Tuesday 26 February 2013

Book Tour & Giveaway - Til the Last Drop by Marquis Boone


Til The Last Drop
by Marquis Boone

Author Bio:

Marquis Boone is a pastor, motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, mentor and spiritual advisor to a host of celebrities. Marquis is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church which exists to revive, refresh, release and restore people back to God. He has been deemed one of America's most influential and talented pastors in his generation. His message of resurrection, healing and restoration is unparalleled and transcending cultural barriers within the church. Boone holds a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership and Masters of Divinity from Luther Rice University. He studied at World Harvest Bible College and completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Management from American InterContinental University.


Genre: Fiction/religious/ general/medical
Publisher: iUniverse
Release Date: Jan. 24, 2013
Buy: Amazon Amazon UK

Description:
Arthur and Valencia share happily ever after as husband and wife until tragedy comes knocking at their door. Life deals Valencia a crisis that requires a miracle of biblical proportion. She'll have to find a love so strong it defies logic, reason and heartbreak. After receiving a life changing phone call that no one ever wants to get Valencia Todd's life is left in shambles, with no signs of ever getting better. Struck with grief, frustration, sickness, and loneliness, Valencia is determined to find the cure to life that will get her back to normal.
Til the Last Drop is a supernatural story filled with passion, pain, sadness, twists and turns that will leave you in awe. The story of Valencia and all of the drops she experiences along the way teaches, as only a few stories have done, about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to never give up, and, above all, trusting God.
A vow, betrayal and story...good until the last drop.

Excerpts:

Prelude

The almighty Father stormed into the room as a mighty rushing wind. As His very presence passed by, each servant stood at attention as they lined His pathway. Gabriel followed Him very closely and spoke: “Lord, I don’t understand.”

The Father stopped midway and turned to Gabriel and gave a declaration. “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this. It is warfare, Gabriel. Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”

The Father continued toward His seat. He sat in heaven exasperated. He turned and looked at His Son, who was looking down at Earth. “Son, what seems to have your attention?”
Father, come look at this,” the Son said as He stood gazing down toward Earth at Arthur and Valencia Todd and their daughter, Lindsy Todd.

The Father walked over, joined His Son, and together they looked down at the Todd family. 




Tour Schedule

February 26 - Bookalicious Travel Addict
February 27 - Lavender & Cammomile Press
February 28 - Reviews & Interviews
March 2 - Free eBooks DailyMarch 5 - Featured at Phantasmic Reads
March 6 - The Avid Reader
March 7 - Trailer Promo at The Avid Reader
March 9 - Joshua Albrecht's Blog
March 11 - BK Walker Books Etc.
March 12 - Mass Musings
March 13 - Marketing Cafe
March 14 - BK Walker Books
March 15 - Writing Innovations E-zine
March 18 - Hywela Lyn's Blog
March 21 - Lori's Reading Corner
March 22 - Reviewed at Melina's Book BlogMarch 23 - Dream Big...Read Often
March 26 - Reviewed at Deal Sharing Aunt
March 28 - Black Lilac Kitty






Sunday 24 February 2013

Interview with award winning author - Sue Moorcroft



I'd like to welcome to my blog, award winning author Sue Moorcroft. Author of wonderful books such as "Love and Freedom", "All that Mullarkey" and my latest book review "Dream A Little Dream".


Welcome Sue and thanks for joining me to answer some questions about yourself and your writing.



  1. In Dream a Little Dream, I felt you handled the subject of narcolepsy really well. Did it involve a lot of research?

In a word – yes! Had I realised how complex and unusual condition it is I may have chosen something easier. But then I became so interested in the subject that that ceased to be an option.

I read as much as I could find on the subject and also a couple of novels with a character that had narcolepsy (one novel was great, one was not). But, with the exception of the great novel, I didn’t feel I was getting deeply into the subject and, of course, the novelist’s research could have been inaccurate. So I began to read forums for people with narcolepsy and gained some insight into the fact that it’s a spectrum disorder so no one person with narcolepsy need be like another.

At that point, I felt I needed a real person to help me. I went onto the Narcolepsy UK forum, outlined my project and said, ‘My hero is called Dominic, he’s in his thirties and has narcolepsy’. After a few kind replies but from people of the wrong age and/or gender, I hit the jackpot with a response: ‘I had to answer because I’m called Dominic, am in my thirties and have narcolepsy with cataplexy’. So, dozens of emails, phone calls and meetings later, I had a much better grasp of the frustrating and fantastical condition that narcolepsy is. And if you wish to read an interview with the Real Dominic about what it was like to be under my microscope, please do. It’s here.

I’m delighted if you felt I handled the subject of narcolepsy well because it became my mission to do so and it was more difficult than I thought it would be. I wanted to tell it as it is.

  1. You have some great characters in this book. Do you ever base any of the characters on people you know?

Not really. Visually, I have a mental image, which is usually a pastiche of a few people – some I know and some actors or sportsmen. I also study people and the way they act, what motivates them, where I can see their nature or where I think nurture has resulted in a certain behaviour. So I might pick a trait from someone and kind of use it but it will always become part of my character and move away from the point at which I started. In Dream a Little Dream Dominic’s very un-PC remark about Liza in the first chapter came from a real person – in fact, I had to clean it up a bit to make it palatable to my readers! So I do steal snippets. And occasionally I encounter someone who has a negative impact on me and I think, ‘Right! You’re going in a book!’ But they rarely make it there.

The exception is Downwind, the skateboarding dog in Dream a Little Dream. He’s very much based on a real dog I watched skateboarding in Brighton. The real dog so obviously enjoyed it and created so much laughter that I thought, ‘Right! You’re going in a book!’ and acted on it.

  1.  Your books are classed as chic-lit. Is this the genre of book you yourself would read, or do you have a favourite other genre?

I do read a lot of chick lit, romantic comedy, romantic suspense and historical romance. Occasional genres include historical and time slip. I used to read a lot of crime but I’ve begun to feel a distaste for books that are gory or make me sad, so I leave crime alone most of the time. I can enjoy a paranormal book if the paranormal aspect is benign, like shapeshifting or time travel. But I’m a wussy about vampires or werewolves!

  1. Other than writing, what else do you love?

Formula 1, reading, Zumba, yoga, travel, hanging out with friends and family – especially if wine and/or sunshine is/are involved. Parties and conferences.

  1.  Who is your favourite author and why?

Of all time, it’s Nevil Shute. He died before I was born so his writing’s a bit dated and the attitudes of some of his characters are shocking – although they would have been acceptable at the time. But he was a fantastic storyteller and could create relationships that grabbed me by the heart. ‘A Town Like Alice’ is my all time favourite book and every six or seven years I reread it. In fact, I reread just about everything he wrote when I think there has been a long enough elapse since reading it last time for me to enjoy it.

  1.  Tell us about any awards you have received?

*Modest cough* Love & Freedom won the Best Romantic Read Award 2011 and I am a Katie Fforde Bursary Award winner. Dream a Little Dream was nominated for the Best Romantic Read Award 2011, Darcie’s Dilemma was nominated for Best Romantic Ebook Read Award 2012, and I was nominated for Innovation in Romantic Fiction. And now Dream a Little Dream has been nominated for a RoNA (Romantic Novel Award) in the Contemporary Romantic Fiction category, which is amazing. I’m so happy about that.

  1.  If you had a premonition you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 books would you take with you.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute, Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann … and a thick, empty A4 pad with pen, so that I could write another of my own.



Thank you Sue for answering my questions. There were some really amusing and interesting answers in there. I'm always intrigued as to what authors, other authors read, and your answer took me by surprise.


Sue Moorcroft writes romantic novels of dauntless heroines and irresistible heroes.
Combining writing success with her experience as a creative writing tutor she’s written a ‘how to’ book, Love Writing – How to Make Money From Writing Romantic and Erotic Fiction. Sue also writes short stories, serials, articles and courses and is the head judge and columnist for the Writers’ Forum fiction competition.

She’ll take up the position of vice chair of the RNA in May 2013 having been a long-term member of the committee and edited its two anthologies, published by Harlequin.

Facebook sue.moorcroft.3
Twitter @suemoorcroft

Please check out my review of Dream a Little Dream to be in with a chance to win a free giveaway copy of "Dream a Little Dream" in kindle format by Sue Moorcroft. Open to blog followers worldwide.

To purchase a copy of Dream a Little Dream, click here 

For other books by Sue Moorcroft please click here


Saturday 23 February 2013

VBT and Giveaway - The Resurrection of Hannah by Kathryne Arnold




The Resurrection of Hannah
A Novel Inspired By True Events
by Kathryne Arnold


About The Author:

Kathryne J. Arnold holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a licensed mental health therapist and certified clinical hypnotherapist. Her extensive knowledge of the human experience, garnered from more than two decades in the mental health and social services fields, is reflected in The Resurrection of Hannah, her first novel.

Ms. Arnold has completed a second novel in the Samantha Clark Mystery Series, which was recently published. Her series features the same protagonist as she moves through unexpected life adventures. Ms. Arnold lives on the water in sunny Clearwater, Florida, with Zoe, her toy poodle muse.

For detailed author/book/event information, please visit Kathryne’s website at www.kathrynearnold.com.



Book Description:

Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Release Date: March 15, 2011

Samantha Clark meets with a monthly group to delve into subjects of interest. They dabble in meditation, dream work, and hypnosis — just friends having fun. But lately Sammi is feeling off-kilter and plagued with poor sleep. Searching for a natural solution, she discovers a bitter herb known to induce slumber, whips up a concoction to sweeten the herb, and imbibes. Unbeknownst to her, these areas of experimentation are whirling together to form the perfect storm, one that will blow open an entrance in Sammi’s mind that leads to another world, a door that can never again be closed.

She becomes enmeshed with two friends in a tug of war between life and death: Melissa is dealing with a complicated pregnancy and Julie is wrestling with cancer. Adding to this turmoil is Sammi’s disconnect with her career as a psychotherapist; her life doesn’t seem to fit any longer. Into the drama walks Todd, a handsome, laid-back guy who lightens up her days. Trouble is, Sammi is having a hard time getting close, and a nagging sense of doubt and fear. Like so many times in the past …

But the topper to all this is the dreams. They begin innocuously…but quickly morph into mind-blowing spiritual adventures. The crazy nocturnal activity appears to be related to a soulful character trying to make himself known. In a quest to uncover the truth, Sammi researches clues discovered during her nighttime romps. What she finds is another facet of herself…all wrapped up in post-colonial 18th-century clothes. Sammi flies off to New England, and with the aid of the Reverend Clark, her skeptical father, she embarks on an adventure, revealing a tragic, centuries-old mystery. One only Sammi can solve. 



Schedule
February 17 - 23

February 17 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
February 18 - Spotlight at Jody's Book Reviews
February 19 - Guest Blogging with Phantasmic Reads
February 20 - Interviewed by Dream Big...Read Often
February 22 - Guest Blogging at AZ Publishing Services (Topic - Hydrotherapy)February 23 - Spotlight at Bookalicious Travel Addict


a Rafflecopter giveaway

N.b. The hardcopy book is for US/Canada residents only. For the rest of the world the prize will be a free e-copy. 

Book Review & Giveaway - Dream A Little Dream - Sue Moorcroft


Title - Dream a Little Dream

Author - Sue Moorcroft

Publisher - Choc Lit

Pages - 336

ASIN - B009K6KB2W

BLURB from Amazon
What would you give to make your dreams come true?

Liza Reece has a dream. Working as a reflexologist for a troubled holistic centre isn’t enough. When the opportunity arises to take over the Centre she jumps at it. Problem is, she needs funds, and fast, as she’s not the only one interested.

Dominic Christy has dreams of his own. Diagnosed as suffering from a rare sleep disorder, disillusioned with his live-in girlfriend and discharged from the job he adored as an Air Traffic Controller, he’s single-minded in his aims. He has money, and plans for the Centre that don’t include Liza and her team. 

But dreams have a way of shifting and changing and Dominic’s growing fascination with Liza threatens to reshape his. And then it’s time to wake up to the truth ... 

Sue Moorcroft won the 2011 Best Romantic Read Award for her novel, Love & Freedom.


MY REVIEW
I was never into "Chic Lit" books, until I was introduced to this author. I have since read a few authors in this genre, but this one has to be one of my favourites, with every book of Sue Moorcroft's I've read so far hard to put down. This book was no different, in fact I think so far it's my favourite.

Liza is a character that popped up in another of Sue Moorcroft's books "All that Mullarkey" but don't let that put you off, as this is a standalone book and is a brand new story.

Liza and Dominic's chance meeting through an appointment at the Therapy Centre Liza works at, throws up some instant sexual tension, that carries on throughout the book. They are both from failed relationships, that failed for different, yet equally important reasons. Everyone, from friends and family, want them to get together, but they are both very reluctant for this to happen due to being hurt in the past.

 I loved the way the author delicately handled the subject of narcolepsy which Dominic suffers from, and it is obvious a lot of research has gone into it the subject matter. It fitted in with the story line extremely well, and added to the interest of the book.

There are some very strong characters in the book, some whom you love and some whom you love to hate. I found them very well written and would love to know if the author has based them on anyone she knows! Maybe I'll ask her for an interview :)

As I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it over two sittings, I would love to give you the opportunity to read it. I am therefore offering an e-book version of the book in an International Giveaway. If you've not read this author's books anymore then I really suggest you give them a try!


About the Author (taken from Amazon) 

Sue Moorcroft writes novels of dauntless heroines and irresistible heroes. She loves her Choc Lit novels as, as well as selling nicely, they have such looooovely covers.
Her latest, Dream a Little Dream, is out now in the Kindle store and the paperback launches on 7 November 2012. Love & Freedom, won the Best Romantic Read Award 2011.
As a bonus for readers, Sue has written a new novella, Darcie's Dilemma, which you can find in the Kindle store, along with the ebooks of her first novel, Uphill All the Way, and novellas A Place to Call Home, Between Two Worlds, Where the Heart Is and One Summer in Malta.
Sue also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and "how to" books. (Yes - she works jolly hard.) A creative writing tutor for distance learning, residential courses and adult learning, she has brought together all her skills to bring you Love Writing - How To make Money Writing Romantic Or Erotic Fiction, calling on a multitude of published writers and industry professionals to contribute their tips to the book.
A long-standing member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, Sue is the editor of Loves Me, Loves Me Not, a short-story anthology published to celebrate the association's 50th Anniversary. It was a huge project but what has come out is such a good book!
You'll see from her author page that she's contributed to other anthologies, usually for charity.
For those who like to know biographical detail, Sue was born in Germany, part of an army family, and lived in Cyprus and Malta, as well as the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all those 'proper jobs'.

Visit her website by clicking here and to read her blog click here  

 If you're on Twitter follow @suemoorcroft or Facebook sue.moorcroft.3 .


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday 21 February 2013

Dizzy C's Little Book Blog: Guest Author - Joanne Phillips with Intl giveaway

Dizzy C's Little Book Blog: Guest Author - Joanne Phillips with Intl giveaway: Today I have the honour and pleasure of introducing Joanne Phillips, author of  The Family Trap which is released this week, and  Can't Liv...

Book Review - The Critical Path by D.J.Johnson


Title - The Critical Path

Author - D.J.Johnson

Publisher - D J Johnson

Pages - 270

ASIN: B00A3DCCJ6

Blurb from Amazon
A dark, disturbing story of a man's life torn apart, and what he must do to rebuild it.

Travelling home on the Underground, Matt, a twenty-nine-year-old Londoner, is subjected to a brutal assault. As he struggles to come to terms with his ordeal, he is forced to examine the changing relationships with his partner Laura, his friends, family and Oliver, the benevolent stranger who took him to hospital. 

Chased by nightmarish memories and beset by doubts regarding identity, masculinity and how to live when long-cherished planning has failed and certainty vanished, he withdraws into paranoia, deceit and the need to ensure he is never a victim again. He questions the beliefs and politics that shaped him, their origins and whether they are still valid. 

Increasingly distant from the people around him and the compassionate individual he was, Matt realises that if he is to retain his humanity, he must forge a fresh outlook and a new way of living.

MY REVIEW

I found this book very moving. It's content was extremely thought provoking. The seriousness of the assault was well written and heartbreaking. The subject was very sensitively handled, with some obviously good research and I found it to be a very powerful story line.

Matt's character was very well written. The way the relationships between Matt & Laura, and Matt and Oliver (the good samaritan) were portrayed, only enhanced the story and made the book a thoroughly good read. This book was un-put-downable and I read it in one sitting. It is on offer at Amazon at a great price for e-books, so I recommend you grab a copy!


I would love to read more books by this author and look forward to the next book he has to offer. 


This is a story line that will stay with me for a long time.