Tuesday 30 July 2013

VBT & Giveaway - In Times of Trouble by Yolonda Sanders


In Times of Trouble
by Yolonda Sanders



About The Author:

Yolonda Tonette Sanders took a leap of faith in 2004 when she resigned from her job with the State of Ohio after only three and a half years to focus more on writing. It was a leap that she has never regretted. In 2005, her debut novel, Soul Matters, was published by Walk Worthy Press and Time Warner (now Hachette Book Group). In 2008, her second book, Secrets of a Sinner, was published by Harlequin/Kimani Press. That same year Yolonda started Yo Productions, LLC, a Christian based literary services and theatrical entertainment company, which she used to launch and create her first stage production. The theatrical version of Soul Matters debuted successfully in September 2009 at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Since then, Strebor Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, is planning to release four of Yolonda’s titles by April 2015. Currently, Yolonda resides in Columbus, Ohio and is the loving wife of David, proud mother of Tre and Tia, and joyful caregiver of her mother, Wilene.


Genre: Christian | Contemporary | Inspirational
Publisher: Simon and Schuster/Strebor Books
Release Date: April 23, 2013

Book Description:

Divorced, single mother Lisa Hampton is grateful for a fresh start after a humiliating scandal forced her to relocate from Maryland to Ohio. Her biggest issue nowadays is dealing with her rebellious teenage daughter, Chanelle, who is one smart comment away from being toothless!

Other than the stress of dealing with Chanelle, life is perfect. Lisa has a new beau and a steady job that allows her the opportunity to rub shoulders with very wealthy and influential people. She is best friends with Isaac and Olivia Scott, an extremely rich and powerful couple.

When Chanelle accuses the Scotts’ son of rape, Lisa learns how quickly her friends become enemies as Olivia and Isaac use their wealth and power to manipulate justice. The Scotts prove that they are willing to go to extreme lengths to protect their son, even if it means destroying both Lisa and Chanelle in the process.

Excerpt 

Hearing the sound of her mother's footsteps descending the hardwood stairs, Lisa leaned back on the sofa so as not to appear overly anxious.
"Chanelle still hasn’t made it home?” Her mother’s wire-framed glasses rested at the tip of her nose while a large green robe concealed her body.
  "Nope. . ."
  "Did you call Jareeka’s?”
Yes; her father said that she and her mother are away for the weekend.” She felt herself tensing with every word.
What about RJ? Have you called him?”
He hasn’t seen her either.”
Well, don’t come down too hard on her. Maybe she didn't know Jareeka was out of town and when she found out, she decided to hang with one of her other friends instead. Now she should’ve at least called and told you, but she was probably so happy to get out the house that she forgot. Poor thing; it seems like she’s always on punishment. Sometimes I think you’re too hard on that girl. I don't want to meddle—"
  "Then please don't," the thirty-eight-year-old interjected in the most respectful tone that she could conjure up with a clenched jaw.
"All right. I'll keep my opinion to myself, but I was merely going to say that you may want to consider extending Chanelle's curfew. She’s practically an adult and it’s time you start treating her like one. Maybe then you’d be less likely to run into this problem."
 An electrifying jolt shot through Lisa’s body. The way she disciplined Chanelle had become a constant point of contention between her and her mother. Thank goodness Hattie would soon be moving into her own apartment! Lisa could not wait!
That makes absolutely no sense!” she fired back. “What she is, is irresponsible. Why should I reward her for not being able to honor her curfew? And anyhow, she wouldn’t have been on punishment recently had she not been so smart at the mouth.”
I wonder where she got it from . . .” her mother replied cynically, quickly disappearing into the kitchen and returning moments later. “Good night."
  "The same to you,” Lisa replied, continuing to stew as the clock read 1:21 a.m. The only other noise she heard was the emptying of the automatic ice machine until ten minutes or so later when a car pulled into the driveway. Lisa’s heart began racing when she saw flashing blue and red lights from the window. It wasn’t her car as she had thought, but a police cruiser. A gut-wrenching fear fell over her. Had something horrible happened to Chanelle? She felt guilty about being so angry and the missed curfew was now a minor issue compared to the concern that her baby might be lying in the hospital somewhere. Lisa was horrified by the unlimited possibilities of things that could’ve happened to her daughter. The pit of her stomach knotted as she sprang from the couch and raced to the front door.





Monday 29 July 2013

Book Tour and giveaway - The Crimson Key by Wes Dodd



About The Author: 

Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.


The Crimson Key
Genre:Mystery
Publisher: Outskirt Press
Release Date: July 2012
Book Description:
 
David Paige, a young detective from Charleston, S.C., is about to embark on an investigation of a lifetime—his own. After an unexpected tragedy shatters his perfect world, he discovers that his mother had been keeping a life-long secret from him, revealing that he is not who he believed he was. With no family member to turn to, David has to rely on his detective skills and a mysterious item left to him from his mother—a crimson-colored key.
The search for the truth takes David to New York City, where he runs head on into lies, deception and murder, all in an attempt to cover up a string of dreadful crimes. Then if this is not enough to deal with, he falls for the daughter of a prominent man, both sharing an undeniable attraction—which complicates his life even further.
It isn’t until a near-death experience, and help from his mother through several frightening nightmares, that the pieces of the puzzle finally begin to come together. The Crimson Key ultimately unveils many secrets, surprising many people including David—opening his eyes and heart as well.
Excerpt:
Chapter 1 
     On a dark mid-November night in 1986, rain fell hard from the black sky above, rain bitterly cold like liquid ice. The fierce wind whipped it in sheets, punishing anything in its path. On the outskirts of Philadelphia in a suburban neighborhood, a fiery red Z28 slowly pulled to a curb in front of a small three-bedroom, single-story brick house. The driver, a distraught young woman, slowly leaned forward, resting her head on the leather-covered steering wheel. She cried uncontrollably. A few minutes passed before she finally reached up and turned off the ignition, silencing the motor and radio just as Michael Jackson’s Thriller was ending. She sat up straight once again, wiping her face in an attempt to regain her composure for the clandestine mission ahead of her. She cast a pair of glassy eyes to her right, drawn to a small basket much like a picnic basket in the dark leather seat beside her. While she gazed relentlessly at the basket, she realized once again that she had made the right decision.
     Alice Paige rose up in her bed, awakened by a pounding on her door. She peered at the clock—1:07 a.m. She carefully placed her book on the nightstand, the book she was reading when she drifted off. “Who is at my door at one in the morning?” she thought to herself as she slipped on her heavy brown robe. Reaching the front door, she pulled the curtain back carefully, just enough to peek outside. Though the front was dimly lit and the rain poured down, she instantly recognized the figure that stood on her front stoop. The long blonde hair and familiar curvatures of her slender face could be but one person. Alice slowly opened the door and invited her twin sister, Amber, inside.
     Alice and Amber were identical twins at birth, though now complete opposites in many ways. Alice had light ash brown hair that she kept very short. She never wore makeup and was considered plain-looking and ordinary in her ways. Amber, on the other hand, was gifted with rare beauty and a voluptuous figure. She did very well in beauty pageants and at age eighteen went off to New York City in pursuit of a modeling career. Alice remained hidden in her shadow.
     Amber entered slowly, carrying an odd-looking basket covered entirely with a blue blanket, wet from the rain. She tugged a large suitcase on wheels that seemed to be very heavy. She sat the basket down gingerly, as if what lay hidden within might be fragile. Amber then fell into her sister’s arms, releasing a flood of emotions. She hugged Alice tightly, clinging firmly to her as if hanging on for dear life.     
 

Giveaway: $20 Gift Card
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International Giveaway & Book Tour with Wes Dodd - Featuring Saving Faith

Saving Faith
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Publisher: CreateSpace & Book Tango
Release Date: June 1, 2013

Book Description:

Fate rides on the wings of life, steering life along its unforeseen journey, thus fulfilling one’s destiny. Fate can also bring two paths to cross, though traveling in opposite directions, lives that had once ran parallel. So it was in the lives of Trevor Logan and Faith Thomas, two paths traveling parallel, destined to be one at a young age. Then came a sinister plan, painted with pictures of deception, sending their lives reeling in opposite directions. But after over twenty years, fate caused their paths to cross once again, by way of an unusual chain of events. Their paths crossed just when Faith’s life was in danger, leaving Trevor to risk his own to save hers, thus keeping a strange promise he had made to her father—over twenty years before.

Excerpt 
From chapter 1

     It was the birth of a new year, early January1989, back when times seemed far simpler and life moved at a considerably slower pace, two main ingredients making life much sweeter. In rural Southside Virginia, an area rich in faith and family, the sinking sun was fighting off darkness with its last burst of fire, transforming the cloudy horizon into a sea of blistering red waves. A rusted old Chevy pick-up truck, spattered with different colored muds like an abstract painting, pulled into the gravel lot of Scott’s Country Store, a local hangout in the community. The building was large enough to house farming supplies in the rear, with groceries located in the front and a grill to one side. This made it a popular hangout for the old and young as well because Mr. Scott, the owner, had two eye-catching teenage girls running the grill and front register.
     Trevor Logan and his best buddy, Randy, entered the store. Trevor was calm and casual as usual, while Randy was brimming with excitement. “Hey everyone, come see the sixteen-point trophy buck that Trevor just bagged. It was one shot right through the heart from four-hundred yards.”
     The store emptied quickly, with the exception of Trevor and Faith Thomas, who was working the grill. Killing a trophy buck on the last day of deer season did not excite Trevor half as much as Faith did. They were both seniors in high school, being sweethearts for the past four years. Trevor was six foot one in height, medium build with light brown hair and baby blue eyes. Faith was five foot eight with dark hair, vibrant green eyes and a contagious smile—the daughter of the local pastor.
     Trevor walked over to the counter where Faith was working. She turned, leaned over the counter, then planted a long seductive kiss on his lips. Her working partner, Denise, walked by just as their lips were locked. Walking past, she planted her hand on Trevor’s butt cheek—squeezing it firmly.
     Faith caught Denise in the act. “Denise!”
     Denise laughed as she scampered back to the register. “The Devil made me do it.” 
     Faith turned her stare to Trevor. “Why do let her do that?” she whispered in anger.
     “She doesn’t mean any harm,” Trevor replied, still high on her kiss. “She knows that I only have eyes for you, and you are the sole owner of my heart.”
     Faith stared into his dazzling blue eyes. “But still…”
     Trevor cut her off. “But still, she is your friend…isn’t she?”
     Faith’s eyes darted back over at Denise, witnessing her gazing at Trevor’s butt. “Sometimes I wonder.”
     Trevor placed a tender hand on her cheek, pulling her eyes back to his. “You don’t mean that.”
     “Sometimes I think she pretends to be my friend, just to be near you.”
     “That’s silly,” he remarked, then tried changing the subject. “You want to come see my prize?”
     She smiled. “You know how I feel about killing one of God’s creatures. I will wait until you have it mounted…at least then it will have the appearance of being alive.”
     He accepted with a smile. “That’s fine with me. Do we still have a date tonight?”
     “The store closes at nine and I have to be home by eleven.”
     Trevor planted another kiss on her lips. “I will take whatever time I can get. Randy and I will be done dressing out the deer, leaving me just enough time to clean up.” He then pulled out his wallet to retrieve his hunting license as he approached Denise at the register. “Why do you upset Faith like that?” Trevor asked softly so Faith would not hear.
     Denise, a five-foot-three-inch blonde bombshell, looked seductively up into his eyes. “I can’t help it, she has something I want.”
     “Stop it,” he whispered as he filled out the Big Game Stamp. “You know that she is my one and only.”
     “But we would have so much fun together. You will eventually get tired of her…but never with me. I can please you in ways you never imagined.”

     Denise leaned over the counter a bit so Trevor’s wondering eyes would fall down her blouse. 

About The Author: 


Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.



Giveaway: $20 Gift Card


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Sunday 28 July 2013

International Giveaway & Book Tour by Wes Dodd - Featuring The Secret Guardian

The Secret Guardian
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: CreateSpace & BookTango
Release Date: April 2013

Book Description:

A Sacred Society exists amongst us all. Believed only as a myth—its origin thrives in secret. Once transformed, each generation of its members become the elite of our society—some for good and some for evil as well. Troy Anthony, unknowingly and somewhat unwillingly, is about to join the elite, like his father before him. It takes a close family friend to ultimately expose the Secret to Troy, revealing his true destiny, and then she becomes a valuable ally. They inadvertently share a unique bond—one of which many doubt its very existence. Troy is taken to two magical places where he learns many secrets of the world, many of which we all have been curious about. It becomes an epic battle where Troy clashes with an evil tyrant, his father’s assassin, a distant cousin sharing many of Troy’s unique abilities.

Excerpt 

Claire Anthony suddenly rose up in bed, escaping the nightmare which held her hostage. Breathing heavily as if running from fear, she threw back the deep heavy quilts and sat nervously on the edge of her bed. Still shaken, beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, gently sloping along her narrow cheekbones. Her silken auburn brown hair was drenched along the hairlines. She sighed heavily as she glanced at the clock on her night stand—2 a.m.
     This was not a rare nightmare, but rather a recurring one, brought on by a Secret she had kept for many years, an ancient secret known by only a few. She needed to reveal the Secret to her son, Troy, even sooner than she wished. The Secret would change their lives forever if Troy     decided to fulfill his destiny—like his father before him.
     She noticed a mysterious shadow lingering on her rug from the bright moon shining through her window. Driven by curiosity, she walked to the window to take a peek, as if searching for someone or something in particular. The brilliance from the moon illuminated the entire farmyard, almost like day. After a thorough examination and seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she quietly returned to bed. She once again buried herself within heavy handmade quilts passed down to her from her grandmother, most of which Claire as a child watched her make. 
     Claire and her son, Troy, lived on her grandparents’ farm in Virginia where she was raised. She lost both of her parents in an auto accident when she was barely eight years of age. When her grandparents both passed, she inherited the farm. She and Troy moved back there after the loss of her husband, Bruce, in the North Tower during the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Much like herself, Troy had to deal with death at a very early age. After the tragedy and some healing time, she thought it best to get her son out of the city, which prompted her move back to the farm. The farm was nestled in a small valley amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains near the sleepy little town of Sweet Springs. Claire recollected the good times she had growing up there. The clean fresh country air and the friendly people made it a perfect place for raising her son and teaching him strong values. The beautiful scenery and a laid-back lifestyle made it perfect for her as well.
     Claire was a slender woman of forty years, about five-and-a-half feet in height. Her vivid green eyes and captivating smile made everyone take notice when she entered a room. Even with hints of gray blending in with her auburn brown hair, she appeared to be at least ten years younger than her age. Many men had come calling on her, but she had turned them all away—graciously.
     The next morning dawned cool and crisp with a bite in the air that rendered noses and cheeks rosy red, much like good old Saint Nick’s. The heavy frost had the appearance of a coating of freshly fallen snow. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the trees sparkled and glimmered as if infused with magic. The hillsides were speckled orange with pumpkin patches. The valley was consumed with the fragrance of seasoned oak and hickory burning in fireplaces. In the home of Claire and Troy, the aroma of freshly cooked bacon filled every room—making your tongue tingle, mouth water and stomach cry.  
     This aroma awakened Troy every morning at 6:30 sharp. He would always leap out of bed, bounce down the stairs, and be at the table anxiously waiting before his mother could finish   preparing breakfast. This morning was oddly different. Claire had finished cooking and Troy was not yet at the table. She glanced at her grandmother’s antique clock on the old mantle—6:45. She was astonished, for she had never had to call him for breakfast before. She made her way to the hallway, then called up the stairs, “Troy, are you up yet?”



About The Author:


Wes Dodd was born in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1958, currently residing in Southside Virginia. He has two daughters and three grandchildren. Within the last couple years he has discovered a passion for creating and breathing life into great stories. He has published three novels: The Crimson Key, a mystery, The Secret Guardian, fantasy and Saving Faith, a romantic thriller.


Giveaway: $20 Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Tour & Giveaway - Aqua Blue by Marian L Thomas - Author of The Naya Mona Series



Title - Aqua Blue
Author - Marian L Thomas
Available from

Book Blurb:-

Jackson County, Tennessee, is the home of dirt roads, overalls, sweet water and best friends, Aqua Blue & Haley.

Aqua Blue has lived a life of non-existence, for 18 years. Raising herself in a home where everyone had their own bedroom, including her parents. However, that's not the only thing that separates her household. Her father’s eyes boast a beautiful green and her mother was born with hazel.
Yet, Aqua Blue was brought into the world with neither.

Haley wishes her parents would forget her. Her mother wants to control her, her father constantly beats on her and Haley, however, just wants to dance on Broadway. Will her dreams cost her more than she ever expected.
Jonathan Jacob Benjamin is running from a memory of a mother he loved. His journey will thrust him into a world filled with secrets so shocking, he will have to determine if he will forgive or walk away.

As they each step foot into the intoxicating city of New York, their dreams are standing before them with open arms. Yet, in order to embrace the possibilities, they must first learn to live, love and breathe.
 
About the Author





Author Marian L. Thomas, is no stranger to the world of fiction. With three dramatic and engaging books to her credit: Color Me Jazzmyne; My Father's Colors and Strings of Color, this award-winning author continues to weave colorful stories of emotion and realism, that crosses all boundaries and finds a home in the heart of today's female reader. This has become her trademark.
 Author's Website: www.marianlthomas.com
 


Tour schedule

July 16, 2013 - Ruth Hill- Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
http://mydevotionalthoughts.net

July 17, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Paulette-Harper Johnson

http://pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com


July 18, 2013 - Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Norlita Brown
http://www.brownessence.com/blog.html

July 19, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Teresa Beasley

http://www.arbookcorner.com/


July 19, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Charlene Mae Duflin

http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com/


July 24, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Kate
http://memybooksandi.wordpress.com/

July 25, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Crystal Gibson
http://colormecrystal.com


July 28, 2013 -Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Lisa Hardy
http://bookalicious-traveladdict.blogspot.co.uk


August 1, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Lynelle Clark

http://lynelleclarkaspiredwriter.blogspot.com/


August 12, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Via E-Card
Greg Schroeder

http://blogtheeclectic.blogspot.com/


August 15, 2013-Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
Brianne Nemec

http://abookandalattee.blogspot.com


September 16, 2013 -Blog Tour
Enter to Win $25 Visa E-Card
SB MUMS
http://www.supportivebusinessmums.co.uk/book-reviews/
 
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Friday 26 July 2013

Book tour - The Color Keepers by Catriona Crehan

Book Info-

Title: The Color Keepers
Author: Catriona Crehan
Publication Date-May 1st

Blurb-

Hoping to have a good change and good ending to go with it, Emily, a 16- year-old girl from Ohio, has moved to sunny California.
Moving to a new town can be scary, especially a new school. So when Sam, the most popular kid there, looks her way, she can’t believe this is happening to her.
Everything seems to be working out fine. That is, until her mother buys an enchanted mirror by mistake.
Suddenly, Emily finds herself in a whole new world, full of talking animals, magic and more change than she was hoping for.
With the help of her new crush, Sam, and her annoyingly goofy 12-year-old brother James, Emily sets out to save their world and ours.


Amazon Kindle US - Click here
Amazon Kindle UK - Click here
Goodreads- Click here

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