Friday, July 27, 2018

Book Spotlight - Scream All Night by Derek Milman + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


Chapter 1: Return to Moldavia
Slightly before dinner, Keenan House, the group home where I live, gets a call that my homosexual exorcism is scheduled to take place next Thursday at four.
“But I’m not homosexual. And I’m not possessed,” I say to Len, my counselor.
“You sure?” says Len. He cracks open a PBR and takes a long, gurgling sip.
“Bet you’re both,” says my roommate, Jude, lacing up his boxing gloves.
“Actually,” says Len, belching, softly punching his gut, “I think it’s your brother calling.”
Oren. Of course.
Late-afternoon sunlight smears across the cinder-block walls through broken, yellowed blinds. I throw down my graphic novel, which I was actually half enjoying, and roll out of my sagging lower bunk with a groan. I walk down the hall and grab the phone.
“Why are you calling me?”
“’Cause I know you have lots of homo demons inside you,” says Oren, stifling one of his loud, chirpy laughs. “And I thought maybe it was time for a devil cleanse.”
“Uh-huh.” I hear projected voices in the background—like announcements on a PA or something. “Where are you?”
“Hospital.”
“What?”
“We’re burying Dad next week. Funeral is Thursday.”
“Dad died?”
“No, no.”
My dad has been slowly dying for forty years. Emphysema, hairy cell leukemia, diabetes, arthritis; it’s like he just went shopping one day for chronic diseases and never made any returns. More recently, he’s been sliding into dementia.
Thing is, this might really be it. The doctors are pretty sure. “He has two weeks max,” says Oren.
“Shit.” I bite my thumbnail—an old nervous habit instantaneously reborn. I’m suddenly terrified that my family, who I was legally emancipated from three years ago, might be planning something deeply, morbidly insane. But it’s not as bad as all that.
Just a live funeral.
“A what?” The phone slips out of my hands. I juggle it back to my ear.
“Dad’s final wish was to be buried alive,” says Oren.
 



About the Book:
Title: SCREAM ALL NIGHT
Author: Derek Milman
Pub. Date: July 24, 2018
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 400
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonAudibleB&NiBooksTBD

A darkly hilarious contemporary realistic young adult novel about growing up and finding your place in the world, perfect for fans of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Running With Scissors.

Dario Heyward knows one thing: He’s never going back to Moldavia Studios, the iconic castle that served as the set, studio, and home to the cast and crew of dozens of cult classic B-horror movies. It’s been three years since Dario’s even seen the place, after getting legally emancipated from his father, the infamous director of Moldavia’s creature features.

But then Dario’s brother invites him home to a mysterious ceremony involving his father and a tribute to his first film—The Curse of the Mummy’s Tongue. Dario swears his homecoming will be a one-time visit. A way for him to get closure on his past—and reunite with Hayley, his first love and costar of Zombie Children of the Harvest Sun, a production fraught with real-life tragedy—and say good-bye for good. But the unthinkable happens—Dario gets sucked back into the twisted world of Moldavia and the horrors, both real and imagined, he’s left there.

With only months to rescue the sinking studio and everyone who has built their lives there, Dario must confront the demons of his past—and the uncertainties of his future. But can he escape the place that’s haunted him his whole life?



About Derek:
Derek Milman was born in New York City, but grew up in Westchester, NY, where he wrote and published a successful underground humor magazine that caught the attention of the New York Times, who wrote a profile on him at the age of 14.

Derek studied English, Creative Writing, and Theater at Northwestern University. He began his career as a playwright (his first play was staged in New York City when he was just out of college), and earned an MFA in acting at the Yale School of Drama.

Derek has performed on stages across the country, and appeared in numerous TV shows and films, working with two Academy Award winning film directors.

Scream All Night is Derek's debut YA novel. He currently lives in Brooklyn where he is hard at work on his next book.



Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a signed finished copy of SCREAM ALL NIGHT & swag, US Only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter link:


Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
7/23/2018- The Clever ReaderReview
7/23/2018- Smada's Book SmackReview

7/24/2018- Lisa Loves LiteratureInterview
7/24/2018- THE BOOK NUTReview

7/25/2018- A Gingerly ReviewReview
7/25/2018- Two Chicks on BooksExcerpt

7/26/2018- Daily WaffleInterview
7/26/2018- Don't Judge, ReadInterview

7/27/2018- Two Points of Interest- Spotlight
7/27/2018- Book-KeepingReview

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Book Review - Revealed by Elaine Manders + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

Katherine Levinson put her life on hold while taking care of her sick mother after her father dies. She and her mother face eviction if they can't pay rent. After all other sources of income dry up, she has no choice but, to reach out to estrange wealthy brother, Rhyan Cason. However, her ill mother refuses to contact Rhyan.

When Katherine and her mother move to the cattle ranch, Sollano, they are met with whispers and scorn. Katherine learns of her parents' buried past and secrets are revealed. With Rhyan being busy with cattle rustlers, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a calm neighboring rancher, for comfort. However, Colt is promised to another woman, Charley Ryder but, he feels drawn to Katherine. Will Colt be able to follow his heart? What secrets are buried in Katherine's past?

I found the novel to be a good read. I like the parts with Charley performing stunts and portraying her as a strong female character. I enjoyed that there wasn't a lot of deny of each other's feelings. Such as, "Oh, she's not good enough" or "He's a bad boy" back and forth. I haven't read the other stories in the series but, I found this still to be an enjoyable read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


About the Book

Title: Revealed
Author: Elaine Manders
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: December 27, 2018

Nothing can be hidden that won’t be revealed.
When her father dies, Katherine Levinson discovers her parents have kept secrets that render her happy childhood a farce. She and her gravely ill mother face eviction, and she has no choice but to appeal to the brother she’s never seen, the famous cattle baron, Rhyan Cason. Over her gravely ill mother’s objections, they move to Nebraska and the sprawling cattle ranch, Sollano.

Instead of the warm welcome Katherine expects, she and her mother are met with whispers and scorn in the little prairie town near Sollano. Gradually, the sins of her parents’ past surface, and Katherine begins to doubt her very identify. With her brother busy with cattle rustlers and her mother too ill to be bothered, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a soft-spoken neighboring rancher, for comfort.

Tired of waiting for the right woman to come along, Colt has promised to wait for Charley Ryder, an acclaimed female sharp shooter and equestrian acrobat with the Wild West Show, but it’s becoming clear Charley loves the show more than him. As his attraction to Katherine grows, he finds himself spiritually conflicted. How can he break from past commitments and follow his heart?

Then unexpected danger strikes, testing Katherine’s and Colt’s faith in God—and each other.


About the Author

Elaine Manders 
Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. Her stories twist, turn, and surprise, told by characters who aren’t afraid to show their love for God and each other. She grew up a small town country girl and now lives in Central Georgia with her fur baby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, sewing, crafts, and spending time with her family.


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! 


Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Book Review - Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose

Photo Credit - Amazon

Twenty-four-year-old Jenny Bell is trying to escape her past. She is trying to escape memories of her stepfather, a murder, and the two years she spent in Andrew Mercer Reformatory. Jenny is overjoyed when she is one of the twelve artists, who was invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany's prestigious artists' retreat. Determined to win the prize, Jenny tries to focus on her work but, finds herself drawn to Oliver, Tiffany's grandson.

Minx Deering is a carefree socialite, who is a dedicated friend to Jenny. She was always supportive of Jenny. However, a string of suspicious and disturbing events occur that suggests someone knows the truth about Jenny's childhood. Will Jenny be able to trust Minx and Oliver? Will she be able to get to the truth?

I found the novel to be quite an entertaining read. I like reading about the different art techniques each artist employed. I thought the portrayal of Louis and Oliver Tiffany to be marvelous. I found myself jealous that I couldn't be among the group of talented artists to learn and grow with the inspirational Louis C. Tiffany by my side. I thought the book had some plot twists but, I found it a bit slow in some of the parts. However,  it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Monday, July 23, 2018

Book Review - How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green

Photo Credit - Amazon
 This beautifully illustrated book shows readers what to do when they meet a ghost. First and foremost, provide the ghost with their favorite snacks such as earwax truffles. When not entertaining, ghosts love ghoulish bedtime stories. The manual provides scenarios to help prevent your ghost from being accidentally caught in the dryer along with their favorite activities. The witty and quirky book illustrates in a few simple steps on how to become and stay friends with a ghost. A wonderful and delightful read for all ages!

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Book Review - Firestorm by Laura Hilton + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon
The Behrs moved from a bustling Amish community in Ohio to the desolate and cold Upper Peninsula of Michigan after an incident with a stalker. Her father, Hosea buys a home which is currently inhabitable. The family is forced to reside in a RV, while their home is being rebuilt. Bridget is hoping for a fresh start. But, when the overly friendly Amish man who lives next door starts flirting with her, she has a hard time trusting him. She believes, he is a serial womanizer who takes home a new girl every week.

Gabriel Lapp was exiled from his Florida community because there wasn't enough work to keep him from trouble. His father wants Gabe to settle down and start a family. When the Behrs move next door and need help with the construction of their home, Gabe jumps to the chance of helping. However, the pair like each other but, fear that the other person wants something else. Will they realize there is more to each than they realize?

I found the book a fun read. I like reading the portions with Bridget's father and Gabe. Each character had their own faults and wants but, had a hard time following their hearts.  I didn't like that Bridget and Gabe were going back and forth about dating each other. Overall, a great read especially for fans of the genre.
**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


About the Book

Title: Firestorm
Author: Laura Hilton
Genre: Christian Amish
Release Date: July, 2018

Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.

Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.

As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.


About the Author

Laura picture 

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.



Giveaway

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Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.

First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!


Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Book Review - Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee



Photo Credit - Amazon

Isabella Bankmill is looking for a husband. However, he has to meet certain criteria in order for Isabella to be interested. He must be a man of faith and be of a solid background. The moody Lord Bromby captures Isabella's heart but, he fails to meet her criteria.

Lord Bromby is a man haunted by his past. He recently achieves literary success but, is continuously engages in reckless behaviors. When a recent entanglement with an obsessive aristocrat goes awry, his friends urge him to marry a suitable lady. Bromby proposes to Isabella due to her angelic appearance and piety.

David Beringer is a kind religious man who is enamored with Isabella. However, Isabella is only interested in Lord Bromby. When Isabella and Lord Bromby's world collide, will Isabella be able to handle Bromby's dangerous world?

I found the novel to be an interesting and suspenseful read. I enjoyed reading about Isabella's engagement and the challenges she faced. I have read Henry James "A Portrait of a Lady", and this book reminds me of it.  Overall, a great book for any fan of historical romances.


**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**


About the book:


“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”

Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?
 


About the author:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director's Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women's contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women's contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

Website:             
www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:          
https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:               
https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:          
https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:           
https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

Monday, July 16, 2018

Book Review - Stolen Obsession by Marlene M. Bell + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Annalisse Drury is an antiquities appraiser, whose best friend was recently murdered. The killer is still on the loose but, Annalisse believes her friend's murder is linked to her expensive missing bracelet. The bracelet is said to have an ancient curse that unleashes evil on anyone who wears it, who isn't Persian royalty. 

During a gallery opening, she notices the matching necklace on display. She asks the owner to get rid of the necklace because of its cursed past. No one believes her even after, an unnatural death occurs during the gallery opening. Desperate to get rid of the piece, Annalisse enlists the handsome gallery owner's son to help. Will Annalisee be able to stop the murders before it is the too late?

I found the novel to be an interesting read. The beginning was a bit convoluted and hard to get into. However, towards the middle of the book, it started picking up. The book had a lot of intrigue and plot twists. A very thrilling book!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**



Stolen Obsession
(Annalisse Series #1)
By Marlene M. Bell
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 294 Pages
June 30th 2018 by Ewephoric Publishing

People die, but legends live on.

New York antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury recently lost her best friend to murder. The killer’s identity may be linked to her friend’s expensive missing bracelet—a 500-year-old artifact that carries an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family.

Weeks later, Annalisse sees a matching necklace at a Manhattan gallery opening. She begs the owner to destroy the cursed piece, but her pleas fall on deaf ears—despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.

Desperate, Annalisse enlists the gallery owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.

Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. When the killer changes tactics and goes after Alec behind Annalisse’s back, can her plan to rescue Alec’s mother save them all?

Hold on for a heart-thumping, thrilling adventure through exotic lands in this fast-moving romantic suspense mystery by Marlene M. Bell.

Praise for the Book

"Debut author Bell delivers a great, slow-building romance, gently examining her characters' painful pasts." — Kirkus Reviews

"An irresistible page turner and a successful melding of thriller and romance. With a splash of international adventure and plenty of surprises, Stolen Obsession is an entertaining read and a great beginning to the Annalisse Series." — Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½


About the Author


Marlene M. Bell is an acclaimed artist and photographer as well as a writer. Her sheep landscapes grace the covers of publications such as, Sheep!, The Shepherd, Ranch & Rural Living and Sheep Industry News. Ewephoric, her mail order venture, began in 1985 out of a desire for realistic sheep stationery. A color catalog of non-fiction books and sheep-related gifts may be requested at www.marlenembell.com or www.texassheep.com. Marlene and her husband, Gregg reside on a wooded ranch in East Texas with their 50 head of Horned Dorset sheep, a lovable Maremma guard dog named, Tia, and 3 spoiled cats who rule the household.

- 1 Grand Prize winner will receive: One signed copy of STOLEN OBSESSION, One lined Journal with handcrafted pen, One set of Wool Dryer Balls, a Pair of Stolen Obsession style earrings and a $50 gift card from Amazon
4 winners will each receive: One signed copy of Stolen Obsession, One sheep bookmark, One lined journal and a pair of Stolen Obsession-style earrings-Gold-various styles
- US only
- Ends July 25th