BOOK BLITZ - The Making of Nebraska Brown - Louise Caiola

 

New Release

 
Book Info ~
Title:
The Making of Nebraska Brown
Author: Louise Caiola 
 
Genre: New Adult Mystery,
Literary Fiction, Contemporary 
 
Audience:  YA to Adult 
 
Formats: eBook and Paperback 
 
Publisher: Immortal Ink Publishing 
 
Cover By: Rebecca Hamilton
Editor: Rebecca Hamilton & Rudy Kraul 
 
Pages: 318 
 
ISBN-10: 1938750772
ISBN-13: 9781938750779
 
Date Published: Feb. 6, 2014 



Blurb ~ 
 
The last thing eighteen-year-old Ann Leigh remembers is running from her boyfriend in a thick Nebraska cornfield. This morning she’s staring down a cool Italian sunrise, an entire continent from the life she once knew. The events of the eighteen months in between have inexplicably gone missing from her memory.
All at once she’s living with Tommy, an attractive, young foreigner asking for her continued love. Though he’s vaguely familiar, she recalls a boy named Shane in America who she reluctantly agreed to marry. Juggling a new world while her old one is still M.I.A is difficult enough without the terrifying movie scenes spinning a dizzy loop in her mind: glimpses of a devastating house fire, a romance gone wrong, an unplanned pregnancy, and a fractured family – each claiming to be part of who she once was – a girl and a past somehow discarded.
Ann Leigh must collect the pieces of herself to become whole again, but she doesn’t know who to trust especially when Tommy’s lies become too obvious to ignore. And above all, her heart aches to discover what became of the child she may or may not have given birth to.
The Making of Nebraska Brown tells the story of one girl’s coming apart from the inside and the great lengths she’ll go to reclaim herself and find her way home.

Book Links ~

Barnes and Noble / Kobo /Amazon

 

Excerpt ~ 

“Where am I, exactly? I mean . . . what is this place?”

He smiled. “The Palace of Portici.”

“A palace?” I squinted, then flipped the hair off of my face. I was Ann Leigh, wasn’t I? Ann Leigh, strawberry blonde, five-foot-four, dreadfully allergic to cats. I grabbed the ends of my hair again and looked down at it. It wasn’t yellow-red at all but more like brown butter pecan. My head hummed. Martino was still grinning, as if he was more amused by me now that he was sure I wasn’t dead.

He spoke again. “Orto Botanico.” “Botanical garden?”

“Si, yes. Ana, ora andiamo? La Pasticceria Tartoni?”

“Yes. We’ll go to the pastry shop now.” And I went with him. Even though, for all I knew, he could have been one of those freaks who got his jollies from attacking innocent young girls. But then, for all I knew, I wasn’t an innocent young girl.

The sky in Campania, Italy, looked familiar; the clouds were funny cotton ball shapes that could be giant sheep— pecore? If I were Ann Leigh from Nebraska, then how did I know those clouds, those words?

 

About The Author ~

As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, Louise realized that one day, she might have a story of her own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising her children she eventually reconnected with her passion for creative writing. She soon began to craft a large collection of short stories which were published in the inspirational online magazine, Faithhopeandfiction.com. Shortly thereafter, she authored her first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011.
Louise devotes a portion of each day to honing her skills. She has several other novels currently in various stages of development. A confirmed bibliophile, Louise enjoys reading outdoors on a warm spring day and watching her pup chase leaves on a breeze. She looks forward to meeting others who share her love of the written word and invites you to visit her blog, her website and follow her on Twitter and Facebook

Media Links ~

Website / Blog / Twitter / Twitter 2 / Facebook / Goodreads

BOOK TOUR - Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1) by Mia Hoddell ~ YA/Romance/Paranormal fantasy

Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)
by Mia Hoddell
Release Date: February 2013

Genre: YA/Romance/Paranormal/Fantasy
ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA
ISBN: 978-1-291-41025-9

Blurb:
The world is dangerous – but love will kill you.

Little did Serena Jackson know that one simple, flirty remark to an anonymous guy online would lead to her world being changed forever.

She doesn’t know him, but inexplicably, is drawn. She knows it is wrong but she agrees to meet.

His real name is Kai. He is beautiful. And immediately Serena feels herself blindly falling for him even though she senses a lie. She knows he is hiding something and it terrifies her.

What she doesn’t realise is that her entire life has been built on secrets and lies. The people she loved left her in the dark for a reason.

She trusted them. She trusts Kai. But as he pulls her straight into the heart of the danger the lies and deadly secrets are revealed. They overwhelm her, and the person she once was no longer exists as she is thrown into a ruthless world of elemental forces. The price of truth is her life—and now the world wants her dead.

Available from:

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Lulu
and only 99c / 77p on Kindle for September!

Praise:

“I couldn't put it down. So I finished it last night and all I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different.” Brianna (Book Blogger)

“I loved how the author took a different approach to writing a love story in modern times with the paranormal element present. I thought it was absolutely wonderful and refreshing. Marvelous!” Kathy H (Amazon Reviewer)

“I will admit I scoffed at the way it started but in the end I had fallen in love with this story…completely untraditional it was a very original idea, not to mention modern. This story had such a good plot and the story structure was sound.” Kacii – The Kooky Bookworm (Book Blogger)

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and loves anything paranormal. Mia always had a love of writing but never reading. She was more interested in sports and hated sitting still - despite getting three poems published before the age of sixteen. Finally though, she found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of reading which is now one of her favourite hobbies.

Mia began with poems before moving on to short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series 'The Wanderer Trilogy' and from there other ideas have emerged. With a total of nine books planned at this moment, she is busy working on her second series 'Elemental Killers' before moving onto the next idea on her ever growing list.

Author Links

   

***Excerpt***

Happy with the amount of photos I had collected I started to head back out of the forest, still flicking through my shots. As well as close ups, I had taken a few landscapes and as I was almost at the edge of the forest I noticed something in one of the photographs that made me stop.

In the left hand corner was a figure that looked mostly human, but was blurred as if they were moving on the spot.

A cold shudder shot through me.

Looking over my shoulder I became slightly panicked and felt as if someone was following me.

My eyes flicked and searched the shadows. Even though there was no sign that anything had ever been behind me, the forest looked different now - dark and threatening.

Instinctively I broke away and ran, still clutching the camera that was displaying the freaky image. Surrounded by trees I didn’t stop until I was free of the forest and back in the open light and sight of my house.

Throwing open my door, I slumped against the inside of it, regaining my breath from the short sprint. Once I had recovered I looked down at the photo once more, just to make sure that I hadn’t been seeing things. The old saying “the camera never lies,” came into my mind and for the first time I wished it not to be true. Sure enough though, as I looked down at the screen, the figure was still there and this time I noticed a red and orange glow around where its feet should have been. The image almost looked like the person was on fire but I thought I would have surely noticed if there had been a burning man in front of me.

***GIVEAWAY***

Mia Hoddell is giving away an Amazon gift card this month only there is a slight twist: the more entries she receives the more money she will put on the gift card to giveaway! For example:

No matter what = $5

100 entries = $10

150 entries = $15

200 entries = $20

and so forth...

So if she gets 1000 entries she will give away $100, there’s no limit!

To enter all you have to do is buy or have bought Deadly to Love. It's only $0.99 or £0.79 on Amazon for the duration of the giveaway! This will also unlock extra entries for you so you can earn more points by sharing the giveaway. Remember the more entries she gets the bigger the prize for you so share!

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Book Tour & Giveaway - Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1) - Mia Hoddell - Young Adult

Title: Deadly to Love (Elemental Killers #1)

Author: Mia Hoddell

ASIN: B00BDQ3QGA

ISBN: 9781291319170

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Romance

Description

There is a love that is so dangerous, so powerful, so intoxicating that it embraces your heart and smothers your mind until it leaves you defenceless.

Serena knew that but still, it didn't stop her. His name was Kai. He was the most beautiful, irresistible man she had ever encountered. Their attraction was too compelling to fight and she knew she would go to the end of the world beside him. That is love.

However behind the allure was hidden a deadly secret – a secret that threatened her fragile life... But secrets best left unsaid never remain hidden forever. When Kai reveals his true identity, she is exposed to a frightening world she had no idea existed. Controlled by powerful Elemental forces her life is placed in mortal danger.

Unbeknown to them, their lives have been entwined from the beginning and it leads her to discover an even greater secret about who she really is. As the pieces begin to unravel and death becomes a reality, Serena is forced to decide what is more important...her love or life.

Buy Links: 

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Paperback (Lulu) and will be available on Amazon soon

What People are Saying:

“I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn't put it down. The story line was original, intriguing and made you feel like you were part of the action. As well as this there were many twists and turns that kept me hooked and the book was really well written with a solid plot. The book didn't reveal everything straight away which was great as it left in suspense right up until the end.” ~Lucy M 5/5 

“ I found that it's surprisingly original concept was quite common in real life but not so much in books. I found it a delightful read that I will look forward to reading in the future. And the new cover! Marvelous.” ~ Kathy H 5/5 

“All I can say is WOW! This book was amazing and different. I love the twist and detail she used I was instantly pulled in and felt like I was there with the characters.” ~Brianna 5/5

About the Author

Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading and her preferred genre is Young Adult, Paranormal Romance. Before 2009, Mia wouldn't even pick up a book and was more interested in sports. However she finally found some novels that captured her interest and developed a love of both reading and writing. Mia began with poems and after getting two published in separate anthologies she moved onto short stories. Although she enjoyed this, Mia found she had too much to tell with too little space, so later on she created her first series The Wanderer Trilogy and from there other ideas have emerged which she hopes to turn into novels as well. Elemental Killers is her second series and book two will be out soon.

Author Links

Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, Goodreads

Giveaway!

• 1 ebook copy of Deadly to Love - Gifted through Amazon Giftcard (INT)
• Deadly to Love Swag (UK ONLY) - minimum of 2 winners

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Book Bash & Giveaway - The Life and Times of the Heir and the Keeper by Etta King

3 Day Book Bash

The Life and Times of the Heir and the Keeper

by Etta King

About The Author:

Etta King is the author of the Caspian University novels, a series chronicling the life and times of a group of wealthy teens who inevitably discover the various flavors of college drama. Etta writes from her personal experiences as a college co-ed and as the product of an all-girls prep school. Here she witnessed the very eccentricities and foibles which she depicts in her novels.

In a home filled with books, it was no surprise that Etta grew to be an avid reader, and that translated into writing when she was thirteen. She wrote simply for the fun of it, whatever would come to mind, from fantasy to thriller to romance, and shared her stories with her friends.

In 2010, at twenty-one and just as she was about to graduate from college, Etta began writing "The Life and Times of Elizabeth and the Duchess." This was a story which had first taken shape in 2008, after her freshman year, but had been put on hold. With graduation looming, Etta recalled the characters, and the events which had inspired them, and took pen to paper. Literally, as Etta enjoys writing out her stories before typing them out. Soon the first book had been completed and the series was born.

"The Life and Times of the Heir and the Keeper," comes as the sequel to "Elizabeth and the Duchess," and serves as the second semester of these teens' college saga. Etta is currently working on the third book, in what will be an eight-part series.

Etta King lives with her family in Westchester, New York.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: 11/28/12

Amazon | Amazon Kindle | BarnesandNoble 

Amazon UK

They say college is a lot of things; a haven, a four-year party, the place you met the girl – or guy – of your dreams. What they don’t tell you is, the best part of college is the drama YOU bring to the table! After all, that dirty little secret, that not-so-little white lie, and those texts you wish you could erase from cyberspace can’t stay hidden forever. At CU, someone’s always watching, and you better hope there isn’t a camera phone on hand when you get caught.

It’s the Spring Semester, but it’s not all fun in the budding sun for Jon and Franz. Follow them as they delve through the politics of secret societies, the inevitable drama of the F-word (that’s FAMILY, for the uninitiated), creepy Resident Advisors, creepier residents and girls who don’t always say what they mean. Who wouldn’t need two months to recuperate?

Cheers! And GL!

Excerpt:

Jonathan

I woke up to the sound of my phone vibrating on the floor. I scooted out of bed, trying not to wake Elizabeth as I went to pick it up. I missed it and I saw four missed calls. All from Chadwick. Crap, it was six thirty-seven. I called him back and made my way to my bathroom, while it rang.

“Hey,” I said when he picked up. “Sorry, about that; you were on the phone when we went upstairs.”

“Yeah, that’s okay, I’m home. Look, Jon, I’m going to say this just this once and then I won’t say it again.” I got an ominous feeling and leaned against the sink, ignoring the cold marble.

“Okay…”

“Judith,” he began and I bit down on my groan. If ever I was tired of hearing one person’s name in a day.

“I don’t care what it is you did, I really don’t.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Whatever. Just don’t do anything else.”

“What?” I couldn’t help the irritation creeping into my voice.

“Nothing else, okay? Just don’t lead her on, don’t mess with her.”

“What the hell do you think I did?”

“Honestly? I think you hooked up with her and never called her back. Or maybe you did and she didn’t understand how you worked.” How I worked??

“Jesus, Chad, seriously?”

“Look, I’m not judging you.”

“Are you drunk?”

“I’m not judging you, I just want you to leave her alone, okay?”

I was silent; what the absolute fuck had Judith said to Chad? What was her problem anyway? Three weeks was all it had been, for God’s sake.

“I didn’t do anything to her, Chad.”

“So why is she calling me and crying?”

I massaged my temple and shook my head.

“Because she’s Judith, Chad. Because I haven’t told her about Elizabeth and I, and I don’t feel like calling her and skipping that conversation, so I’d rather just not. Because yes, she called me, called my house, sent me messages, but all I want is for her to calm down and stop acting like I’m Judas. Because yeah, we’re friends and she feels that means she has exclusive rights to my number. Because…” My God, I could go on and on.

“Not because you hooked up with her?”

“She told you that?”

“You’re not saying you didn’t.”

“This is not about hooking up. I don’t understand why she’s so anxious to talk to me, but that’s pretty much it. I’m just not ready.”

“You’re an ass, Jon. You’re my friend, but you’re an ass.”

Giveaway: $30 Amazon Gift Card & 1 Signed Paperback (paperback US/CAN only)

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Follow The Tour

January 28 -
Featured at VBT Cafe' Blog
Featured at BK Walker Books Etc.Featured at Free eBook Daily & Other DealsInterviewed at The Avid Reader

January 29 -
Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading CornerFeatured at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
Featured at Bookalicious Travel Addict
Featured at Mass Musings
Featured at VBTC Authors On TourJanuary 30 - 
Guest Blogging at Wise Words
Interviewed at She Really Said It (Interview received and confirmed)
Book Feature & Excerpt at Writers With Books
Featured at BK Walker Books
Fun Facts and Favorite Recipe at Writing Innovations E-zine

VBT - SNOW - by Kathryn Hewitt - 3 day special!

Snow

by Kathryn Hewitt

GRAB YOUR COPY WHILST ITS ON OFFER!!!!

Book Genre Religious Fiction/ YA (13+ or 7th grade)

Publisher Westbow Press, Inc A Thomas Nelson Division

Release Date May 2012

Amazon / Amazon UK 77p

Snow is a fiction novel, based on true events, about the struggles of a teenage girl and the consequences of a devastating mistake. Whether readers are young adults, exploring their sexuality for the first time, or an older adult, struggling to understand their teenage daughter, everyone will have a character in which to relate.

Young adults will be gripped by the reality and bluntness of it's characters. Parents will appreciate the censorship of otherwise “uncomfortable” topics. With sexuality among young adults beginning at an early age, "family values" are now being pushed back into the forefront of parental teaching. Snow influences people with Christian values, such as sexual abstinence, pro-life advocacy, and prayer, without pushing God as the subject of the book. Biblically based information is strategically scattered throughout the novel with dialect and personal thoughts.

The protagonist's quest to discover the path she needs to take unearths findings of a secret life, lead by her boyfriend. With two lives at stake, readers will eagerly anticipate the outcome only to find themselves with lessons and warnings about the consequences of making detrimental mistakes. Comfort will be found in understanding that God is bigger than any situation and He catches ever tear. Miracles so often go unnoticed, yet powerfully affect those they touch. Snow will set the stage for future novels reflective of countless miracles and divine intervention.

Excerpt 

 For a moment she thought about what it would be like to have sex with Luke. This was such a perfect setting. Nothing could be more romantic than just the two of them alone on the beach under the moon. She closed her eyes and pushed aside the guilt in her heart for betraying her commitment to stay pure until marriage.

 Her thoughts were interrupted with his lips pressing the top of her head. He caressed her back and arms as he kissed her forehead.

“You do love me, don’t you? I love you so much; I don’t know what I’d do if you ever left me. I don’t know how I could survive without you. Please just love me, Ruth. That’s all I ask.”

“I do love you,” she said as she lifted her face to his.

He pulled her down on the blanket he spread in the sand and held her like she’d never been held before. She burned inside. She burned with desire for him and burned with guilt for what she was willing to give him.

She’d never felt this way before, and it frightened her. Before she had a chance to stop him, they heard Robins shouting from the other side of the sand dunes.

Luke’s mother was on the phone and furious with him and the girls for being out so late. She demanded that Amy and Ruth return to their room immediately.

Ruth felt humiliated as she entered the condo, but fortunately for Amy and her, the Davis’s were in their room. The girls tip-toed their way to their bedroom. After Amy entered, Ruth paused at the door, directly across from the Davis’s room, listening to the heated argument taking place behind the closed door.

“All I’m saying is that we don’t need another incident. I mean, my God! He’s changed schools once this year already. We don’t need him changing again. He needs to at least graduate.”

“Marie, calm down. We took care of that situation. He can handle himself here. He’s a teenager. Let him live a little. He’s going to have girlfriends, you know. No matter what has happened in the past.”

“That’s real easy for you to say. You didn’t have to see that little blonde beast last week. You didn’t have to make those phone calls or control yourself when what you really wanted to do is slap those little curls right off her head.”

“It’s been taken care of Marie. I don’t know how many times I need to tell you that. He’s not going to be around her again.”

Ruth heard a glass being slammed on the dresser.

“Go to bed, you’ve drank enough tonight.”

“No. I think I need another after tonight’s escapade on the beach with his newest prize.”

Ruth stepped into the bedroom and closed the door just as Mrs. Davis made her exit. Her heart pounded inside her chest. She leaned her head against the door and tried to catch her breath.

His newest prize? She thought. She can’t possibly be talking about me! What in the world could that mean?

She stood there, her feet cemented to the floor. Ruth wanted to ask Mrs. Davis what she meant, but she was clearly drunk. Ruth took a deep breath and decided that must be the reason behind Mrs. Davis’s behavior. She was talking in circles because she had drunk too much that night.

Still unsatisfied with the explanation she invented, Ruth climbed into bed with Amy, said goodnight, and attempted to sleep. She had a restless night with visions of waves washing her away from shore and drowning her in a sea of darkness.

Author Bio

Kathryn Hewitt was born and raised in the small town of Camden, South Carolina. Breaking away from becoming a statistic, she was an Honors Graduate from Camden High School and went on to study British Literature and Sociology at Charleston Southern University, inspiring to teach High School English.

Kathryn has a passion for teaching teenagers and reaching out to those who seem as though the world has closed the door. Because of her own experiences, including becoming a teenage mother at fifteen, Kathryn knows the value of life and the blessings it contains. Understanding the importance of making wise decisions, Kathryn passionately seeks to instill that wisdom into the minds of every young lady she encounters. The inspiration for Kathryn's writings comes from her own experiences, and she is never afraid to speak the truth that others refuse to acknowledge.

Kathryn married in 2005 and is a stay at home mom with her four sons. She and her family currently live in the same town she grew up.

Author Bio Summary

As a teenage mother, Kathryn Hewitt understands the consequential trials and sacrifices resulting from teen pregnancies. Leadership positions throughout high school, college, and church provided a forum for her activism in promoting premarital abstinence and accountability, and pro-life support. 

Kathryn currently lives in Camden, South Carolina with her husband and four boys.

Website | Facebook|Twitter

Follow Kathryn's Book Tour at the following blogs

December 23 - 
Feature Mom With A Kindle
Guest Blogging at A Book Lover's LibraryReviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
 Promo & Excerpt at Turning The Pages Review & Guest Blogging at Debbie Jeans Guest Blogging at Waiting On Sunday To Drown

December 24 -
Feature Bookalicious Travel AddictInterviewed at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
Feature at Read It All Book Reviews


December 25 - 
Feature Books à la Mode
Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
Feature at The Avid Reader

Book Review -- In Memory of Dad - Maranda Russell



 Title - In Memory of Dad

Author - Maranda Russell

Format - E-Book

Available at www.smashwords.com


This is a short story written through the eyes of a child, and suited to any child I would say from about 7 and upwards.

It is based on the "story" of Kaley, who absolutely loves Basketball, and always supported by her father. Then tragedy strikes and life will never be the same again. Kaley turns her back on basketball.

It is a heartwarming short story for a child going through the same thing that Kaley has, and helps to show them that life doesn't have to end and that they are not alone.

For any child that has been through such a loss, I would recommend this short story for them. The author having been through something similar to herself, includes a passage at the end, where she talks about grief and how to come to terms with it, speaking from experience.

This book was given to me by the author to read and review. No payment was accepted and the review is entirely of my own opinion.
My rating 5/5 - short story