Month: February 2016

Thompson Road

Published on by macjam4723 Comments

By Scott Wyatt

ThompsonRoadEbook FINALBlurb

A sweeping, coming of age love story set in the Pacific Northwest on the brink of WWII. Rejected by classmates and accomplished swing dancer Sally Springs, high school quarterback Raleigh Starr remains desperate to win her heart. While walking home on Thompson Road, Raleigh catches sight of Mona Garrison, dancing at her bedroom window. He is mesmerized. Still determined to dazzle Sally, Raleigh asks the shy sixteen-year-old to compete with him at the state fair swing dance contest, and she agrees. Swept up in the war, Raleigh realizes too late what Mona has always known: that they are perfect for each other… but he is unaware of the terrible price she has paid for his attention. Thompson Road is a poignant, tender story that reminds us of the power of first love.

My Review

THOMPSON ROAD, historical fiction and romance, takes place during three major periods of history from the 1930’s and into the 1950’s, the Depression, World War II, and the peace year’s immediately following the war. Raleigh Starr, a high school junior, meets Mona Garrison, who though she is 15, is still in 4th grade.  She has been labeled feebleminded, but when Raleigh gets to know her, he knows she is not. Raleigh has fallen for Sally Springs, a girl in his class who has little interest in him. Raleigh devises a plan involving Mona to get Sally to drop her boyfriend and see that Raleigh is the one for her.  The stage is set for a myriad of events that change the lives of everyone concerned.

The author gives us a look at the practice of eugenics at an asylum, a practice that had previously been outlawed.  THOMPSON ROAD is a wonderfully written, face-paced story that clearly illustrates how our innocent (and not so innocent) actions can affect others, for the good, and for the bad. Throughout this heartfelt story, we will witness the growth of the characters from the star-crossed teen years to strong individuals who have learned the hard lessons of life.

Scott Wyatt writes a captivating and compassionate story, one that you won’t be able to put down.  THOMPSON ROAD is worthy of the highest rating. It is one book anyone who enjoys romance and historical fiction will find unforgettable.

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the AuthorScott Wyatt

I was born in Portland, Oregon in 1951 and grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho. I’ve earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington, and have worked—full– or, as currently, part–time—as a lawyer since 1976.

In 1999, I founded the Companion Flag Project to elevate and sustain public awareness of all that human beings have in common, their differences notwithstanding. The underpinnings of this campaign are reflected in the closing arguments of attorney Jason McQuade in Beyond the Sand Creek Bridge, and again in “The Sanori Flag Debate,” the appendix to Dimension M.

I have four children and five grandchildren. My wife, Rochelle Wyatt, is a talented Seattle-area actress. Since 2009, we have lived in a beautiful cabin-like home overlooking Lake Sammamish, fifteen miles east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Author’s website: www.scottwyattauthor.com

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Central

 

Where to Buy THOMPSON ROAD:

AMAZON (eBook and Paperback)

BARNES & NOBLE

iTUNES

#Books are Portals to Power…

Published on by macjam4719 Comments

Brilliant post from The Story Reading Ape

Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatarChris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

Books can take us to lands, real and imaginary.

Books can educate or entertain us.

Books can give us knowledge.

Knowledge is Power.

OPEN THEM

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STEP INSIDE

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SEE WITH YOUR IMAGINATION

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SET YOUR IMAGINATION FREE

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The Door in the Wall

Published on by macjam4736 Comments

 

This post is in response to Sue Vincent of Daily Echo‘s challenge to write a post of 100 words or less telling what lies beyond the door in the photo.

hobbit-door

The little door intrigued me. What or who is on the other side? I’ve been watching for weeks and no one has entered or exited the door.

With much trepidation, I eased the door open. The other side was thick with trees and undergrowth, but I shored up my courage and stealthily ventured in.  Suddenly, the undergrowth rustled and a funny looking little man pushed it away from a portal to an underground world.

“Boo!”

Trembling, I ran for the door. The coblynau chuckled until it grew to an all out belly-busting laugh.

Monogrammed note cards 

Published on by macjam475 Comments

Reeca at reecaspieces makes beautiful cards and bookmarks.  Check out these beautiful notecards.

I used spellbinders dies and cut the G with the cricut. Have no idea which fonts I used….I know…I need to pay more attention!  Thanks for stopping by!!!

Source: Monogrammed note cards 

Baby Girl

Published on by macjam4736 Comments

By Bette Lee Crosby

Baby GirlBlurb

When young Cheryl Ann leaves home, she thinks her path is straight…until she’s forced to make a choice she could never have imagined. The man in her life makes it clear: either pick your baby or pick me, he says. Suddenly, Cheryl finds herself at a crossroads. She makes a decision that will change her life forever, and that decision causes a chain of events that will lead Cheryl to a completely unexpected place.

Baby Girl is a mother’s story. It’s about the greatest sacrifice a mother can make when she wants only the best for her child. It’s about falling in and out of love, of losing and finding one’s self. It’s about the perilous journey from passionate young love to happy true love and understanding the differences between the two.

Baby Girl is a book that readers won’t want to miss because it’s a story they won’t forget.

From the AuthorBette Lee Crosby

This book is based on a true story…a story that is heartbreaking at times but will leave readers with a better understanding of what a woman will do to protect her child. When I first heard this birth mother’s story I was touched by it, so much so that I needed to know more. When I knew more, I knew I needed to write my novel. The result is Baby Girl.

My Review

Baby Girl is Cheryl Ann’s story about growing up with a mother who seemed incapable of loving anyone, even her daughter and husband.  When her father died, Cheryl Ann became more lonely than ever. Then things changed when Ryan Carter moved into her neighborhood.  Though still in her teens she and Ryan set out on their own, and complications in their relationship set in when Cheryl Ann became pregnant. Ryan did not want a baby, and Cheryl Ann was put in a situation of choosing Ryan or the baby she was expecting.

At times, this was a difficult read because Cheryl Ann was emotionally abused causing her to make decisions she didn’t want to make.  Eventually, she finds the strength to move out and on, but her troubles didn’t end.  The author created a complex character in Cheryl Ann. She was weak and easily led, but adversity is an unyielding teacher, and Cheryl Ann found her strength and determination to make a good life for herself and her children.

Reading this book, you will laugh, and you will cry. You will be angry, and yet be overjoyed. It is a heartwarming novel based on a real person’s story – her growth, her weakness, and her strengths and resolve. This is a book you don’t want to miss.

Baby Girl is the fourth book in the Memory House series. I have read all of them and you can find my review of Book 1 Memory House, Book 2 The Loft, and Book 3 What the Heart Remembers by clicking on the title of each book.  It is not necessary to read them in order, but some of the characters are presented in the previous books, and, therefore, enhances your reading and enjoyment if read in order.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

To find out more about Bette Lee Crosby, please go to her webpage or read about her on one of my previous links listed above.

Order BABY GIRL on

iBOOKS, BARNES & NOBLE, AMAZON, KOBO, or GOOGLE PLAY

 

Thanks for reading! To return to the FICTION WRITERS BLOG HOP on Julie Valerie’s website, click here: http://www.julievalerie.com/fiction-writers-blog-hop-feb-2016

 

Musiville

Published on by macjam4727 Comments

Written by Nicolas C. Rossis

Illustrated by Dimitris Fousekis

Musiville My Review

Nicholas Rossis has done it again with his new children’s book Musiville.  The characters in this wonderful story are part animal and part musical instrument with descriptive names like Drumopotamus (drum + hippopotamus) and Pandiano (panda + piano). They all live in a little village called Musiville where they can play whatever they want. However, they soon learn that everyone playing a different tune at the same time results in nothing more than a loud unharmonious ruckus.  This ruckus brings the rats out from underground and the village starts to crumble. Maracerus (maraca + rhinoceros) cannot take the noise any longer and a meeting is called where it is decided they need a conductor.  When the conductor is chosen, it is up to him to choose what music is played, and with everyone playing the same tune, harmony returns to Musiville.

The clever illustrations by Dimitris Fousekis will delight children, as will the names of the animals.  There is an appendix in the back of the book to help with the identification of the animals.

What I really liked about Musiville is the lesson learned when everyone comes together and is considerate of one another.  It is perfect for reading to younger children, as well as for older children.  I give Musiville five stars.

About the AuthorNicholas Rossis

Nicholas Rossis lives to write and does so from his cottage on the edge of a magical forest in Athens, Greece. When not composing epic fantasies or short sci-fi stories, he chats with fans and colleagues, writes blog posts, walks his dog, and enjoys the antics of two silly cats, one of whom claims his lap as home. His first children’s book, Runaway Smile, won the Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, among other distinctions. You can check it out for free on his blog.

You can check out his second children’s book, Musiville, on his blog.

He has also written the epic fantasy series, Pearseus. The final book in the series is currently penned.

Many of his short stories have appeared on various collections and anthologies. He has published two collections; The Power of Six and Infinite Waters, which was voted as one of the best 50 Indie books of 2015.

Nicholas is all around the Internet, but the best place to connect with him would be on his blog, http://nicholasrossis.me/

Anyone interested in his books can check them out on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Nicholas-C.-Rossis/e/B00FXXIBZA/

People can read Runaway Smile for free on http://nicholasrossis.me/childrens-books/

or buy it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Smile-fairy-unshared-wasted-ebook/dp/B00QQC2YLY/

Other places to connect with him include

 

Request an authorgraphed copy of Nicholas’ books

MEET THE AUTHOR: Ann Morris (author of bilingual children’s books)

Published on by macjam473 Comments

Children’s author Ann Morris on Bette Stevens Meet the Author

Bette A. Stevens's avatarBette A. Stevens, Maine Author

Ann Morris (bilingual children's books author) Ann Morris (bilingual children’s books author)

I met author Ann Morris on Facebook; and being a former ESL (English/Second Language) teacher in middle-school as well as a teacher to students from diverse cultures throughout the globe myself, I’ve had an active interest in following Ann. Today, I’m delighted to have Ann Morris join. She’ll  fill us in on a bit of her personal history and tell us about her latest book, Everything is Different. So let’s meet the author!

It’s wonderful to have you with us to day, Ann. To start off, tell us a little about yourself.

I am a small town Iowa girl (USA) and always have the mentality that I like to know people and try to make a difference in whatever I do. I was encouraged to write by my mom, who had always loved to write. She guided me with ideas, resources, and encouragement…

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Dancing to an Irish Reel

Published on by macjam4730 Comments

By Claire Fullerton

 

Dancing to an Irish ReelBook Blurb

On sabbatical from her job in the LA record business, Hailey Crossan takes a trip to Ireland for the vacation of a lifetime. What she finds is a job offer too good to turn down.

But her life in Ireland comes with one complication—Liam Hennessey. He’s a famous Irish musician whose entire life revolves around performing, so when he meets Hailey, he is so unbalanced at the prospect of love that he can’t decide whether to come closer or run away.

And so begins the push and pull of Hailey and Liam’s attraction. It is a dance enriched by colorful Irish friends who help Hailey navigate her budding romance with Liam in a landscape with more charm and character than any place Hailey ever imagined.

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing

Publication date, March 6, 2015

Page count; 236

Genre: Fiction

ISBN-10: 0990304256

ISBN-13: 978-0990304258

My Review

Dancing to an Irish Reel is written in the first person of Hailey Crossan, the main character.  Hailey arrives in Connemara, Ireland on vacation, but when offered the job of a lifetime at a music company, she extends her vacation. Through Hailey, we learn about the people of Connemara, their language, their country, and their music.

Hailey is a strong person who tends to tell it as she sees it. She is not afraid to explore on her own, or travel by herself.  When she meets Liam Hennesey, an accordion player, she immediately feels an attraction.  Liam has a slow way of pursuing Hailey, but he is definitely interested. However, he seems uncertain of their relationship.  There is a lot of hesitancy and on again, off again in their relationship, and even at the end, we aren’t sure where the relationship will go.

The author is a master at rich description allowing us to immediately feel at home in Connemara.  Her vivid descriptions are what drew me in from the first.  The plot evolves with slowly, leaving us to savor our visit with the land and people of Ireland.

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the AuthorClaire Fullerton in front yard with dogs Dec 28 2011

Claire Fullerton is the author of “Dancing to an Irish Reel” (Literary Fiction) and “A Portal in Time,” (Paranormal Mystery), both from Vinspire Publishing.  She is a 4 time, award-winning essayist, a contributor to magazines (including “Celtic Life International” and “Southern Writers Magazine”) a former newspaper columnist, and a 5-time contributor to the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book series. Claire hails from Memphis, Tennessee and now lives in Malibu, California, with her husband and two German shepherds. She has recently completed her third novel, which is a Southern family saga set in Memphis.

Website

 http://www.clairefullerton.com

Social Media Links

Author Facebook page:  Link​

Dancing to an Irish Reel – Facebook page:    Link​

​Dancing to an Irish Reel – Google+ page:  Link

Claire’s blog: Link​​

Follow Claire on Twitter: @cfullerton3

Claire on Pinterest:  Link

Excerpt link http://www.clairefullerton.com/dancing-to-an-irish-reel

Available on: Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Barnes & Noble

 

Calling All Children’s Books Authors – Special Needs Children Need Your Books!

Published on by macjam476 Comments

A worthy cause.

jjspina's avatarJEMSBOOKS

Bird from Twin Lakes Civitan

Hi fellow authors!

I recently received a message from a lady, Angie Smith, who is looking for books up to grade six level for special needs children. She is the secretary of Twin Lakes Civitan, a non-profit organization that helps people of all ages who are in need of assistance. Above is their adorable snake reading a book and below their logo!

Twin Lakes Civitan

Angie asked me if I could spread the word about this organization and help in some way to obtain the much needed books for their special needs children to get them up to their reading levels. I told her I would be happy to send some of my books to her. All most authors want in return is a review. This she said she would make sure is done for anyone who donates a book or books.

Please visit their website and you will see the good things that they do to help…

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6 Tips to Encourage Your Child to Read

Published on by macjam472 Comments

Give your children a gift that will last a lifetime. Give them a love for reading.

Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator's avatarDayne Sislen Children's Book Illustration

These six steps will start your children on the road to a lifetime of learning and reading.

  1. Read to children as often as possible. If you expose them to reading early and often, it will become a pleasurable experience they will want to repeat when they read on their own.
  2. Picture books can help struggling readers to comprehend a story before they can read all the words. Let them enjoy the process, without getting bogged down with the exact words. Let children ‘pretend to read’ using the pictures for guidance.SCBWI_Postcard_sm_sq_WP
  3. Encourage young children to write and illustrate their own stories. Children have great ideas, make sure they are able to express these ideas freely.
  4. Set aside family reading or story time. This can be a read-aloud by the parent or by an older child. As children get older, this time can set aside just for independent reading, for adults (yes, you too)…

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