Thursday, May 24, 2012

Hop Into Summer!



Splash into summer with a book full of summer love stories! It's a Love Thing is an anthology from Prose by Design, LLC (of which I happen to be co-owner with author Sherry Gammon). It's a compilation of 8 stories from 8 amazing authors, some new, some established (including yours truly). The stories are everything from contemporary to paranormal to fantasy to historical. There is something for everyone in this book. Below you will find a short blurb for each of the stories. Be the first to own this great new summer read.

After you read about all the fun stories, jump to the bottom for the rafflecopter giveaway. This is international and good for one ebook. When you're done entering, go the linky to hop to other blogs to win more great prizes.

 
In the Beginning by Cindy C Bennett: Before coming to Earth Alashon and Vindar vow to find one another. The vow is not made lightly: if they fail, they will spend their eternity’s alone. Drake has lived a hard life. In and out of trouble with the law, sentenced to juvenile corrections and finally released to the custody of his parole officer, the strange, surfer-dude Tom, Drake is forced to move to the tiny beach town of Seaside. There, he meets Megan, Tom’s off-limits daughter. Though he tries to avoid her, it seems she turns up constantly in his life. It isn’t long before he finds himself looking forward to visits from the ultra-optimistic Megan. But does she really care for Drake, or is he just another charity case? And why does she seem so very familiar to him?

Pete & Tink by Sherry Gammon: Pete Pancerella loves two things in life: Video games and Spongy Cremes. He’s happy, content, and he’s also a geek. All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and Tink answers the call. But will it take more than a five-and-a-half inch faery to whip this manga-loving goofball into shape?

Temptation by Jamie Canosa: Melody isn’t thrilled about moving away from everything and everyone she knows thanks to her mother’s demanding job, but maybe living in Hotsville USA isn’t such a bad thing. First there’s the drop dead gorgeous boy next door, Lucas, who also happens to have a chip on his shoulder a mile wide. Then there’s Jason, the helpful, funny boy from town. When both sexy studs take an interest in her, Melody is left trying to navigate Lucas’ ever shifting moods and Jason’s offbeat attitude towards all things questionable. But, things aren’t always as they seem. In the end, will she make the right decision? And will her choice effect more than just her heart?
Haven by Ranee S Clark: Sera, like hundreds of victims of the Polio-Variant IV virus, has been transferred to Haven Base, where the Elysians, a race of humans from a distant planet, labor to save Earth’s population. The only problem is that Sera’s boyfriend Dex thinks she’s dead and is making choices that will leave him ineligible for transfer if he contracts the virus. In an effort to save his soul, Sera defies the strict rules of her rescuers and takes over the consciousness of Elspeth, a young woman dying of Polio-Variant IV and scheduled for immediate extraction. Sera is allowed one week to work a change in Dex’s heart. Except Dex Porter has no intention of changing anything. When Sera “died,” so did his belief in the possibility of them being together again. He blocks every effort Sera—in Elspeth’s body—makes to change his path. When Elspeth’s body begins to deteriorate quicker than before, Sera and the Elysians are forced to make a choice about the greater good: Elspeth’s body or Dex’s soul.
Ye Old Summertime of Love by Calvin Kern: A young knight, Sir Atticus, finds himself completely in love with a girl, Lyrica, who works for King on his secret council, which is made up  of unique individuals with specific talents. But there's something particularly special about Lyrica. Just as Atticus and Lyrica are getting to know one another, disaster strikes the kingdom, sending them fleeing for their lives.
 
Xeno by Alyssa LaFever: You would think that having a father who works in Area 51 would be absolutely thrilling for a teenager. Well, you would be wrong. Emily’s life in the suburbs of California is far from extraordinary, that is until she meets the boy next door. Or rather, the boy who just moved across the street, Xeno. His arrival sparks a new friendship just in time for the beginning of summer. As the summer progresses and Emily and Xeno become more than just friends, her father’s crazy rantings become more than just fairytales. As secrets are revealed and enemies are made, Emily finds that the term “alien” means more than just a sci-fi character. 

I Was Here - Before You Came by Camelia Miron Skiba: Legend has it … centuries after Spartacus another hero is born—Ilias, the bastard son of King Decebalus. Thirsty for revenge and eager to unshackle the Roman oppression, Ilias' obsession to fulfill his oath has no bounds, even if that means kidnapping Nerva, the beloved daughter of Emperor Traianus. What he doesn't know is his own heart threatens to betray his conscience. What will prevail: his mind or his heart?
Seeds of Loveby J.C. Willibat: Blanca Islas is city-girl from Chicago who’s tired of healthcare politics and men who refuse to look her in the eye. Sure there is more to life than work and men, she finds a job working as a Nurse Practitioner in central Idaho, thinking the small town of Crouch is just the sanctuary she needs. What Blanca doesn’t factor in, however, is the ramifications of being the only health care provider in the heart of redneck country. It takes endless hours of work to care for an entire community, and violence and natural disasters put her independence as a doctoral level nurse practitioner to the test. Forest Longbow, a sexy and mysterious neighbor, tests Blanca’s resolve to stay clear of men and focus on her career.  An Apache smoke-jumper, who fights forest fires through the summer, Forest is nothing like the men Blanca left behind in Chicago. His strange but effective ways of speaking to Blanca’s soul will leave her breathless and hoping for an early Fall.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Winners!

The following are the winners of my LDS Blog Hop:

Leanne Gehrke - Amazon Gift Card
Carla - Immortal Mine
Brittney Williams - Heart on a Chain
Kristin Hafling - Geek Girl
Maneesha Haroon - Beautiful Beast
Latisha Depoortere - Reluctance

Congrats to all. I've sent you all emails, so let me know if you haven't received them. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A Royal Elf of Abalon

Some time ago, my friend, author Anna del C. Dye asked me if I would read her book, A Royal Elf of Abalon, for an editorial review. I agreed, and quickly found myself lost in this amazing adventure. Below you can read the blurb, my review, and then enter to win your own eBook copy of A Royal Elf of Abalon.


The deep relationship between Amaria, the princess of Abalon and Marken, the chancellor’s son, comes to a halting stop after their kingdom is almost annihilated. However, death isn’t the only thing this battle brings. Elfs come to their rescue and, as a souvenir, take the princess home with them.

Blinded by fury, the overprotecting queen orders the extermination of the mighty elfs. Her captains know they can never win, so they are pleased when Amaria intervenes so desperately that she loses her mother. The unprepared princess is left to care for a kingdom that will demand her true love.

A Royal Elf of Abalon is the stand-alone continuation of Anna’s Elf series. Once again she has crafted an exciting new tale full of jealousy, betrayals, and death. A Royal Elf of Abalon is a masterpiece created in the genre of Tolkien that you’ll love to the end.

My Review

A Royal Elf of Abalon is the latest by author Anna Del C Dye. It is the story of a young girl, Amaria, raised by her mother, the cruel queen Amathis. Amathis jealously hordes her daughters love and attention. When the kingdom is attacked by orks, Amaria is sent to safety. While there, she begins to discover the depth of her mother's cruelty. Upon returning to the kingdom, she meets one of the elves who came to protect the kingdom, Kurzan. Kurzan and Amaria quickly fall in love, though it is a forbidden love.

The story follows Amaria's journey from innocent young princess to wise and loving queen. Amaria quickly becomes a strong, admirable woman who must prove her worthiness to rule. Amaria learns who she can trust, and whose advice to take to heart as she learns to rule. As time goes on, and Amaria tries to discover a way to be with her love, secrets are revealed which may throw Amaria's kingdom into an uproar.

A Royal Elf of Abalon is a wonderful, epic fantasy with a strong heroine who has much to be admired about her. The story sweeps you in, and every time you think you know what is going to happen, Dye takes the story in a new direction to keep you guessing. Amaria and Kurzan's story is heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. There are many secondary characters who are equally enthralling. You'll find yourself caught up in their stories as much as Amaria's. Dye's great story is full of all the things that make a book great: forbidden love, intrigue, secrets, wars, elves, orks . . . there is more than enough to grab any readers interest and hold it until the end.



About Anna

Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. Anna resides in Taylorsville, Utah. She and her husband Rod are the parents of three princes and a princess. Anna is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. She received the Editor’s Choice Award from the International Library of Poetry. She was awarded a Bronze medal for Elfs in a Conquered Realm. The first page of her A Kingdom by the Sea received a second place. Her short story entitled Amerine—Fairy Princess won an award in the Oquirrh Writers contest and was published by Kalkion Magazine. Her article, A New American Mother, was published by Desert Saints Magazine. Other articles about family and relationships have been published frequently in the MOMS CLUB® of Salt Lake Valley-West. She is the author of The Silent Warrior Trilogy, Curse of the Elfs, and now A Royal Elf of Abalon. Anna has also published an electronic book for fifth and sixth-graders name Emerine’s Nightmare.

Find Anna - and the Book

CreateSpace (print book)

Win Your Own Copy

Want to win your own eBook of A Royal Elf of Abalon? Just leave a comment below with your name and email included and at midnight 5/20/12 a winner will be chosen using random.org. If you don't win, I suggest you purchase your own copy before the end of May while they are on sale for $3.95 (will be $4.95 6/1/12). Good luck, and enjoy Anna's book!


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Cindy C Bennett Books Movie Cast

One of my amazing reader, Lissy Goode of Lissy Goode: Books, Stories and More made a cool pic video of who she thinks should play the parts of Jen & Trev, and Kate & Henry should they ever be made into movies. I have to say, I agree with her choices. They're pretty good. You can see the video here:

Cindy C Bennett Books Movie Cast

Thanks, Lissy! That was fun to watch.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Time For Another Giveaway



It's time for another blog hop, this one hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and The Book Bug. This blog hop is to help promote LDS authors (which translates as clean reads, right?)

Plagerizing I Am A Reader, Not A Writer: "You might be surprised by how many popular mainstream books are written by LDS authors. Shannon Hale, Orson Scott Card, Janette Rallison, Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull, James Dashner, Ally Condie, Stephenie Meyer, Bree Despain, Jessica Day George, Aprilynne Pike, Kiersten White, Robison Wells, Jason Wright, Heather Dixon, Obert Skye, Richard Paul Evans, Julie Berry, Mette Ivie Harrison, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lisa Mangum, Amber Argyle, Jennifer Laurens, Brodi Ashton... the list could go on and on."

I will add a few of my faves to the list: Sherry Gammon, Karey White, Stephanie Worlton, Joyce D Pastena, Anna del C Dye, Shannen Crane Camp, Jenni James, Mandi Tucker Slack, Lani Woodland... yeah, I agree. The list could go on and on.

So which author am I choosing to highlight? Me! Why me? Because I can then give away lots of stuff. So here's what's up for grabs:

Heart on a Chain (eBook)
Immortal Mine (eBook)
Geek Girl (eBook)
Reluctance (Short Story eBook)
Beautiful Beast (Short Story eBook)
Pick Your Own Book at Amazon.com ($15 gift card)

That means 6 winners!

Once you've entered using the Rafflecopter form below (you may have to click on "more" to see it) then scroll down to the linky list at the bottom and hop over to some other blogs to win lots of other great stuff!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Love for Reviewers!

I can't tell you how great it is when Google Alerts finds a surprise review for me. This week, I found Alyssa.

Thanks to My Secret Romance Book Reviews for the seriously amazing review Alyssa wrote for Heart on a Chain. Here are some of the highlights of her review:

Gahhh- Why did I take so long to read this book? This definitely deserved a 4 ½ star rating. Oh, and FYI: have some tissues handy.

I came across Heart on a Chain. It was heartbreaking. It was emotional. And it was just what I was looking for. (And trust me: four/five star reads are few and far between for me- I don't give that kind of rating out too often.)

[Kate] is by far, now a favorite heroine of mine. She’s very shy and very sweet- she’s lost and alone in a world where she’s been surrounded by so much ugliness.

I’m typically not hardly EVER a fan of nice heroes. But Henry... oh Henry... *moment of silence* ...there are just no words.

Cindy Bennett did a fantastic job evoking emotion in her readers. I absolutely loved her writing style- she never rushed the plot, and she really allowed the characters to develop gradually, just as it would happen in the real world. This was my first novel by Cindy Bennett, and it most definitely won't be my last. If you're looking for an intense and enormously absorbing read, then this is the book for you. :)

I mean, wow, huh? What a great review to totally make my day! Click here to go to My Secret Romance Book Reviews and read the rest of what Alyssa had to say.