Saturday, October 27, 2012

Book Review: Portrait of a Gossip by Melanie Jackson

Hi all,

It is no secret that I am a fan of Melanie Jackson's novels so whenever I'm in the mood for a book that I know will be well-written, interesting and entertaining, I pick up one of hers. And believe me, she has many to choose from. With over 50 novels to her credit and more on the way, there is an array of novels by this talented author to choose from.

Melanie writes several series of books and I was first hooked with her Wendover House Mystery Series. After enjoying all of those, I picked up the first book in the Miss Henry Mystery Series, Portrait of a Gossip. I really enjoyed this novel and I will be sure to read the other two in the series (and possibly more if they come along!) Here is more about this novel and my 5 star review.


Portrait of a Gossip (A Miss Henry Mystery Book 1)
Melanie Jackson

 
Book Description:

Juliet Henry, water-color artist and retired agent of the NSA, wouldn't stack up her knowledge of the human heart against the great romantic poets, but she knows a thing or two about human avarice and stupidity. It comes as no great surprise when the small artists' colony of Bartholomew's Woods ends up with a dead resident. Harvey Allen was a professional gossip, hated the length and breadth of the state for his scandal-mongering in the press, and it seemed that one of Juliet's talented but idiosyncratic neighbors had finally had enough of his pernicious tale-bearing and decided to paint him out of the picture. Juliet may sympathize, but she also knows that once a person resorts to murder to hide a secret, chances are good that they may choose to kill again. Can she find the murderer before the killer paints the town red?

Move over Miss Marple, there's a new sleuth in town. If you are a fan of Ngaio Marsh or Agatha Christie you are going to love Juliet Henry and the residents of Bartholomew's Woods.


Buy on Amazon Kindle or in Paperback    

 
My 5 Star Review:

There is murder in the little artist village and ex-NSA agent turned painter Juliet Henry is trying to unravel the mystery overtaking their little community of artists. Could one of the artists in their village really be a murderer?

This is another wonderfully written novel by Melanie Jackson. I just love her writing style and the characters are so real they just jump off the pages. I adored the character of Juliet Henry - she is both intelligent and humorous. If you enjoy a good mystery full of colorful characters, you will enjoy this novel. Melanie Jackson is a literary treasure!
 
More Novels by Melanie Jackson
 
 




I hope you will try one or more of Ms. Jackson's novels - you certainly won't be disappointed!

Cheers,
Deanna

Friday, October 26, 2012

New Book Release: Reflections by Susan Griscom


Hi all,

I recently shared on this blog a review of Brief Interludes, a collection of short stories by Susan Griscom, which I enjoyed immensely. Today I'm please to announce the release of her latest novel, Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2).  Reflections is the second novel in the Whisper Cape Series and is already receiving rave reviews. Also, be sure to check out Susan's book blog tour for Reflections at the link below.

 
Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2)
Susan Griscom writing as Regan Walsh

 
Book Description:

Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she’s pregnant with his child, he’s over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry’s baby, but when she starts seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia’s nightmare has only just begun...

A most sought after beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.

Fiction/Paranormal Romance/Suspense

 
What readers are saying:

"This is a really wonderful and unique supernatural fiction series." - D. Lancaster on Amazon

"The storyline is intense, surprising, and filled with emotion."  - Literal Addiction's Review 

"REFLECTIONS does not disappoint!" – Ann Carter on Amazon


Buy REFLECTIONS now on Amazon Kindle
 

About the Author:

Susan Griscom was born, Susan Marie Whittaker, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Under the name, Regan Walsh she writes the popular paranormal-urban fantasy, Whisper Cape, series and writes young adult and mainstream under her married name, Susan Griscom.

Upcoming release 2013 - Allusive Aftershock - A young adult love story.

Be sure to check out her Whisper Cape Series under the name of Regan Walsh

She enjoys writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tends to lean toward the unusual and spooky.

Her paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday she might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now she likes the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets her blood running hot.

Susan lives in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and humungous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and her children, four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, seven grandchildren. Her greatest love in life is her family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners.

She enjoys traveling. She hates running, but does it once in a while. Reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.
 
 
Visit Susan's AmazonAuthor's Page  

Visit Susan on Goodreads  

 

Follow along on Susan Griscom's book blog tour for Reflections.

 

 
I hope you will check out Susan's latest novel - you will not be disappointed!
 
Cheers,
Deanna 

 

 

 

 

Monday, October 22, 2012

New Book Release: The Return of Joy by Lynette Endicott

Hi all,

I've had the pleasure of meeting author Lynette Endicott through Goodreads and Twitter and am happy to announce the publication of her latest novel The Return of Joy (Starting Over Series Book Two). She is graciously sharing an excerpt from her new novel as well as the book trailer. You can also find more information about her novel, More Than A Job, the first book in this series.  

The Return of Joy (Starting Over Book Two)
Lynette Endicott

Book Description:
Joy's sadness at the loss of her husband has buried her in despair. Will a change of scenery help her live again, or will the danger around Steve's death engulf her and her young daughter? Can Mark keep them safe - and win her love?

Contemporary/Suspense

 Where to buy:
Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Desert BreezePublishing      


Excerpt from The Return of Joy

The creaky board in the hall gave Joy away. Ah, so she was up. At the sound, Evelyn turned and handed her daughter-in-law a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea. She didn't speak. Instead, she took in the dark smudges under Joy’s eyes and the yawn she let escape despite her best efforts. The older woman waited to speak, knowing Joy needed her caffeine first. Evelyn took the early duties in the house, because facing morning was so difficult for Joy. Gone was the vivacious woman who had captured Steve's heart and swept into his life in a whirlwind of excitement.

Evelyn had been the matchmaker for those two. With the same unerring instincts that had led her to introduce her friend to her son, she had known how to lend Joy strength when their marriage had ended with his death.

"The last thing Steve said to me," Evelyn had told Joy, "must have been a premonition."

Joy had looked up from her tears, from the bed where she had just given birth to Charity, with confusion in her eyes.

"'Take care of Joy'," he said to me. "'If anything happens, you'll take care of my Joy, won't you?' And I will."

I'm still taking care of her. Joy had needed Evelyn then, and she needed her now. A new mother couldn't deal with planning a funeral. Evelyn had picked out the casket and planned the service. She got Joy through the condolences and the days and weeks after the funeral. She pushed down her own pain at losing her son so that she could support his little family.

She'd handled everything -- everything -- and given Joy time to heal. Her new job was to protect and care for Joy and Charity.

She had been there when Joy struggled to move from one day to the next. Evelyn had helped Joy get back into her business -- now home-based, because of the baby. Who else could call clients and make appointments, prod Joy to move back into the world, and cover for her when she couldn't work? Moving in with Joy had come naturally. After all, living with her was much more convenient, and during months of lower productivity, sharing costs would help them both. Joy needed so much from Evelyn. The older woman had given up her privacy and independence because she wanted to take care of her new granddaughter and the woman who’d given the child life. She'd promised Steve. Besides, they were family.

Evelyn was there this morning, ready to listen, as always. She finished cooking breakfast and set plates of steaming food on the table. She'd never been good at staying still. She refilled Charity's cup with juice, encouraged the little girl to wipe her mouth, and then pulled her chair up beside Joy to eat her own meal. When Joy set down her mug and sighed, Evelyn turned to her and asked, "Long night?"

Joy nodded and ran a hand through her dark curls as she stared at her plate. Smudges under her eyes and the tightness of strain around her mouth made her look older than her thirty-three years.

"I had the dream again." She shook her head and toyed with her food, pushing the eggs around on her plate. Evelyn wished Joy had more of an appetite. "Evelyn, I can't take it anymore."

"The dream at the cabin where Steve calls out to you?" She poured Joy a second cup of tea. At her daughter-in-law's nod, she asked, "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to face my demons." Joy looked at her over her mug and attempted a smile. Then she winced. She'd told Evelyn more than once she didn't have the heart to go to the cabin, so she'd never seen the dream house they'd designed, that Steve had given her and their unborn child. Evelyn had found someone to care for the place, so it hadn't been abandoned, and yet Joy seemed content to forget about it. Perhaps she'd found her destroyed hopes too much to bear. Now, however...

Joy took a tentative bite of toast.

"I'm already packed. I hope you'll come with us." She took another bite, and then another. Evelyn was pleased to see her eating so well. Maybe this decision was what she'd needed.

Of course she would go. Joy and Charity were her responsibility. She wouldn't think of staying behind. "How long will we be gone?"

"Oh," Joy hesitated, staring at her hand and twisting her wedding band.

Evelyn noted her hesitation and feared for a moment that she might decide to stay buried here in St. Louis after all.

"You should have seen Steve's eyes, Evelyn," Joy finally said, her look confused and unsure. "Calling to me, so urgently. I think..."

Evelyn waited for her to continue.

Joy twisted the wedding band again. "I think he wants us to go." She looked up, her eyes begging her friend to understand. "It's weird, I know, but the dreams..." She hesitated again. Where was this girl's confidence? "I don't know how long we'll stay. I just know I need to go. Maybe we'll make a vacation of it. Maybe we'll work from there for awhile. I don't know."

Evelyn nodded. She'd go with Joy and take care of her as she always did. "I'll clear our calendars." She grabbed a pen and paper and started a list, before Joy lost her burst of courage and changed her mind. "I assume we want to fly?"

"I suppose it's too far to drive." Joy grimaced.

Evelyn smiled. "Well, it can be done in a couple of days, but they'd be long days, harder on everyone, especially with Charity. So yes, it's too far to drive."

Evelyn leaned down to her granddaughter. "Did you hear, baby? We are going for a trip on an airplane. Do you want to fly on a big steel birdie?"

The little girl grinned, nodding in excitement. "Big steel birdie." she repeated, laughing.

"You have plenty of your patches for airsickness?" Evelyn turned back to Joy. At her daughter-in-law's nod, she continued. "Okay, then. I need to make reservations for sometime in the next couple of days. Turn off the water. Cancel the paper. Forward the mail and our calls--"

"I'll get some cash, pack the computer and some current projects, and arrange our ground transportation," Joy added, surprising Evelyn.

She nodded, still planning in her mind. "Mark, the caretaker, will meet us, I think. Or leave us a vehicle. The old Suburban is still up at the place from Steve's last trip. He left it there and flew home."

"Okay, ask the caretaker about that. We can each check two bags and carry on -- which is it? One or two?"

Was there a hint of excitement in Joy's voice? Excitement was healthy. "Two. But we don't really want to wrestle a lot of bags, do we?"

"Well, if we end up working while we are there we'll need all our office things."

"Don’t worry too much about work. I thought you said this is a vacation." Evelyn wasn't going to let Joy bury herself up there. A break would do them all some good. "Surely just one laptop will do for this trip. We don't have anything pressing right now. If we check our email and keep in touch by cell, our clients will manage for a few weeks, maybe longer."

Joy conceded. "You're right. We shouldn’t need much. Most of our design and communication is electronic anyway. I suppose we'll have internet up there."

In the middle of the conversation, Charity banged her spoon on the table, laughing and singing, "Going to fly on a big steel birdie. Going to see Daddy, going to see Daddy." Both women stopped mid-plan.

"She said something similar last night," Joy told her. "I don't know what to make of it."

Evelyn nodded and put an arm around the younger woman's shoulders. Side by side, the two of them watched the laughing child.

"You don't have to understand," Evelyn bobbed her head toward Charity's beaming face. "This confirms it's time. Children have impeccable instincts."

 

The Return of Joy Video Trailer



 

 

More Than a Job (Starting Over Book One) by Lynette Endicott

Contemporary Romance

When Paige Hamilton is fired from her 10-year career, it is Josh Robinson who helps her pick up the pieces. A team of family members and friends walk with her as she starts a journey to a new life. All that is threatened when she learns who Joshua really is and blames him for a life-threatening injury to a close friend.

Where to buy:

 Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble         
 
Desert Breeze Publishing     
 

 

SAuthor Bio:

Lynette Endicott grew up in Illinois, met her husband in Western Nebraska, lived 25 years in Kansas where their daughter was born, and has been in Fresno, California since 2000. She has a son-in-law (who lives with her daughter nearby), and has rescued a dog, a bird and three cats. She and Ollie, her terrier mix, volunteer as a team at the local library, where children read to the dog.

At a youth camp when she was 14 the editor and teacher of a writing class challenged her to submit something to his youth magazine. She did and it was the first of 10 articles and stories accepted by the publication over the next few years.

Nothing like front end success to keep her writing! Lynette enjoys reading contemporary romance and speculative fiction and writes both. Her debut book, Starting Over Book One: More Than A Job, and Time After Time Saga: Animal Instinct (with Tami Dee) are available now. Starting Over Book Two: The Return of Joy releases October 21, 2012.

Because she didn't have pets until after her 50th birthday the animals she enjoys find their way into all her books. Usually you will also find a character with a disability as part of the day to day fabric of the story. In More Than A Job, Paige works in services to people with disabilities until she loses her job and starts over. In the Time After Time series animal helpers assist the hero and heroine in all six of the books in the series.

Connect with Lynette:
Website 

Twitter @LynetteEndicott

Goodreads      

Facebook     

Amazon Author Page  

 
Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,

Deanna
 

Friday, October 19, 2012

Alpha Doesn't Always Mean Tough - The Alpha Male Blog Hop

(Giveaway has now ended - thanks for visiting)

The Alpha Male Blog Hop & Giveaway!

Hi all,

The alpha male – this term conjures up a mighty, manly man with rippling muscles, a square jawline and piercing blue (or grey or brown-you decide) eyes. He wears faded jeans and workman's boots and his blue flannel shirt is left unbuttoned to the waist. Well, that is when he is wearing a shirt. He sweeps damsels in distress off of their feet and saves them from the evil boyfriend in the suit or the evil employer who harasses her or, basically anyone or anything that is making her life miserable. He is in control, he can do just about anything and he makes love in a sweeping, powerful yet tender, fashion. But let's face it ladies, we all know that this man does not exist.

In reality we want men who are cute (hot would be nice too), dress decent, have a steady job (and hopefully health insurance) and who will let us be in charge most of the time (admit it!). We want him to be generous in bed as well as willing to do the dishes after a long day of work. And although it would be nice for him to save us from distress, it is equally as nice if he changes a diaper and helps put the kids to bed. Even though he keeps his shirt on, he's still manly and he's our alpha male. What do you think makes a man an alpha male?

In my romance novel, MEMORIES, Michael has played the part of alpha male when he fought in the Vietnam War but that isn't the part of him that Dani once fell in love with. It was his tender and loving ways with his daughter, and now granddaughter, which warmed her heart.  Michael proves that a true alpha male can have a tender side in this excerpt from MEMORIES:

 
Buy Memories on Amazon
MEMORIES Excerpt

Michael walked over to the drapes, standing near her again. He pushed aside one heavy drape and the room filled with sunshine. The view of the beach and the ocean beyond was spectacular.

 "I tried running away from 'all this'," he told her. "My grandfather started the business when he came over from Portugal and my father continued in his footsteps. I was being groomed to take over when I went out to Berkeley for college. But once I'd escaped to California, and away from the family, I didn't want to come back." He sighed and Dani looked at his profile as his eyes searched the ocean beyond.

 "So you left it all behind?"

 "For a few years. I married Diane while in college and we had Vanessa right away. Two years into college I was drafted for Vietnam, which really pissed my father off. He wanted to try and get me out of serving, but I insisted on going. When I came back and Diane left me, I still couldn't bear coming back here. So I stayed in California all those years and, well, you know the rest."

 But Dani didn't know the rest. She had only been a part of his life for a few months. And although she had thought then that she knew him well, she now realized that she hadn't really known him at all.

 "But you are back here now," she told him.

 "I had to grow up finally," was all he said. Michael stared at Dani as if memorizing her every feature. "I'm happy you're here," he told her.

 The room became too close for Dani and she suddenly walked past him to the door. "I should get back to the party," she said, although she knew it was a feeble excuse. After all, no one was going to miss her.

 "Have you met Michelle yet?" Michael asked, not wanting to lose her attention. He seemed to have broken through her icy wall and was enjoying her company.

 Dani stopped reluctantly and turned to face him again. "No, she was napping earlier. Vanessa said she'd bring her down later."

 "Let's see if she's awake. I love showing her off." Before Dani could say anything, Michael grabbed her hand and led her out the door and across the hall and up the back stairway.

 "You really don't have to do this," she protested. But her words fell on deaf ears as he led her from the stairs down the hallway that led to the family wing. Everything here was done in light colors, a complete contrast to the rooms downstairs. The walls were waist-high cream wainscoting and the top half of the walls had cream wallpaper with delicate peach, rose and green flowers. The sculptured carpet was a mixture of cream and tan. At intervals there were small oak tables holding flower vases, figurines or baskets of dried flowers.

 Turning a corner, they practically ran into an elderly woman carrying a little girl in her arms. From the red, curly hair and emerald green eyes Dani knew instantly that this was Vanessa's daughter.

 "Oh, Mr. DeCara," the older woman said, startled by his sudden appearance. "I was just bringing Michelle down to her mother."

 "That's fine, Mrs. Carols. I'll be happy to take her." At that, the woman handed Michelle to Michael and turned back down the hall.

 Dani studied the child in Miguel's arms for a moment, warmed by her resemblance to Vanessa. Miguel's eyes beamed with pride.

 "Michelle," he said, in mock introduction. "This is Miss Westerly. Miss Westerly, I'd like you to meet my granddaughter, Michelle."

 Playing along, Dani reached out her hand to touch Michelle's petite one. "Happy to meet you, Miss Chandler," she said. Michelle only cocked her head and giggled in reply.

 "She's beautiful," Dani told Michael, who only nodded his agreement.

 "And shy, too, as you can see. She takes after her grandfather," he teased.

 Dani rolled her eyes at him and looked once again at the lovely little girl. Seeing Miguel there, holding his granddaughter, the love so obvious in his eyes, reminded her of his warmth with Vanessa and how much that had once touched her heart. It brought back the side of him she had loved so much. The side of him she had forgotten in the years she told herself she hated him.

 For a moment, it seemed they were transported back in time. Back to the Miguel and Dani they had once been. By sharing this special moment with him, Dani almost forgot she had ever hated him, or why.

Buy Memories at Amazon on Kindle $2.99 or in Paperback $8.99
  
 
TWO GIVEAWAYS TO ENTER!
Giveaways now closed.


Alpha Male Blog Hop Giveaway!

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times! International readers can sign up too! The Swag Pack, however, can only be won by a U.S. citizen due to shipping costs.

Be sure to leave a comment below to enter!

Now what are those prizes?


1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!
 
 



MY GIVEAWAY! 
Giveaway now closed

In appreciation of you stopping by, I'm having a giveaway! If you leave a comment below, I'll put your name in the drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Be sure to put an email address in the comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. The giveaway starts today, Oct. 19th and ends October 22nd at midnight. I will notify the winner after noon on Oct. 23rd.


Be sure to check out the other blogs listed below - many more giveaways you can sign up for!

 
Congratulations to Katie Dalton, winner of the $10 Amazon Gift Card
 
For a list of Grand Prize Winners, visit Carrie Ann's Blog Hops


Thanks for stopping by,

Deanna  




Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Book Review: Reconstructing Jackson by Holly Bush


Be sure to follow Holly's book tour! Click here.
Hi all,

I am an avid fan of Holly Bush's writing and have read and enjoyed her other novels so I couldn't wait to read her most recent historical romance novel Reconstructing Jackson. She did not disappoint me! I literally had trouble putting this book down and that is rare for me. If you love historical romance fiction novels – this novel is a must read! Here is a description of the book and my 5 star review. 

 
Read my review of Train Station Bride    
Read my review of Romancing Olive      

 
Book Description:

1867 . . . Southern lawyer and Civil War veteran, Reed Jackson, returns to his family’s plantation in a wheelchair. His father deems him unfit, and deeds the Jackson holdings, including his intended bride, to a younger brother. Angry and bitter, Reed moves west to Fenton, Missouri, home to a cousin with a successful business, intending to start over.

Belle Richards, a dirt poor farm girl aching to learn how to read, cleans, cooks and holds together her family’s meager property. A violent brother and a drunken father plot to marry her off, and gain a new horse in the bargain. But Belle’s got other plans, and risks her life to reach them.

Reed is captivated by Belle from their first meeting, but wheelchair bound, is unable to protect her from violence. Bleak times will challenge Reed and Belle's courage and dreams as they forge a new beginning from the ashes of war and ignorance.


Show
My 5 Star Review:

Reed Jackson returns home to his family plantation after the Civil War a broken man in a wheelchair and considered unfit by his father to claim his inheritance and his bride-to-be. So he leaves his home and moves to Fenton, Missouri to start a new life. The country is still struggling with the newfound ideas of free black men and women and the fact that it is no longer split between north and south. In this atmosphere, Reed also finds himself with an internal battle between his own past upbringing and the changes of the new United States. When he meets a young woman, Belle, who has no prospects and is treated like property by her family, he is not only enthralled by her beauty but also by her perseverance to better herself. Together, he and Belle forge a life as they learn what to love and respect about each other and how to break through their limitations for a full, rich life.

Reconstructing Jackson once again reminds my why I love novels by Holly Bush. Her ability to place you into a previous time period and enthrall you with a story so compelling that you can't put it down is incredible. Her characters just jump off the pages and her historical knowledge rings true. In Reconstructing Jackson, she delves deeply into the sensitive topic of slavery and race relations from our country's history and writes about it thoughtfully and with integrity. Not only will you fall in love with these characters, but you will be entertained by this thought-provoking story.

 
Buy on Amazon Kindle  

Buy on Barnes &Noble     

 
About Holly Bush:

I grew up in a home where I was surrounded by books. There was not a room that did not hold a bookcase, stack or shelves of books. My father didn't care what we read, although he did, as long as we read something, even a comic book. His stack of books beside his reading chair that sat next to a sunny window was a strange mix of westerns, political intrigue, current affairs, science fiction and the odd biography. Books made me curious, comforted me, excited me, scared me and gave me glimpses into lives and worlds beyond my reach. What a gift - the written word - what a gift!

Connect with Holly:

Goodreads   

Twitter  @HollyBushBooks


 
Books by Holly Bush    




Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers,
Deanna

Monday, October 15, 2012

Author Interview: Rebekkah Ford


Hi all,
 
Today I am talking with Rebekkah Ford, author of the supernatural/paranormal novel Beyond The Eyes, the first book in the series. Rebekkah has an interesting background with the paranormal which she shares with us in her interview.
 
Author Interview: Rebekkah Ford
 
Tell us a little about yourself
 
I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid, and I’ve always been fascinated with the paranormal world. I don’t take things at face value, though. I’ve learned that from my dad when he did his paranormal investigations. I seek the truth in everything. If something is unexplained, yet there’s a possibility it can be true or exist, I keep an open mind about it. 
 
Can you tell us a little about your debut novel Beyond the Eyes?
 
It’s basically about good versus evil, but it’s not linear. It’s packed full with everything: romance, love triangle, heartache, horror, friendship, humor, mystery and suspense. It also shows Paige having to deal with her emotional baggage that’s been weighing on her heart since her father died when she was four. But she has to in order to move onto the next phase in her life.
 
When a ghostly voice whispers a haunting message to seventeen-year-old Paige Reed, her life takes a nightmarish turn, changing it forever.
 
This book, along with the other two in this series throws light on some of life’s darker mysteries.
 
Have you ever wondered why some people are vicious? Have you ever wondered if they had a soul? What if they were soulless and malevolent entities were able to possess them? Paige discovers the answers to those questions and more.
 
Your parents investigated UFO sightings, ghost hauntings and Bigfoot sightings when you were growing up. How did their activities inspire your writing about the paranormal?
 
The stories, experience, and mystery of the paranormal world is what inspires my writing. I’m fortunate enough to have grown up in that environment because my knowledge, experience and interest in the unknown is what aids me in my stories. It also fuels my imagination, which is great.
 
Your job as a paranormal/supernatural writer is to scare the reader. Do you sometimes scare yourself when you're writing?
 
Not really. I more or less trip out on it because sometimes I don’t know where the information I’m writing is coming from. And then I think about automatic writing, which is when a spiritual force is guiding your hand, using you as a tool to get her words down. Now that is kind of freaking.
 
Do you have a "day" job? If so, when do you find time to write?
 
Yes, I do have a day job, and I write every chance I get. I get up an hour early every morning and write, and then I write in the evenings and on the weekends.
 
Beyond the Eyes is Book One in a series. When do you expect to publish Book Two?
 
Probably at the beginning of 2013.
 
Are you working on any other ideas for novels aside from this series?
 
No, but I do have a character and an opening scene that keeps pestering me. I do plan on writing more books after this series. The next one will probably be a stand alone novel.
 
What books and authors do you enjoy reading?
 
I actually have quite a few:
 
1984 by George Orwell. Interview With Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, Queen Of The Damned, and The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. The Stand by Stephen King. All of the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
 
Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?
 
I just want to thank my readers for their support. There are no words that can convey how deeply I appreciate them.
 
 
Beyond the Eyes
Rebekkah Ford 
 
Book Description:
 
Paige knows evil exists in this world, but she never imagined it would want something from her.

After a ghostly voice whispers a haunting message to seventeen-year-old Paige Reed, Paige’s life takes a nightmarish turn. Unwilling to tell her friends about the supernatural occurrences happening in her life, Paige feels more alone than ever–until she meets Nathan Caswell.

Nathan is not only hot, but seems to peer into Paige’s soul, evoking a magnetic energy between them that cannot be denied. But he’s no ordinary guy. He tracks dark spirits, and becomes alarmed when they set their sights on Paige.

And then there are the two power-hungry dark spirits who believe Paige can find King Solomon’s magical ring for them, because when her father was alive, he was close to finding it. If Paige doesn’t comply with their demands, they’ll kill her.

Paige is forced to dig deep into her father’s past and unearths shocking secrets about him and his bloodline. With the past and present colliding, Paige is only sure about two things in her life: she needs to outwit the dark spirits to stay alive, and she’s completely and helplessly in love with Nathan.
 
Buy Beyond the Eyes on Amazon Kindle or Paperback
 
 
Author Bio:

Rebekkah Ford grew up in a family that dealt with the paranormal. Her parents' Charles and Geri Wilhelm were the Directors of the UFO Investigators League in Fairfield, Ohio, back in the 1970s. They also investigated ghost hauntings and Bigfoot sightings in addition to UFO's. Growing up in this type of environment and having the passion for writing is what drove Rebekkah at an early age to write stories dealing with the paranormal. At one point in her life, she thought she wanted to be a journalist, and although she enjoyed writing articles, she quickly discovered her real passion was writing fiction. Her fascination with the paranormal is what led her to write the Beyond the Eyes series.  

Connect with Rebekkah:
 
Blog    
 
Twitter    
 
 
Goodreads   
 
 
BookDaily   
 

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers,
Deanna

 
 

Friday, October 12, 2012

Author Interview: Lindsay Paige

Hi all,

If you haven't already heard of author Lindsay Paige, you will be soon. She is an ambitious young woman who has put all of her energy into writing young adult/romance novels. She currently has three published novels in her Bold As Love series and is working on a fourth. Her books are ranking well on Amazon and receiving good reviews. As you can tell, I am greatly impressed by Ms. Paige, and I'm sure you will be too as you learn more about her and her books.

Interview with Lindsay Paige


Tell us a little about yourself

I'm a huge hockey fan and book lover. Those are two of the biggest loves of my life. I can talk about either for day on end. I'm eighteen and a North Carolinian. I'm currently enrolled in a community college and looking for get my two year degree there before transferring to NC State.

Tell the readers about your Bold As Love Series

The series is about the love story of Jake and Emily. Only together can their love overcome the obstacles they will face. Life throws curve balls at Jake and Emily just went life is settling down. We start when they are in their senior year of high school and continue as they mature into adults. There will be nine books in the series and three have been published already.

What inspired you to write this series?

It's a bit of a long story, but I'm happy to tell it. I was experiencing severe panic attacks and daydreaming was my release, my way out. I conjured many different stories in my head, but there was one that stuck. That is how the series came to be. I had to get this story out of my head and the only way I could do that and be satisfied was to write.

Your main character, Emily, in your series is a shy girl who is slowly pulled out of her shell by her new friend. What inspired you to write this character?

Emily is a lot like me. I was shy and slowly I pulled myself out of the shell. I wondered what it would be like if a friend had drawn me out instead.

You say you are an open book on your blog and you share details of your life with your readers. How much does your upbringing and/or lifestyle today influence your writing?

It influences it a great deal. Anyone who knows me and has read anything I have written can see me in my works. There are bits and pieces of myself in my works whether it's in the form of a character or an event that occurs.

How long does it usually take you to write a novel?

It depends. Sweetness and I'm Yours took one year, as I wrote them at the same time. Whatever It Takes took about six months, I believe. Book four and Don't Panic are taking their sweet time.

I have to give you a lot of credit for accomplishing so much at your young age. Not many teenagers are as focused as you are. What plans do you have for your future aside from writing novels?

Thank you. My plans are to go to school to better myself and my future careers.

Are you working on anything right now and would you like to share it with our readers?

I'm working on book four of the series and Don't Panic, in which the main character suffers from anxiety as I did. Those are my two main projects.

What books do you enjoy reading and who are your favorite authors?

I enjoy reading YA, Erotic, Romance, and Historical Romance mostly. I love John Green, Ellen Hopkins, Jessica Park, Maria V. Snyder, and Rachel Vincent.

 

 

 
 Where can readers find your books:

Sweetness on Amazon and Goodreads

I'm Yours on Amazon and Goodreads

Whatever It Takes on Amazon and Goodreads

 

How to connect with Lindsay:

Blog 


Twitter: @lindsaypaige11

Facebook  

Goodreads   
 
 
Author Bio:
 
Lindsay Paige is a young adult romance author from North Carolina. Most of what Lindsay writes are her daydreams in lavish details. (Please excuse that fact when you read one of her future works about a girl who sleeps around.;)) When not writing, she is working to prepare for college.

Lindsay loves to read, listen to music, watch and play tennis, along with watching her favorite hockey team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lindsay is a big fan of Sidney Crosby (87) and buys Penguins merchandise whenever she can.

Lindsay loves to be around her family and best friends. One summer after viewing a video of Nicholas Sparks' house, Lindsay's mother made the comment that she should write a bestselling novel since she "reads so much", that way they could have a beautiful house as well. Lindsay took her comment to heart. She began working on Sweetness. A year later, the novel was complete.

Many of the aspects of the characters in Sweetness were inspired by Lindsay's own struggles, such as a recovering alcoholic father and the anxiety Emily suffers because of her past.

Lindsay has published Sweetness and I'm Yours, and Whatever It Takes.
 
***
 
I want to thank Lindsay for stopping by today. I hope you will check out her books.
 
Cheers,
Deanna