Saturday, February 28, 2015

The Long Meow Mystery, by Kathy Carmichael

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Synopsis: Amy Crosby needs her husband dead -- fast. 

Not that she plans to kill him. He disappeared seven years ago. Amy just needs to have him declared legally dead to save her house from foreclosure. 

Sounds simple. 

But then someone keeps breaking into her house -- and anonymously trying to blackmail her. She has a new housemate -- an injured cat named Chappy -- plus businessman Jerome Keller who wants to be her fiancé, and police detective Brad Tyler who just wants to protect her. 

Her husband -- legally dead or not -- is stirring up a whole lot of trouble.

Thoughts: This is one of the best cozy mysteries I've read this year. The main character, Amy, is a writer with quite an imagination who finds herself in the middle of not one, but two murder investigations. Along the way we meet her family, friends and neighbors, who are all stories in their own right. And of course, we can't forget her adorable kitten, Chappy. Her mother-in-law, Dolores, and her neighbor, Mrs. Mitchell, add quite a bit of comic relief to the story.

There is no shortage of suspects as the story progresses. However, when the killer is finally revealed, it comes as a total surprise. Reading the confession of the killer, it makes total sense, however. 

Hope to read more of Amy's adventures in the future.


**I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

Friday, February 27, 2015

Tale Of The Penitent Thief, by Don Willis

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Synopsis: Arguably the most influential figure in human history was Jesus Christ. Wars were fought in his name. In his name many nations rose, and many nations fell. Many prominent leaders gained power from him, and many others were persecuted and killed for their belief in him.

It has been said that over 6 billion Bibles have been printed in almost every language, and countless other millions of stories, books, and films have told the story of his life. Yet, he died with two men by his side, and history knows almost nothing about them.

Until now.
Young Dismas and his brother Jotham are blissfully unaware of the lifelong journey that awaits them soon after their encounter with the young girl, Mary, her husband, Joseph, and their baby, Jesus. Their lives will soon take a very cruel turn that leads through hurt, hardship, betrayal, and murder.

Along the way, they make unlikely alliances with Tiran and Gestas, two known criminals with a penchant for theft and murder. It is a path that will ultimately lead them all to intersect with their brutal destinies.

Throughout their journey, their lives will intersect with some of the most famous figures of the Bible, and they will learn about love, faith, and the most powerful weapon against sin... forgiveness.

Thoughts: After reading the synopsis of this book, I was very excited to read the entire story. However, I wound up being more than just a little disappointed in it.

The author has very little in the way of description when it comes to any of the characters. It would have been nice to read his view on how they looked, to help me picture them as he saw them.

And then there is the story itself, where the author used a little too much "poetic license" for my taste. Yes, it's a work of fiction, but it's based on facts, and a specific time period. Readers should feel as if they are IN that time period, IN that location---and this author just didn't do that for me.

**I was given a copy of this book from BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review.**

My rating:
Two stars

The Winner of the February 2015 Clash of the Titles


A big thank you to all four authors for sharing news of their wonderful new releases!
 One voter sums it up

"All of these books sound so good. I would really like to take a vacation where I could just read, read, eat, read, eat, and did I mention read some more? Well, all of your books sound amazing like you! May God bless each of you as you endeavor to do His will. May you shine for His glory."


Congratulations go to Marissa Shrock for her young adult novel!





Voters had lots to say about The First Principle, many comments from Marissa’s students.

It is a wonderful book! I loved it!

To God Be the Glory...

Really interesting, great book

Very good. My favorite book.

It was amazin’

This is the best book I have ever read.

This book looks so interesting! I look forward to reading it!

While all sound like good reads, I love the concept of a young, pregnant girl fighting against mandatory abortion.

Great book. Looking forward to the sequel.

Great concept!

Great book with lots of non-stop action and wonderful character development. It belongs on your must read list.

It is inspirational even to a grandma like me to read stories such as this.

Bless your efforts!


The latest comment from a teen reader:

 I absolutely loved The First Principle, a dystopian story with a Christian twist....Tear-jerking, heart-racing, and beautifully written. -- Tessa, 16
About The First Principle

SYNOPSIS: In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of North America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same–until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.

When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Martina Ward, she has no idea she’s sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn’t long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory termination–or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother’s chances at becoming president.

A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn’t ready to face.

(Note from Teresa: I have this on my Kindle, so look for my review post very soon!)

Buy Links

Amazon paperback

Amazon kindle

 Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW.

Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel.

In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, playing golf, and reading. Her favorite genres are young adult, suspense, and science fiction.

Visit Marissa’s web site http://www.marissashrock.com/web site

Blog Tour: Beneath, You're Beautiful by Tori Madison

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Synopsis…
Four words continue to haunt me . . . 
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.

I associate them with the upheaval of my life to this point. The last few months have been a test of my strength . . . mentally, emotionally, and physically. Cancer is a monster. It preys on your mind and it consumes you, consistently reminding you of how your life used to be. Life before cancer. I was a successful business woman, running my own design firm, and was happily married to my college sweetheart. My life seemed perfect. Until it suddenly came crashing down all around me.

So, here I am, in the midst of treatment, incinerating the remnants of my shattered marriage and attempting to piece the rest of my life back together. With three amazing friends pushing me forward, the ‘post-chemo’ finish line is coming into view.

And then . . . there’s him. The man I never anticipated. The one who breathes hope and meaning back into my life. A man who kisses my scars and shows me that I’m beautiful. I never expected him. Hell, I never expected cancer. I’m finally ready to write my future, a future I never planned on, but one that is better than I could’ve ever imagined.

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Excerpt: A soft tap at the door of my treatment room stirred me out of a light sleep and I opened my eyes to find Blake leaning against the door frame in his blue surgical scrubs. Holy Dr. McHottie was right. His hair was a sexy mess as he ran his hand through it and a smile broke out on his face that made me warm all over… and it wasn’t the kind of warm I got from the chemo meds. The man was giving me a serious complex.

He pushed off from where he was standing and strode toward me. “Good afternoon, Sunshine, I’m sorry to wake you,” he smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed facing me. “I just finished my last surgery of the day and wandered up to see if you were still here. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I was just catching up on some sleep.” I shifted to sit up a bit more.

He reached around to help prop up my pillows and with a concerned voice asked, “You didn’t sleep well last night?”

“No. Some guy took up residence my mind and I couldn’t shake him. He kept me up all night.”

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Links to purchase Beneath, You’re Beautiful…
Beneath, You’re Beautiful by Tori Madison
Coming February 24, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vhi4IJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1Bqva8z
B&N: http://bit.ly/1JCG3sv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1DHDO3q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1yle4np



Beneath It All (Book One) Trailer…


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Links to purchase Beneath It All


Spotify Playlist Links
Beneath It All: http://spoti.fi/1zC3Lgf
Beneath, You’re Beautiful: http://spoti.fi/1AlC1Oi

About the Author…
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Happily married and the mother of two, Tori Madison is active in the world of philanthropy and finds joy in making a difference in lives of others. She is an avid reader, lover of life and a breast cancer survivor. Currently residing with her family in Minnesota, she can often be found at Caribou Coffee or at the dance studio with her kids. With a well-known weakness for dark chocolate with sea salt and cheesecake, she also has a fondness for chips and fresh salsa.

Writing a book was never on her radar. After a challenge from a friend to write 1,500 words the story came to life and a new opportunity to make a difference was born.

Her debut novel, Beneath It All, released on September 24, 2014. Beneath, You’re Beautiful is her second novel and the sequel to Beneath It All. It is a two book series.

Author Links…
tsu: https://www.tsu.co/torimadison

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Book Tour:Escucha Means Listen by Talia Aikens-Nuñez

From the mowing of the lawn to the splish-splashing of rain puddles, Talia Aikens-Nuñez’s bilingual picture book Escucha Means Listen introduces toddlers and babies to the sweet sounds around them.

Welcome to the blog tour for Escucha Means Listen by Talia Aidens-Nuñez.  

Follow the tour and read about the book, read reviews, and make sure to enter the gift card giveaway!!


About Escucha Means Listen:

Take a journey through the world—just listening. Escucha Means Listen helps children discover sounds around them in English and Spanish.

Book information:

Title: Escucha Means Listen

Author Name: Talia Aidens-Nuñez

ISBN-13: 978-1-61937-590-1

Genre: Fairy Tales, Multicultural, Family, Grade School, Animals

My Review:  This is a great book for introducing children to a second language. It takes sounds that are familiar and presents the words for them in both English and Spanish. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the words on each page are minimal. The only thing that would have made it better would be a pronunciation guide for those who don't speak Spanish.I plan to share it with my five year old grandson, and am sure that he will have me reading it again and again.

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Rating: Five stars


Read An Excerpt:

Buzz. Buzz. Qué oyes? (What do you hear?)

Las abejas (The bees) circling the flowers.

Woosh. Woosh. What do you hear?

El viento (The wind) is whistling by.

Shh. Shh. Qué oyes? (What do you hear?)

Las hojas (The leaves) are dancing on the trees.


Purchase Links:

Musa ($.99) Escucha Means Listen

Amazon ($2.99) Escucha Means Listen


About the Author:



Talia Aikens-Nunez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. It was raising her bilingual children that inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books. Her family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water, so now they live on a river in Connecticut.


Find Talia Online:

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581341.Talia_Aikens_Nunez

Amazon Author:
http://www.amazon.com/Talia-Aikens-Nu%C3%B1ez/e/B00AQ91SCE

http://talia-aikens-nunez.vpweb.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

Twitter: @Talia_N

Link to Tour Schedule:
http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/blog-tour-kick-off-escucha-means-listen_15.html

Tour Coordinated by:



~ Amber M. ~
Promotions Specialist and Media Contact at Musa Publishing amber.musa.ps@gmail.com
Owner of Sapphyria’s Book Promotions saphsbookblog@gmail.com

Enter the Gift Card Giveaway:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Release Day Blitz: Beneath, You're Beautiful, by Tori Madison

Beneath, You're Beautiful Release Day Blitz


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Synopsis: Four words continue to haunt me...
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.

I associate them with the upheaval of my life to this point. The last few months have been a test of my strength...mentally, emotionally and physically. Cancer is a monster. It prays on your mind, and it consumes you, consistently reminding you of how your life used to be. Life before cancer. I was a successful business woman, running my own design firm, and was happily married to my college sweetheart. My life seemed perfect. Until it suddenly came crashing down all around me.

So here I am, in the midst of treatment, incinerating the remnants of my shattered marriage and attempting to piece the rest of my life back together. With three amazing friends pushing me forward, the 'post-chemo' finish line is coming into view.

And then...there's him. The man I never anticipated. The one who breathes hope and meaning back into my life.  A man who kisses my scars and shows me that I'm beautiful. I never expected him. Hell, I never expected cancer. I'm finally ready to write my future, a future I never planned on, but one that is better than I could have ever imagined.


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Excerpt:  
Walking back into the kitchen, I stopped outside the entrance and overheard Bobbie Jo quietly talking to Jen, who was standing at the kitchen island. As hard as she tried, Bobbie Jo never mastered the art of talking quietly, and she was currently sharing her version of my day with Jen.

Clearing my throat, they both snapped their heads in my direction. "There she is," Jen announced with a little smirk and a twinkle in her blue eyes. "So?"

"What?" I asked, pretending not to know what they were talking about as I walked to the fridge.

Bobbie Jo interjected in her sassy voice. "You know damn well what she's asking about. Did you call Dr. McHottie?"

I pulled out a bottle of sparkling water and a lime. Grabbing a knife from the butcher block, I sliced the lime and then squeezed a wedge into the bottle before taking a sip. I could feel the two of them closely watching my every move. "Fine. I'm meeting Doctor Forrester--I mean Blake--for coffee on Sunday morning. Are you happy now?"

The squeal they let out was deafening, and they both bounded toward me, wrapping me in a hug as they started jumping around in a circle.

"Ouch! Easy, I just had a fill done. Stop smooshing me, it hurts." They both stepped away, but the up-to-no-good smiles were still planted on their faces.

"I knew it! He's so into you," Jen stated matter of factly. "Bobbie Jo and I both had our suspicions. Oh my god, you're dating a hot doctor, and not just any hot doctor...Dr. McHottie himself!"

"Calm down. I'm not dating him, and I'm already questioning why I agreed to meet him. Hell, I just signed my divorce papers this morning. Isn't there supposed to be a mourning period? I don't want to fall victim to a rebound relationship. What the hell did I do?" The panic was more than evident in my voice. "Look at me," I insisted, waving my hands up and down my body, showcasing my shiny bald head and hard chest that resembled a suit of armor. "I'm bald, I don't have boobs, and my skin is dry and pasty. Let's be honest, I look like the goddamned female version of Gollum from The Lord Of The Rings."

 "Like I told you earlier, he wouldn't have asked you if he wasn't interested!" Bobbie Jo exclaimed, her green eyes intensely focused on me. "Christ, Victoria, he's seen you at your best and at your worst. He understands you and what you're going through much better than Noah did." She tossed her wavy chestnut brown locks over her shoulder and went to mix herself a cocktail.
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Links to purchase Beneath, You’re Beautiful…
Beneath, You’re Beautiful by Tori Madison
Coming February 24, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vhi4IJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1Bqva8z
B&N: http://bit.ly/1JCG3sv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1DHDO3q
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1yle4np



Beneath It All (Book One) Trailer…


Links to purchase Beneath It All


Spotify Playlist Links
Beneath It All: http://spoti.fi/1zC3Lgf


Beneath, You’re Beautiful: http://spoti.fi/1AlC1Oi

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About the Author…

Happily married and the mother of two, Tori Madison is active in the world of philanthropy and finds joy in making a difference in lives of others. She is an avid reader, lover of life and a breast cancer survivor. Currently residing with her family in Minnesota, she can often be found at Caribou Coffee or at the dance studio with her kids. With a well-known weakness for dark chocolate with sea salt and cheesecake, she also has a fondness for chips and fresh salsa.

Writing a book was never on her radar. After a challenge from a friend to write 1,500 words the story came to life and a new opportunity to make a difference was born.

Her debut novel, Beneath It All, released on September 24, 2014. Beneath, You’re Beautiful is her second novel and the sequel to Beneath It All. It is a two book series.

Author Links…
tsu: https://www.tsu.co/torimadison

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Book Tour:Who Am I? How My Daughter Taught Me to Let Go and Live Again by Megan Cyrulewski


Megan Cyrulewski is an ordinary person who has faced extraordinary challenges and now wants to inspire people and show them that hope gives them the power to survive anything. Who Am I? is about her journey into post-partum depression, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, visits to the psych ward, divorce, domestic violence, law school, and her courageous struggle to survive with her sanity intact—and how a beautiful little girl emerged from all this chaos.

Available to purchase at....
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords

"This is a tale that will tug at your heart strings and enrage you all at the same time. Written with such detail and sincerity, this story really takes hold of you and doesn’t let go." 
- review from Amazon

"More than a Survivor of this story, so very much more. Megan's unabashed, truthful and, at times, brutal account of her first-hand experience with her ex-husband should be mandatory reading for people everywhere." - review from Amazon

"This book is great and very inspirational. I wish more people had as much courage as Megan to speak up and tell others of their experience with this type of situation." - review from Amazon

Book Excerpt
On January 18, 2012, we all convened in the courthouse for the Motion for Parenting Time hearing. My dad and I arrived with my attorney, but Tyler loved an audience so he brought his dad, step-mom, and his new on-again off-again girlfriend, HeatherTyler walked in with his posse in tow, cocky as hell. It took all of two minutes for the judge to knock him off his feet.

The Judge addressed our respective attorneys. “Why are we here?”

“Your honor,” Tyler’s attorney began, “my client has clearly been denied his parenti—”

The Judge didn’t even let him finish. “How?” She turned to my attorney. “Don?”

“Your honor, as you can see in the divorce decree, there was supposed to be a review when the minor child turned twelve-months-old. The Defendant has ignored that review.”

“I—if I may, your honor,” Tyler’s attorney sputtered.

“I see the review in the decree. It’s here in black and white,” she told Tyler’s attorney. “What is the problem? Why didn’t you understand the review? Your client signed the divorce decree.”

Tyler’s attorney tried again. “But your honor—”

The judge cut him off. “There is to be a review conducted by the Friend of the Court referee assigned to the parties. Until then, the Defendant will continue his parenting time schedule as agreed upon in the divorce decree. Dismissed.”

And that was it. After eight police reports and numerous harassing text messages, phone calls, and e-mails, we won. As Don and Tyler’s attorney went to speak with the clerk to file the necessary paperwork, Don told us to wait for him outside the courtroom.

As we exited the courtroom, the hallway was so packed with people that my dad and I were only able to find enough space to lean against the wall. We were talking about the court proceedings when we looked up at saw Tyler and his new girlfriend standing right across from us.

“Why do you lie about everything?” Tyler screamed.

Heather walked up to me and stood about an inch from my face. “As a mother myself, you should be happy that Tyler is the father of your child.”

My jaw dropped. “I’m sorry but I don’t know you.”

She smirked. “Well you’re going to get to know me, bitch.”

Tyler made a big show of pulling her from me like I was going to punch her or something. By this time, everyone in the hallway was watching us. We were pure entertainment.

Heather continued her rant. “Two times in the psych ward, Megan? What a great mother you are.”

“Where is your mom, the real mother of our child?” Tyler screamed. “She’s the one who takes care of Madelyne.”

My dad and I tried to move away from Tyler and Heather but they followed us.

“Awww…” Heather mocked. “Do you have to take a Xanax because of your anxiety?”

“Go take your Xanax and sleeping pills, you drug addict,” Tyler shouted.

Finally, Don emerged from the courtroom and pulled us into a quiet corridor. He explained that I needed to call our referee to set-up a meeting to discuss a visitation schedule. I told Don about the verbal assault by Tyler and Heather. Don said he would call Tyler’s attorney to let him know that Heather would not be allowed in my house.

Upon leaving the courthouse, Heather screamed, “See you on Sunday, Megan.”

I turned toward her and said calmly, “I don’t know you, but you are not welcome in my home.”

That night, Tyler sent me multiple texts attacking my mothering skills, my supposed drug addictions, how he was going to fight for joint custody of Madelyne, how Heather would be accompanying him for his visitations, and a barrage of other insults:

“Get a life already”

“Don’t you have something better to do than wasting your parents’ money?”

“Go take your pills and relax, oh yeah, then your parents would have to watch our daughter. Oh yeah, they already do.”

“Go talk to your friends. Oh yeah, you don’t have any because of how crazy you are.”

“Interesting to know you’ve been to the hospital a couple of times. You really need to get it together.”

“Better go call your lawyer and make up some more stuff about me.”

“Don’t be mad at your sorry life.”

“I am sure living with Mom and Dad the rest of your life will be fun.”

“When you get a job, then you can pay me child support. Fun.”

I finally had to turn my phone off at midnight.


My thoughts:  This book is heart-wrenching. The descriptions of the mental and physical abuse Megan received from her then husband are so vivid, it's like being right there with her and her daughter. 

The author tells a very honest story of her life, from the red flags she chose to ignore at the beginning of her relationship, to the emotional effects of her pregnancy,all the way through the period after she left her husband and attempted to come to an agreement regarding custody/visitation of their daughter. Thankfully, she was blessed with a support system which helped her every step of the way. 

All in all, this is a story of strength and determination--a woman who did what she had to do for the safety of her child.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, and  all the opinions above are 100% my own.

My rating: Four stars

About the Author

Megan Cyrulewski has been writing short stories ever since she was ten-years-old. After attending Grand Valley State University, Megan eventually settled into a career in the non-profit sector for eight years. She decided to change careers and went back to school to get her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While in school, she documented her divorce, child custody battle and postpartum depression struggles in her memoir which is slated to be published on August 2 by Black Opal Books. Megan lives in Michigan with her 3-year-old daughter who loves to dance, run, read, and snuggle time with Mommy. Megan also enjoys her volunteer work with Troy Youth Assistance.

You can find the author on the following sites...

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

Two Winners will each receive a $10 Amazon.com Giftcard,
courtesy of author of Who Am I?, Megan Cyrulewski
Ending on Sunday 1st March at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter  Below & Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway