a song from our past, it conjures up
all the old sensations that we felt when we first heard it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He eyed me with a perplexed frown
as he took a step toward me. “How can a combination of man-made instruments and
human vocal chords wield that sort of power?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I can’t explain it with words,”
I whispered, “It’s something that you just have to feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He stood there staring at me with
that puzzled expression on his face as I stepped closer and carefully inserted
the earpiece in my hand into his left ear, so the music connected the two of
us, just as surely as the cord connected the earbuds in our ears. “Maybe you’d
understand what I mean if you danced to the music.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I don’t dance,” he muttered as
he watched me begin to sway to the beat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I smiled at him as I took his
hands in mine and moved his arms in time with the music, like a puppeteer
pulling a life-sized marionette’s strings. “Anyone can dance. You just have to
let go and let the music guide your movements.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A skeptical frown spread across
his face as he watched me, but he let me direct his movements nonetheless. He
was stiff and awkward at first but as the music grew louder, he seemed to find
the rhythm. “These words are nonsense,” he muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Shhh,” I whispered, “Don’t
think. Just feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was a remarkably fast learner,
but I suppose being on earth since the dawn of time had given him plenty of
opportunities to watch humans dance. Once he started to feel the music, he
moved with all the grace that you’d imagine an angel would.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hey Jude” gradually faded away
until there was nothing but silence in our twin earpieces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We stopped moving and stood there
staring at each other while we waited for the next song to guide our movements.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a fan of Supernatural, I was
both excited and wary to read this book. As someone who has seen the power of the
Supernatural fandom, I was excited by yet I was also a little wary because a
book like this could go two ways; it could be an amazing read or a cringy, preachy
read. I’m happy to say, this book was worth the read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a moving, heart
wrenching, thought-provoking read that took me to highs and lows along with Abigail.
Her journey through life and loss, told as a series of flashbacks showing how
fandom went beyond just being about the show and became so much more was unique
and fun to read. While having the entire novel be a series of flashbacks was an
interesting choice, it helped temper the emotional overload and worked with the
overall message of the story. Even the ending, which I knew was coming because
of the plot structure, had an unexpected, yet beautiful, twist that had me
bawling my eyes out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The only complaints I had with the
book was that at times, it was a tad awkward (Abigail’s first reaction to
Castiel appearing for example) and that at times, I had trouble connecting with
Abigail’s mindset. For example, when I look back on being bullied, I look at it
differently than I did at the time, due to age and life experience. This
influences how I look back on those memories, and I imagine someone reliving their
life while on their deathbed would do something similar, offer both an introspective
of how they felt at the time while looking at it through the lens of age/time.
However, this wasn’t present at times, which struck me as odd and pulled me out
of the story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Overall though, I greatly enjoyed
the read and highly recommend this book for any Supernatural fans, particularly
if you love Castiel. And while this book is heavily tied to the fandom, I think
anyone looking for a moving, thought-provoking read would enjoy reading it,
whether you’re a fan of the show or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the </span><a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/reviews-tour-benevolent-by-erin-jensen.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">other stops</a><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAXR2zgXwueCpilurfdAyF2LiVTii-3ehvptnf1O8VFGBvt6dju_jQwQF3KT0UC6sPrwSOfYCaTgsW5KVvya5Uywc1kIl9We18GAX6Nw_QZkwS9rTazGoPoHHtPdTCoWl4hDAsq7PvK8/s1600/Erin+Jensen+Medium+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAXR2zgXwueCpilurfdAyF2LiVTii-3ehvptnf1O8VFGBvt6dju_jQwQF3KT0UC6sPrwSOfYCaTgsW5KVvya5Uywc1kIl9We18GAX6Nw_QZkwS9rTazGoPoHHtPdTCoWl4hDAsq7PvK8/s320/Erin+Jensen+Medium+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Erin Jensen is the Amazon
International bestselling author of The Dream Waters Series. She was awarded
the Bronze Medal for fantasy fiction in the 2018 Readers' Favorite
international book awards. She also received Honorable Mention for fantasy
fiction in the 2018 Writer's Digest self-published e-book awards. A part-time
pharmacist and a full-time daydreamer, she resides in upstate New York with her
ridiculously supportive husband, two teenage sons--who are both taller than
her--and a Yorkshire terrier who thinks he's the family bodyguard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="NO-BOK" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Erinajensen.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="NO-BOK" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog:<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>blog.erinajensen.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="NO-BOK" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>twitter.com/erinajensen?lang=en<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>facebook.com/erin.jensen.756<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Buy Links:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PKEsJo" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> | </span><a href="http://barnesandnoble.com/w/benevolent-erin-a-jensen/1132005681" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">B&N</a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-51644643128434607152019-10-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-30T02:00:03.668-04:00Harvest NBtM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRutcRn0GUeumi5s9IAhSAk8eHF0qfuy3A6AM6sY8pQfkRzYfMVp0UDRbiXZnUI5zGZWBsHhgPS1Xs9QOp15TLdtz0nqxCj3teOkmO2waB1sOHYMMpFd-P3cJ9ojROtPNtAZQEMZE2VQ/s1600/TourBanner_Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRutcRn0GUeumi5s9IAhSAk8eHF0qfuy3A6AM6sY8pQfkRzYfMVp0UDRbiXZnUI5zGZWBsHhgPS1Xs9QOp15TLdtz0nqxCj3teOkmO2waB1sOHYMMpFd-P3cJ9ojROtPNtAZQEMZE2VQ/s400/TourBanner_Harvest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Almost a century after Keres
Triplets asteroid impact and subsequent nuclear exchange almost ended all human
life on Earth, a strange artifact is discovered on one of the moons of Saturn.
Who should be sent to the outer reaches of the solar system to initiate the
first contact with an alien culture? Dr. Varsaad Volhard, an
evolutionary-socio-historian, is chosen to help the world understand the alien
civilization that left an artifact some thirty thousand years ago, before
humans even learned to farm, at the time when other human species still walked
the earth. While Vars prepares for the mission, her father, Dr. Matteo Volhard,
discovers nanobots among the microplastics he studies. The bots are everywhere
and seem to have been created to bond with human cyber implants. Why? Matteo is
made to keep his discovery a secret...as well as his and his daughter's true
origins. Both were donated to a Human DNA Vault as babies. Matteo was raised as
a Seed before leaving with his young daughter to study ecology around the
world. Who knows what? Who is in control? How does one communicate with
non-human intelligence? People seem to die in gruesome ways as their
cyberhumatics go haywire on Earth and on Luna and Mars colonies. Is Earth under
attack or is it all just a cosmic misunderstanding? Vars needs to use all she
knows to solve the mystery of the ancient civilization on Mimas, as her dad
battles the alien nanobots at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">“Sentient life’s colonization of
the Earth is fractal. Even within a single ecosystem, there are many species
that possess intelligence and self-awareness. But only one species becomes
dominant.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Professor Volhard took a
theatrical pause here. Everyone in the audience knew where she was going with
this, but it never hurt to add drama to a presentation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Obviously I am talking about
humans. We are not the only intelligent, self-aware species on our planet–but
we got lucky. We were blessed with favorable initial conditions, and our
dominance was almost guaranteed. Lack of luck tends to permanently retard
progress. Dinosaurs’ loss is our win.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">There were a few chuckles from
the audience, but no big laughs. Varsaad Volhard sighed inwardly and moved on.
She never knew how the lay audience would react, but this was all part of doing
the book-selling lecture circuit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vars was tall and skinny with
short, unruly, dark red hair and glasses to match. She looked a bit like a
stick insect in her black pants and black sweater. For the tour, she was trying
to dress more interestingly than normal–per instructions from her publisher–and
so had added the bright orange scarf that her publisher sent in the mail. The
instructions that came with the scarf told her to wear matching orange shoes,
but Vars didn’t own any orange shoes, so matching black was as good as it got.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She hadn’t failed to notice that
the cover of her book–Luck & Lock on Life & Love: The Human History of
Conquest of Resources on Earth, Luna, and Beyond–had the same color orange
titles as the scarf. Her agent or someone in the office was obviously trying.
Vars made a mental note to figure out who that was and thank them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvkbC9bs-EHBJH86j7LIHYYgbJtgYmfT1ccAgFGCN6Q7Sxzogius0aIddvqw_ZrSF7nGMUErCvUhMl5q4j9pCZ1oBCX3vUCKxRxJh2lwXNQ7XJ564cZFhGToxEgoK7U4UQ-xDjCzckNU/s1600/Guest-Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="400" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvkbC9bs-EHBJH86j7LIHYYgbJtgYmfT1ccAgFGCN6Q7Sxzogius0aIddvqw_ZrSF7nGMUErCvUhMl5q4j9pCZ1oBCX3vUCKxRxJh2lwXNQ7XJ564cZFhGToxEgoK7U4UQ-xDjCzckNU/s320/Guest-Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK58"></a><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK58;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Harvest” is what one
would classify as “hard science fiction.” “Hard” doesn’t mean it is hard to
read or understand, just that it has a lot of fun (and accurate) science in
addition to a great story.</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The story starts with the
discovery on a very old alien artifact buried in ice on one of the moons of
Saturn. Scientists and the military have to quickly make an assessment: what do
these aliens want? Are they dangerous? If so, how could humans protect
themselves? But how can we tell when something wants us harm? Some of the
biggest cultural mistakes on Earth came about from simple failure to communicate,
to understand the alien other. When the other side is overwhelming in power and
knowledge, making a diplomatic mistake can end human civilization. It’s a fun
premise and a good story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But many years before the alien
artifact was found, the earth was hit by three asteroid shards: the Keres
Triplets. The impacts and the following nuclear exchange devastated the planet.
Africa and most of the Middle East were no longer habitable. The humanity came
to the brink of extinction. To salvage diversity and genetic heritage, Human
Seed Vaults were set up by the Human Genome Heritage Project. Individuals with
particularly interesting genetic makeup were taken from their parents as
infants and deposited into the Vaults, deep underground. There were several
such genetic banks. And over time, there developed a mythology about the people
who lived there—Seeds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXjKNo1plRFi-7nxBLKocOVwrg-a3W8ZcsCwyutyQIW0_MTaSMQTUN811efVgFzV-qromlwj67TTwl6iboHsyOTeVyULp5s4PgwKqDqtd_GBofrHhLj8APdEkV5cOw5-aM8Z_HMW-M8o/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXjKNo1plRFi-7nxBLKocOVwrg-a3W8ZcsCwyutyQIW0_MTaSMQTUN811efVgFzV-qromlwj67TTwl6iboHsyOTeVyULp5s4PgwKqDqtd_GBofrHhLj8APdEkV5cOw5-aM8Z_HMW-M8o/s400/stairs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Earth was in ashes for decades.
The nuclear winter swept ice and darkness from sea to shinning sea… But humans
are nothing if not resilient creatures. It didn’t take long for Earth to
recover, although what was lost was lost forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Matteo was brought into the Seed
Bank in the far north of Norway as an infant. He met his seed sister, Phoebe,
there. And while Phoebe, a brilliant biologist, was happy to spend her life
below ground. Matteo wanted to see the world. One day, when he was patrolling
the upper layers of the Vault, a child was dropped off. It was a strange drop.
The child was a little girl. She was too old to be accepted into the Vault as a
Fresh Seed. To save her, Matteo left the only life he knew (and the only woman
he loved).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq7FK_FF2hg3sAQ_0bdf4iAlRkke2PITmUs-cNGkcqMo96FVcHcAmEcHOET0wOI0JE0nxfFauXw8VWncb0L9xX65BJana-gaZsxDr7XtyA4repBjcnaz6h4T2VT7O4ZFoAPSZczcR0wM/s1600/olga+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq7FK_FF2hg3sAQ_0bdf4iAlRkke2PITmUs-cNGkcqMo96FVcHcAmEcHOET0wOI0JE0nxfFauXw8VWncb0L9xX65BJana-gaZsxDr7XtyA4repBjcnaz6h4T2VT7O4ZFoAPSZczcR0wM/s400/olga+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Condor:Olga Books:Harvest:Output:2019-04-20-Illustration-Phoebe 02.jpg"
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o:title="2019-04-20-Illustration-Phoebe 02"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That story, a prequel to
“Harvest,” is called “Fresh Seed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV-jIRmq_SSkcHQybFCChIZipa8gl56ja_ufcetkGeaB9PxqDtvW-iHw8P7uDFhon7Q-kByb-Om41DXGCtXvV5qpAA5K1bWt0MTgwqcV0J5-gwYg1srBWQXKhZl5AROMUIL_R4I9wdQc/s1600/olga+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHV-jIRmq_SSkcHQybFCChIZipa8gl56ja_ufcetkGeaB9PxqDtvW-iHw8P7uDFhon7Q-kByb-Om41DXGCtXvV5qpAA5K1bWt0MTgwqcV0J5-gwYg1srBWQXKhZl5AROMUIL_R4I9wdQc/s400/olga+3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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o:title="2018-07-11_Fresh_Seed-cover-01"/>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story of “Harvest” picks up
almost thirty years after Dr. Matteo Volhard adopted Varsaad (“fresh seed” in
Afrikaans) and raised her as his daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The world rebounded by then.
People landed and built colonies on Luna and Mars and even on some of the moons
of Jupiter. It was an amazingly fast recovery given the severity of the
devastation. Miraculous, even. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vars became a scientist like her
father. Her field of study was evolutionary biology and anthropology. She
studied human civilizations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then people started to die
unexpectedly…</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qr97aliOqyDr4TlPcc4-5JRkSen4D3xmN-UkZ1NwxyesH0a1f_iDkgLKXS8gx0Ne6WxDzZ7usvSECZfCxLU5QXemHEkJJH4RomJeBAZNOlmnYdYn-TaokkfmdnrJeB0lgBlamf66xrQ/s1600/olga+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qr97aliOqyDr4TlPcc4-5JRkSen4D3xmN-UkZ1NwxyesH0a1f_iDkgLKXS8gx0Ne6WxDzZ7usvSECZfCxLU5QXemHEkJJH4RomJeBAZNOlmnYdYn-TaokkfmdnrJeB0lgBlamf66xrQ/s400/olga+4.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Condor:Olga Books:Harvest:Output:2019-04-12_Exton malfaction 01.jpg"
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o:title="2019-04-12_Exton malfaction 01"/>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Their digital tattoos were melting
and dissolving into their bodies, causing grievous harm. What was it? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vars was recruited to travel to
one of the moons of Saturn to find out…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgyKpz-yEvR4H2bLHeSLLcyyBQveJW6kEQHzQjMUNuApdAJo_Zm5hdTjbieycVLxG2MDDME7-gxSkA7X2JoCCBPbdVDibydPZoahrTHax2tCqheVoZak2QJ7PCt-2BDynEi90K5G0H8w/s1600/olga+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgyKpz-yEvR4H2bLHeSLLcyyBQveJW6kEQHzQjMUNuApdAJo_Zm5hdTjbieycVLxG2MDDME7-gxSkA7X2JoCCBPbdVDibydPZoahrTHax2tCqheVoZak2QJ7PCt-2BDynEi90K5G0H8w/s320/olga+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Condor:Olga Books:Harvest:Output:2019-04-13_Vars on Mimas 01.jpg"
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<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/tiger/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image009.jpg"
o:title="2019-04-13_Vars on Mimas 01"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">While her dad worked hard to save
humanity back on Earth…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Harvest” is a fully illustrated
novel, sometimes dark, sometimes disturbing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkiJYnbCFdK2hXFztFQKCODT01U-TigBCakuIp4j6yij5Fn3lo9ddRuLMv3yWywrbu13CYbkpYYv-htwEL124C4J_J3Zj27XIsmRRqxks9ehR-qRAUAirNn0pX7_KnYtKDKh9Yn9WZwo/s1600/olga+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivkiJYnbCFdK2hXFztFQKCODT01U-TigBCakuIp4j6yij5Fn3lo9ddRuLMv3yWywrbu13CYbkpYYv-htwEL124C4J_J3Zj27XIsmRRqxks9ehR-qRAUAirNn0pX7_KnYtKDKh9Yn9WZwo/s400/olga+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK42"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK41"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK42;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have posted the first
few chapters of “Harvest” on my blog: </span></span></a><a href="https://interfaces.com/blog/my-books/harvest/"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK41;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK42;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://interfaces.com/blog/my-books/harvest/</span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK41;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK42;"></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK41;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK42;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK42;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK41;"></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Harvest” is written for people
who are interested in human origins and the births of civilizations. I wanted
to answer the question of “why”—why did some peoples succeed and some didn’t?
Why did some civilizations flourish for many centuries while others burned out
in but a short flash in history? What is it that makes the difference? Does it
simply comes down to luck?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m a scientist. I’m very
interested in the development of life, consciousness, and civilization. Over
the past several decades, we’ve learned a lot about human biology not only on
the molecular level (DNA) but also the chemistry and physics of biology. We can
see the range of possibilities for behavior and emotion programmed into us by
our evolutionary development. We’ve also learned about other human species that
didn’t survive to the present day but whose echoes we carry in our very
genes—Heanderthals, Homo floresiensis, Homo denisovans, and the newly
discovered Homo luzonesis. There are many more, of course, but it takes time
and luck to find evidence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Only the Homo sapiens are alive
on our world today. And only a small percentage of those developed the capacity
or desire to take over the world and impose their culture on the rest of the
peoples. Why? Why did some Hominids made it and some didn’t? Why did some
civilizations flourished and others fell? We can answer some of these questions
with psychology, sociology, paleontology, anthropology, biology... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Luck seems to have played a huge
role in human evolution and survival on our planet. Those who were lucky enough
to live in fertile environments with species of plants and animals that were
easy to domesticate won the life lottery, so to speak. The unlucky ones didn’t
make it to the present day or ended up colonized… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We have some ideas about what it
takes to survive and thrive on Earth. But what does it take to survive in the
galaxy? Can we use the same principles and apply them on a larger scale?
“Harvest” is a book that focuses on galaxy-wide civilizations and what it takes
to become one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Harvest” book trailer: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJnQhQkDCo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfJnQhQkDCo</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="28e4345f3138" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3138/" id="rcwidget_d4w4g2k3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/nbtm-harvest-by-olga-werby.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrkEz1O-HMnlHkgElU3BLo1CFFfL6olAfFJZ_pd4j77GuI-1gskEQKres5AUrkaO9cDZ4t6AXVtnFgoqepvjs0dRLHOye6v5B9W4qHXovJGDg82VTQ1ZaSsQReqWRpxJ3577hZe7-0u0/s1600/AuthorPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1000" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrkEz1O-HMnlHkgElU3BLo1CFFfL6olAfFJZ_pd4j77GuI-1gskEQKres5AUrkaO9cDZ4t6AXVtnFgoqepvjs0dRLHOye6v5B9W4qHXovJGDg82VTQ1ZaSsQReqWRpxJ3577hZe7-0u0/s320/AuthorPic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6265649100510354177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Olga Werby, Ed.D., has a
Doctorate from U.C. Berkeley with a focus on designing online learning
experiences. She has a Master's degree from U.C. Berkeley in Education of Math,
Science, and Technology. She has been creating computer-based projects since
1981 with organizations such as NASA (where she worked on the Pioneer Venus
project), Addison-Wesley, and the Princeton Review. Olga has a B.A. degree in
Mathematics and Astrophysics from Columbia University. She became an accidental
science fiction indie writer about a decade ago, with her first book,
"Suddenly Paris," which was based on then fairly novel idea of virtual
universes. Her next story, "The FATOFF Conspiracy," was a horror
story about fat, government bureaucracy, and body image. She writes about
characters that rarely get represented in science fiction stories -- homeless
kids, refugees, handicapped, autistic individuals -- the social underdogs of
our world. Her stories are based in real science, which is admittedly stretched
to the very limit of possible. She has published almost a dozen fiction books
to date and has won many awards for her writings. Her short fiction has been
featured in several issues of "Alien Dimensions Magazine," "600
second saga," "Graveyard Girls," "Kyanite Press' Fables and
Fairy Tales," "The Carmen Online Theater Group's Chronicles of
Terror," with many more stories freely available on her blog,
Interfaces.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.interfaces.com/blog/ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">amazon.com/author/olgawerby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4056895.Olga_Werby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.facebook.com/OlgaWerby/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://twitter.com/OlgaWerby<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">http://Pipsqueak.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDE3BNceupMYgvoaoAps2mg<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgawerby/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgawerby/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Selected Book Links on Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Harvest”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R8HGKWN/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R8HGKWN/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Becoming Animals”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078P6BB6K/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078P6BB6K/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Suddenly, Paris”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014OM5158/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014OM5158/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The FATOFF Conspiracy”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014S0W4WO/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014S0W4WO/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Twin Time”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZM578L/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZM578L/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Lizard Girl & Ghost: The
Chronicles of DaDA Immortals”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FBR7Q1T/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FBR7Q1T/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Coding Peter”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFP45WC/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFP45WC/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Pigeon”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014TZ1TQA/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014TZ1TQA/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Fresh Seed”: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FFDZNYB/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FFDZNYB/</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-75620272121350314172019-10-29T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-29T02:00:07.258-04:00Hanami Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9khupy02PsJBJN_b8cq6HOlwWG2VkLqZ-41KNn9gm47iMWC4hpuOKBm1qV8nWmvWh9BBSS4Ohfiwt0of4nmoDSKg7TogVbPCHCctDeRGCqSjR1AL1Tc6XRq5xtab_IlwJaJgtTw8Sko/s1600/TourBanner_Hanami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9khupy02PsJBJN_b8cq6HOlwWG2VkLqZ-41KNn9gm47iMWC4hpuOKBm1qV8nWmvWh9BBSS4Ohfiwt0of4nmoDSKg7TogVbPCHCctDeRGCqSjR1AL1Tc6XRq5xtab_IlwJaJgtTw8Sko/s400/TourBanner_Hanami.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I am no
princess… I am Yakuza,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SAKURA SHINTANI is the heir to
the Dragon Clan—Japan’s most notorious crime dynasty. But can she keep this
fact a secret from the annoying brats of Oniyuri Academy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She must try to master her demons
while trying not to hurt anyone. But having the face of an angel puts her on
everyone’s radar… including the arrogant heir to Asia’s most powerful tycoon,
KENJIN KIYOHARA. He senses the danger, but Sakura is too interesting to be left
alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jin rolled his eyes, settling his
gaze back on the girl. He wasn’t surprised with their reaction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The new girl was hot, but so
what? It took more than a pretty face to get his attention. He wasn’t that easy
to impress, and he was certain she’d be throwing herself at him anyway. Just
like everybody else. He was sure this girl wasn’t any different from the
love-crazed hyenas that stalked him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jin pushed back his shoulders,
seeing her start towards him with her eyes still trailing on the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Already? Jin thought, suppressing
a laugh. He crossed his arms, waiting for her to get closer, and sure enough
she stopped right in front of him. She was even prettier up close. Asian but
with a hint of Caucasian mixed in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What?” he asked, smirking. He
already knew what she might say: whether he was Kenjin Kiyohara, the sole heir
to Kiyohara Industries? The questions were all the same. He thought she would
have at least waited until class was over like the rest of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Move your feet. You’re blocking
my way,” the girl said in a sharp tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She shifted her gaze up at him like a threatening knife. Her
topaz-colored eyes darkened, sending icy tremors down his back. He felt as if
he’d been hit by a curse as his mind turned blank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When she finally looked away, Jin
was able to regain his senses. He tucked his legs out of her way, and she passed,
leaving goosebumps in her wake. His eyes followed her, waiting to see if she’d
look back, but she never did. Jin’s hands were trembling. His thoughts became
jumbled while he struggled not to look anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What was that? What just
happened? This was a first for him. He couldn’t contain himself. His presence
had no impact whatsoever. Instead she looked like she wanted to kill him! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jin took a deep breath, replaying
the moment in his head. Who was this girl? She sure got his attention, all
right—and it left him in pieces. He fought the urge to look back again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This girl…Jin thought. There was
something about her. He couldn’t shake off the feeling. She seemed dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Reviews:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hanami<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3.5 stars</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyBcIG95O9e6Nj-AiAGtsB-WsjN11KuCiiRmuvtDrdOuaI_tIUmeWnYpQQeIK6nGrcwgfFt4vS_EkB_FAKBL66i0uwvbz9V_u5UaG5YYcOkdA0F7phzZxRx2SnpLOZrC-sT7y0YpAjBY/s1600/BookCover_Hanami.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyBcIG95O9e6Nj-AiAGtsB-WsjN11KuCiiRmuvtDrdOuaI_tIUmeWnYpQQeIK6nGrcwgfFt4vS_EkB_FAKBL66i0uwvbz9V_u5UaG5YYcOkdA0F7phzZxRx2SnpLOZrC-sT7y0YpAjBY/s400/BookCover_Hanami.JPG" width="267" /></a></b></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was an interesting novel for
me. First, the characters (both major and side) were enjoyable and realistic. Jin
was a jerk at first, but slowly grew on me as his relationship with Sakura deepened,
forcing him to reevaluate what he really wanted. I had a harder time connecting
with Sakura, as Sakura is a very distant character for the majority of the
book, which fits with how she sees herself in the world she’s been drawn into. This
made it hard to get to know the real her, though seeing her shut Jin down whenever
he started getting full of himself was hilarious and fun, not to mention adding
to the will they, won’t they romantic subplot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As for the plot, there was a lot
going on, and while most of the big storylines were addressed (Sakura’s
parents, Jin/Sakura’s relationship, etc.), there were some smaller threads that
went unresolved/ignored, which was a bummer considering the little details and
intricacies woven into other parts of the story. Some parts of the story felt
rushed and thrown in, while others appeared carefully arranged and worked in,
which was disorienting and drew me away from the story at times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All said though, this was a
fascinating world with intriguing characters, mixed with a slow-burn (but worth
it) romance. If that sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend giving
this series a try. And on that note, on to my review of book 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32VJIgY" rel="nofollow">Hazakura</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me start by saying that while
I’m a sucker for falling in love for the first time stories, I’m even more of a
sucker for angsty, once the honeymoon’s over sequels. And this definitely fit
the bill. After Sakura and Jin overcame the odds and ended up together in book
1, I was looking forward to seeing the challenges they would face in book 2. I
was not disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To start, I enjoyed seeing Sakura
and Jin having to fight for their love in a realistic way. In fact, several of
the obstacles to their relationship were obstacles I had thought about after
reading book 1, so to see them addressed was awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On top of that, seeing how the
characters have grown from book 1 to book 2 was amazing. Sakura in particular
was a favorite of mine, as I felt like I understood her much more in this book
than I did the first. Add to that a kickass, hilarious collection of supporting
characters and a thrilling, exciting plot…sold. Plus, that closing scene, with
that closing sentence…perfect way to end this satisfactory sequel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On a side note, in the
post-credits, the author mentioned that she had never intended a sequel.
Needless to say, I’m glad she gave the fans what they asked for. So now can we
hope for book 3?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of these books
in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-tour-hanami-by-vc-buckley.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KlixucXR0os-muJ-ep66YjVBCtclQ_LX9TksOnY2_u4DXWyqbbp_AKZexcVe2DJDVf7UxtmS4BzoCS_K-hpjgpZqaBHF8XylKRC7IfSQ8l1XyTynjUpJewB4rUicVl2jO5-lCyB7UmQ/s1600/Author1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="613" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KlixucXR0os-muJ-ep66YjVBCtclQ_LX9TksOnY2_u4DXWyqbbp_AKZexcVe2DJDVf7UxtmS4BzoCS_K-hpjgpZqaBHF8XylKRC7IfSQ8l1XyTynjUpJewB4rUicVl2jO5-lCyB7UmQ/s320/Author1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">V.C. Buckley was born in an
isolated government facility and shipped off to an Island in Southeast Asia
where she grew up braving tropical thunderstorms and warding off evil villains.
At sixteen she was discovered by an agent and jetted off all over the world.
Her stories come from gritty moments of her childhood to the glitz of her
travels. She now lives in Manila with her husband, two kids and an herb garden
that has hijacked her balcony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.vcbuckley.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/vccbuckley" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/vcccbuckley" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/v.c.buckley" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17167092.V_C_Buckley" rel="nofollow">Goodreads</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/v-c-buckley" rel="nofollow">Bookbub</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">|</span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhONdkI9y64" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Book Trailer</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Buy links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/347WlWk" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span></span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hanami-vc-buckley/1127115319" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">B&N</a><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/hanami-6" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Kobo</a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-25637267701043777052019-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:002019-10-28T00:36:26.725-04:00Thea Reeves and the Tear of the Morning Star NBtM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEJWycfkIdDksuad2IDEtp61xAugI2QdnT5PrNe26pwLJr1U0NUiDEflEaWXwb0lZNQHeCeaZ_kziJA1C3K_thaOSuMDoTFTq-XEpPhFZzdEB4ctzykqapv2rmDkkLBLeuoYIE9ruVnI/s1600/TourBaner_Thea+Reeves+and+The+Tear+of+the+Morning+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEJWycfkIdDksuad2IDEtp61xAugI2QdnT5PrNe26pwLJr1U0NUiDEflEaWXwb0lZNQHeCeaZ_kziJA1C3K_thaOSuMDoTFTq-XEpPhFZzdEB4ctzykqapv2rmDkkLBLeuoYIE9ruVnI/s400/TourBaner_Thea+Reeves+and+The+Tear+of+the+Morning+Star.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thea Reeves
is an ordinary girl, from an ordinary family with financial troubles, living in
a small town of Johnston. After she starts an after school job at The Magic
Shop in order to help herself financially, her life becomes more extraordinary
with every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFGT_YoeajockNnEYRbQDLRb-aeUzQR6RHdYVbKn0ZeHw6anFDLaNKZYgWnbOJGHzAKd903FRZxSREE1fQS3bVzIhgCu7KsHI1IZKpE3fE5anm4w5d-brRq-mWEYZQbAITVL0SR5dbJs/s1600/BookCover_+Thea+Reeves+and+The+Tear+of+the+Morning+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="788" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFGT_YoeajockNnEYRbQDLRb-aeUzQR6RHdYVbKn0ZeHw6anFDLaNKZYgWnbOJGHzAKd903FRZxSREE1fQS3bVzIhgCu7KsHI1IZKpE3fE5anm4w5d-brRq-mWEYZQbAITVL0SR5dbJs/s400/BookCover_+Thea+Reeves+and+The+Tear+of+the+Morning+Star.jpg" width="248" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rest of the day went by
rather smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just after five
o'clock, people from all walks of life began to pour into The Magic Shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were buying, but surprisingly, many were
there for the coffee and to read books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To Thea, Jamie explained that most of their customers are business
oriented individuals, who find magic as a way to unwind after a long stressful
day at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They come in, read, usually
never buy books, but on occasion buy a souvenir or two for friends and family,
and almost always leave good tips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What Thea found fascinating is
that no one tried to steal anything all day, and everyone was polite and
courteous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jamie did not know how to
explain that, but she told Thea that there is a magic spell on The Magic Shop,
where people leave all of their anger, worries and problems at the door, and
those who can't ... never come inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It felt strange, but Thea also
felt that on her first day at The Magic Shop, she did not once think about her
chores, problems at home, or money difficulties her parents have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire time she was just happy to be at
The Magic Shop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What was really exciting is that
at the end of the day, Thea found herself holding thirty five dollars in tips
from coffee drinking and book reading patrons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If every day would be like this, that dream car would become a reality
by the time Thea would receive her driver's license.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the other
stops on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cNdaxbDwiIp8jAwYYpRD4CWPwlfG6jO_GxJl9L8QY8G765R4n8m9ZXODqWvBfJHV8KXmJvtcMhLrtz6UUxsSEzCVuwZRwWkgs1OYtWCenDPvlKhBu9bXxE4XfeUiIJJZUTOOdZuWWv8/s1600/author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cNdaxbDwiIp8jAwYYpRD4CWPwlfG6jO_GxJl9L8QY8G765R4n8m9ZXODqWvBfJHV8KXmJvtcMhLrtz6UUxsSEzCVuwZRwWkgs1OYtWCenDPvlKhBu9bXxE4XfeUiIJJZUTOOdZuWWv8/s320/author+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dmitriy Kushnir is a Sarasota, FL
local and is a student of life. In his younger years, he had served in the
military and received various degrees from multiple universities. One day,
Dmitriy Kushnir realized that he had just too much to share with the world and
began writing in the fields of philosophy, business, religion, history, fantasy
and science fiction. To this day, he has written more than 40 books under
various aliases.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00OQ1J48I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDmitriyKushnir/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://twitter.com/dmitriykushnir<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10801063.Dmitriy_Kushnir<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.amazon.com/Thea-Reeves-Tear-Morning-Star/dp/107733561X</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-58783934893794453312019-10-16T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-21T04:06:55.235-04:00Lucky Chance VBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BrPGBAbHfo6Ip-DyGJd0LLGGud1T6GBPrSFFKgnGYS78w2A7RxnSUqDJjMKpSb1c7m9on8EcUFD-uVUoChYfjWIGo7tDiokpwn6Rs1SvTAtEMg-tF1A-e7kodlgCfPl_hnRmgmnMK7k/s1600/TourBanner_LuckyChance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BrPGBAbHfo6Ip-DyGJd0LLGGud1T6GBPrSFFKgnGYS78w2A7RxnSUqDJjMKpSb1c7m9on8EcUFD-uVUoChYfjWIGo7tDiokpwn6Rs1SvTAtEMg-tF1A-e7kodlgCfPl_hnRmgmnMK7k/s400/TourBanner_LuckyChance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Golf,
love, life—Jack Weatherlow is more than familiar with all three. Is life a
series of coincidences or is it linked by a greater thread? Returning from the
brink of destruction, Jack lets his participation in recovery, his work at the
hotel, and his close relationship with his wife, Samantha, guide him through
some of life's most important questions and lessons. What do we do when
opportunity knocks at our door? Is it fate that brings us together with those
we love most? What constitutes a family and what obligations do we have to
those around us? Through his relationships and experiences on and off the
green, Jack discovers many of life's lucky chances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidagN8cNZPSq-Jm2W38r-YTl72PD5bCxouAe2ytL1DUY1TvIOdHaBCAhtTsdz0vTUSJGsRrc9R6VpiBJhuBu6vxL9iGCUeQPgIk2KTTKs3FwLmGzS0CFJtIvsYABmxczOdNddKqWi_gvo/s1600/Cover_LuckyChance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1005" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidagN8cNZPSq-Jm2W38r-YTl72PD5bCxouAe2ytL1DUY1TvIOdHaBCAhtTsdz0vTUSJGsRrc9R6VpiBJhuBu6vxL9iGCUeQPgIk2KTTKs3FwLmGzS0CFJtIvsYABmxczOdNddKqWi_gvo/s400/Cover_LuckyChance.jpg" width="251" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I often wondered about the finer
details which shaped my mother’s journey in life. I imagine that she began her
role as a parent as one person, possibly a reluctant person, but still more
whole than not and rightly directed for the most part. At some point in time, I
presume that she met with an irresolvable division in her conception of that
original role or her identity in general. I suspect that the horrific accident
that killed my dad’s parents inspired the initial separation. However, I wonder
if the imports of that tragedy were simply the last drops of a sinister reagent
which had long been burning away the reigns that held her in the middle of the
road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless of the cause, my
mother salved her injuries with an anesthetic rather than an antiseptic. She chose
relief rather than cure. I don’t suppose that she ever realized there was a
difference. Nevertheless, the relief became the food or fuel which energized
and promoted the process of her separation. She grew ever closer and more
identified with her torment, and she grew evermore distant from her peace. I
watched the transformation occur across my young life, such that I found myself
more often despised and attacked by the tortured and tormented monster of
trauma and tragedy, and less and less nurtured or treasured by the
compassionate and caring mother of my imagination.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/vbt-lucky-chance-by-rc-welch.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM8hftYIvju_8v0WYJ3Aj864ygPNdu8h6HaJlkBm7xy78uJPOqFQORf3z5YkfQVPnhhp8fR9t91EczHujWlVfY67Gi2ytijxMRZJ7qC7NSC5wJy6Sel0_brRGY3l4V9WD-PFPh5wywbM/s1600/author+photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="710" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM8hftYIvju_8v0WYJ3Aj864ygPNdu8h6HaJlkBm7xy78uJPOqFQORf3z5YkfQVPnhhp8fR9t91EczHujWlVfY67Gi2ytijxMRZJ7qC7NSC5wJy6Sel0_brRGY3l4V9WD-PFPh5wywbM/s320/author+photo.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Summer is in full swing - folks
are hitting the golf course by day, and reflecting on life as the sunsets go
later into the evening. In the spirit of golf and life, Charlotte-based Warren
Publishing has released Lucky Chance, a thoughtful and moving novel by
businessman, golfer and public speaker, R.C. Welch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lucky Chance is a 346-page soft
cover book that addresses some of life’s most thought-provoking and insightful
dilemmas and lessons through the lens of Jack Weatherlow. A golfer, husband,
and alcoholic in recovery, Jack returns from the brink of destruction, and
through his recovery, work, and relationship with his wife, Samantha, he
attempts to find the answers to some of life’s most important questions. What
do we do when opportunity knocks at our door? Is it fate that brings us
together with those we love most? What constitutes a family and what
obligations do we have to those around us? Through his relationships and
experiences on and off the green, Jack discovers many of life’s lucky chances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Inspired by his love of golf,
business, and storytelling, Welch wrote Lucky Chance to give readers insight
into a character he loves, and connect certain apparent similarities in life
between obviously different circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Lucky Chance is a wonderfully
crafted novel, rich with narrative originality, and emotional and philosophical
depth,” added Mindy Kuhn, President of Warren Publishing. “It’s a fantastic,
unique read for anyone who enjoys reading about sports or love, but also for
those looking to delve into the truly intricate and complicated questions of
life.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">R.C. Welch holds graduate and
post graduate degrees from two universities, and is honorably recognized in
various circles of the business world. He is also an accomplished golfer,
storyteller and public speaker. Lucky Chance is an expression of his innate and
unique gifts. He currently resides in Winston Salem, NC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Chance-R-C-Welch/dp/1733615849/
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>https://www.facebook.com/warrenpublishinginc/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/warrenpublish/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website: Warrenpublishing.net<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Goodreads:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19145308.R_C_Welch</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-33375555500386592682019-10-14T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-14T02:09:34.551-04:00Crush: A Tale of Two Vineyards Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN1HuC82ZB8w58sxn8Y2rTX2w7IPnRrR2UCy4cjFf1czEnDqRVbLSRMVeTi2lpCfnpbdrM4UvEFUvRFOYsLH2e4ZdMrT3pE6w_mBdw-PsHFsxm3sIzMs5HQrtNj_gpJj0LbGc1xI65X8/s1600/TourBanner_Crush+A+Tale+of+Two+Vineyards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN1HuC82ZB8w58sxn8Y2rTX2w7IPnRrR2UCy4cjFf1czEnDqRVbLSRMVeTi2lpCfnpbdrM4UvEFUvRFOYsLH2e4ZdMrT3pE6w_mBdw-PsHFsxm3sIzMs5HQrtNj_gpJj0LbGc1xI65X8/s400/TourBanner_Crush+A+Tale+of+Two+Vineyards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Will the
rare love that comes once in a lifetime win her over? Crush: A Tale of Two
Vineyards is a compelling and enchanting novel set among vineyards in Southern
France and Central California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spending summers at her
grandparents’ vineyard, Clos de Harmonie, Olivia found her passion for
winemaking and pursued a degree in Viticulture and Enology. Olivia accepts an
invitation from a Frenchman to complete her master’s degree project at his
family’s fifth generation biodynamic vineyard in France.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She and the French winemaker have
an instant attraction. With her project complete, she struggles with the desire
to stay in France and the knowledge she is neglecting her grandparents’
vineyard. Called back to California by an unforeseen turn of events, Olivia
focuses on getting Clos de Harmonie certified as a biodynamic vineyard. Her
dream is to make authentic, natural wine that captures the landscape and its
essence in a bottle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As she wrestles with her
long-distance love interest, the challenges of reviving a rundown vineyard, and
trouble with the landowner next door, Olivia finds strength in the human spirit
and the need to prove herself in a sea of doubters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">An evocative story that awakens
the senses, Crush captures the complex layers and enduring bonds of family
amidst the dramas and joys of winemaking. The magic and mysteries of biodynamic
farming come to life along with a colorful cast of characters in both France
and California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3uUfxvJODRQKMcz61QzaWv18w_llTSz6FIAlOVXTQnvlbe88OYOYRaEJ7zK2MJ1lceQjYyxmjvyHju74hQmdp6jN8LUlnIcKkkKIoJYV32hk0MyApQQJ0b_-bQqTWoX55rXPyLCSVz4/s1600/BookCover_Crush+-+A+Tale+of+Two+Vineyards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3uUfxvJODRQKMcz61QzaWv18w_llTSz6FIAlOVXTQnvlbe88OYOYRaEJ7zK2MJ1lceQjYyxmjvyHju74hQmdp6jN8LUlnIcKkkKIoJYV32hk0MyApQQJ0b_-bQqTWoX55rXPyLCSVz4/s400/BookCover_Crush+-+A+Tale+of+Two+Vineyards.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke with a weight on my chest.
I opened the French doors and got back in bed. Luke and Nicole’s picture was
burned into my mind. I was such a fool. His mother had won. She had pressed
them together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But could I blame him? I was here
and he had a life and family and a winery there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A knock sounded at my door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jameson entered with a cup of
coffee. He set it down on the nightstand. “You’re late for your appointment
with Peter. He said the building inspector is on the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh geez.” I jumped up. The final
inspection of the bunkhouse. “Thanks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re always up at dawn. Are
you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tears welled up in my eyes and
slid down my cheeks. No, I was not okay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is it Luke and that model?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Is there anything I can do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I shook my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Put a spell on her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I half smiled. I wished I could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, pull yourself together.
Caleb’s tired of sleeping on the couch and can’t wait to move into the
bunkhouse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, I needed to pull myself
together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jameson shut the door. I dressed
quickly, washed the tears from my face, and brushed my teeth. I took my coffee
and walked to the bunkhouse. Peter stood talking with Caleb and Jameson on the
newly constructed back porch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good morning, sunshine,” Peter
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Morning,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Big day. Final inspection. We
should be fine though,” Peter said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I nodded and tried to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s the matter? I thought
you’d be swinging from the rafters,” Peter said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Guy trouble,” Jameson said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ah,” Peter said. “Matters of the
heart. They’re complicated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The building inspector pulled up
and parked by Peter’s truck. With clipboard in hand he came up the porch steps,
eyes darting to every surface, already examining the work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Morning, Peter.” He nodded to
the three of us. “Where do you want to start?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Peter led him into the bunkhouse.
I followed. Caleb and Jameson went back to whatever chores Cody had assigned
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This book has it all: vivid
characters, detailed worldbuilding, and an engaging plot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The characters were interesting
and really added to the story. Olivia and Luke had great chemistry, and seeing
their passion both for their work and each other helped bring the story to
life. I especially loved Olivia. Not only was she a strong female character, she
was also inspiring yet realistic. Seeing her struggle to juggle her education, career,
and romance without sacrificing one for the others was refreshing, and I liked how
the ending took this all realistically into account. Seeing her grow throughout
the book was a treat, and I can’t wait to see her in a (hopeful) sequel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The worldbuilding was phenomenal.
I now know so much more about the winemaking industry. The amount of research
that went into this book is obvious, and it was interesting learning about a
biodynamic vineyard (something I’d never heard of before). On top of the
winemaking details, the locations were vividly described in a way that made me
feel like I was there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you’re looking for a relaxing
read with a realistic romance (mixed with some wine of course), then I
recommend giving Crush a try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-tour-crush-tale-of-two-vineyards.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVsXayrUtlTVO89hvGgWNRZYRm_PV82T_16GwmZB3kf4j26e1noTGdzCTa7nMtpWFe7r1JihdEIrR97wtcgYhM48lPQ35INRiVOJWltJTaHkEbhUbzMZxkNOzKURMq-_kFNPKQAi7NZc/s1600/AuthorPhoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="108" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVsXayrUtlTVO89hvGgWNRZYRm_PV82T_16GwmZB3kf4j26e1noTGdzCTa7nMtpWFe7r1JihdEIrR97wtcgYhM48lPQ35INRiVOJWltJTaHkEbhUbzMZxkNOzKURMq-_kFNPKQAi7NZc/s200/AuthorPhoto.JPG" width="157" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joye Emmens is also the author of
She’s Gone. She lives in California with her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website: www.jemmens.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter: @joyeemmens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook: joyeemmens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Buy Links: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/942198" rel="nofollow">Smashwords</a> | </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2OKVUNp" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/crush-a-tale-of-two-vineyards/id1466725318%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">iBooks</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crush-joye-emmens/1131936442" rel="nofollow">B&N</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/crush-a-tale-of-two-vineyards" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Kobo</a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-29648652381761983982019-10-09T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-09T02:00:02.461-04:00Ropin' the Moon Book Blast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-blast-ropin-moon-by-deborah-camp.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6N8G4cbuyBE2A4CX_T4HLiEqxsAbtDWSmC9Cf35XsX6Q2uwJU9Lw9fL_oVZ8NEWpP8ja0FuiGL4f7ZvW9StAYTfqz9KRt-IOIumtNmYX59EA7e7p22FizRiJNnIykjy4Kc9hpdWmnRS0/s400/TourBanner_Ropin%2527+the+Moon.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He had tumbleweed in his blood, moving from one town to the next. Traveling to where there was trouble, Dalton Moon was hired to tame wild places with a fast draw and an iron will. Lacy Tyrell knew that Dalton wouldn’t be around long and she shouldn’t be tempted by him. But like the moon, his pull on her was a natural, powerful force that she was helpless to resist.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANaUyHOztwSQ6GoQQN6t8Q-S-scTU2JxTWsw3qACjjvgJfcavakrX4Y3Xvqf00xBZMm-ETm6HuEIAE0ca73Vj_KKaewMJfmyO0yBZnyF6GrGnb7Yy98j_7H47jFadQW6ywgIyppTXCJU/s1600/BookCover_RopinTheMoon_Ecover_600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANaUyHOztwSQ6GoQQN6t8Q-S-scTU2JxTWsw3qACjjvgJfcavakrX4Y3Xvqf00xBZMm-ETm6HuEIAE0ca73Vj_KKaewMJfmyO0yBZnyF6GrGnb7Yy98j_7H47jFadQW6ywgIyppTXCJU/s400/BookCover_RopinTheMoon_Ecover_600x900.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I don’t view women that way. Mostly, I figure that if a man thinks that a woman who can whip up a good meal, birth and raise decent children, and keep him in check is ‘weak,’ then he doesn’t deserve her.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Her heart thrummed happily and she smiled, thinking that this man had somehow become even more attractive. “You truly believe that?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“You doubt me?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She let out a little sigh of contentment. Noticing a cocklebur in Cry Baby’s mane, she removed her gloves and worked it loose from the long, white hair. “You’re an interesting man, Dalton Moon. In fact, you’re nothing like I thought you’d be.” She tossed aside the offending bur.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What did you imagine I’d be like?” He unbuttoned his coat and leaned a forearm on his saddle horn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A strutting, preening, cold-hearted, trigger-happy bore.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His brows shot up and a startled laugh erupted from his chest. “All that, huh?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“It is your reputation,” she informed him, archly as she tucked her gloves under her coat’s belt. “You must know that. If you aren’t in the habit of drawing your gun and shooting at people, then how did you acquire it?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Through wagging tongues and shameless liars,” he answered in a contemptuous tone. “I am fast on the draw. I don’t deny that. But I’m not eager to pull the trigger. I will, mind you, in defense of my life or someone else’s.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-blast-ropin-moon-by-deborah-camp.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCOWqtWgStMX5bAxEQKnFC_oyJULFaJ6PnW0Sc-slSIUXhAk55o8_7CFKNq3qhdVNtQ8ZaKm3FvL1-PHIqfxVKDYJZhWOiSL76yuDGK86F-yIXjPXp1BS1Q7RDZeQm1btjYpG1AJaEqY/s1600/Color+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCOWqtWgStMX5bAxEQKnFC_oyJULFaJ6PnW0Sc-slSIUXhAk55o8_7CFKNq3qhdVNtQ8ZaKm3FvL1-PHIqfxVKDYJZhWOiSL76yuDGK86F-yIXjPXp1BS1Q7RDZeQm1btjYpG1AJaEqY/s320/Color+Photo.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whatever type of romance you love to read, Deborah Camp writes it. From sweet to sexy, contemporary to historical</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Author of more than 50 romances, both contemporary and historical, Deborah received the very first Janet Dailey Award (given to a romance novel that best addressed a social problem). My Wild Rose deals with battered women and children in 1800s with Carrie Nation as a character in the novel. Solitary Horseman also won the In d’tale Magazine’s Rone Award. Deborah loves writing stories that are centered on brave women and honorable men.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Deborah’s books have been praised by reviewers, bloggers, and readers who love complex characters and clever plotting. She always mixes in a bit of humor and a lot of heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She’s been a full-time writer since graduating from the University of Tulsa. Her first novel was published in the late 1970s and her books have been published by Jove, New American Library, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, and Amazon. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Authors Hall of Fame and she’s a charter member of the Romance Writers of America. She’s also a member of the Author’s Guild.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Communicating with readers and other writers is something she enjoys, so don't be shy about visiting her online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Be sure to join her Happy Campers Super Cool Reader Group on her website to receive a copy of one of her romances novels free and participate in it on Goodreads, too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">WEBSITE: <a href="http://www.deborah-camp.com/">http://www.deborah-camp.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">EMAIL: deborahcampauthor@yahoo.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">FACEBOOK: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/officialdeborahcamp">http://www.facebook.com/officialdeborahcamp</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">PINTEREST: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/debbycamp44/">http://www.pinterest.com/debbycamp44/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Buy link: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XQPJMV8?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XQPJMV8?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420</a></span>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-34833757273926757282019-10-07T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-07T03:17:00.092-04:00Trail of Secrets Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyp_mI6rM89ZuPFVbB4aJNd6UGQIecYCfScNYC4XbdW5mFd3_K2_TpIpcggc7QyEWqAeD6ELbZdUEK9k0QWNMhR3OgZ5Q4MMxFpuMFHaueHZqVnwXk0_RhrycWAMC_GMZdlwEavVQ5fc/s1600/TourBanner_Trail+of+Secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyp_mI6rM89ZuPFVbB4aJNd6UGQIecYCfScNYC4XbdW5mFd3_K2_TpIpcggc7QyEWqAeD6ELbZdUEK9k0QWNMhR3OgZ5Q4MMxFpuMFHaueHZqVnwXk0_RhrycWAMC_GMZdlwEavVQ5fc/s400/TourBanner_Trail+of+Secrets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who killed the vivacious, Emily
McGuire and laid out her body at the water tower? Orderly, rule-follower Mia
McGuire is the least likely person to answer this question. Mia’s life has
taken a downward spiral with her sister Emily’s murder, the breakup with her
boyfriend, and losing her editing position. But when the homicide investigation
crawls, Mia can’t stand by doing nothing. She hires the problematic Lucas Davis
to help her find the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
After suffering trauma from a shooting on the job, Lucas Davis resigns
from the local force. Once known as a daredevil in his small Florida town, he
has become an embarrassment to his dad, the police chief. When Mia offers him
investigative work, he quickly accepts the job to prove he still possesses the
skills and guts to solve the case. Together, these two unlikely sleuths form an
intimate bond and are determined to beat the odds. They set out to bring a
terrifying killer to justice before he targets them next.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5QyAF4XSkptA-BElIdUkJaMGcgZCYYJMNEV02meKmnGbNwuQPoz0v-CrqRWXE8FjxYBrIjryuRDN2mtfpS-Fvj8Oiieb3eRY1hmQCqeMX6pmImvgEkMeJQpfM_bfa8FbfFoJUydz7GI/s1600/Cover_Trail+of+Secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1089" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5QyAF4XSkptA-BElIdUkJaMGcgZCYYJMNEV02meKmnGbNwuQPoz0v-CrqRWXE8FjxYBrIjryuRDN2mtfpS-Fvj8Oiieb3eRY1hmQCqeMX6pmImvgEkMeJQpfM_bfa8FbfFoJUydz7GI/s400/Cover_Trail+of+Secrets.jpg" width="271" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mia?” A deep male voice shouted
to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She turned to the sound of the
voice. Lucas Davis was striding to her. He was here too? The tall, blond-headed
man paced to her in a hurried power gait. Mia blinked, trying to adjust to the
fact he wasn’t in her imagination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He stopped a few feet from her.
“We meet again. I’d say it’s my lucky day.” His playful tone eased the ache of
tension vibrating in her skull. His eyes were warm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The tightness in her body drained
away. She tilted her head. “You don’t have a clone that was at the station
earlier, do you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’m the one and only. It would
cause a lot of gossip in Star Pointe if I had a twin.” A hint of mischief
curved his mouth slightly upward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She’d been talking and thinking
about him yesterday and today. Now he stood in front of her—a second time. It
was like she kept wishing him to appear. Gram’s words floated into her mind.
That boy could be the poster child for lack of common sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Had “the shooting” changed him?
His overgrown hair and cutoff shorts fit the casual look of a perpetual beach
boy. He was lean and trim, probably from his training in law enforcement.
Although his sturdy six-foot-plus frame reminded her he’d been into lots of
sports in school. “Are you here to surf?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.5 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A wonderful murder mystery with a
plot that kept me guessing all the way through and a wonderful cast of characters.
I enjoyed seeing Mia and Lucas’ relationship develop throughout the book, and I
particularly enjoyed Lucas’ “redemption” storyline, so to say. Was a little
difficult to keep up with all the different murder suspects introduced along
with the twists and turns, but I loved how it all came together in the end. If
you’re looking for a good murder mystery, I highly recommend giving this a try.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/review-tour-trail-of-secrets-by-nora.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nora grew up in rural New England
where she currently lives with her family. She enjoys visiting and spending
time with her friends, the Winettes, in Florida, where she continues to write. Trail
of Secrets is her sixteenth book. Her next story is already in progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can find Nora on Amazon,
Goodreads, Facebook and her <a href="http://noraleduc.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a>.
She also contributes to the Romance Gems’ Blog every month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2AMwtmg" rel="nofollow">Amazon buy link</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-7090327139839952982019-10-04T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-07T00:45:24.709-04:00Justice Gone Blurb Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">WINNER OF THREE AWARDS</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
2019 AMERICAN FICTION AWARD<br />
NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCY AWARD - Best Legal Thriller OF 2019<br />
SILVER MEDAL WINNER 2019 READERS' FAVORITES AWARDS</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chosen by Wiki.ezvid.com among their list of 10 Gripping and Intelligent Legal Thrillers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The courtroom scenes are wonderfully written...the characters are well described and the author paints a picture of each in the mind of the reader...Strong plot, strong characters and a strong writing style that I really enjoyed. This one is a definite "thumbs-up." Strongly recommend! I look forward to reading additional works by N. Lombardi, Jr. </i>
Kim M Aalaie, Author's Den</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite suspense novels of the year. It will make you question the legal system.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Eclectic Review</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The courtroom action is excellent, trimmed to the most gripping parts of the trial, with plenty of emotional impact...a fairly realistic portrayal of the way small-town US society works...a fast-moving story with plenty of dramatic moments, and a big twist in the final pages.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Crime Review </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When a homeless war veteran is beaten to death by the police, stormy protests ensue, engulfing a small New Jersey town. Soon after, three cops are gunned down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A multi-state manhunt is underway for a cop killer on the loose. And Dr. Tessa Thorpe, a veteran's counselor, is caught up in the chase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Donald Darfield, an African-American Iraqi war vet, war-time buddy of the beaten man, and one of Tessa's patients, is holed up in a mountain cabin. Tessa, acting on instinct, sets off to find him, but the swarm of law enforcement officers gets there first, leading to Darfield's dramatic capture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, the only people separating him from the lethal needle of state justice are Tessa and ageing blind lawyer, Nathaniel Bodine. Can they untangle the web tightening around Darfield in time, when the press and the justice system are baying for revenge?
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcefo4RpYcjHRZ0eKdK4m7e5KGGmywEKl3MR_kgGu0_nWwpVk6IWdvFGOmq8koGQOTV-k3zpQRwhRswUL3aI8zKMq_GrIiWL0Ss9rJqe5Iv2NgYbhyphenhyphenBFf8hrZaOAATTWHtu4DhJivZeU/s1600/JG+cover+jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcefo4RpYcjHRZ0eKdK4m7e5KGGmywEKl3MR_kgGu0_nWwpVk6IWdvFGOmq8koGQOTV-k3zpQRwhRswUL3aI8zKMq_GrIiWL0Ss9rJqe5Iv2NgYbhyphenhyphenBFf8hrZaOAATTWHtu4DhJivZeU/s400/JG+cover+jpeg.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Mr. Bodine, I’m Hamilton Fiske, deputy district attorney. I’ll be prosecuting this case.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Didn’t we meet last year at the meeting of the New Jersey Bar Association?” Bodine asked, as his daughter collected their papers and put them in their briefcase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Yes, I believe we did.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Thought so. I never forget a voice.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That comment threw Fiske off-center for a moment. “I just wanted to, well, shake hands so to speak, before we come out fighting.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Is your hand out there in the air, waiting for mine? Cause if it is, you can put it back wherever you had it. I don’t shake hands these days. And while you’re at it, you can remove that smug smile off your face. I don’t have to see it, I can tell by your tone. You’ve already pissed me off, and this is just the arraignment. So I’m not exactly in a gentlemanly mood. And if you try to set up my client by having him mingle with the others, there’ll be hell to pay. Getting my drift, son?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fighting words for sure, but the word that provoked Fiske the most was the condescending “son,” just as Bodine had figured it would. “Is that a threat, Mr. Bodine?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Emily tugged at her father’s arm with the covert message that he quit this repartee. He turned to leave, but not before saying, “No, Mr. Fiske, just a consequence.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/blurb-blitz-justice-gone-by-n-lombardi.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About the Author:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_Gh8Uaq2qrf9ZkZZk1Zvy-VYL-xnRv4Q2a_K7JvvSzUWxImnoca1zXePQ-vrYuW3PYKWy8ATTlNUxb-ocWY6rm-Xf-jHdddxoWcqhDWHiWJ5ytNNmJ-XkXjuVwKbIruCI8igHf-VcEI/s1600/author+pic+N+Lombardi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_Gh8Uaq2qrf9ZkZZk1Zvy-VYL-xnRv4Q2a_K7JvvSzUWxImnoca1zXePQ-vrYuW3PYKWy8ATTlNUxb-ocWY6rm-Xf-jHdddxoWcqhDWHiWJ5ytNNmJ-XkXjuVwKbIruCI8igHf-VcEI/s200/author+pic+N+Lombardi.gif" width="189" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">N. Lombardi Jr, the N for Nicholas, has spent over half his life in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, working as a groundwater geologist. Nick can speak five languages: Swahili, Thai, Lao, Chinese, and Khmer (Cambodian).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1997, while visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic, he witnessed the remnants of a secret war that had been waged for nine years, among which were children wounded from leftover cluster bombs. Driven by what he saw, he worked on <a href="http://plainofjars.net/" rel="nofollow">The Plain of Jars</a> for the next eight years.
Nick maintains a website with content that spans most aspects of the novel: The Secret War, Laotian culture, Buddhism etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His second novel, Journey Towards a Falling Sun, is set in the wild frontier of northern Kenya.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His latest novel, Justice Gone, was inspired by the fatal beating of a homeless man by police.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nick now lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Visit his Goodreads page: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982373.N_Lombardi_Jr_">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982373.N_Lombardi_Jr_
</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Buy Links:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Justice-Gone-N-Lombardi-Jr/dp/1785358766" rel="nofollow">Amazon UK</a> | </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2pTahF3" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Amazon US</a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-gone-n-lombardi-jr/1128875661" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">B&N</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Justice-Gone-N-Lombardi-Jr/9781785358760" rel="nofollow">Book Depository</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> | <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/justice-gone/n-lombardi-jr/9781785358760" rel="nofollow">Waterstones</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/justice-gone" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Kobo</a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-48949707906918500602019-10-01T02:00:00.000-04:002019-10-01T23:52:14.482-04:00A Sickness in the Soul VBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H_jA0GdDH1oUNZHoQ3tWPxmyyjyxXQJbtmbqtBBV9hOulooDsoC4OcvfQI0msI8BdJ3F-dlxgb2ugtRMPlHPJPuiaHOuS6wq0ifOk21zNKAQKKKGVT2DWMaiez-buJjP_8FqYkcj8vg/s1600/TourBanner_A+Sickness+in+the+Soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H_jA0GdDH1oUNZHoQ3tWPxmyyjyxXQJbtmbqtBBV9hOulooDsoC4OcvfQI0msI8BdJ3F-dlxgb2ugtRMPlHPJPuiaHOuS6wq0ifOk21zNKAQKKKGVT2DWMaiez-buJjP_8FqYkcj8vg/s400/TourBanner_A+Sickness+in+the+Soul.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Many
people wear masks. Some to hide their feelings; some to conceal their identity;
and some to hide that most hideous plague of mankind: a sickness in the soul.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ashmole Foxe, Norwich bookseller,
man-about-town and solver of mysteries will encounter all of these in this
tangled drama of hatred, obsession and redemption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a story set in the
England of the 1760s, a time of rigid class distinctions, where the rich idle
their days away in magnificent mansions, while hungry children beg, steal and
prostitute themselves on the streets. An era on the cusp of revolution in
America and France; a land where outward wealth and display hide simmering
political and social tensions; a country which had faced intermittent war for
the past fifty years and would need to survive a series of world-wide conflicts
in the fifty years ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Faced with no less than three
murders, occurring from the aristocracy to the seeming senseless professional
assassination of a homeless vagrant, Ashmole Foxe must call on all his skill
and intelligence to uncover the sickness which appears to be infecting his
city’s very soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can Foxe uncover the truth which
lies behind a series of baffling deaths, from an aristocrat attending a ball to
a vagrant murdered where he slept in a filthy back-alley?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisenXQ9np19lnmFs-ZVR4QdUf8V2qOlYKS71G1H0be7kyNrusrcE2-tYLy6mL8Q4ElP60Wkd5aTk00qFuh2e7ExIfsxfPT8r0xyt4qGB4ES-oM4jMbIA5mqOSiIW1-VceWGR1xypPkX70/s1600/Cover_A+Sickness+in+the+Soul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1104" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisenXQ9np19lnmFs-ZVR4QdUf8V2qOlYKS71G1H0be7kyNrusrcE2-tYLy6mL8Q4ElP60Wkd5aTk00qFuh2e7ExIfsxfPT8r0xyt4qGB4ES-oM4jMbIA5mqOSiIW1-VceWGR1xypPkX70/s400/Cover_A+Sickness+in+the+Soul.jpg" width="275" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Naturally, all this affability
ended the moment Foxe stepped into the Great Hall itself. Sir Samuel would have
used this as the meeting place to impress his influence and social status on
all his visitors, and on Mr Foxe most of all. Now he received Foxe standing,
his back to a large fireplace with an elaborate alabaster surround. Above him
could be seen the coat of arms of the Valmar family. I may be a man like you,
all this seemed to proclaim, but I am not just your social superior. I am a
Valmar too. Remember that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The baronet had dressed himself
in a suit of fine brown wool embroidered in gold, over a pale cream waistcoat
sprigged with tiny flowers. From his leather shoes with their golden buckles
and his spotless white silk stockings up to his freshly powdered wig, he was
the embodiment of the rich landowner suffering the attentions of some
troublesome tenant. He was also in a combative mood. He launched his attack at
once and without preliminaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Say what you have to say, sir,
then get out!’ the baronet barked. ‘I am only suffering your presence because
my wife begged me to do so. According to her, you have some important
information affecting the Valmar family. My family heritage is everything to
me. We Valmars came over with the Conqueror and have been here ever since. In
all that time, no one has dishonoured the family name. No one ever shall, while
I live and breathe. Now, get on with it — and be brief!’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Foxe had stood before this
man the last time, Sir Samuel had affected an air of complete indifference. Now
all was different. What he wanted was to send this meddlesome tradesman about
his business; preferably with his tail between his legs. By the end of his
opening speech, his face was suffused with red and purple from the effort of
holding his temper in check. Foxe noted how the other man’s breathing was
shallow, his fists clenched tight and his eyes narrowed with fury. He had
expected some such display of temper, but even he was taken aback by the
vehemence of Sir Samuel’s attack. Still, he had determined in advance nothing
would shake his calmness. He therefore replied in a quiet voice, his words
measured and his tone mild and reasonable. To his quiet satisfaction, he
observed immediately how much this gentle manner seemed to inflame Sir Samuel
even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVBDBWG2lsUlH_lOQfP4iDzzzMgbxO6PstLU6NlBcqLHS8oZ_CzV7b7HQb0ptMO7VYnMgWiBnZkILniGgKSwIbzCiqVtqH48km2a_908OMe9ut_Qk1KxoXZVNFP02bOtiKFyEfUu5A-0/s1600/interview-in-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="545" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVBDBWG2lsUlH_lOQfP4iDzzzMgbxO6PstLU6NlBcqLHS8oZ_CzV7b7HQb0ptMO7VYnMgWiBnZkILniGgKSwIbzCiqVtqH48km2a_908OMe9ut_Qk1KxoXZVNFP02bOtiKFyEfUu5A-0/s320/interview-in-progress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you ever wish you were someone
else? Who?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No, I don’t think I do. Sometimes
I like to imagine myself living in a different time from now: a time when life
was simpler, manners were better and the world in general was less full of
strife. The sad fact is that no such time ever existed. I write about England
in the 18th century. What we tend to see today are grand mansions full of fine
art, huge estates and parks laid out with no regard for cost and the beautiful
dresses and fine manners of TV and film adaptations of Jane Austen novels. None
of that represents the experience of the vast majority of people at the time.
Life was hard, food often scarce, and the politics of the day just as riven
with factional strife as it is today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did you do on your last
birthday?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nothing special, beyond going out
for a nice meal with my wife. At my age, birthdays are more to be ignored than
celebrated!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What part of the writing process
do you dread?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting started! I sometimes
begin the same book four or five times from different angles, searching for the
right way into the story; the way that will catch the reader’s imagination and
make her or him want to read further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you ever suffer from writer’s
block? If so, what do you do about it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No, I don’t think I ever have
done. My trouble is verbosity, not the inability to write at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tell us about your latest
release.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's the sixth story in the
Ashmole Foxe series, featuring a wealthy young bookseller with time on his
hands, who has become the person to whom the city authorities turn to clear up
all the more complex and messy crimes in the city. This is a time before police
forces and public prosecutors, so all detection and prosecution of crimes is
down to interested individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“A Sickness in the Soul” is a
story set in the England of the 1760s; a time of rigid class distinctions,
where the rich idle their days away in magnificent mansions, while hungry
children beg, steal and prostitute themselves on the streets; an era on the
cusp of revolution in America and France. The England of the time is a land where
outward wealth and display hide simmering political and social tensions. The
country had faced intermittent wars with several continental countries for the
past fifty years and would need to survive a further series of world-wide
conflicts in the fifty years ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Into this comes a series of
murders in Norwich, which was still the second or third largest city in England
at the time. At the outset, all appear straightforward to unravel. An
aristocrat is killed after a public row at a masked ball; an elderly, reclusive
scholar with a young wife is murdered in his own library; and there is a seemingly
senseless professional assassination of a homeless vagrant. In each case,
everyone looks to Ashmole Foxe to unravel the answers and bring the killer or
killers to justice. Yet, because this is the real world, those answers turn out
to be far messier and more complex than anyone imagines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/vbt-sickness-in-soul-by-william-savage.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SmMea_Htiw-nGGG8wb460hfPY-JUUcfIVKU2eVcVmCfsGpR7l-TyPKvCfIL5UUB7drPG5-l6duWDLSwHoCR-z4LajhxmoiYDzoq34BupUzombtQFAenlR3w65EwHO2XFgsVCLlHgyW8/s1600/AuthorPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1215" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SmMea_Htiw-nGGG8wb460hfPY-JUUcfIVKU2eVcVmCfsGpR7l-TyPKvCfIL5UUB7drPG5-l6duWDLSwHoCR-z4LajhxmoiYDzoq34BupUzombtQFAenlR3w65EwHO2XFgsVCLlHgyW8/s320/AuthorPicture.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I started to write fiction as a
way of keeping my mind active in retirement. Throughout my life, I have read
and enjoyed hundreds of detective stories and mystery novels. One of my other
loves is history, so it seemed natural to put the two together. Thus began two
series of murder mystery books set in Norfolk, England.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All my books are set between 1760
and around 1800, a period of turmoil in Britain, with constant wars,
revolutions in America and France and finally the titanic, 22-year struggle
with Napoleon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Ashmole Foxe series takes
place at the start of this time and is located in Norwich. Mr Foxe is a dandy,
a bookseller and, unknown to most around him, the mayor’s immediate choice to
deal with anything likely to upset the peace or economic security of the city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The series featuring Dr Adam
Bascom, a young gentleman physician caught up in the beginning of the
Napoleonic wars, takes place in a variety of locations near the North Norfolk
coast. Adam builds a successful medical practice, but his insatiable curiosity
and knack for unravelling intrigue constantly involve him in mysteries large
and small.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have spent a good deal of my
life travelling in Britain and overseas. Now I am more than content to write
stories and run a blog devoted to the world of Georgian England, which you can
find at <a href="http://www.penandpension.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.penandpension.com</a>. You can also follow me on Twitter as
@penandpension.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The Ashmole Foxe Mysteries <a href="https://penandpension.com/my-writing#foxe" rel="nofollow">Buy Links</a>:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2Abn1Ks" rel="nofollow">The Ashmole Foxe Mysteries<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://relinks.me/B00W3SDJW8" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Fabric of Murder</a></div>
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<a href="http://relinks.me/B01FPQ2Q1Y" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dark Threads of Vengeance</a></div>
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<a href="http://relinks.me/B06XDNY81B" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">This Parody of Death</a></div>
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<a href="http://relinks.me/B079RCVQ4X" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Bad Blood Will Out</a></div>
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<a href="http://relinks.me/B07H1SZN37" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Black as She’s Painted</a></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2p4FXXk" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">A Sickness in the Soul</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Dr Adam Bascom Mysteries </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"><a href="https://penandpension.com/my-writing#bascom" rel="nofollow">Buy Links</a>:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2k43dSQ" rel="nofollow">The Dr Adam Bascom Mysteries</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://relinks.me/B00RXGWIY0" rel="nofollow">An Unlamented Death</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://relinks.me/B01A2BY1LU" rel="nofollow">The Code for Killing</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://relinks.me/B01M1R78L3" rel="nofollow">A Shortcut to Murder</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://relinks.me/B075LM2TZP" rel="nofollow">A Tincture of Secrets and Lies</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://relinks.me/B07NLCGK2Y" rel="nofollow">Death of a Good Samaritan<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog - </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1Kb1Q4k" rel="nofollow">Pen and Pension</a> | </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2nET80T" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Amazon Author Page</a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-32185537073027798992019-09-30T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-30T02:00:01.353-04:00New Beginnings at Promise Lodge VBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/teaser-tour-new-beginnings-at-promise.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpzXh1338JdDtUXqJXp0vaNNDomjP3MZ7fvpAsRQ_1onbrkYip6Ml9IE0YBK9ZVp5bLKqNaoCkVM-2S2XEWEYSlTAJFuU60eq4ZDFESjfBQ8bEF-UUIMBSupaHumGcrNinai_Z2HOba0/s400/TourBanner_NewBeginningsAtPromiseLodge.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Recently widowed after twenty years of marriage, Frances Lehman is only just tasting the freedom and opportunity that her Promise Lodge friends enjoy. So she's not about to be pressured into marriage by her widowed brother-in-law, even if she and her daughter have no real means of support. Much more promising is her new friendship with Preacher Marlin Kurtz, though their respective families don't see their relationship as proper . . .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When Frances suffers a serious injury, she's determined to prove she can recover—and remain independent—without burdening Marlin. Now, with his steadfast belief in real love tested, Marlin's hope is that Promise Lodge's irrepressible residents can help him restore Frances's joy—and that faith will show them a way to turn their fragile second chance into a blessed and abiding future together.
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And don't miss the first three books in <a href="https://www.charlottehubbard.com/books/" target="_blank">the Promise Lodge series</a>!
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<a href="https://www.charlottehubbard.com/books/promise-lodge/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbqATZ12AAtpVY4mRtHCIgriZWbODHvNmhpuIeix4wOJ2z0Z8GIWG3BOdkoZzey097HN-DuJVVmU6VTq88ilNFp51vV6d1hvWUx5kMg7H3Z45I_GKW2w5LTOLrUpSlBuOuVtzrSpGbGo/s400/teaser_PromiseLodge+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.charlottehubbard.com/books/christmas-at-promise-lodge/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhGu2IVFiU32NCIuA168KwwPZpVyzTyI6fnRk8uNoO-IGSb5EKhx3tXVEZh6HMcrLDaY5WkCn141O70Z_JH5VaW93Ue1pMZMmWgLumU5eqrLgCWHhQqKKhYSxunEU-a-C-T1u69bkIsA/s400/teaser_ChristmasAtPromiseLodge-copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.charlottehubbard.com/books/weddings-at-promise-lodge/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMGLjtl1ImQ4yMLD3N7yQktVJ46w-7VppBfodNb_riDo6A8LirBRZFW4SWQchMSRqByIuzZv4tDwP3BZHe3qarWtB-fjc5BVxLecFvbADl-yJRFTBSXyyTWNXhkfy6q5h8E8Jo-e-558/s400/teaser_WeddingsasAtPromiseLodge+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hWitx1ZIHlNPMu-vKm8i99oe3kf8Xo13sBtyjRxLsaLc1opJdP1h9DI0oD2ZZgg20AmAQWggY9LYlesUr__TWtutHlq6srx3t8Pg5o14G_HNKV-SFXThQxZnSRFpBwwHkEz68fFexZ0V/s1600/New+Beginnings+at+Promise+Lodge+MM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hWitx1ZIHlNPMu-vKm8i99oe3kf8Xo13sBtyjRxLsaLc1opJdP1h9DI0oD2ZZgg20AmAQWggY9LYlesUr__TWtutHlq6srx3t8Pg5o14G_HNKV-SFXThQxZnSRFpBwwHkEz68fFexZ0V/s320/New+Beginnings+at+Promise+Lodge+MM.jpg" width="190" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Frances shaded her eyes with her hand, enthralled with what</span><span style="clear: right; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> she saw. “It doesn’t seem like you and I have walked such a long distance, yet from here, the lodge and our homes look like part of a toy village.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
“We’ve come a long way,” Marlin remarked softly. “I’m glad you’ve walked with me, Frances. Our community has taken on even more of a glow because I’m seeing it through your eyes.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
The tone of his voice made Frances’s pulse thrum with an unusual sense of energy, as though the preacher had something on his mind besides the view.
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We’ve come a long way.</span><br />
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# # #</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Allen treasured Phoebe’s rapt expression and the closeness of her slender body as she leaned against him. He’d given her a gift by showing her Promise Lodge from this hilltop vantage point.</span><br />
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“What about that parcel of land behind the Lehman places?” she asked dreamily. “We’d have a beautiful view of the lake. What do you think, Allen? Should I ask Mamm if I can have it?”</span><br />
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Allen’s throat closed with a sudden case of nerves. He eased away from her, pretending to look at something near the lodge so she wouldn’t see how she’d startled him. Their relationship, which had felt so comfortable over the past week, now gave him the sensation that an invisible halter had been fastened around his head—and that Phoebe was holding the lead rope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don't forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/teaser-tour-new-beginnings-at-promise.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About the Author: </span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLShyqxJavUPgy5MFcC1Kh1AmogmmSjvEEO55LN-kJ7Qr5tcrMdmIPPZRovmGfIrLruWBrki7M-7dEgkk3soRSN91xETn5f8ZUewENz9IT7QWzK0QqfqxUQAC_pmopHH8jZ-SMFsIcZs/s1600/author+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="596" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLShyqxJavUPgy5MFcC1Kh1AmogmmSjvEEO55LN-kJ7Qr5tcrMdmIPPZRovmGfIrLruWBrki7M-7dEgkk3soRSN91xETn5f8ZUewENz9IT7QWzK0QqfqxUQAC_pmopHH8jZ-SMFsIcZs/s200/author+photo.jpg" width="197" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://www.charlottehubbard.com/">http://www.charlottehubbard.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">FB: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.hubbard1">https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.hubbard1</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kindle: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKX3NTT/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MKX3NTT/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kindle UK: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MKX3NTT/">http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MKX3NTT/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kindle Canada: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MKX3NTT/">http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07MKX3NTT/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kindle Australia: <a href="http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MKX3NTT/">http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07MKX3NTT/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">iBooks: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">iBooks UK: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">iBooks Canada: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">iBooks Australia: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">iBooks New Zealand: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11">https://itunes.apple.com/nz/book/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge/id1448128057?mt=11</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nook: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge-charlotte-hubbard/1130055278?ean=9781420145137">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge-charlotte-hubbard/1130055278?ean=9781420145137</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kobo: <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge">https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/new-beginnings-at-promise-lodge</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Google Play: <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Charlotte_Hubbard_New_Beginnings_at_Promise_Lodge?id=bNqBDwAAQBAJ">https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Charlotte_Hubbard_New_Beginnings_at_Promise_Lodge?id=bNqBDwAAQBAJ</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Order Print</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X/">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Amazon UK: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X">http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Amazon Canada: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X">http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ISBN=142014510X</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble: <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9781420145106">http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9781420145106</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Books-A-Million: <a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781420145106">http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781420145106</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">IndieBound: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420145106">http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420145106</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Book Depository: <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781420145106">http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781420145106</a></span>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-51797931365746905782019-09-27T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-30T01:00:14.001-04:00Movies, Moonlight, and Magic Blurb Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/blurb-blitz-movies-moonlight-magic-by.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsGhFNGpf-ByIyhn2v4_nqfyrZjM3AEcdv1rAEcj5L-rO05bnDsDK-5a9PkUiXuYKtME-xgeG_J6DRovQemVciMIVgNREgmFKHgq7AWSKDWzqkxDdjg4aku2ROxpLEKvzPcw5XVIX4cQ/s400/TourBanner_MoviesMoonlightand+Magic.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Book two in the Manitoba Tea and Tarot Mysteries series</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charm McCall can solve a small-town murder, but can she figure out how to stop a man-stealing interloper?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A movie production company has come to town…and so has an old family friend of the town’s sexy new Mountie, Ace Collins. His “old pal” turns out to be a scheming long-legged blonde who throws Charm right off her game. Even Auntie T.J. playing the bagpipes down Main Street to drive the trespasser away doesn’t work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Between catering for the world’s hungriest film crew, trying to solve the murder of the unit accountant who hired her and dealing with her new magical gifts, Charm’s a tad busy. But too bad, because she’s soon facing off against a bigger threat when more people become ill with suspected poisoning—and her own sister’s in the crosshairs. Charm’s left wondering if even Agatha Christie could have seen this one coming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But with so much working against them—including the whole town being dead set against them consummating their relationship—do Charm and Ace stand a chance?
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY6XeMRPEBS1BDxmrRFI16k3HAlRBGP15NtMOJmAJ9X25516pVTTILdml0cru_LO04JpjIFmQj9K2I8r7WkSMskv_4TuBkghsOaG-b1g9jQ9BdBgaa4QsA0rnvHqaaLzr3m7X_RO0Zlw/s1600/BookCover_Movies%252CMoonlight%252CandMagic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY6XeMRPEBS1BDxmrRFI16k3HAlRBGP15NtMOJmAJ9X25516pVTTILdml0cru_LO04JpjIFmQj9K2I8r7WkSMskv_4TuBkghsOaG-b1g9jQ9BdBgaa4QsA0rnvHqaaLzr3m7X_RO0Zlw/s400/BookCover_Movies%252CMoonlight%252CandMagic.jpg" width="250" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I’ve got it, Charm!” Star flew into the Tea and Tarot café, the ever-present star-pendant swinging wildly about her neck and a piece of paper clutched in her hand. The angel chimes holding court over the doorway accompanied her arrival, singing with enough enthusiasm to awaken the dead. Before I could move, she pulled me into a crushing hug, doing a spectacular impression of one of the black bears that our part of the world is renowned for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Slow down, sis. What’s going on?” I pulled away to pick up the faded tea towel I’d dropped in the brouhaha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“I got the part! You know, the movie? Witches and Wolves! Get with the program, sis. See? I got confirmation right here.” She waved the crumpled piece of paper about as if it was a stock certificate. Maybe it was, for her. I had absolutely no interest in being in a movie, now or ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What kind of part? Witch or wolf?” Tulip asked, shutting the lid of her laptop for once and joining us in the huddle. She and Star were gorgeous. Both blessed with blonde hair and tan-able skin while I looked like Snow White, only lacking the seven dwarfs, summer or winter. Go figure, and us triplets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Duh! Witch, of course. And it’s a period piece, too, so we get to wear awesome costumes.” Star gave a faux-waltz step, obviously in love with the idea. As the town’s resident country and western singer and songwriter to boot, she was into looking good. Sometimes a bit too into it—she attracted more than her fair share of jealous stabs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“What’s it about?” I asked, squinting through the window at a couple who had just appeared walking down the street. They were looking rather chummy, if body language didn’t lie. Is that Constable Ace Collins? With a female? I slipped on a pair of polar ray sunglasses to sharpen the image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A company coming to town to develop a tourist mecca by selling the outside world on the natural hot springs in the area having magical properties.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hot springs laced with minerals we had for some weird reason, even though Snowy Lake perched on the Canadian Shield. Add in Skull Cave for the wolf clans, and the choice of location was now making a whole lot of sense. I shuddered. Caves gave me the willies. A nightmare left over from childhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But the sheriff—as I liked to call the constable—and an unknown female? Who was she? Tall and slender with her golden-brown hair tied up in a ponytail, she had the best tan. She also made it easy for the males of the species to appreciate those long, bronzed legs, in her short shorts. Maybe it was time to try the spray tan special that Susie was offering at the Clip Joint this month? My blue-white legs could use some help. Desperately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Star, of course, kept droning on while I sidestepped to the front picture window for the best surveillance. “And it’s the werewolves’ territorial land, while the witches are upset they’ll be exposed, so they have to build an alliance to fight the conglomerate. But not everyone’s ready for a truce and all kinds of problems develop. It even features the use of arsenic by a suspected serial killer. They’ve got a poison expert on the set too, the daughter of the actress with the lead role—you know, Mimi Blake. Her daughter knows all about its uses. I forget her name. Oh, they need more billets for some of the extras. Can you think of people who might help with that?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The pair vanished into Snowy Lake Hardware, with Ace holding the door open with a flourish for Miss Perfect Tan. They shared some comment that made her smile, and possibly giggle—I was too far away to be certain. The hackles on my neck prickled. A light fixture blew out over the first booth in a cascade of exploding sparks. I sighed. Now I’d have to scout the street to find the ladder to change the bulb. Seemed someone was always borrowing the handy-dandy climbing device.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Sorry, what did you say about a serial killer and arsenic?” I focused on the part of Star’s intel that intrigued me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/blurb-blitz-movies-moonlight-magic-by.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQKLYJVQOVilUJxN9_h6x045U1fY5jpI32o0HyURWexbZg9j57Z7GhZ0Yy0MbNFGclYpOUEFyqJlqAb_X2bRuRJlTO-7wmAZGgB1o9vFQKiHm3Gniv_mDG87rHqbc0QrL2pUNf43IF88/s1600/January+Bain+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQKLYJVQOVilUJxN9_h6x045U1fY5jpI32o0HyURWexbZg9j57Z7GhZ0Yy0MbNFGclYpOUEFyqJlqAb_X2bRuRJlTO-7wmAZGgB1o9vFQKiHm3Gniv_mDG87rHqbc0QrL2pUNf43IF88/s320/January+Bain+2016.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blog: <a href="http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/">http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain">https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/january.bain">https://www.facebook.com/january.bain </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Buy Links:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Totally Bound: <a href="https://www.totallybound.com/book/movies-moonlight-and-magic">https://www.totallybound.com/book/movies-moonlight-and-magic
</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Movies-Moonlight-Magic-Manitoba-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07VQ8S65W/ref=sr_1_4">https://www.amazon.com/Movies-Moonlight-Magic-Manitoba-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07VQ8S65W/ref=sr_1_4</a></span>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-58377529001079247822019-09-26T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-30T00:28:12.274-04:00Fire Song Book Blast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-blast-fire-song-by-tanya-anne.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYT8Z3jf4gB7DRWerTZOeNmMUPWaXk0feH7kYftAn5MEwRGmWF1awWG3jQUZgy7GtHrDRs7BBgEwBfUqrKt6zajjpZX5DfG-3BLt6gVQqJ1TYTzWjnCxFh2r2ZSLGDWFD_3rbc5W5mZY/s400/TourBanner_Fire+Song.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Blurb:</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpaC-tgk3dJujJ7m5s-0Vh5KCeRhykGk-W3g2ui8lnxCDsUCQAm13eB_-Um3_0wAAMWwpfUu0wzZBk1de1KmH5jEOb7JfitZ6VnVjq9r9O5xzUGXGw0LwSylKELqXudP_9TkGWuAwldg/s1600/BookCover_Fire-Song-Generic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Praised for her beauty and grace, deep down, Seren Pendragon fears a tempest rising inside her. Her mother is a witch, her sisters are in peril, and she has been promised to a beast of a man who's already murdered one king. When she and her youngest sister seize the opportunity for escape neither realizes how much their struggle will cost, and it will take a terrible tragedy to unleash Seren’s inner fire and true nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Bastard of Warkworth is no stranger to misfortune. Everything he held dear vanished one night in a wisp of smoke and fire, and he has been scarred by his encounters with Seren's own mother, Morwen Pendragon. Even so, when one of the witch’s daughters finds herself in trouble, Wilhelm must find the champion within and ride to her rescue.
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpaC-tgk3dJujJ7m5s-0Vh5KCeRhykGk-W3g2ui8lnxCDsUCQAm13eB_-Um3_0wAAMWwpfUu0wzZBk1de1KmH5jEOb7JfitZ6VnVjq9r9O5xzUGXGw0LwSylKELqXudP_9TkGWuAwldg/s1600/BookCover_Fire-Song-Generic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpaC-tgk3dJujJ7m5s-0Vh5KCeRhykGk-W3g2ui8lnxCDsUCQAm13eB_-Um3_0wAAMWwpfUu0wzZBk1de1KmH5jEOb7JfitZ6VnVjq9r9O5xzUGXGw0LwSylKELqXudP_9TkGWuAwldg/s400/BookCover_Fire-Song-Generic.jpg" width="267" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Where are you going?” she asked in surprise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Home,” he said irascibly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Nay, my lord—not lest you mean to go by ship. And you’ll not put me on another one after what I have witnessed. You would have to gag and bind me, and tis not very likely I would stand still to allow it.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“I am not your lord,” he said again. “I’m no man’s lord.” And he kept riding, without bothering to turn back. Seren cast Jack a bewildered glance. The boy shrugged.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was her habit, she supposed, to call every man of consequence lord. Somehow, it seemed better to give Wilhelm deference, but he clearly did not like it. And yet, he behaved like a willful lord, doing whatsoever pleased, keeping whatever pace he saw fit, and never bothering to ask what Seren would like to do. Hadn’t he said he was here to help? Well, he hadn’t had very much to say since insisting she accept his aid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Wait here,” she said to Jack, and spurred her mare to catch up with the sour-faced lout. “I do not mean to disparage you,” she confessed. “Tis but that you seem more a lord to me than most lords do.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He grunted in answer, but kept going, and Seren frowned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How was she supposed to travel with his man, who seemed so intent upon ignoring her? He hadn’t said much of anything since retrieving Jack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“What in the name of St. Afan would you have me call you if not lord?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Wilhelm,” he replied. “And since when do you Pendragon sisters swear by the name of saints?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Seren lifted her chin. “I lived most of my life in a priory,” she informed him. And then she whispered, “I cannot very well swear by the Goddess, can I? Else Jack will wonder.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Well,” he said. “That’s your fault. Had you left the boy in Dover you wouldn’t have to pretend you are someone you are not. And anyway, I doubt he knows St. Afan, either.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Had he somehow taken offense? “Do you know St. Afan?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Nay,” he said. “And neither do I aspire to. He’s some Welshman, by the sounds of him. But, more importantly, do you know who he is?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Seren frowned. “Nay, sir. I do not,” she confessed. “Though I did hear Father Ersinius invoke him on occasion. I am not so much impressed by saints.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“What are you impressed by?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Seren bristled. She was not going to confess herself to this impertinent stranger. “What I wouldst like to know is what you wish me to call you if not lord—can you, please, stop! Please?” She reined in her horse, peering back at Jack, who was staring at them with furrowed brows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Nay,” he replied, without turning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Seren sighed, and moved forward once more. “Where are you going?”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Home, I said.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She furrowed her brow. “You are not going home! Did you not read that sign? You are going to Ramsgate, returning to the ocean, and, once again, I will remind you that lest you have a ship, or you and your horse would like to have a good swim, the road to Canterbury is the road best traveled.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally, he stopped, turning to look at her, and his cheeks appeared to bloom. Without a word, he spun his mare about, trotting back toward Jack, who was still waiting right where Seren left him. Wilhelm passed him by, never sparing him or the signpost a glance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He couldn’t read, she realized, with blinding insight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/09/book-blast-fire-song-by-tanya-anne.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6NGTVU_kAfEyZVJqB5tXiMwQntV0LDeJrqmUn2pG-slOvENap3VIenVxbtbC-OnmLDXlO_hNoMG0mnR5O_nqERP-CFPo4l7P27eSOjml7Lumxk7Yoobus7mu37avbuIvliWSFNeMw3A/s1600/IMG_1262.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="906" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6NGTVU_kAfEyZVJqB5tXiMwQntV0LDeJrqmUn2pG-slOvENap3VIenVxbtbC-OnmLDXlO_hNoMG0mnR5O_nqERP-CFPo4l7P27eSOjml7Lumxk7Yoobus7mu37avbuIvliWSFNeMw3A/s320/IMG_1262.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times/USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including works of women’s fiction, suspense, historical romance and fantasy. Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, she is an award-winning author, and her stories have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tanya has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her stories have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel (Angel of Fire) was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where she was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book (Once Upon a Kiss) was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint. She and her writer husband currently split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tanyaannecrosby">https://www.facebook.com/tanyaannecrosby/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Website: <a href="https://www.tanyaannecrosby.com/">https://www.tanyaannecrosby.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Buy Links:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2olHmIG" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fire-song-11" rel="nofollow">Kobo</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-song-tanya-anne-crosby/1130052932" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">B&N</a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-57660256930247517272019-09-18T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-18T02:00:02.997-04:00Witches Protection Program Blurb Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/bbt-witches-protection-program-by.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIyTpzHfxUZ_2L7MVn9KkTQfMo-CMfNjU48dxozlTXcXxAU1BqXs0DJ_iKjTBj44Yf4AcnFBH7GmQxLYNu4nZdU5JwEkbGHW8i41PAWcttzYjp3PIv1jobA8locIcSznWkRAbxzl6Kqk/s400/TourBanner_Witches+Protection+Program.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wes Rockville, a disgraced law-enforcement agent, gets one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he’s reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Witches Protection Program.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan to use witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in witches…and believe in himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Filled with adventure and suspense, Michael Okon creates a rousing, tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern-day New York City.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0HJ7hwfTYuViTdz1FBqS1HkzwGxNBGlUH-zWvnZIcLJUCkFYC08YebvWzhRuallmSfR7_-BW4lIMv5pX0WGY8s1ZOQiDcfUddY2Aza5g2smG5jA9_SSQiIsLZF8Rok9KcNo33rvVm9o/s1600/wwp_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0HJ7hwfTYuViTdz1FBqS1HkzwGxNBGlUH-zWvnZIcLJUCkFYC08YebvWzhRuallmSfR7_-BW4lIMv5pX0WGY8s1ZOQiDcfUddY2Aza5g2smG5jA9_SSQiIsLZF8Rok9KcNo33rvVm9o/s400/wwp_cover.jpg" width="258" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The narrator filled in more information. “It wasn’t until this land became my land that the government decided to create an organization to protect women at risk. The Davina Doctrine went against everything that the Willas stood for. Even though they ran the risk of persecution, the Davinas chose to work with law enforcement to expose the evil deeds of the rival sisterhood. President George Washington established secret legislation under Title VI of the Control Act of 1792. The law was enacted to protect the good witches that exposed the evil deeds of their sisterhood.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The screen went dark. There was only a chair in the center of a dimly lit stage. A single spotlight focused on the top of the blond actress’s head. Wes was right; it was the actress he’d suspected. She had a hit sitcom and two Emmys, and there was some recent Oscar talk about her last movie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Yes. There are witches. Living among us. They are women who believe in using their power to protect love and life. And then there are some who use their powers for all the wrong reasons.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The camera came to rest on her beautiful face. She winked saucily as she placed a triangular witch’s hat on her head. “Welcome to the Witches Protection Program.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Alastair smiled broadly. “I love that part.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“That was Jennifer Anis—”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/bbt-witches-protection-program-by.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof0OleRTPP9_jZdRWofPrXC1BL0_h2Dfntz9IVMXl-ySOJf5AglygyGuCHieIirvf-ET8n97KRkQqcCfj-flgRZppVHivdvsMaAnex8Zpo2qd-Jfxj6XrEXZFlRyJa9yUEmFE5XzrHjQ/s1600/michael+okon+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiof0OleRTPP9_jZdRWofPrXC1BL0_h2Dfntz9IVMXl-ySOJf5AglygyGuCHieIirvf-ET8n97KRkQqcCfj-flgRZppVHivdvsMaAnex8Zpo2qd-Jfxj6XrEXZFlRyJa9yUEmFE5XzrHjQ/s320/michael+okon+headshot.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Webpage: <a href="http://www.michaelokon.com/">http://www.michaelokon.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Amazon Author Page: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Okon/e/B0752THRZV" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Okon/e/B0752THRZV</a><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/IAmMichaelOkon" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">http://www.twitter.com/IAmMichaelOkon</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/iammichaelokon">http://www.instagram.com/iammichaelokon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/iammichaelokon">http://www.facebook.com/iammichaelokon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Snapchat: <a href="http://www.snapchat.com/add/iammichaelokon">http://www.snapchat.com/add/iammichaelokon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Email: michaelokonbooks@gmail.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Qc0hmO" rel="nofollow">Amazon Buy Link</a></span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-28459264451333432102019-09-16T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-16T02:00:07.609-04:00Challenging Mountains Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF-31dqXh1iO_7BpjVGxbXe4iSe1bo4WusaK5qFajabe0CCaf7vZg-JSBCkINs-jmGIu06WyP1BH-fTsI7a1BuacwjW9k1fxEmDG-5pEuUIxFVGyGl0MdsS1iQgJzPo_7DyOGKDJXrk8/s1600/TourBanner_Challenging+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF-31dqXh1iO_7BpjVGxbXe4iSe1bo4WusaK5qFajabe0CCaf7vZg-JSBCkINs-jmGIu06WyP1BH-fTsI7a1BuacwjW9k1fxEmDG-5pEuUIxFVGyGl0MdsS1iQgJzPo_7DyOGKDJXrk8/s400/TourBanner_Challenging+Mountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">By 1840
the colony of New South Wales was expanding. Transportation of convicts to the
east coast ended, and many free squatters set out to settle on lands to the
south. In 1836, the Government in London authorised Governor Bourke to
establish a settlement in The Port Philip District of New South Wales, and an
Association was formed to make the district a separate colony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Timothy, Tiger and Bella Carstairs
eldest son has turned 21. Bored with his Government job and intent on seeking
adventure and a new life away from Sydney, Tim decides to journey south in an
endeavour to find this adventure, accompanied by his Uncle Carlos. Where else
to find it, but in a newly formed settlement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the 1840s the road south might
not be as hazardous as the one across the mountains travelled by his parents
when he was a child, but the month long journey overland holds many dangers and
challenges to be faced. Escaped and ex-convicts seek the easy life by forming
gangs to take what they can where they can. Forced to fight off the intruders
who take claim to the land they have cared for over many, many generations, the
Indigenous people are faced with many trials and battles of their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not the least of Tim’s personal
challenges is a young headstrong woman who, uninvited, takes it upon herself to
join him on his travels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they reach
their destination, their troubles have only just begun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzW9t3fX8-9IQPnoYdgqo33T7TTSGUwJOmHY2W302bqgNDyv-rPMVUNPRfxlPDHkt2TUo2-80J1RJSIh53bvvPGb-dokBcWtd1KCDEwSbcEFzn2cy3s8kQHZfZdoZ9JYdSLIffDsxAu0/s1600/BookCover_ChalleningMountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzW9t3fX8-9IQPnoYdgqo33T7TTSGUwJOmHY2W302bqgNDyv-rPMVUNPRfxlPDHkt2TUo2-80J1RJSIh53bvvPGb-dokBcWtd1KCDEwSbcEFzn2cy3s8kQHZfZdoZ9JYdSLIffDsxAu0/s400/BookCover_ChalleningMountains.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He walked off, but Tim lingered.
He knelt to stroke Bracken’s ear as Josephine approached. “Can I come with
you?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And just where do you wish to
accompany me, young Jo?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Straightening,
he began to stroll towards the house with her at his side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Rude of me, I know, but I
couldn’t help but overhear your discussion with your uncle.” She lowered her
voice and bent closer. Tim caught a scent of lavender. Carefree of feminine
ways she might be, but she smelt as good as any young miss. “I shouldn’t sound
so ungrateful, as your aunt ensured I had employment in her emporium when I
arrived here in town, but the tasks are so tedious. I am bored. I thought of
running off and making my own way in the world.” Her face grew comical as she
wrinkled her pert nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Silly chit. Don’t you dare even
contemplate such a rash move,” he scolded. “You are not naïve, I think, and
must know the dangers that exist beyond the sanctuary of a safe home. Anyway, I
could not consider taking you along on such a dangerous journey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She made an unladylike noise.
“Don’t you dare suggest I could not cope with such a journey. I roved free for
all of my childhood while my parents worked their mine. I told you, my father
treated me more as a son than a daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the </span><a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-tour-challenging-mountains-by.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">other stops</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxidavBo5Xko-o6vDzUmpJn3HC3lVrSXEutZrdieZWSxMoCctRqGjZ-7CVQeMNxYrX0psahH40L_N656L5Zx405PcoiN0Vz-v49lE-KRrR_IHA4epbN3a5cVzH_haMnqd3FNkOG3QTY0/s1600/AuthorPhoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxidavBo5Xko-o6vDzUmpJn3HC3lVrSXEutZrdieZWSxMoCctRqGjZ-7CVQeMNxYrX0psahH40L_N656L5Zx405PcoiN0Vz-v49lE-KRrR_IHA4epbN3a5cVzH_haMnqd3FNkOG3QTY0/s1600/AuthorPhoto.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Award winning author Tricia
McGill was born in London, England, and moved to Australia many years ago,
settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she was never
lonely or alone. Surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to read from an
early age, is it any wonder she became a writer? The local library was a
treasure trove and magical world of discovery through her childhood and growing
years. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always at
their heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tricia’s love of animals has
always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can
spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about
supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future
generations, especially elephants and orangutans who seem to be getting the raw
end of the deal even in this enlightened age. She also volunteers for a local
community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the
internet with provided computer equipment. When people ask what she does in her
spare time, she is heard to ask, “Spare time, what is that?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.triciamcgill.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://triciamg.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Blog</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorTriciaMcGill" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://books2read.com/Challenging-Mountains" rel="nofollow">Buy links</a> for Challenging
Mountains</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-34651900367743078312019-09-12T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-12T10:53:08.195-04:00Fragments of French Blurb Blitz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/book-blast-fragments-of-french-by-wanda.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQt_uUnCYnlsVsBklPPqj6v36khSz0vVt0bCLfwH3shkBdbJIcw4ATPIuM9FW1vw_HaJ3CYQ40Regm_qRSosx0W3g5J3Z0ycYWwgKYJagg2BCrXtavv1TNK7Hmn52lnQo0xvolnbCA_A/s400/TourBanner_Fragments+of+French.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a harsh brush with her mortality, shadowed by a premature divorce, Wanda St. Hilaire pledges to be true to her primary passion—living ardently through travel. On the fateful day her life intersects with Jean-François, a charming Frenchman, on a bustling street in Lisbon, every fiber of her being feels as though she has finally entered the doorway to a magical world that she knew existed since she was a young girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">St. Hilaire turns a complicated romantic ballet full of missteps into a collage of people, places, and cultures. Fragments of French is an exquisitely detailed travelogue of Portugal, Canada, France, and Mexico, filled with minor characters who delight with their humanity. However, what really makes this tale a standout is a gift for pacing and description to rival Tom Wolfe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The hero’s journey is not only for the characters of our favorite stories or mythical legends. At some point, each of us receives the call to adventure. Fate summons the hero; we can refuse the call, or step into something that will turn our lives upside down, and potentially change everything we know to be true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From feeling “completely disarmed, no fortress standing”, to embracing her untethered strength, the author turns this account of living life out loud into lessons for us all.
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf-L7EWruyKprXF2JBPqpWWefjRD6Kx-ww1d-Y57a_7rqTulzb0LhcjP6rl78K9_LmdjI84TQtvDCUVmsPZw6U66bGGgmU-1VnvKtagT22-9icPy-G_uYWKwEnZuBUKhmhsaK5gXr0Ew/s1600/FINAL+COVER+Fragments+of+French.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf-L7EWruyKprXF2JBPqpWWefjRD6Kx-ww1d-Y57a_7rqTulzb0LhcjP6rl78K9_LmdjI84TQtvDCUVmsPZw6U66bGGgmU-1VnvKtagT22-9icPy-G_uYWKwEnZuBUKhmhsaK5gXr0Ew/s400/FINAL+COVER+Fragments+of+French.jpg" width="262" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">French words from my childhood pop into my head at opportune moments, surprising me. On our family visits, my French grandfather whom, to my seven-year-old eyes, looked like a wizened turtle, walked me to the cheese factory near his home. Hand in hand, we would saunter ever so slowly, and he would mutter foreign words to me. His horrid wife, Step <i>grand-mère</i>—the Wicked Witch of Winnipeg—made the grandchildren speak only French in her presence, and I am oddly grateful to her at this moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jean-François asks if I am concerned about our age difference. To my mind, age is determined by the essence and energy of a person. I have known people who are biologically thirty, yet exude the air of a person many decades older. I know my energy is younger than my thirty-five years, and this is what concerns him, but the eight years between us is as insignificant as dust in the wind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The castle looms over this ancient section of the city, making the evening more dream-like. The cultural blend and integration of the inhabitants creates an exotic atmosphere. With Brazilian, Latin, and African influences from the former Portuguese colonies, I am moved by the cadence and archaic soul of the music. My body involuntarily sways to each new rhythm, and I close my eyes to breathe in the antiquity of my surroundings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDpIbnquw6YjesU7ZKr4SdJUz187qeVKpQKcfJEqQiMrMfaW-scmKw16WI4W02HNXsYJ69PMpeWhU9aQWzHu6L_YRFf41x2rXCxsVOaJ91Gchi8dH_QmYfI_S6vX5hXaR1Yjm3fXeCN4/s1600/B+%2526+W+Author.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDpIbnquw6YjesU7ZKr4SdJUz187qeVKpQKcfJEqQiMrMfaW-scmKw16WI4W02HNXsYJ69PMpeWhU9aQWzHu6L_YRFf41x2rXCxsVOaJ91Gchi8dH_QmYfI_S6vX5hXaR1Yjm3fXeCN4/s320/B+%2526+W+Author.jpeg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Her prime passion is the thrill of travel—of experiencing other cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and languages—thus expanding her perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wanda St. Hilaire has a predilection and passion for all things Latin, and she believes life is too short not to do what you love, where you love. She spends time writing in Mexico for inspiration and to escape the frozen landscapes of Alberta.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through writing, St. Hilaire shares what she’s learned from the high peaks of adventure and love, to the dark valleys of illness and heartbreak. Her mission is to help people overcome the self, and tap into their wise inner guidance system. Her wish is to inspire others to live true to their unique and beautiful nature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fragmentsoffrench.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="http://www.lifebyheart.wandasthilaire.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Blog</a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wandasthilairethewriter" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> | </span><a href="https://twitter.com/spicytraveler" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Twitter</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fragments of French on <a href="https://amzn.to/2NZ9214" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Companion Poetry Book, Of Love, Life, and Journeys on <a href="https://amzn.to/2Lu8kHp" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a>: Inspired during the story of my travel memoir, this collection of poems and verse was first published in 2004 and became a Canadian bestseller for poetry. This second edition was created as a companion book to Fragments of French.</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-43436031877277317772019-09-10T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-11T06:53:12.307-04:00Sophie Washington: Mismatch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Game.
Set. Match.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sophie Washington is trying out
for the tennis team, and she’s excited to get a chance to play with her good
friends Chloe and Mariama. That is until wacky Coach Quackenbush matches her
with school misfit, Mackenzie “Big Mac” Clark, and things quickly go downhill.
Sophie has nothing in common with her partner, who does odd things like run off
the court in the middle of practice, and she’s disappointed when Mackenzie
shows no interest in the secret handshake she made up. After getting called out
by the coach, being hit on the head with a tennis ball, and jokingly called the
“most valuable player,” by mean older girls on the team, when she’s clearly
not, Sophie’s ready to throw in the towel. Trying to fit in with the mean girls
by making fun of Mackenzie behind her back makes things worse. Mackenzie starts
skipping practice, and then gets sick at school, and Sophie realizes that
there’s more to her doubles partner than meets the eye. What started out as a
total mismatch could be the best partnership of all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzRgEXw3v02pd2gjHOEJK2bdjmfOPn2-XVzLj6C4hwiMM7-VNAY3mbCjYurYdOjRbTqmE6FEORVhcbA84LZfi5LTQb1fUJ5mkRCQY6zIvx4jPg2T0GHy8H9RBCrk1AjsgJxbD_F6jTGU/s1600/Cover_SophieWashingtonMismatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzRgEXw3v02pd2gjHOEJK2bdjmfOPn2-XVzLj6C4hwiMM7-VNAY3mbCjYurYdOjRbTqmE6FEORVhcbA84LZfi5LTQb1fUJ5mkRCQY6zIvx4jPg2T0GHy8H9RBCrk1AjsgJxbD_F6jTGU/s400/Cover_SophieWashingtonMismatch.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To get us ready for our upcoming
match against our rival school, St. Regis, Coach Quackenbush has us play
practice matches. Valentina’s grandma has to work late and is picking her up at
four-thirty this afternoon, and Toby and Nathan’s track practice was cancelled
because their coach is out of town, so they come to watch us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do good for me guys!” says
Valentina from the nearby mini bleachers. “Let’s go! Vamanos!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“All right, we’ve gone over the rules of
tennis earlier today, so you know how to keep score,” says Coach Quackenbush.
He’s wearing a whistle around his neck and carries his usual clipboard. “I want
you to play each other, and the team that wins two out of three games will be
declared the winner. Since we only have three singles players, I’ll work with
Kennedy while Lindsey and Jackie go against each other. All right. Let’s see
how we do, team!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“All right!” we all parrot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Good luck in your matches,
guys,” Chloe says to the eighth-grade girls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“We don’t need luck unlike you
little sixth graders,” says Kennedy. “We have talent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She and the older girls flounce
off to their courts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever,” says Chloe with a
roll of her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“They think they are ‘all that’
just because they were on the team last year,” says Mariama. “I’d love to beat
them in a game.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Forget them,” I say and pick up
a can of new tennis balls Coach Quackenbush left on the court for us. “Come on,
let’s get going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Okay, let’s get started,” says Chloe. Her
frilly red tennis skirt swings around her hips as she smacks the ball to us for
the first serve. It bounces high in the air toward me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I got it!” I race forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Mine!” Mackenzie comes over to
my side of the court from the other direction. Surprised at her quick movement,
I stumble.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wham! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We run into each other. The ball
bounces off my head, and I stagger to keep from falling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.5 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the fourth book in this
series that I’ve reviewed as this is one of my favorite series for middle grade
readers because it tackles real-life issues in creative, realistic ways while
teaching important life lessons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This time around, the lessons are
about taking the time to understand and accept others who are different than
you as well as dealing with peer pressure. It also delves into health and
wellness issues, which is all I’m going to say to avoid spoilers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As someone who has gone through
the struggle of trying to get a medical diagnosis while dealing with others who
didn’t understand what I was going through, I related with Mackenzie 100%. It
was refreshing to see how this was handled in a way that both makes sense for
the target audience without hiding the struggles and not-so-fun parts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The only odd part of this story
to me was the hyper focus on sports. After reading three books in the series
which focused more on academics, it was a little odd to see such a shift in the
opposite direction with apparent balance of sports and academics. I also found
some of the word choices a little odd. However, these were minor things I noticed in the story, which was
overall a great teaching tale and another great addition to the Sophie
Washington series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-tour-sophie-washington-mismatch.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author
of the Amazon bestselling, Readers' Favorite "Five Star" rated,
Sophie Washington children's books series, geared toward readers ages 8 to 12,
and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
(SCBWI). She has received awards for literary excellence, worked as a
journalist and freelance magazine writer, and is a graduate of Centre College
of Kentucky and Washington University in St. Louis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Sophie Washington book series
recounts the adventures of a precocious African American preteen from Houston,
TX and her diverse group of friends. Each funny and heartwarming story teaches
lessons about friendship, responsibility, truthfulness and perseverance. Books
in the series include Queen of the Bee, The Snitch, Things You Didn't Know
About Sophie, The Gamer, Hurricane, Mission: Costa Rica, Secret Santa, Code One
and Mismatch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tonya loves to travel and has
visited 49 American states and three continents, but some of her best journeys
have been between the pages of a novel. As a girl she could always be found
with a book in her hand, and reading is still one of her favorite hobbies. When
she's not reading or writing, the author likes to ride her bike, swim, and
spend time with her husband and three children. She lives in Missouri City, TX.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tonyaellisbooks/" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> | <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyaDEllis" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tonyaellisbooks/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> </span><a href="http://www.tonyaduncanellis.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Website</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/34CdUyI" rel="nofollow">Buy Link</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-39506619164910971842019-09-09T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-09T02:00:00.661-04:00Gore in the Garden Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh115ZbJFy6D7dfVdvuE6cWEToMCtb6NFJPq8vWICeUYSxlg3zGW_APHGpCo6LNtRoci2jv45NHO2Dwz18UClTpff9ZTQwJUXWbXzi7XmMr8acnqMjvqhswnNu4edU1I6MYvrhS3I5LJic/s1600/TourBanner_Gore+in+the+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh115ZbJFy6D7dfVdvuE6cWEToMCtb6NFJPq8vWICeUYSxlg3zGW_APHGpCo6LNtRoci2jv45NHO2Dwz18UClTpff9ZTQwJUXWbXzi7XmMr8acnqMjvqhswnNu4edU1I6MYvrhS3I5LJic/s400/TourBanner_Gore+in+the+Garden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After her
boss narrowly escaped political defeat, Kit Marshall is settling into life as a
busy congressional staffer. While attending an evening reception at the United
States Botanic Garden, Kit’s best friend stumbles upon the body of a
high-ranking government official. The chairwoman of a congressional committee
asks Kit to investigate, and she finds herself once again in the thick of a
murder investigation. The complications keep coming with the unexpected arrival
of Kit’s younger brother Sebastian, a hippie protestor who seems more concerned
about corporate greed than the professional problems he causes for his sister.
To make matters even worse, the romantic lives of Kit’s closest friends are
driving her crazy, diverting her attention from the mystery she’s been tasked
to solve. The search for the killer requires her to tussle with an
investigative journalist right out of a noir novel, a congresswoman fixated on
getting a statue of James Madison installed on the Capitol grounds, and a bossy
botanist who would do anything to protect the plants he loves. When the
murderer sends a threatening message to Kit via a highly unusual delivery
mechanism, Kit knows she must find the killer or risk the lives of her friends
and loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxTaR35czqwGjDm6ZW4pPhvwHNpJnDvcaeJ9R-OIWRqgYBkFBbC2LSDstoyGDtfdqoZN1SiGYmG5iVem5bldxv2s1r6AbhifofyueirMybwaRJVESRr2wqkVvBHD4OA4b5v67zswUqh0/s1600/Cover_Gore+in+the+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxTaR35czqwGjDm6ZW4pPhvwHNpJnDvcaeJ9R-OIWRqgYBkFBbC2LSDstoyGDtfdqoZN1SiGYmG5iVem5bldxv2s1r6AbhifofyueirMybwaRJVESRr2wqkVvBHD4OA4b5v67zswUqh0/s400/Cover_Gore+in+the+Garden.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“So, why are we going to a garden
to drink beer tonight, Kit? Has Doug’s trust fund dried up?” Sebastian gave me
a playful punch on the arm to let me know he was yanking my chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I sighed for the umpteenth time
before responding. “It’s my job, Sebastian. I’m the chief of staff for a member
of the House of Representatives. She’s been assigned to a relatively obscure
committee called House Administration. It oversees the legislative branch
agencies and the Capitol Grounds.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sebastian considered my answer
for a few moments before speaking. The snide tone was gone. “That’s actually
kind of cool. So, your boss helps run Congress?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Partially. The Speaker appointed
her to this committee because she’s smart and asks intelligent questions. The
nice part about the assignment is that she gets invited to the best events on
Capitol Hill. Like tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We’d just driven past the
Washington Monument, on our way due east toward the Botanic Garden, which was
situated at the base of the Hill between the Hirshhorn Museum and the Capitol
Building. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why is tonight so special again? There’s a
special flower you want me to see?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I punched his arm playfully.
“Trust me, Sebastian. Aren’t you a fan of the Earth and everything natural?
You’ll be right at home at the Botanic Garden,” I said. “But you’re right.
You’ll see something amazing at the reception this evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He cleared his throat. “And what
exactly is this awe-inspiring specimen of the plant kingdom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In my most ominous voice, I
answered my brother. “The corpse flower. We’re going to see the corpse flower.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my third Washington
Whodunnit mystery and the fifth in the series. I’ll admit, while I had some trouble
understanding and connecting with the characters in the first book I read, by
now, I’ve gotten to know Kit and her crew pretty well, so it was great getting
to come back and see where they are after the last book left off. Kit in
particular has grown on me, and I love how Doug joined Kit to help with her
investigations now. I’m a sucker for partner-teams, and those two delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In addition to revisiting
familiar faces, we also get a new character in Kit’s brother, which added
another fun, dysfunctional element to Kit’s posse, as well as new locations in Washington
D.C., including the aforementioned Botanic Garden. As in the past two books,
the descriptions of D.C. and the inner workings of Kit’s office were detailed
and interesting, and really brought me into the story. Add to all that twists,
turns, and intrigue, and this was a wonderful cozy mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.*</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwXfKCoe-mtd0e5N8msiyhhyphenhyphenu4uAxlGzFuIqUJuml9jm2neyoWWuO4PuzqorPcFj3cQQNFrgcm7ePFL-xr6gcAwfeXlH8NvZXszhyphenhyphenzkN2-FNj9wDKz1oJRKoOhgnw6eiR0e0mxufLM_s/s1600/Enter+to+Win+button+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/06/review-tour-gore-in-garden-by-colleen-j.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SQ67CNOtJdJme4ZNAIcm3pKe8n6fyXepsHDMVnDG_PwM0UZGn5O6p4aM-auGZ_XOD1_wEyQyljqTHcZPfyU3zL8LzihgdGBFpsqgPLQjd81eSzeJAZCPnH9_hXfR7AxVrbJXPfJxxbc/s1600/AuthorPhoto_CalamityAtTheContinentalClub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SQ67CNOtJdJme4ZNAIcm3pKe8n6fyXepsHDMVnDG_PwM0UZGn5O6p4aM-auGZ_XOD1_wEyQyljqTHcZPfyU3zL8LzihgdGBFpsqgPLQjd81eSzeJAZCPnH9_hXfR7AxVrbJXPfJxxbc/s320/AuthorPhoto_CalamityAtTheContinentalClub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Colleen J. Shogan has been
reading mysteries since the age of six. She conceived of the plot of her first
novel one morning while taking a walk in her suburban Washington, D.C.
neighborhood. A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American
politics at numerous universities. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as a
legislative staffer in the United States Senate. She’s currently a senior
executive at the Library of Congress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Colleen lives in Arlington,
Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan. She is a member of
Sisters in Crime. "Stabbing in the Senate" was awarded the Next
Generation Indie prize for Best Mystery in 2016. "Homicide in the
House" was a 2017 finalist for the RONE Award for Best Mystery. “Calamity
at the Continental Club” was a 2018 finalist in the “best cozy mystery” at
Killer Nashville.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://twitter.com/cshogan276" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> | <a href="http://www.colleenshogan.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/washingtonwhodunit" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1269678.Colleen_J_Shogan" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Goodreads</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Buy Links:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gore-in-the-garden-colleen-shogan/1131993549" rel="nofollow">B&N</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/gore-in-the-garden" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Kobo</a><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/936838" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Smashwords</a><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;"> | </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2UFeJ5x" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-87986833649553883182019-09-05T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-05T03:09:41.643-04:00One of Two Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-lwkMc8EIvp6f1b3WNguzvt8SHwmL87NF5ftvomq0_lv6on4_zB9N81nORfEpl7RXfOx95qhe8UN4KIOm8MCfsbte4vrYLY03j_c7gjQ5nUKvAZsmTgJV4zY-EWRG25miHseTCqD1eo/s1600/TourBanner_OneofTwo_Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-lwkMc8EIvp6f1b3WNguzvt8SHwmL87NF5ftvomq0_lv6on4_zB9N81nORfEpl7RXfOx95qhe8UN4KIOm8MCfsbte4vrYLY03j_c7gjQ5nUKvAZsmTgJV4zY-EWRG25miHseTCqD1eo/s400/TourBanner_OneofTwo_Review.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Telepathy
creates as many problems as it solves, as everyone in the secret organization
x0 would admit. When new member Lola discovers another group of telepaths with
a totally different approach, those problems multiply at the speed of thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Soon, Lola’s family and friends
are in danger. Lucky for her, she’s not your average budding psychic. Each
person she is close to has a special gift of their own. That’s good, because
it’s going to take every power they possess to stop these others from tearing
apart x0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maurice woke up in the trunk of a
car. He’d always been a positive sort of guy, so he made himself focus on what
was good about the situation. Well, it was a large trunk. It was probably a
luxury car. Could have been worse. And, he was the only person in it. Plenty of
space and no unpleasant dead bodies lying next to him. He’d seen this sort of
thing in movies, and no dead bodies was always good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His hands were bound loosely
behind his back, but he could wiggle his legs around for comfort and there was
no duct tape over his mouth, so breathing was easier. Better yet, it felt like
he’d been drugged, presumably in his sleep. The lingering effects were effusing
him with such a nice sense of serenity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the down side, the wall that
x0 was holding around him was as impermeable as ever. And he was in the trunk
of a car. That was definitely a minus. He drifted back to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 stars<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE7cs5o0qqcyTxNej9Bffej2NtEKrxkpm5O21dLFryZ6OyMFSgOJOTUksH98w1FL2fQL4nHdvZHvhY3THEb2OUhaHAn_ijRZuBksfNSLblJZZQYO0A1kbqk86Rwlx8Q1pRtGuj-y3pl0/s1600/BookCover_OneOfTwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE7cs5o0qqcyTxNej9Bffej2NtEKrxkpm5O21dLFryZ6OyMFSgOJOTUksH98w1FL2fQL4nHdvZHvhY3THEb2OUhaHAn_ijRZuBksfNSLblJZZQYO0A1kbqk86Rwlx8Q1pRtGuj-y3pl0/s400/BookCover_OneOfTwo.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First, some backstory. This is my second time reviewing this book. Back
when I <a href="http://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2018/01/one-too-review-tour.html" rel="nofollow">first reviewed</a> this book, I hadn’t read the other books in the
series, and the series hadn’t undergone its facelift/rebranding. I’ve now read
and reviewed books <a href="http://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2019/02/one-of-one-review-tour.html" rel="nofollow">1</a>, <a href="https://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2019/04/shape-of-secrets-review-tour.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2</span></a>,
<a href="https://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2019/05/twists-of-time-review-tour.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">3</span></a>,
<a href="http://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2019/06/layers-of-light-review-tour.html" rel="nofollow">4</a>, and <a href="http://sharinglinksandwisdom.blogspot.com/2019/08/flickers-of-fortune-review-tour.html" rel="nofollow">5</a> and so I decided to revisit my original
review to see how my opinions have changed, specifically in regards to my
biggest complaint when I first read this book.</span><span style="color: #181818;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
My biggest complaint originally was the pacing being off due to info dumps of
information, science mumbo jumbo, and different side tangents/timelines, which
led to details being told rather than shown. Having now read the </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">entire</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> series, while I think the
pacing was still a bit off at times, it made much more sense to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I better tracked the side
tangents, having gotten used to the author’s writing style in previous books, and
I enjoyed the scientific discussion and theory (regarding the science behind
the characters’ abilities, multiverses, and thermodynamics) since it made much
more sense to me this time around. In addition, some of the info dumps served
as recaps from earlier books, so while the info was “told” rather than “shown,”
I didn’t mind because I could remember when the information had been shown in
previous books in more detail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, I feel like the pacing
issues here also showed the downside to writing these books as interrelated
stand-alone novels. While this worked for the earlier books, it didn’t work
well here. As someone who’d read the earlier books, I appreciated the info
dumps and in-depth science aspects, but still felt like some of these info
dumps were redundant or unnecessary and hurt the story. This is a complex world
the author created, and with the characters all coming together in this book,
it just didn’t quite click.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It reminded me of the Harry
Potter books. Technically, books 1-5 can work as interrelated stand-alones. But
if you decided to start the series on book 7, you would miss out on a lot of
the necessary background info and get lost in the story, because so many events
that play out in book 7 had the seeds planted in earlier books (which is why
that series is marketed as a series that should be read in order).<br />
<br />
All in all, I enjoyed One of Two a heck of a lot more this time around. I
greatly enjoyed this series, and recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting
new adventure. And even though this is marketed as a series of interrelated
novels and while I don’t think the reading order of the first five books matters
as much, I highly, highly recommend reading the other 5 books before One of
Two. There are so many intricacies and knowledge sewn throughout the first 5
books that made One of Two so much more enjoyable and satisfying as a series
ending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="28e4345f3110" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3110/" id="rcwidget_u2nx6qqa" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the </span><a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-tour-one-of-two-by-sr-cronin.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">other stops</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> on the tour.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherrie Roth grew up in Western
Kansas thinking there was no place in the universe more fascinating than outer
space. After her mother vetoed astronaut as a career ambition, she went on to
study journalism and physics in hopes of becoming a science writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She published her first science
fiction short story and then waited a lot of tables while she looked for
inspiration for the next tale. When it finally came, it declared to her it had
to be a whole book, nothing less. One night, while digesting this disturbing
piece of news, she drank way too many shots of ouzo with her boyfriend. She
woke up thirty-one years later demanding to know what was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The boyfriend, who she had
apparently long since married, asked her to calm down. He explained that, in a
fit of practicality, she had gone back to school and gotten a degree in
geophysics and had spent the last 28 years interpreting seismic data in the oil
industry. The good news, according to Mr. Cronin, was she found it at least
mildly entertaining and ridiculously well-paying. The bad news was the two of
them had still managed to spend almost all of the money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently she was now Mrs.
Cronin, and the further good news was they had produced three wonderful
children whom they loved dearly, even though to be honest that is where a lot
of the money had gone. Even better news was that Mr. Cronin turned out to be a
warm-hearted, encouraging sort who was happy to see her awake and ready to
write. "It's about time," were his exact words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sherrie Cronin discovered that
over the ensuing decades Sally Ride had already managed to become the first
woman in space and done a fine job of it. No one, however, had written the book
that had been in Sherrie's head for decades. The only problem was the book
informed her it had grown into a six book collection. Sherrie decided she
better start writing before it got any longer. She's been wide awake ever
since, and writing away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/cinnabar01">Twitter</a> |
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Number46Ascending">Facebook</a>
| <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5805814.Sherrie_Cronin">Goodreads</a>
| <a href="http://amzn.to/2GqYFNb">Amazon Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blogs:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://46ascending.org/">46
Ascending</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tothepowerofzero.org/">Face Painting for World Peace</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ytothepowerof1.org/">Fire Dancing for Fun and Profit</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://zsquaredblog.org/">Treasure
Hunting for a Good Time</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ctothepowerofthree.org/">Leaving the Nest to Touch the Sky</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://dtothepowerof4.org/">Touching the Sky to Save the World</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Email me at
lola.zeitman@gmail.com</span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-88679133377472884232019-09-03T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-08T23:38:40.488-04:00The Fixer Upper Book Blast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/06/book-blast-fixer-upper-by-maggie-mae.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-IDPywTkJKQONlPdaqqbM8zog2IKWWRY0i4JUZ3YO60CZxkkfA-Py67tjsEBC2dxboyjtyj_GMGMPqaHVc1_AwnDgUQwzcPDYJTYknZp6zqivkpdmm42Pr-mqVlDmmokmhByrdnmQ8w/s400/TourBanner+BookBlast_TheFixerUpper+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Abby Callier is more in love with Shakespearean heroes than any real man, and she’s beginning to wonder if there is life for her outside the pages of a book. It doesn’t help that her esteemed parents tend to view her as they would one of their science experiments gone wrong. On the eve of finishing her dissertation, she escapes her staid existence to live in the house she inherited from her Great Aunt Evie in the small town of Echo Springs, Colorado. Because, let’s face it, when a woman starts comparing her life to horror films, it might be time for a break. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sheriff Nate Barnes believes in law and order and carefully building the life you want. In his spare time, he has been remodeling his house in the hope that one day it will be filled with the family he makes. But Nate doesn’t like drama or complications and tends to avoid them at all costs. And yet, when Miss Abigail Callier, his newest neighbor, beans him with a nine iron, he can’t help but wonder if she might just be the complication he’s been searching for all along. It doesn’t hurt that he discovers a journal hidden away by the previous tenant and decides to use Old Man Turner’s advice to romance Abby into his life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Abby never expected her next-door neighbor, the newly dubbed Sheriff Stud Muffin, to be just the distraction her world needed. The problem is she doesn’t know whether she should make Echo Springs her home, or if this town is just a stopover point in her life’s trajectory. And she doesn’t want to tell Nate that she might not be sticking around—even though she should because it’s the right thing to do, the honest thing—because then all the scintillatingly hot kisses with the Sheriff will come to an abrupt halt. Did she mention that he’s a really great kisser?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOmF1M3m4cDOXTQhfoYhGyog-fiUM7ViBmfxECRrvbf41PCnb8y0_-GVCFdi3OaVDsLqucKQJKp2J3IUKeAduBcnfGUFjDyDJYj8ahE5ZI2cQORDE-BDcNgz3B2_emjeLVHUHrXNKMHI/s1600/The_Fixer_Upper-Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1095" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOmF1M3m4cDOXTQhfoYhGyog-fiUM7ViBmfxECRrvbf41PCnb8y0_-GVCFdi3OaVDsLqucKQJKp2J3IUKeAduBcnfGUFjDyDJYj8ahE5ZI2cQORDE-BDcNgz3B2_emjeLVHUHrXNKMHI/s400/The_Fixer_Upper-Final.jpg" width="273" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Carruthers’ property was on a half-acre of land. The two-story home had fallen into disrepair. The pale blue paint was cracked and peeling in places. One of the black shutters had slats broken out of the middle. Jed was a mechanic at one of the local garages, who liked his whiskey more than he did working. And it showed. His wife, Clare, had taken herself and the kids to her parents’ house, which was only three miles away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nate knocked on the door. “Jed, this is Sheriff Barnes. I need you to open the door and come out with your hands in the air.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Fuck off,” came a slurred shout from inside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nate sighed. From the sounds of it, the man was already well on his way to being shitfaced. “Jed, don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. I have a warrant for your arrest. If you come with me now, peacefully, it will help your case.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Deputy O’Leary stood off to the side of the front door of the ramshackle home with its screen door torn in spots. When there was no response from Jed, Nate nodded at O’Leary, who made his way around to the back to ensure the idiot didn’t try to go out the back door and escape. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Jed, I’m going to give you to the count of five and then I’m coming in.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There was a shout from O’Leary around back. Nate took off and sprinted to the edge of the porch, just in time to watch Jed, in a pair of white boxers and nothing else, race around the corner and head toward the street. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Halt, Jed.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Shit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nate charged after him on foot. This was why he ran six miles a day—so he could catch morons like Jed who thought they could outrun the police. Nate snagged him by the neck and wrestled him down to the ground. He took an elbow to the chin and swore before he had Jed pinned on the ground with his hands behind his back. Not quick enough, he thought as he slid the cuffs on Jed’s wrists. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“For that stunt, I will be adding resisting arrest and assault on a police officer, Jed.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Piss off, pig!” Jed yelled, uncowed by the fact that he was handcuffed. From the smell of him, he had started early on the Jack Daniels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nate shook his head and began reading Jed his Miranda rights. His chin throbbed like a son of a bitch and it wasn’t yet noon. So much for having a slow and easy day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBC4uM2LHo8NwaIjfM_IUSMRkAZdnkyCpuhuZAyY1wcrerZ_unDG2Ed-odcFGkqs-ivAZx0BM-0oTOoMB755NywoWkwT6bhhB-s1iIh2JX7WSIbp3fvAbDAJC_i5zHz_PN6Cnmp_GBYU/s1600/author+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="180" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBC4uM2LHo8NwaIjfM_IUSMRkAZdnkyCpuhuZAyY1wcrerZ_unDG2Ed-odcFGkqs-ivAZx0BM-0oTOoMB755NywoWkwT6bhhB-s1iIh2JX7WSIbp3fvAbDAJC_i5zHz_PN6Cnmp_GBYU/s320/author+image.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maggiemaegallagher.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagMaeGallagher/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> | </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/magmaegallagher/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Instagram</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> | </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7846308.Maggie_Mae_Gallagher" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Goodreads</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://twitter.com/magmaegallagher" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> | </span><a href="https://amzn.to/2JcvC1V" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Amazon Author Page</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> | </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maggie-mae-gallagher" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">BookBub</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don’t miss these exciting titles by Maggie Mae Gallagher!</span><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2PWEIGJ" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">FIXER UPPER</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Mystic Series</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Jc2ND2" rel="nofollow">REMEMBER ME</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LtKQlR" rel="nofollow">CASKET GIRL</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Cantati Chronicles</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2IZvIeB" rel="nofollow">RUPTURED</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2IYpifO" rel="nofollow">ANOINTED</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Xygg19" rel="nofollow">ASCENDED</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And if you like your romance with a bit of spice and kink be sure to check out Maggie Mae Gallagher writing as <a href="https://amzn.to/2IXveFy" rel="nofollow">Anya Summers on Amazon</a>!</span>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-54670301695820238782019-08-29T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-05T03:08:46.552-04:00Flickers of Fortune Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8hf7TkqUDkYIOnety42KfqIE606EbiiLrxo8ogjx3YK0z4iMYk3bNFlJMm05MOp3kPfGS8awRXv9aQptkVT6K00UK768hI48c8moWdUlp6PlxgCvUpyeFzZZ7HzJNgTROyNayfzDQgo/s1600/tourbanner_flickersoffortune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8hf7TkqUDkYIOnety42KfqIE606EbiiLrxo8ogjx3YK0z4iMYk3bNFlJMm05MOp3kPfGS8awRXv9aQptkVT6K00UK768hI48c8moWdUlp6PlxgCvUpyeFzZZ7HzJNgTROyNayfzDQgo/s400/tourbanner_flickersoffortune.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seeing the future is a nuisance.
Ariel does her best to shut it out, until she stumbles on a group of
clairvoyants using their talents to get extremely rich. They have her
attention. Then she meets a second bunch obsessed with surviving an upcoming
near extinction event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Both factions seem dangerous and,
to be honest, a little crazy. They don’t get along. As they learn more about
her, however, each group decides Ariel’s particular abilities are hard to find
and exactly what they need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no possible way to help
them both. Aligning with either may be a bad idea, but staying out of this mess
is no longer an option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf9Db7-xKOMIqHl7yq35q-e2Vebp_mgLgxTlC4aZIXfsiwbnlSOD4g3sevtuc9pCPNEfP7x58gYp1FuJXyRdaG-Zp1_RnCx2txvDHceZD7oBRFzRMUMPeUqVn01QxFrSesmwtTdcRMe0/s1600/cover_Flickers+of+Fortune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbf9Db7-xKOMIqHl7yq35q-e2Vebp_mgLgxTlC4aZIXfsiwbnlSOD4g3sevtuc9pCPNEfP7x58gYp1FuJXyRdaG-Zp1_RnCx2txvDHceZD7oBRFzRMUMPeUqVn01QxFrSesmwtTdcRMe0/s400/cover_Flickers+of+Fortune.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I’d really like to think about
it.” She said it as calmly as she could while she crinkled the papers between
her thumb and index finger, trying to learn more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’d like to get the paperwork
started before the end of the week,” the man from HR said. “Tomorrow is
Friday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Right. Let me take this
information home and I’ll give you my answer in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As she stepped outside for air,
she had a pretty good idea of what her answer would be. The nice man from HR
hadn’t noticed her placing her hand against the wall after handling his manila
folder, and he had no way of knowing it was to steady herself against a
kaleidoscope of new visions rushing at her while a tiny percent probability
turned into an almost certainty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holy crap.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ariel muttered it as she made her
way out of the building, her eyes half closed as she tried to calm her mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holy crap.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She sat down on the cold concrete
steps to steady herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Holy crap.” She couldn’t quit
saying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What Clyde didn’t know, couldn’t
know, would never know, was that in making his proposal he probably affected
the fate of the world. Many weeks from now, Ariel was likely to discover she
had a chance to play a role in the survival of the human race. She couldn’t see
how, she couldn’t see when, and as the flashes of little specks of her most
distant visions whirled their way through her brain, all she got with any
clarity was that her going to Ireland mattered. A lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, she ought to accept the transfer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-tour-flickers-of-fortune-by-sr.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Sherrie Roth grew up in Western
Kansas thinking there was no place in the universe more fascinating than outer
space. After her mother vetoed astronaut as a career ambition, she went on to study journalism and physics in hopes of becoming a science writer.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">She published her first science fiction short story and then waited a lot of tables while she looked for inspiration for the next tale. When it finally came, it declared to her it had to be a whole book, nothing less. One night, while digesting this disturbing piece of news, she drank way too many shots of ouzo with her boyfriend. She woke up thirty-one years later demanding to know what was going on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">The boyfriend, who she had apparently long since married, asked her to calm down. He explained that, in a fit of practicality, she had gone back to school and gotten a degree in geophysics and had spent the last 28 years interpreting seismic data in the oil industry. The good news, according to Mr. Cronin, was she found it at least mildly entertaining and ridiculously well-paying. The bad news was the two of them had still managed to spend almost all of the money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Apparently she was now Mrs. Cronin, and the further good news was they had produced three wonderful children whom they loved dearly, even though to be honest that is where a lot of the money had gone. Even better news was that Mr. Cronin turned out to be a warm-hearted, encouraging sort who was happy to see her awake and ready to write. "It's about time," were his exact words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Sherrie Cronin discovered that over the ensuing decades Sally Ride had already managed to become the first woman in space and done a fine job of it. No one, however, had written the book that had been in Sherrie's head for decades. The only problem was the book informed her it had grown into a six book collection. Sherrie decided she better start writing before it got any longer. She's been wide awake ever since, and writing away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/cinnabar01">Twitter</a> |
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Number46Ascending">Facebook</a>
| <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5805814.Sherrie_Cronin">Goodreads</a>
| <a href="http://amzn.to/2GqYFNb">Amazon Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blogs:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://46ascending.org/">46
Ascending</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tothepowerofzero.org/">Face Painting for World Peace</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ytothepowerof1.org/">Fire Dancing for Fun and Profit</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://zsquaredblog.org/">Treasure
Hunting for a Good Time</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ctothepowerofthree.org/">Leaving the Nest to Touch the Sky</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://dtothepowerof4.org/">Touching the Sky to Save the World</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-45856120815472848312019-08-29T00:00:00.000-04:002019-08-29T02:31:19.555-04:00In Pursuit of Perfection VBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcv_Pm5XZwwzgwn_eXnB3nuwBGWn4rX6fspZc3f32IaKdRgDTsXrBt9zfTxG-U8cTzvLlbwki7TSXd3QetEu7cceOsUlwHIAjfSswFFBnnhSZiICWbIXENq_DBo_gdLfSlsGotFaeUlQ/s1600/TourBanner_In+Pursuit+of+Perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcv_Pm5XZwwzgwn_eXnB3nuwBGWn4rX6fspZc3f32IaKdRgDTsXrBt9zfTxG-U8cTzvLlbwki7TSXd3QetEu7cceOsUlwHIAjfSswFFBnnhSZiICWbIXENq_DBo_gdLfSlsGotFaeUlQ/s400/TourBanner_In+Pursuit+of+Perfection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next man in Macy Rollins’s
life must be perfect. She’s had enough impostors and isn’t willing to settle
for anything less. All she has to do is get through the company contract
negotiation season and she will get that promotion she has been working so hard
for. Avery Malveaux – one of Philadelphia’s most eligible bachelors – has been
hired to work with her as legal counsel for the company. From the moment they
are forced to work together tensions are high and expectations are low. He
questions her ability, she questions his intentions. After Macy is suspected in
an accounting shortage, she accuses Avery of betraying her confidence. Has she
once again been deceived by a man she thought she could trust? Can she clear
her name and win her job back? And can there be any hope for Macy’s pursuit of
perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9sE6Rsji3jLtd5Wpixsh4a8Q90wYfFm1LLJU6W9ZrQKH6SgzQ42ksgzZ5VbyEPpKtCZMDN5cHAFGU5akEVTkFIIUw6gMhHq_-zHSdp1yBEF7Pkb3reCMKZbI5AQVL4WJLwDIgZTkJpo/s1600/Cover_In+Pursuit+of+Perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9sE6Rsji3jLtd5Wpixsh4a8Q90wYfFm1LLJU6W9ZrQKH6SgzQ42ksgzZ5VbyEPpKtCZMDN5cHAFGU5akEVTkFIIUw6gMhHq_-zHSdp1yBEF7Pkb3reCMKZbI5AQVL4WJLwDIgZTkJpo/s400/Cover_In+Pursuit+of+Perfection.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Macy rubbed her forehead. Right
now, wasn’t the time to fire Michelle and start interviewing for a new assistant.
The world needed to stop spinning for just a few moments. Her job depended on
finding that money. She picked up the phone and dialed accounting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Connie, I need your help,” she
said. “Can you run monthly balances on my account, starting with January?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You want everything? That’s a
lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Yeah. How soon can you get it to
me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Give me a day or two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Connie, one more thing. I’m
seeing a lot of new accounts. Several that I don’t recognize. I know we’re
going after market share, but I didn’t expect this many. If I send you a list
of the names, what information can you provide on them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well, I can tell you when the
account was set up, by who, and purchasing activity. What else would you need?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“That’s a good start. Thanks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Macy ended the call, but the
nagging didn’t subside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeiKREUFcpzsRTENoWHraaZGgo0q724GeqN8GRVvAfvYq8aXUQD1m9epFF-qpC3BA7t9sML3vyqK0UbhD_GaEo55MoHpyTj7vUViU3Qr6vQ-jbGBNFnnQ8YL_Tu9uaCIxz0R2vGSrQac/s1600/Guest-Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="400" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeiKREUFcpzsRTENoWHraaZGgo0q724GeqN8GRVvAfvYq8aXUQD1m9epFF-qpC3BA7t9sML3vyqK0UbhD_GaEo55MoHpyTj7vUViU3Qr6vQ-jbGBNFnnQ8YL_Tu9uaCIxz0R2vGSrQac/s320/Guest-Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my most asked questions.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a writer I’m often asked two
questions. Where do I get my ideas and how long have I been writing? I try not
to be too flippant, so I gave the question some serious consideration. The last
time someone asked where I get my ideas, I decided I needed to have an answer to
this question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ideas have never been an issue
for me. I have more ideas than I have time to write them all. My oldest memory of
creating make-believe is from grade school. My love of writing and drawing came
together in a mural of portraits I taped to my bedroom wall. Each drawing came
with a story that I made up. Believe me the stories were as different as the
pictures I’d drawn. My sister and I didn’t just play with Barbie dolls, we made
up grand adventures whenever we pulled them out of the box. I can find story
ideas almost everywhere. I can hear a news story, read an article, overhear a
conversation, listen to family histories and wonder, what if. I love to challenge
the norm and rewrite an ending that I can control. Yes, I’m one of those
writers, who has a note pad beside the bed and in my purse, so when a story
pops into my head, I can jot down the details. I actually have an ideas book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My story ideas, cross a wide
range of genres too. But for now I’ve decided to stick with romance and women’s
fictions. One of these days, I’m going to branch out and write some of those
more bizarre stories floating around in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="28e4345f3118" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3118/" id="rcwidget_ww5x5jix" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/vbt-in-pursuit-of-perfection-by-jacki.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcV4IgEj4BsEllDThfdnApS20M3gkdjikeBTgiY7LSXg5i8fdIzTxjdHwFqx8eD_Uo4ybmpuduq09qk57hScNAHTgA_0-zOTmupxczz4BmqAhQ4tGgTYDwdiCpMlSqWhEO-0xxZc_k4U/s1600/AuthorPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcV4IgEj4BsEllDThfdnApS20M3gkdjikeBTgiY7LSXg5i8fdIzTxjdHwFqx8eD_Uo4ybmpuduq09qk57hScNAHTgA_0-zOTmupxczz4BmqAhQ4tGgTYDwdiCpMlSqWhEO-0xxZc_k4U/s1600/AuthorPicture.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Men and women have always sought
the promise that only love can offer. Jacki invites you into an intriguing
world where romance abounds around every corner and down every street. You’ll
be amazed at the crazy things we do and don’t do for the promise of love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jacki has been writing since her
fourth grade teacher made her keep a journal for a grade. Now she does it to keep
track of all the fascinating and heartbreaking moments that life throws our
way. Poetry, personal essays, short stories and novels have all occupied space
in her heart and her hard drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jacki lives in the northeast
where the winters are too cold and the summers are warm. But, she wouldn’t
trade it for anywhere else, well maybe for a fabulous house on the sunny sands
of Miami Beach in February. Her loveable husband and adorable floppy eared dog
endure her long periods behind the computer creating happy-endings for her
amazing hero and heroines. Romance makes the world go round and Jacki is
enjoying the ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://jackikelly.com/" rel="nofollow">Website</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> | <a href="https://jackikelly.com/category/blogposts/" rel="nofollow">Blog</a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Jacki-Kelly-Author-131421120280658/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Facebook</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2L1TFmj" rel="nofollow">Buy Link</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-33819768159301524462019-08-28T02:00:00.000-04:002019-09-08T23:42:29.317-04:00Escape from the Past Review Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmfK5J6RNdlTC-H6uW8sPsNxE3BTP9-NYV4qUxJNKxtt1BhBybDIjeR5O0NeV3waL-b9TaoA_p7sH9iCNZML_1-wTEF-11yLhudN6YBhD5N7oAI1MjM0zvJvkNUUU7P-dgv5Mc4UUzik/s1600/TourBanner_EscapeFromthepast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmfK5J6RNdlTC-H6uW8sPsNxE3BTP9-NYV4qUxJNKxtt1BhBybDIjeR5O0NeV3waL-b9TaoA_p7sH9iCNZML_1-wTEF-11yLhudN6YBhD5N7oAI1MjM0zvJvkNUUU7P-dgv5Mc4UUzik/s400/TourBanner_EscapeFromthepast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"...will
grip the reader's total attention from beginning to end. Very highly
recommended for school and community library..." -Midwest Book Review<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"...an entertaining and
fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader's/gamer's wish to be
a hero in faraway time." -Historical Novel Society<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When nerd and gamer, Max
Anderson, is lured into trying an experimental computer game, he doesn’t
realize he's playing the ultimate history game, time-traveling into the
past...anywhere...anytime. Survival is optional. To return home he must
decipher the game's rules and complete its missions--if he lives long enough.
To fail means staying in the past--forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now he’s trapped in medieval
Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is the year 1471 and he quickly learns
that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a
beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe
Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornets' nest of feuding lords who
will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NOTE: The book is only
$0.99. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVN4CCub9JQrkzuXoSiiola9-k5iswX9WttEHAQR_IDX57xMqvshsuePEShRqkWy6-wf1elspRo4x_x3EICpGtEVVUB4QrFqt56hlUPWqaJMgE5FhwB9J_9LjEWTpGAkQoCV2EVGZZ7M/s1600/Cover_Escape+from+the+Past+The+Duke%2527s+Wrath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVN4CCub9JQrkzuXoSiiola9-k5iswX9WttEHAQR_IDX57xMqvshsuePEShRqkWy6-wf1elspRo4x_x3EICpGtEVVUB4QrFqt56hlUPWqaJMgE5FhwB9J_9LjEWTpGAkQoCV2EVGZZ7M/s400/Cover_Escape+from+the+Past+The+Duke%2527s+Wrath.jpg" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Something moved ahead. There at
the edge of a clearing cowered the man in rags holding his right elbow. He
trembled and now that I was closer, I saw blood dripping from his wrist. The
three riders had surrounded him, their blades pointing toward the man’s neck.
One rider dismounted, his face shadowed by a half helmet and curled brownish
beard, his hands covered by steel gauntlets like lizard scales. The other two
sat motionless, waiting. I tried to get a better view of what the horsemen were
doing when I looked down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And froze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I stood on the gnarled root of an
oak tree. Surely I imagined things. But those were definitely my Nikes I’d
forgotten to take off when I returned home. I moved my foot. Leaves crackled. A
twig snapped. Something terrible had happened, something I couldn’t wrap my
mind around. I blinked and looked to my right. Trees and undergrowth were
losing themselves in the gloom. I remembered the mouse in my right hand, but
when I lifted my arm, my fingers came up empty—except for the smear of
something sticky on my palm. Blood. I was bleeding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wait. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The bush next to me was covered
in blood. Not mine, I realized with relief. Disgusted I wiped my shaking hands
with a fistful of leaves and turned to look behind me. The woods stretched into
darkness—shadows within shadows nearly black. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My room was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Review:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3 stars</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I liked the concept of the story, and the
overall plot grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. On top of that, realistic
descriptions of life in medieval Germany, detailed descriptions of the time
travel/transportation technology, and interesting side characters helped bring
the story alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, I had a hard time connecting with the
main character, Max. Whether because there was very little time to get to know
the character since the story starts so abruptly or just a lack of
explanations, I had a hard time grasping the character. For example, he conveniently
knows uncommon details about history and natural medicine, but there’s no
explanation as to how/why he learned that knowledge. So instead of being a
character development moment, it comes across as a convenient plot device.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also felt like there were numerous holes in
the plot, partially due to so much happening so quickly, lackluster dialogue,
and missing context. I kept wondering if there was a book before this that I
missed that would have contained some of those missing explanations and
backgrounds that would have helped this story make more sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Overall though, this. As someone who has a hard
time getting into YA reads, I still enjoyed the story, as it was an interesting
story with a fun premise. Would recommend it to YA fans.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/review-tour-escape-from-past-dukes.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">Author Bio and Links:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0xpxBqXf3JZf4oM6MzfDvVRydp4HKnkodW7YW0jcBoHYrtsUfKLDUF_0KTdYVabRtb63RDhuLRGFqJLgWgmtrPyvF0Oeu9rsVzQZZu4t6SCI2U73AsmzBECHL3i0G3h5v26eLnIFSpc/s1600/AuthorPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0xpxBqXf3JZf4oM6MzfDvVRydp4HKnkodW7YW0jcBoHYrtsUfKLDUF_0KTdYVabRtb63RDhuLRGFqJLgWgmtrPyvF0Oeu9rsVzQZZu4t6SCI2U73AsmzBECHL3i0G3h5v26eLnIFSpc/s320/AuthorPic.jpg" width="228" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Annette Oppenlander is an
award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical
novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based
on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in
Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the
U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today
as they were in the past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oppenlander’s bestselling true
WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, won multiple awards, including the 2017
U.S. National Indie Excellence Award. Her historical time-travel trilogy,
Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild
West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into
her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story.
Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges,
libraries, festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and
author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she recently returned
to her home, Solingen, Germany where she lives with her husband and old mutt,
Mocha.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website:
http://www.annetteoppenlander.com <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/annetteoppenlanderauthor <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter:
https://twitter.com/aoppenlander <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pinterest: annoppenlander<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blog:
http://www.annetteoppenlander.com/blog/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Annette-Oppenlander/e/B00W8QRTJ4/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Email:
annette.oppenlander@yahoo.com</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Buy Links:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2ZzMXbz" rel="nofollow">Amazon</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escape-from-the-past-annette-oppenlander/1121795814" rel="nofollow">B&N</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"> | </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/de/en/ebook/escape-from-the-past-the-duke-s-wrath" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Kobo</a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-48089115990336918222019-08-27T02:00:00.000-04:002019-08-27T02:00:00.322-04:00Finally Home Book Blast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/book-blast-finally-home-by-l-simpson.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEMJD9UsIA-t6h6sy4BXGdwzuhyphenhyphenCqxAVsip4iys9MoQcf2hEs_6BzW4qGM4LGqsnzdx1s27i8mRVIDxRvyk2d__iyTj2lKurD391bVhckMJSVi0JGlVClHbZDxsGAPwIL-G0sEwTwWfo/s400/TourBanner_Finally+Home+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blurb:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">HEART AND SOUL </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ben McTavish is besotted when he sees a vixen in striped leggings own a cringe-worthy moment and turn it into a hilarious bit. He can’t stop thinking about her even though he puts his foot in his mouth every time he tries to get to know her. Ben would love to spend some time with this woman who has captivated him, but he needs to get his farm established before the bank takes back the land. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Kate Bloomington is all about whipping her life into shape, including getting to know her grandmother who she is now caring for. When she meets Ben, also known as Saint McT since he helps all comers, she pushes him away. Somehow, he shows up at every inopportune moment, mortifying her and enticing her at the same time. She learns that he needs help as much as she does, and together they create a love that is unbreakable.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Excerpt:</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0pMyVsOxfKjNLriEEhDatr9j0Lb2fszBsEwPdyeB81PRCyCn_KhoKTbe-7ykU5atCyRczehSP92tjTjFcBc8puzekXBwiJcG42SurUtUSe4nRZ7-g2ewRWohxuN8mHBKEk0bfJnJ_0s/s1600/BookCover_Finally+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0pMyVsOxfKjNLriEEhDatr9j0Lb2fszBsEwPdyeB81PRCyCn_KhoKTbe-7ykU5atCyRczehSP92tjTjFcBc8puzekXBwiJcG42SurUtUSe4nRZ7-g2ewRWohxuN8mHBKEk0bfJnJ_0s/s400/BookCover_Finally+Home.jpg" width="266" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">True to his word, Ben was at my door right before eight in the morning. I was running a little late because I was struggling to focus. My emotions were a tumble, and while I was unable to deny my excitement at seeing him despite the fact he was Saint McT and I was a hot mess, I was still trying to bury the events of Friday night. Images of Frank would pop up, and I questioned my decision to do nothing. But the system wasn’t fair. I needed to move on. I had just started to get my life back, to feel like I belonged, and after being alone for so long, I simply couldn’t go back. It wasn’t right, but I couldn’t see any other option. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Do we have time for coffee?” he asked as I got into his truck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Of course,” I said trying not to turn into mush as I took him in. He was dressed casually again, and while I missed the suit I’d caught a glimpse of, his navy woolen jumper and fitted, faded jeans had my mouth watering. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Great,” he said and drove us straight to the bakery. While we ordered coffees, every local in the place stared at us. Their gazes sharpened when Ben put his hand on the small of my back as we walked out. I wanted to tell them all he was just being Saint McT, but it was hard to concentrate because my body came alive at his touch and I was within smelling distance. Yes. That’s right. The pastries held no sway now. I was all about Ben and his sexy, fresh soap smell. This trip was going to be a nightmare. Would it be easier or harder on the back of his bike?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Do you not ride your bike often?” I found myself asking, trying not to sound hopeful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Not as often as I’d like. I didn’t think you’d appreciate it in that skirt,” he said grinning wickedly at me. I blushed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Have you ever been on one?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“No way, my mother forbade them.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Well, anytime you want a ride…” he trailed off and I laughed, blushing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget to visit the <a href="http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/08/book-blast-finally-home-by-l-simpson.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>About the Author:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As a girl growing up in Australia, Laura was lost in the world of Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. During high school, volleyball dominated her life. There had to be something positive about being 6’1” with red hair. Representing Australia from a young age she eventually took a scholarship at the University of Iowa. Living in America and being a full time athlete in a college town was an eye-opening experience and lots of fun (from what she can remember). #gohawkeyes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Returning from the States, her career took a different turn as she started working at the Red Cross and completed her Masters of Law in Human Rights. As one of the few non-lawyers in the class, her essays were far more floral than the rest, something that caused the discerning professors to shake their heads. Through working and studying, she realised there are other ways to win hearts and minds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While she’s spent the last 14 years as an advocate against poverty and homelessness, the desire to change the world through storytelling has only got stronger. She now lives in the Alpine Valleys of North East Victoria, Australia with her husband, daughter, son, two dogs and seven chooks. When she’s not doing the whole mum thing, working at a homelessness agency, renovating her farmhouse, or trying to do laundry bleary-eyed at midnight, she is writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Say G’day to Laura:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">website: <a href="http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com/">http://www.lsimpsonauthor.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance">http://www.facebook.com/l.simpson.romance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor">http://www.twitter.com/lsimpsonauthor</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor">http://www.instagram.com/lsimpsonauthor</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">linkedin: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-simpson-47278971">http://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-simpson-47278971</a></span><br />
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6265649100510354177.post-17707902395287151282019-08-26T02:00:00.000-04:002019-08-26T02:00:06.972-04:00The Carousel VBT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekS_3DCe7aA6Vc4VuDvVjRqfo67XO68cbeNLQayBN1_yeWOg750tlxwH3ev8YZ5DSrYSU01TOzeLznjnbsIC3TBXCDEe7ex92AlxhoS4kVCaj4oCYF-L1q63R3jAcHfkbbQOE01ceNvQ/s1600/TourBanner_TheCarousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekS_3DCe7aA6Vc4VuDvVjRqfo67XO68cbeNLQayBN1_yeWOg750tlxwH3ev8YZ5DSrYSU01TOzeLznjnbsIC3TBXCDEe7ex92AlxhoS4kVCaj4oCYF-L1q63R3jAcHfkbbQOE01ceNvQ/s400/TourBanner_TheCarousel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blurb:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…Like
the Wild Geese of Old Ireland, five boys grew to manhood despite hunger, war,
and the mean streets of New York...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The War had left him blind to beauty…<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kieran
Donnelly is a gifted artist who has sworn never to paint again. He saw and did
too many things during the war to extinguish the ugliness that lies in his
heart. But a chance to work with some of the most magnificent paintings brings
him close to the world he still loves…and an extraordinary woman who sees his
true heart.<br />
<br />
Darkness couldn’t extinguish the light in her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Blind from the age of four, Emily Lawrence yearns to experience the outside
world. When she hires Kieran Donnelly to catalogue her father’s paintings, he
offers her a glimpse at life outside her exquisite home…and a chance for a
future.<br />
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Can Kieran and Emily emerge from the darkness to find happiness and love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Excerpt:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GEGKFwc-8ug4ob1SDi3jkRucXQI8dCbRpe2O7vKkW4phB6bU5KTwv2d-JQO9kZ9i7RWMN3biwCQV3JWK2MszqkUn2cyFOjmHHJy6U0nxrEBEAod63-AEnH8Ofq52GiLfH0jzLwe7hMY/s1600/Cover_The+Carousel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="621" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GEGKFwc-8ug4ob1SDi3jkRucXQI8dCbRpe2O7vKkW4phB6bU5KTwv2d-JQO9kZ9i7RWMN3biwCQV3JWK2MszqkUn2cyFOjmHHJy6U0nxrEBEAod63-AEnH8Ofq52GiLfH0jzLwe7hMY/s400/Cover_The+Carousel.jpg" width="258" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Queenstown
Harbor, Cork, Ireland, 1847<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Take
your fill of it, lad. Remember it all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten-year-old
Kieran Donnelly clutched the icy metal of the ship’s railing, his gaze locked
on the wild, rocky coast as the Sally Malone moved slowly out of the harbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
long voyage to America had begun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He
heard Gran’s keening wail, filled with grief as she lamented the loss of their
homeland. Da’s hand rested on her shoulder, his silent grief palpable. His
brother’s spirit, full of anger and despair, reached out to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">None
of it touched his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His
eager gaze sought the mist-shrouded green hills, distant, dotted with tiny
white cottages. Empty cottages, no sign of the ever-present gray turf smoke
rising from their rich, dark thatched roofs. The fields were black with
the stinking slime of the blight, but hawthorn and gorse and wild strawberries
still dotted the landscape with bright splotches of white, yellow, and scarlet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
water bucked and spat white-capped waves, gray-green with angry sorrow under
the cloud-smudged sky. A single bright ray of sunlight broke through the
clouds, as if to bid the desperate refugees a fond farewell. A patch of sky, so
pure a blue it made his throat ache, brought a rush of tears to Kieran’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh,
to capture the image that would forever be in his mind on paper before the ship
sailed! The colors, the hues, the light and shadow. The crowds of skeletal
people scurrying about, weeping as they waved good-bye, the lone fiddler
playing them away with a desolate lament of parting and grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One
day. He struggled against the harsh sob that clawed at his throat. One day I’ll
paint this scene and the whole world will know the sorrow that gripped Ireland
in its cruel fist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll
call it The Parting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvkbC9bs-EHBJH86j7LIHYYgbJtgYmfT1ccAgFGCN6Q7Sxzogius0aIddvqw_ZrSF7nGMUErCvUhMl5q4j9pCZ1oBCX3vUCKxRxJh2lwXNQ7XJ564cZFhGToxEgoK7U4UQ-xDjCzckNU/s1600/Guest-Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="400" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvkbC9bs-EHBJH86j7LIHYYgbJtgYmfT1ccAgFGCN6Q7Sxzogius0aIddvqw_ZrSF7nGMUErCvUhMl5q4j9pCZ1oBCX3vUCKxRxJh2lwXNQ7XJ564cZFhGToxEgoK7U4UQ-xDjCzckNU/s320/Guest-Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Heroine to Be Proud Of</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello, and thanks so much for having me as your guest today!
I’m thrilled to be able to share The Carousel with your readers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a romance novelists, I’ve created many a fictional hero and
heroine. And I’ve been lucky enough to have real ones in my own family. The
Carousel, Book 7 of my Wild Geese Series, is dedicated to the memory of my
paternal grandmother. She was a heroine any girl would be proud of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Her name was Emma Laflamme, and she died when she was 88 years
old. She raised a family of nine children in a tiny farmhouse on the wind-swept
Gaspé Peninsula in the province of Quebec, Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She was also blind from the age of 40.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It must have been difficult for her to look after her children
and take care of the house on her own. I only had two children, and well I
remember the merry dance they led me at times!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yet it never seemed to bother her. I remember watching with utter
fascination as she kneaded a loaf of bread (made from scratch, no less!), and
marveling at how easily she did it. It was even more fun to devour the
wonderful results. To this day, whenever I smell bread baking, I think of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of my most tender memories of my grandmother was the way
she greeted us when we’d arrive each summer. She would smile and run her
toil-worn hands over each of our faces, “seeing” in her own way how we’d
changed since the previous year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t remember ever seeing her stumble, although I know she
must have. She never shuffled, but stepped proudly across a room. I even
remember coming into the living room, where I was ensconced in the big, comfy
chair with a book, and handing me a glass of chocolate milk. How did she know where
I was, or who I was? I wondered. I believed it was a sort of magic that only my
grandmother possessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My heroine, Emily Lawrence, is also blind, and has been since
she was four. I based her on my grandmother in many ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope she’s proud of both Emily and me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you for having me as your guest today, and for sharing The
Carousel and my grandmother with me.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Don’t
forget to visit the <a href="https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2019/07/vbt-carousel-by-cynthia-owens.html" rel="nofollow">other stops</a> on the tour.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Author Bio and Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
believe I was destined to be interested in history. One of my distant
ancestors, Thomas Aubert, reportedly sailed up the St. Lawrence River to
discover Canada some 26 years before Jacques Cartier’s 1534 voyage. Another
relative was a 17thCentury “King’s Girl,” one of a group of young unmarried
girls sent to New France (now the province of Quebec) as brides for
the habitants (settlers) there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
passion for reading made me long to write books like the ones I enjoyed, and I
tried penning sequels to my favorite Nancy Drew mysteries. Later, fancying
myself a female version of Andrew Lloyd Weber, I drafted a musical set in Paris
during WWII.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
former journalist and lifelong Celtophile, I enjoyed a previous career as a
reporter/editor for a small chain of community newspapers before returning to
my first love, romantic fiction. My stories usually include an Irish setting,
hero or heroine, and sometimes all three.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
the author of The Claddagh Series, historical romances set in Ireland and
beyond, and The Wild Geese Series, in which five Irish heroes return from the
American Civil War to find love and adventure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m
a member of the Romance Writers of America and Hearts Through History Romance
Writers. A lifelong resident of Montreal, Canada, I still live
there with my own Celtic hero. I have two adult children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Website:
<a href="http://authorcynthiaowens.com/">http://authorcynthiaowens.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Facebook:
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaOwens">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaOwens</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Twitter:
<a href="https://twitter.com/Cynwrites1">https://twitter.com/Cynwrites1</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Wild-Geese-Book-ebook/dp/B07TXGS4QM">https://www.amazon.com/Carousel-Wild-Geese-Book-ebook/dp/B07TXGS4QM</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carousel-cynthia-owens/1132308194?ean=2940161461914">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carousel-cynthia-owens/1132308194?ean=2940161461914</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Google
+:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CynthiaOwens/posts">https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CynthiaOwens/posts</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Amazon
Author Page:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Owens/e/B003DQ1V2E">http://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Owens/e/B003DQ1V2E</a></span></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772530580061009074noreply@blogger.com16