Monday, April 30, 2018

Madison's Christmas by Carol Ann Kauffman


Christmas is Madison’s favorite holiday, but this year is different. She has to face it alone, without her father and her best friend/boyfriend Bob, amid the problems of running her own high-stakes business and dealing with family issues.

Can the spirit of Christmas lift a heavy heart?


This is the first book in the Madison Rank trio of Christmas books. Christmas at Star Lake is the second, and is not your average Christmas story. It's more of a murder mystery set at Christmastime.

The third and final Madison Rand story is due out in November. And there's a wedding in somebody's future. Tentative title is Silver Maple Christmas Wedding. All three are Books To Go Now books, and available on Amazon.com (or will be!)

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Schedule for April 30 - May 4, 2018


Schedule
Mon., April 30 - Madison's  Christmas
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Tues., May 1 - The Beautiful Art of
Texas Artist Rene Wiley
Wed., May 2 - Lavender Mist of May
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Thurs.,  May 3 - BOOK REVIEW: 
Watching Amy by Dale Britton
Fri., May 4 -  American Glassmaster
Dale Chihuly

Friday, April 27, 2018

FREE Today! Bentley Square by Carol Ann Kauffman



Strangers meet on the train. She, a beautiful, wealthy businesswoman. He, a down on his luck office manager. They have nothing in common. And yet, they are drawn to each other with an undeniable hypnotic magnetism. This is the story of Rebecca Robbins, daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country and Mark Ramsay, a man shrouded in dark mystery and hiding in the shadows from death squads amid international intrigue.

FREE Today at http://tinyurl.com/laudaku


Thursday, April 26, 2018

Book Review: How to Breed Sheep, Geese and English Eccentrics by Valerie Poore




When Maisie Peterson leaves university in 1977 without a job to go to, she decides to help her mother save her large and impractical country property in the wilds of rural Dorset by trying her hand at self-sufficiency. Ma is just a tad eccentric, though, and Maisie has no clue about farming. Her efforts are thwarted at quite a few turns by a flock of willful sheep, a dotty aunt, a charming but ineffective boyfriend and a swarthy, but highly desirably agricultural auctioneer. Emily, the ewe, runs rings round her while Ma drifts in and out of the scene in an ancient wedding dress, causing havoc in Maisie's attempts to sort out her personal as well as her agricultural problems.




Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Interview with YA Author S. T. Sanchez



S. T. Sanchez
Dallas, Texas


Good morning, Sarah, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the place for Art and Authors.What have you written?
Sunwalker is my debut novel.  It is the first in a YA vampire trilogy.  

Lilly is a sunwalker—a vampire born from human parents, able to walk in the daylight. She lives life as human, hiding her true identity from all those around her. One evening, she comes to the rescue of her best friend, Lex, as a vampire is about to make a meal out of her. Lilly is drawn to him, despite her desire to loathe him for almost murdering Lex, as he is the first of her kind she has ever met. As the vampire, Tread, begins to open Lilly's eyes to a world she has never known, Lilly must decide where she belongs. After she is betrayed by the person she loves most, Lilly is forced to submerge herself entirely in the vampire world, only to discover that Tread has a secret so shocking it could destroy them all.

The Portal Keeper, the first book in the keeper chronicles, is set to come out in December.  

A mysterious portal, which opens at dawn and closes again at dusk, is located deep in the woods and kept secret from the vast majority of the people who inhabit the kingdom of Rastella. Only a few are aware of its existence and fewer understand the confusing prophecy that accompanies it.
Now, Ajax Maxwell, who is approaching his 14th birthday and has been in training for the past 2 years, is preparing to fulfill his family’s legacy by becoming the next keeper.
But Ajax is afraid. He’s worried that he won’t live up to the expectations placed upon him and will let down his family, like his brother Axel did when he took over from their father and then promptly disappeared.
When the prince of Rastella comes to visit for the first time, accompanied by Ajax’s childhood friend Nivara, it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong. In an accident, the prince falls into the portal and Ajax knows that it’s up to him to go and get him back.
With the knowledge that nobody who has entered it has ever returned, Ajax and Nivara go through the portal to try to save the prince. But what Ajax finds inside, and what he discovers about the prophecy, will test him to his limits.



Nightwalker, book 2 of the Sunwalker trilogy is set to come out in spring of 2018.

What is your favorite genre to write?
I love to write Fantasy.  Anything is possible, your imagination is your only limitation.

Favorite food.
I love trying new foods.  I love Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Tai.  But probably my most favorite meal is Thanksgiving.  I love turkey and all the trimmings, and I will sometimes make it up three times a year.

Tea or coffee?
I am not a tea or coffee drinker.  But I love hot chocolate.

Pizza or ice cream?
Both!  I love all pizza. I love all kinds of ice cream as long as it doesn’t have nuts. 

Wine or beer?
I don’t drink alcohol.

Where would you like to visit?
I’d love to visit Italy and Spain. 

Favorite musical artist.  
I love U2 and Bon Jovi.  

Do you listen to music when you write?  What?
Music is definitely a must when writing.  Lately it’s been Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran.

What makes you laugh?
Teresa Brown.  She is one of my crazy friends.  We laugh a lot.  My kids said that we think we are funny.  I guess they don’t think so.

Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I’m not big into art.  But I have a talented Aunt who paints, Val Paul, and I love her paintings of Italy. You can check her work out at 


How old were you when you started writing?
I really didn’t start writing until college, unless I had a specific assignment. My first book Grounded is locked away never to be seen.  I have grown a lot in my writing since then.

Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I jump right in if I have an idea.  If I can knock out a couple of chapters and I feel like the story is going somewhere, then I make an outline and start making notes.  It may be a little backwards but it’s what works for me.

Describe your perfect evening.
I have pretty simple tastes.  A night at home, with a good movie, takeout, and something chocolate for desert with my husband and kids, is about as perfect as it gets.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I just have a lot of ideas.  Sometimes tv shows, books or movies, leave me wondering about unanswered questions and that sparks an idea.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I take a break, do something I enjoy and then come back to it and try again.

Who is your favorite author?
I really like Brandon Mull.  He is a great fantasy author. I read him out loud to my kids.  We have loved all his series.

Best book you ever read.
Too many choices.  I did really like the Count of Monte Cristo. 

Last book you read.
Besides final edits for the portal keeper...I haven’t finished yet but I am in the middle of Dracula.

What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would just enjoy being a mother.  I love my kids and it is such a gift to get to be their mom.  They are growing up too fast, so I would focus more on that.  They love getting to hear my stories first, so they are a big inspiration for me to keep writing.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
Probably my mom.  There is no one who believes in me more. 

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
Probably Jean Valjean.  He is the main character in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.  His journey is just fascinating.  He is the kind of character that you wish you would encounter more in real life. 

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Just keep trying, work hard, don’t get discouraged, and don’t be afraid to rewrite.

Do you have some links for us to follow you?

Monday, April 23, 2018

MacKalvey House by Carol Ann Kauffman


MacKalvey House

by Carol Ann Kauffman

Young American Michelle Rosemont visits England after college graduation and decides to stay. She takes a job as photographer for a Historical Magazine and falls in love with the extremely unpopular Kenneth MacKalvey, an older British author with a shady past. Old families scars resurface and play havoc with Michelle and Kenneth's relationship, as she struggles to come to terms with her father's abandonment and unforeseen family issues.

Dear Gentle Readers,
If you read Echo of Heartbreak, A Recipe for Life, then I think you will enjoy this one, too. It is not a sequel. In. fact, Echo of Heartbreak was a prequel.
In preparing to write this book, I needed a clear picture in my mind of Michelle's mother, Melina Rosemont, because she is paramount to the formation of Michelle's persona. Her fears, strengths, and personality are strongly tied to her mother.
In the end, I had so much information on Melina, I thought she deserved her own little book, with recipes, tips on housekeeping and wardrobe planning, and insights on life. So, Echo of Heartbreak, A Recipe for Life came into being.

Amazon Buy Link:
Echo of Heartbreak  http://tinyurl.com/n2eblyu 



What others say about MacKalvey House:
Amazon Buy Link:
MacKalvey House http://tinyurl.com/jykdlxr


VR


Kenneth MacKalvey is a wealthy man. He inherited the family business, he has written many books, he is an artist and owns a art gallery. But most of all, he is known for his rude, bad mouth, nasty self. His reputation on a scale of 1-10, is a 0.
Michelle Rosemount has only been in England for a short time. With a degree in Early Childhood Education, she left the states to start a new life. Working as a photographer for a historical magazine, she loves taking pictures of the manors, castles and ruins.
Michelle has read every book Mr. MacKalvey has written. She feels like she knows him , really knows him. She wants to be with him in every way possible. She deep down loves him. Kenneth heard her voice for the first time and knew that they belonged together and always have and always will. He is drawn to her.
Carol Ann Kauffman puts together the perfect English gentleman meets the beautiful American, but what she doesn't do is make it sappy. She shows how a true drawl to a connection can be, that opposites do attract. Come on you two, get it together!
The love story of Kenneth and Michelle isn't much different then most, on again, off again. But theirs has an evil red head to come between them and make matters way worse then expected. This red head relishes in all of it. All she wants is his name, money, house and children. Will she get any of it?
At one point when Michelle is swearing Kenneth off and needs a break from life, she heads to Italy with her best friend and aunt. She is enjoying the beautiful land around her, until there is a man set up for her. She gets very drunk, insults everybody and runs to the olive trees. This man follows and well. lets say they see the olive trees in a different way. This man stays in her life as a very good friend. He helps her start her own business and helps her to forget Kenneth by having her live with him, far away from Kenneth.
Who does Michelle end up with in the end? Well the ending was a huge surprise! I never saw that coming at all. Carol did a good job with subtitle hints along the way that I didn't see until after I read the ending. Another fantastic story in the Time After Time Series! This series is a must read!

CR

AC

AC

VD





Sunday, April 22, 2018

Schedule for April 23 - 27, 2018


Schedule
Mon., April 23 - MacKalvey House
by Carol Ann Kauffman
Tues., April 24 - The Art of the Dance with
Mark Olich, Photographer of Dance 
Wed., April 25 - Interview with 
YA Author S. T. Sanchez
Thurs., April 26 - Book Review:
How to Breed Sheep, Geese, and English Eccentrics 
by Valerie Poore
Fri., April 27 - FREE Today!
Bentley Square by Carol Ann Kauffman

Friday, April 20, 2018

Book Blitz: Forsaken Norse Wind by Ciara Lake

BOOK BLITZ






EXCERPT:
“It’s going to be ugly if they get here. I may have to kill some of them. I’d prefer not to, at least this day. But they may leave me no choice.” He shrugged. “So, let’s go to avoid this problem. I didn’t come here to make war on these humans. I came to fetch my mate.” He stepped closer to the porch. “Trust me, Breanna. Let your heart guide you. If you listen to it, you will know what to do.”
“My mother’s in her room sleeping. I need help with her. She’s ill, and she can be difficult.”
“Let me inside, I’ll talk to her.”
“Okay.” She stood aside. “I’m your mate?”
“Yes, you’re my mate.” In a few quick steps, he stood inside the house. He had to duck as he entered, and once inside he hunched not to hit the ceiling. “Gather what you would like to take with us. Get the coat I gave you.”
Breanna picked up the coat to put it on. She took him to her mother.
“Mother, this is Axel. We need to leave with him. Hugh’s upset with us. He’s coming back to… hurt us. We have to go.” Breanna tapped her mother’s arm. “Mother, please wake up.”
Fiona rolled over to look at Breanna. Her eyes were crazed. “What is it, child?” Her voice sounded weak. “I was dreaming of Hema taking me to his realm.”
“We need to leave. This is Axel.” Breanna pointed at him. “Umm, he’s a friend of mine. We need to go with him, now.”
“No.” Her mother sat up in the bed, shaking her head. Her hair looked wild all over her head. “I must wait for Hema to return. If I’m gone he may not find me.”
“Mother, we have to go. Hugh’s not happy, and he’s bringing others to start trouble.”
“You leave, I’m staying here. I’m not worried about Hugh.” She lay back down, rolling to the other side. “I cannot leave. Hema may come to get me.”
Axel patted Breanna on her shoulder. “They’re almost here. Stand back with me. Lay the coat down then give me your hand. We’ll watch to make sure your mother’s safe.”
He reached for her hand, and Breanna allowed him to hold it.
“No one can see us now. It takes less power if you hold my hand to make you invisible with me. We’ll wait and watch. They cannot hear us either.”
Breanna followed Axel out into the front room of the house. They stood to the right of the fireplace out of the way. The front door burst open, and Breanna jumped.
“It’s okay. They don’t see or hear us. You’ll be safe.” He gently squeezed her hand. “Relax.”
Hugh, along with two other men, entered the house. The door banged against the wall, and they pushed the chairs to the floor as they stomped inside. Others were outside the house calling loudly for her.
“Where’s the bastard? The damn girl’s in league with him.




About the Book:
A troll, a mortal, and a love hot enough to melt ice.

Trapped in a vicious life, Breanna Devion survives only by the strength of her heart. Determined to have more than what her abusive stepfather has planned for her, she's willing to risk everything to be free.

Axel Venrick is a troll who has spent centuries alone, isolated in his castle in Iceland. At the insistence of others, Axel crafts the ultimate tool to find his soul mate. He creates a beautiful ring which is bespelled, blessed by a god, and sent forth to locate Axel's other half.

The ring finds Breanna just in time to prevent her stepfather's disastrous plan from taking place. But angry gods, vengeful parents, and an evil lurking in the immortal world all conspire to destroy the love of the jaded troll and his innocent mortal. Can their love free them or will the evil spreading from the bowels of the earth destroy them first?


Content Warning: graphic sex, some violence

About the Author
Welcome to Ciara Lake's World. Meet Gorgeous Werewolves, Vampires, Dragons, Mermaids, Wizards, Witches, Mythological Gods and Goddesses, Mere Mortals And More! Fiction has always been a passion of mine. Creating worlds and developing characters is a great way for me to relieve the stress and strain of my everyday world. In fantasy (paranormal) and sci-fi stories, the author has the unique ability to invent wonderfully exotic places and people. I do that in my books. These fantastic genres provide a limitless ability to be creative and inventive. My stories provide an escape into a special world filled with unique and otherworldly things. And there is always a happy ending.

Website * Twitter * Goodreads