2012 Year in Review

By Bonnie Harris

This post almost didn't happen. I attempted to do this a few days ago and found that my blog "didn't exist." News to me. After doing some research, I found that my blog had been hijacked. It took a lot longer than I would have liked to recover everything, and it got me thinking about time. It's such a precious commodity, and I know I'm not the only one who wishes for more. So, why would someone spend time hijacking other people's blogs or hacking into accounts or any of that other stuff? I'm not sure I see the benifit in any of that. Then again, I'm not the one spending the time on it.

Time led to thinking about the past year. Have I/Did I use my time in the wisest way possible? 

Answer: I definitely didn't spend my time taking over other people's accounts, but I think I did all right. Overall, I think I did well. I think everyone does well, but we can always do better. 

• How did you do with your time this year?
• Did you accomplish what you wanted to?
• Did those priorities change?
• Do you feel good about what was done this year?

These are all questions I'm sure most people think about around this time (or variations of the same questions). So, to give you a jump start—in other words, confession time.

I got close to accomplishing my goals this year. Did they change? Yes. Was I able to keep up with the changes? No. Do I wish I got more done? Yes, but I learned a lot.

• I learned that it's OK to change directions.
• I learned it's OK to decide that a particular goal just isn't going to happen and to let it go.
• I learned how to prioritize better. Sort of. :)
• I learned that life is short, and sometimes you have to put the keyboard away and say, "Oh well. It's not what's important today."
• I learned that just because I started doing it well at the beginning of the year doesn't mean that I will be able to finish it as strong as I'd like

Who knows if any of this makes sense to anyone. Hopefully, you get the idea. But as I look forward to the next year and it's challenges, I'm able to do so with new understanding and strategies and purpose. I wish I could say I knew what was going to happen and that I would accomplish everything, but I can't. That's something I've had a very difficult time admitting. Now that I have, though, it sure makes things easier to take in bite size pieces.

So as you take a look at the year, remember that it's OK if things didn't get finished. Look at what was accomplished. Remember you are strong and can overcome anything placed in your way. Remember that you are not alone.

Happy New Year! Happy Year-in-review! Happy Writing!

Human Insticts by Ioana Visan--Book Review & Interview

HUMAN INSTINCTS by Ioana Visan. I found this novella interesting. The concept intrigued me, but I think I would have liked having a little bit more detail about things right off the bat. I learned and understood better as the story progressed. The characters were interesting as were the circumstances behind everything. I would recommend this book to almost anyone, especially those who like post apocalyptic works.

:) :) :)

Dr. Deanna Nichols is a geneticist searching for a cure to save the world. After the war nearly destroyed it by releasing an aggressive virus, it was the vaccine that killed the humanity’s chances for progress and survival. Deanna feels guilty because she has participated in creating the vaccine, and General Mackenzie never lets her forget that.

Their luck changes when they are contacted by the convicts held in a secret military prison hidden in the arctic desert. The C deviance criminals are willing to negotiate and provide unaffected DNA samples in exchange for supplies and a visit paid by the doctor herself. Suddenly there’s hope, so Deanna embarks on a dangerous journey to a grittier reality than she had expected.

Could a woman alone save the world? 

(Cover and back cover blurb taken from Smashwords.)

What made you decide to become a writer?

Over the years, simple daydreaming turned into writing, and then I discovered that people actually liked my stories. I still write first and foremost for my own enjoyment, but the satisfaction is bigger now that other people read it too.

Who inspires you?

I don’t know if it’s a ‘who’. If we’re talking about writing, to me inspiration comes either from images that spark an idea of a plot in my mind, or from ideas that I twist around until I get new, unusual ones. If we’re talking about life in general, I look up to people able to find solutions to difficult problems. Because there’s always a solution, you just have to look for it in the right place or be brave enough to try it.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

I’d like my readers to have a pleasant experience. If the story makes them think too, then it’s even better.

Where did this idea come from?

The story was initially meant for an apocalyptic anthology, but I didn't want it to be something depressing. Therefore, I focused on an isolated case and not on the post-apocalyptic world itself. I also knew I wasn't interested in the technological part but more in the psychological concepts and issues, and I wanted a strong female protagonist. It worked so well that the story ended up longer than planned and, when the project fell apart, I decided to publish it as a novella.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

Each one of the characters was interesting in their own way because they are all very different and served a special purpose in the story. This being said, I must confess that as a writer I am more fascinated by the interaction between characters than by the characters alone.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Read a lot, write a lot, edit a lot. Then start all over again and, as long as you enjoy the process, never give up.

What can we expect next from you?

“Blue Moon Café: Where Shifters Meet for Drinks” (a werecreatures story collection) is supposed to be out in December 2012, and “The Impaler’s Revenge” (a vampire novella) is scheduled for the spring of 2013. After that, I’ll be working on a fantasy trilogy and a sci fi saga.

Where can we purchase your book?

Human Instincts is available as an e-book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Sony and Smashwords.

THANKS IOANA!

Tis the Season

By Bonnie Harris

I had several things run through my head and I was figuring out what to post today. In light of the tradegy that happened yesterday, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of those victims, as well as those who have been effected by the shooting.

Tis the season for decorations, stress, shopping, lights, wrapping, cooking, cards, more stress, deals, family, and more. The Christmas season is being commericalized earlier and earlier each year. I was shocked, but shouldn't have been, when stores began putting out Christmas stuff before Halloween. But that's only part of it. I feel like, in a way, we get so caught up in the hustle and the bustle that we forget the true meaning of Christmas.

It's not meant to be so crazy. President Thomas S Monson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, recently talked about Christmas being love. Remembering those around us. Slowing down and taking the time to remember the Savior. It's a wonderful talk you can view here.

Personally, as a family we've decided to focus more on teh Savior. My son has loved all the Christmas lights that appear this time of year. It wasn't until I really began looking and listening to what he sees that I realized all that he's talking about are the snowmen, Christmas trees, and Santa Clause's. There are hardly any nativities around. So, I tried to only put our nativities out in the house, and any chance I get, I talk to him about baby Jesus.

I just think during this time of craziness, that we can take a step back and remember others. Remember the Savior and his sacrifice. Remember to love each other.

Merry Christmas.

Jelly Bean Crisis by Jolene Stockman--Book Blast

The Jelly Bean Crisis by Jolene Stockman

This sounds fun. Be sure to take a look! :)

A total meltdown. The whole school watching. Now Poppy’s an ex-straight-A with no Plan B.

When Poppy Johnson throws away a full scholarship to Columbia, she can only blame the jelly beans. The yucky green ones? Midnight cram sessions and Saturday’s spent studying. The delicious red? The family legacy: Columbia, and a future in finance. Except now it’s starting to look like Poppy’s jelly bean theory is wrong. School has been her life until, but maybe it’s time to start living now.

Poppy has thirty days to try a new life. No school, no studying. Just jumping into every possible world. Thirty days to find her passion, her path, and maybe even love.

The Jelly Bean Crisis is officially on.





*** Praise for The Jelly Bean Crisis***

"The Jelly Bean Crisis is a heart warming and thought provoking story, especially if you're in the process of figuring out your life!"  - Ajoop On Books!

"This book had me riveted. Completely riveted the entire time. The Jelly Bean Crisis was instant love for me."  - Book Briefs.

"It's a beautifully told story that you'll be thinking about long after you finish reading."  - A Pocket Full of Books.

If you're looking for a smart contemporary YA read, then The Jelly Bean Crisis is for you!

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle

***Book Blast Special***
Get your Kindle copy of The Jelly Bean Crisis for 99 cents!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Jelly-Bean-Crisis-ebook/dp/B008PODAAK

Author Jolene Stockman

Jolene Stockman is an award winning writer, speaker, and an expert for Girlfriend Magazine Australia. She is a Master of Neuro Linguistic Programming, and one of the youngest in the world to achieve the Distinguished Toastmaster Award. Jolene lives in New Zealand, and is the author of Total Blueprint for World Domination. The Jelly Bean Crisis is her debut fiction.

Website * Goodreads * Twitter 

Facebook * Blog

$100 Book Blast Giveaway
Ends 12/21/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Jolene and leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First Time by Samuel Ben White--Interview & Blog Tour

FIRST TIME by Samuel Ben White. 
Welcome to this stop on the FIRST TIME blog tour, hosted by I Am A Reader Not a Writer. This one sounds fantastic! Thanks to Samuel for the interview below!

What if history didn’t happen that way the first time?

Garison Fitch was a scientist and something of a celebrity in the Soviet Americas in the early 21st century until dropping off the map to pursue his theories in the remote La Plata Canyon. Living in a log home he built himself (which was too close for some to the Empire of Japan (30 miles to the west) and the Republic of Texas (15 miles to the south), Garison began to experiment with interdimensional travel.

An experiment with such travel surprised him when he landed him in 1744. There he discovered a primitive world of somewhat suspicious people, but a freedom he had never experienced before–which may have been most frightening of all. As he was trying to discover how to return to the future, he met and fell in love with Sarah, a beautiful young woman who is an outcast due to the fact that it was never known who her father was. They married and had three children and he decided to stay in the past and raise his children with the woman he loved.

When he tried to rid himself of his time machine by sending it into the future, however, it took him with it. Now, he finds himself back in the twenty-first century where a woman (Heather) he has never met claims to be his wife and the country he grew up in is gone, replaced by something called “The United States of America”. He quickly realizes that something he did in the past has changed the future but he doesn’t know what until he stumbles across a strange item in Heather’s purse.

Should he live in this new world, or try to travel once more through time and return the world to “normal”?  As he becomes convinced he can’t return to Sarah, he’s not really sure if he can live in this new world he created, either. (Taken from author's website.)

For a reading sample, click here.

What made you decide to become a writer?

Many of my earliest memories are of my parents reading to me, so I grew up being fascinated with the idea that a person could tell a story that other people would want to hear or read.  So, in first grade, as soon as I started learning how to write words and make sentences, I would try to string them together into stories.  Before that, even, I would drawn cartoon stories and get my sisters to write in the wording.

Who inspires you?

So many people, but some who deserve special billing would be: Louis L’Amour, CS Lewis, Andy Griffith, Jesus and Agatha Christie.  All of them—including the two on that list who weren’t, technically, writers—could create such great characters and tell stories I not only wanted to read all the way through and were uplifted and challenged by, but made me want to know more.

Of people who I actually know, I am especially inspired by my parents (for their love of each other, their volunteerism, their compassion); the hospice nurses who do full-time what I only do on a volunteer basis; and just about anyone who goes beyond their fears and does something to make their world a better place.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

Many of my novels involve time travel, and I’m convinced that all good writing is time travel writing (even the local sports reporting) because it takes us to some place and time where we’re not.  Back to the ancient past, back to last Friday’s football game, or into some utopian or dystopian future.

So I would like my readers to be inspired, perhaps, to find out about my Christian faith and pursue their own, but mainly I want my readers to just be able to travel in time for a little while, like a vacation in their mind.

Where did this idea come from?

The idea for “First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch” was first planted in my mind by a conversation in my teen years with my father.  We were discussing time travel—probably after watching reruns of “Star Trek”—and began to discuss what it would be like to be a modern person who somehow switched places with a famous person from history, like Patrick Henry.

The idea germinated for many years before I finally locked on to the idea of someone from a present that’s wildly different from our own traveling back in time and accidentally creating our world by doing something in the past.  Once I figured out what they would do, and when, the rest of the story basics were easy to come by.  Then, it was just a matter of writing (and re-writing, and re-writing, etc.) for about a decade to get the story where I wanted it to be.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

Sarah.  She originally just had a pretty small “part”, but then it was as if the character took over and told me, “You realize I’m really the motivation for everything that Garison does, right?”  From there, and through several iterations, her part didn’t get a whole lot larger, but it did get stronger.  So strong that she practically grabbed the sequel and dragged it around herself—again, not so much in “time on page” but in influence.

Any advice for aspiring authors?
Keep writing.
Also, make sure you like what you write.  It’s good to learn your audience, but you can’t write just for the audience.  If you don’t like the story, you’re probably not going to be able to convince anyone else to like it, either.

What can we expect next from you?

I have other novels already available which focus on time travel, some detective novels, three fantasies, a western, and some romances.  My most recent novel, “TimeKeeperS” features Garison Fitch as a much older man and is a detective story that involves time travel.

I’m working on another detective novel—“just” a straight murder mystery this time—as well as a sequel to one of my Christian romances.  I have another time travel/detective story and a couple more fantasy novels in the works, but they may still be years from completion.

Where can we purchase your book?

For Kindle at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D2Z5LS

For Nook at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-time-samuel-ben-white/1111545487?ean=2940011800856

Through Smashwords at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/243161

Plus, they can read more about it, find convenient ordering links, and learn more about my other novels (including the rest of the Garison Fitch trilogy) at http://www.garisonfitch.com

THANK YOU SAMUEL!

I'm behind

I have to admit that life has caught up with me. I have several books ready to be reviewed, but haven't gotten/taken the time to sit down and get the posts together. My goal is to have my own book revised by the end of December and I'm so close I can taste it. Forgive me for neglecting my blog, but I will be up and running on schedule soon.

Thanks for your understanding!

Courage

I recently attended the Northwest Writers Retreat in Washington. Heather Moore was the guest speaker there and I loved what I learned from her. Her closing remarks had to do with the courage to follow our dreams. You know how notes can be, not always as complete as we'd like them, but here are mine. Basically what I took from it is that we have to try. We have to have the courage to try, even if we're told we can't. It was wonderful to hear her personal story. So keep dreaming, keep trying, and Happy Writing!

Courage to follow dreams--Heather Moore

Resistance

Related to procrastination, is universal, it never sleeps, plays for keeps, fueled by fear, fed by fear, most powerful @ finish line, recruits alies

Rejection

Can come from people you know and love

Don't compare your worst self to someone's best self

Begin with a prayer- use writing time wisely, do I need to be doing sketching else

I'd you wan it you'll make time for it

Be supportive of other writers and their successes

Embracing your calling

Love 

We are told as a child our dreams are impossible

Fear of the defeats on the paths

Fear of realizing the dreams we've worked so hard for

What I took from it is that we have to try. We have to have the courage to try, even if we're told we can't. It was wonderful to hear her personal story. So . . .

Keep dreaming

Keep trying 

and 

Happy Writing!

First Time by Samuel Ben White--Book Buzzin'/Book Blast

FIRST TIME: THE LEGEND OF GARISON FITCH by Samuel Ben White. This one sounds great! Today is its Book Blast day. Stay tuned for the Blog Tour starting tomorrow. For participating blogs, check the schedule, here. Stop by here on Dec 11th for an interview with the author.


"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?

Spinster's Folly by Marsha Ward--Book Buzzin'

SPINSTER'S FOLLY by Marsha Ward.

This one sounds really cute. Be sure to take a look. Here's where you can read an excerpt.

Marie Owen yearns for a loving husband, but Colorado Territory is long on rough characters and short on fitting suitors, so a future of spinsterhood seems more likely for her than wedded bliss.

Her best friend says cowboy Bill Henry is a likely candidate, but Marie knows her class-conscious father would not allow such a pairing. When she challenges her father to find her a suitable husband before she becomes a spinster, he arranges a match with a neighbor's son. Then Marie discovers Tom Morgan would be an unloving, abusive mate and his mother holds a grudge against the Owen family. Marie's mounting despair at the prospect of being trapped in such a dismal marriage drives her into the arms of a sweet-talking predator, landing her in unimaginable dangers. This fourth book in the Owen Family Saga is infused with potent heart and intense grit. (Taken from Marsha's website.)

Things I Am Grateful For . . .

Since Thanksgiving is next week, (can you believe it?!) I've been thinking a lot about the things I am grateful for. I thought I'd share a few, in no particular order. :) 

• My Savior
• My Family
• Home
• Blessings
• Trials
• Books
• Music
• Kids
• Cool Weather
• Stars
• Technology, most of the time
• The ability to create
• Freedom
• Blankets
• Hot Chocolate :)
• Good Food I don't have to cook
• Smiles
• Laughter
• Showers
• Animals, when they aren't annoying me
• Love
• Friendship
• My Critique Group
• My strengths
• My weakness
• The ability to help others
• The knowledge of what happens after death

And the list can go on. My prayer is that during this holiday season we don't lose sight of what's really important. It's easy to get caught up in the turkey dinner, the decorations, the presents, the stress of having company, worrying about getting writing in, worrying about having a clean house, and again . . . the list goes on. Take a moment and enjoy the little things, like cracking an egg into the garbage rather than into the bowl, that make the memories we smile at later on. As always, Happy Writing, but also a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all the help, love, and support you offer me. :)

Libera Me by Christine Fonseca--Book Review & Giveaway

LIBERA ME by Christine Fonseca.

Thanks for joining me on this stop of the LIBERA ME blog tour, hosted by SupaGirl.

This series has been up and down for me, but I have to say I enjoyed LIBERA ME. The characters are great and things aren't as easily figured out as expected. It is a great read for anyone who loves angels, demons, romance, and just a plain good read.

:) :) :) :)

What happens when everything you’ve sacrificed for is lost? 

Aydan thought Nesy’s death would be the end of him, until he meets Nessa and his hope is restored. Could she be Nesy reborn? He is certain she must be. That is, until her lack of memories and incessant nightmares begin to erode his faith.

Zane is used to trusting his mind, his wisdom and his angelic senses. But these attributes are no help with Nessa. He has no way to be certain of her identity, no way of knowing the truth. That is, unless he listens to the one thing he has refused to acknowledge throughout his existence - he feelings for Nesy.

Blind to both angel and demon, Aydan and Zane must figure out the truth behind Nesy's identity before all is lost, Azza discovers the truth and the Beast is again unleashed.

The lines between good and evil have never been so blurred. 

As part of this stop, you can be entered in winning your very ecopy of LIBERA ME.

Entering is easy.

• Simply, leave a comment telling me you're interested in a copy, along with a way to contact you if you win. I'd love it if you follow my blog, but that's not a requirement to enter.

For additional enteris:

• Follow Christine's blog. Leave a comment telling me you've done it, with your contact info.
• Like Chritine's author page. Leave a comment telling me you've done it, with your contact info.

It is in your best interest to leave SEPERATE comments, as random.org will be choosing the winner on Nov 24.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out a deleted scene and my interview with Christine.

More info on LIBERA ME

Availability:

Publisher: COMPASS PRESS

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414128-libera-me

Buy information will not be available until October, but it will be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other  fine retailers.

Additional Titles in the series include DIES IRAE (a Requiem Novella), LACRIMOSA (Requiem Series #1) and MEA CULPA (a Requiem Novella). 

The book trailer can be seen by linking to YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwTQoOFKEZg

About Christine Fonseca

School psychologist by day, critically acclaimed YA and nonfiction author by night, Christine Fonseca believes that writing is a great way to explore humanity. Her many titles include TRANSCEND, DIES IRAE, LACRIMOSA, MEA CULPA, and in nonfiction: 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS and EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS. 

When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can be sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. Catch her daily thoughts about writing and life on her blog.

For more information about Christine Fonseca or the series, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com. 

GPS with Benefits--Guest Post by Vanessa Morgan

Thanks for joining me today, Vanessa. It's all yours. 

Thank you for having me on your blog today. I'm truly honored to be here with all of you!

How many people do you know that make jokes about their GPS device or even talk to it?

Nearly everyone, right?

Also, GPS devices already know where you are and how fast you are driving. Who says that, in the near future, they won't be able to know you look at and what you say.

These thoughts form the basis of my new release, GPS WITH BENEFITS in which a womanizer purchases a new GPS device, not knowing that it has a mind of 'her' own.

The inspiration for GPS WITH BENEFITS came to me when I was in the car with a friend. We made jokes about the GPS device and imagined how it would be if the GPS was actually alive. I immediately knew that these ideas could be turned into a hilarious story. 

I won't reveal more, but GPS WITH BENEFITS has some twists and turns that you won't see coming and that will have you laughing out loud.

Your turn... What's the weirdest or funniest thing your GPS has ever done?

By the way, if you leave a comment on this post, you'll automatically be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card of $25.

About the author

Vanessa Morgan is known as the 'female version of Stephen King'. Her screenplays, A GOOD MAN and GPS WITH BENEFITS, are currently being turned into movies. She is also the author of the books DROWNED SORROW and THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. If she's not working on her latest supernatural thriller, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, blogging, digging through flea markets or indulging in her unhealthy obsession to her cat. She writes in English, Dutch and French.

About her latest release, GPS WITH BENEFITS

In GPS WITH BENEFTIS, a womanizer purchases a new GPS device, not knowing it's one with a mind of 'her' own.

GPS WITH BENEFITS is available NOW at:

Amazon.com: 

Amazon.co.uk: 

Places you can cyberstalk Vanessa Morgan

Official blog: http://vanessa-morgan.blogspot.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/vanessamorgan

Twitter @eeriestories: http://twitter.com/eeriestories 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanessa-Morgan/50159391888 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/eeriestories/ 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2890032.Vanessa_Morgan 

A Timeless Romance Anthology Winter Collection--Book Review

A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY WINTER COLLECTION by some of my favorite authors. Sarah M Eden, Donna Hatch, Annette Lyon, Heather B Moore, Joyce DiPastena, and Heidi Ashworth. 

Published by Mirror Press.

Available at Smashwords and Amazon.

I have loved every story I have read from this anthology. It gives you a great taste for each author's style of writing, and each story makes you sit back and smile. They are fun, feel good, quick readers, that are for every romantic at heart. 

:) :) :) :) :)

A Timeless Romance Anthology

Winter Collection (Description taken from Amazon)

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed brand new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection. A collection unlike any other, readers will love this compilation of six sweet historical romance novellas, set in varying eras, yet all with one thing in common: 

Romance.

The Road to Cavan Town by Sarah M. Eden, set in 1864 Ireland, combines Eden’s sense of humor with her signature sweet romance. Alice Wheatley walks each weekend into town, accompanied by Isaac Dancy. And while Alice finds herself falling in love with the gentleman, unfortunately he has his eyes set on the belle of the town, Miss Sophia Kilchrest. Alice must find a way to turn Isaac’s eyes toward her.

Regency author Heidi Ashworth’s delightful story, It Happened Twelfth Night, set in England 1812, follows Luisa Darlington who discovers the man of her dreams, Percy Brooksby, isn’t in love with her as much as she thought he was. When Percy’s friend, the mysterious foreigner, Mr. Flynn, visits for the twelfth night holiday, he promptly sweeps Luisa off her feet, quite literally. Luisa is left catching her breath in more ways than one.

An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon is a captivating romantic novella, set in remote Wood Camp, the snowy canyon of Logan, Utah, 1880. When Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, she discovers that her long-time friend, James, has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the feelings he’s awakened in her, and it takes almost losing James to admit her true feelings for him.

In Joyce DiPastena’s charming medieval story, Caroles on the Green, we enter England of 1151, in which Lady Isabel has a dilemma. She promises herself that she’ll marry the man who sent a ring hidden in her pastry since the man she truly loves, Sir Lucian de Warrene, has proved to be impossible and exasperating. To forget him, Isabel sets her eyes on other eligible men, only to face another confrontation with Lucian—who isn’t about to back off and leave her to her newest plot.

Donna Hatch’s enchanting novella, A Winter’s Knight, begins when Clarissa Fairchild’s coach just happens to break down in front of the most forbidding estate in the county, that of Wyckburg Castle, a place where young brides have been murdered for generations by their husbands. Clarissa is horrified yet curious all in the same breath. When she meets widower Christopher de Champs, Earl of Wyckburg, she must decide if she should flee or uncover the greatest secret in the county about her handsome rescuer. 

In Heather B. Moore’s exciting turn-of-the-century story, A Fortunate Exile, Lila Townsend finds herself the victim of a broken heart—broken by the most notorious bachelor in 1901 New York City. If that isn’t bad enough, her father sends her to Aunt Eugenia’s remote farm where Lila must wait for her father’s anger to subside and the gossip columns to find new fodder. When Lila meets her aunt’s boarder, Peter Weathers, she discovers a man who isn’t afraid to stand up to her formidable family and take a chance on a woman with a sullied reputation.

Thankful for Books Giveaway--GPS With Benefits (INT) by Vanessa Morgan

Welcome to this stop on the Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader Not a Writer. On my blog, thanks to the author Vanessa Morgan, you can win a copy of GPS WITH BENEFITS.

Entering is easy.

Since I'm so thankful for all of you, give leave a comment with a way to contact you if you are interested in winning a copy. Of course I'd love it if you follow me, but that's up to you. :)

Please have your enteries in by midnight, Nov 13. Random.org will choose the winner, and be sure to stop by for a wonderful guest post by Vanessa Morgan on Nov. 13. In the meantime, be sure to check out who else is joinging this blog hop. Thank you!

Libera Me by Christine Fonseca--Deleted Scene & Interview

Welcome to my stop on the LIBERA ME blog tour! I'm really excited about Christine's new book. Take a look at this deleted scene and an interview with Christine. Be sure to stay tuned for my review and your chance to win a copy of LIBERA ME on Nov. 15.

On 11/2, you were introduced to Lorelei from Lacrimosa in a new way, through a special deleted scene. You can read Part #1 of her scene here. Today, we continue that scene:

Deleted Scene – Part 2 of Hunted:

Lorelei froze for a moment before turning away from him, desperate to believe it was her imagination that spoke.

Cold hands grabbed her chin and forced her around, face-to-face with her living nightmare. “You nearly cost Aydan his life, Lori. I won’t let you do that again.”

Lorelei stared into the solid black orbs of the monster. Her eyes traveled to his jaw. Same intricate markings. Same foul stench.

            The Dark One had found her. “Did you really think you could hide from me forever?”

            Lorelei refused to break his gaze. Refused to let him see her fear. Drink from it. “I hid this long. Right under your nose.”

            He squeezed her jaw. “And for that, your death will hurt. But not yet. I need you alive. For now.”

            A wave of terror crashed in Lorelei as she wrestled with his words. She knew there was only one way for this to end.

Badly.

            “You won't win this time, Azzaziel. Not with the angels here.” She tried to sound brave. Strong. “The Sentinal has probably already killed Aydan.”

            “Don’t you mean Elle? Your sister from another life?”

            Lorelei felt herself flush with anger.

            “Ah, again you thought there was something I didn’t know. Underestimating me is a dangerous game, Seer. One that has killed most of your kind.”

            Lorelei shuddered. He was right. They had underestimated the Dark One. But it was different for her—she knew she was going to die. Knew he would torture her, give her soul to his monster, have his demons consume her.

But that didn’t mean she had to go down without a fight.

“You won’t win. Not now. Not ever.” Lorelei glared at her captor.

            “Ha! But you see, little Seer, I already have. Aydan had your sister pinned. He will kill her.” His voice filled with pride. “And now that I have you, Aydan will become the most powerful UnHoly of all.”

            Lorelei shuddered. “How?” she asked, not wanting the answer.

“Your soul. It will give him immortality. Without the need to feed. And when I mark his skin, the Sentinals will be powerless against him. Only Mikayel can touch him. And I will make sure that never happens. The days of the angels are at an end, thanks to you.”

So that was it; the reason the Seers had died. The reason her mother had killed herself. The only viable option left. Lorelei knew what she had to do.

“Now, what shall I do with you, little Seer?” Azza ran his tongue across his lips. “Maybe another visit to your past. Just to pass the time.”

Lorelei tried to steel herself against the pictures Azzaziel ripped from her thoughts. Protect herself from the pain those images would exact. Images of her sister’s death. And her mother’s. The Dark One had taken everything from her. She wasn’t about to give him her soul.

Not to feed Aydan.

“You can’t stop me, little Seer.”

Lorelei gagged on his stench—rotting flesh, ash, spoiled milk. She struggled to breathe as the visions overwhelmed her senses.

A sadistic smile curled on his lips. He inhaled her anguish. Her fear.

Lorelei swallowed the images along with her feelings, and spit in Azza’s face.

He slapped her cheek and pulled her to him, coating her breath with his. “Your insolence is going to make this so much…sweeter.”

Lorelei gagged again.

The final part of the scene will be presented on 11/13 at Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

INTERVIEW

1.      What made you decide to become a writer? I have always written down my thoughts in some manner, but I never considered writing for publication until about five years ago, when the characters insisted on being heard. Since that time I may have felt some level of frustration with the industry and my level of talent, but never with the actual idea of being a writer. It is my vocation, my passion, and I consider myself so incredibly lucky to share my stories with all of you.

2.      Who inspires you? I am inspired by all of life around me. I find the humanity fascinating (thus my venture into psychology), and draw inspiration from everything and everyone—the mundane to the sublime. If I had to pick one person who has had the most influence on my particular way of viewing the world, however, I would have to say it’s my mom. Her creativity, strength and passion is something that shaped everything about me.

3.      What would you like your readers to get out of your writing? I hope that readers are able to take a ride into some emotions they have never acknowledged before. And I hope they gain insight into some of the scarier and darker aspects of the human condition. More than anything, I hope they have a visceral reaction—good or bad.

4.      Where did this idea come from? The idea for Libera Me came from the end ofLacrimosa, when Nesy is reborn as Nessa...at least, that’s what everyone assumes. I wanted to explore what would happen if the truth of her identity was in question; what that would mean for the rest of the characters and the story itself. Libera Me was born from that exploration. Drawing on the backstories in Mea Culpa and Dies Irae, Libera Me brings the entire series together. This is definitely NOT a book you want to jump into without having read Lacrimosa and Mea Culpa.

5.      Who was your favorite character to develop? In this story, I would have to say Zane. Although I had a good sense of him walking into this story, telling the story partially from his POV enabled me to get so much closer to him. I’ll tell you, I am totally Team Aydan...but this story increased my love for Zane a million times over.

6.      Any advice for aspiring authors? Never give up, be flexible, and dedicate yourself to your craft FIRST—do those things and you will see your goals, your dreams, come to fruition.

7.      What can we expect next from you? So, so much. I am releasing another short this year, as part of the Winter Wonders anthology. 2013 brings another Requiem short in Jan, Dominus (the final installment of the series) in late February, the much anticipated Girl Guide ( a self-help book for teen girls) in April, a companion novel to my YA psychological thriller, Transcend in September, and parenting book in October. As for 2014...we’ll have to wait and see ;).

8.      Where can we purchase your book? Libera Me is available in e-format and paperback through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and online booksellers. You can also purchase the paperback directly through me or my publisher, Compass Press. 

THANKS, CHRISTINE!