Friday, March 29, 2013

Meet Nicole Andrews Moore, author of 'Hiding Out'

Please welcome author Nicole Andrews Moore to the blog today. She lets us get to know her and her book 'Hiding Out.'

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I like to play the ‘what if’ game when I’m thinking up book ideas. This time, I thought…what is the worst thing that can happen to a woman? What if she had no one to help her? What if she was truly alone in the world, but not by choice? What if her love interest was a man who was alone in the world, but didn’t have to be? How can two damaged people help each other recover?

Which character was the most fun to write?

Adam. I loved writing Adam. That’s why he gets his own book in May: Finally Found. Here’s a guy with every advantage who just kind of floats through life. It’s all one giant party for him, until he is forced to slow down.

Which scene is your favorite?

I love the scene where Sam comes to Haley’s apartment, stands outside the door and says, “Olly olly oxen free.” They both have this vulnerability, but in different ways and for different reasons.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

Tons. Ready? I am publishing Stormy Surrender, Book 1 of the New Hope Series at the beginning of April. Finally Found, the sequel to Hiding Out, is being published the beginning of May. I’m writing a paranormal romance with Melissa Brodsky: Dark Redemption Series. Book 1, Dark Dawn will be out at the beginning of June. I promised a trilogy when I published First a Dream, so Second Chances should be coming out summer of 2013. Another author and I have talked about multiple projects and we’ll squeeze those in somewhere between our busy schedules. It’s so exciting that I just keep writing.

What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?

JB McGee is my mentor. She always reminds me to keep writing. Writing and marketing are the lifeblood of this business, but it is so easy to get sucked into marketing full time.

It's always fun to "meet" a fellow contributor to the Yahoo! family of sites. For which sites do you write? How does writing for those sites compare to writing your novels (beyond the obvious fiction vs. nonfiction aspect)?

Well, I started out as a member of the Yahoo! Mother Board. It was very prestigious. Then when they created YourWisdom, I was hired to be the relationship and dating expert. From there, they moved me to Shine as the relationship and dating expert. And then I was hired to be a Shine Parenting Guru. The funny thing is that I find the change in styles keeps it interesting. I had a literary agent who suggested I start a blog so I could prove I had an audience, and that’s where it all began. So, I still maintain my blog. My husband worries that I put too much of our lives out there. He’s very private, but I’ve broken him down over the last four years. I have published two books about our life. The first was Live the List about a project we did as a family that changed everything. And the other was the story of our daughter, Kenna. She’s the fourth smallest surviving preemie, born weighing all of 9.6 ounces. She was in the NICU for 183 and I documented that experience and published it.

You're trying to visit all of the Margaritavilles. What is the appeal of doing this? Which ones have you enjoyed thus far and where is still left?

I am a beach girl. I thrive on sunshine and sea water. When Sam and I were dating, we took a cruise from Miami to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. So, Cozumel was our first Margaritaville. Our second one was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We live in Charlotte, so we’ve been there numerous times. Most of them are in Caribbean destinations, which is a big part of the draw. And they are fun, have great food, and really make a serious margarita. Really, we are all about the shared memories and quality time. Margaritaville is about slowing down. I embrace that…even if I can’t always live it.

What other fun things are still on your bucket list?

Keep in mind…my bucket list is much different from Sam’s. He mentioned we should take up skydiving the other day. And I thought it was a great idea. I offered to be the one waiting to pick him up in a field. All of him. Every piece. For me…I love to travel. My big dream is to live on a boat in Florida and cruise part time. Blue water. I want to go to Costa Rica. I’d love to see turtles hatching. I want to take Sam on a whale watch. I did one in Cape Cod…incredible. I’d love to visit all of Hawaii, never go to Alaska, and see all of the continental US while traveling in an RV.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

I’m short. No, I am really short. I’m five feet nothing and I’m only going to go the other direction. I doubt I get enough calcium since I’ve cut back on my ice cream intake. And I’ve discovered over the years that there are very few things in life that can’t be made better with chocolate and love.

About the author

Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years. Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it. Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others. She's still getting used to that new life smell she's experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness. (The perfect scents to build a new life on...)

For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel. The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville. Two down! (Eleven to go?)

In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog. Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert. And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers. 

Follow Nicole Andrews Moore

Blog: Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey http://suddenlysinglejourney.com
Twitter: @thenicknick
Facebook fan page: http://facebook.com/NicoleAndrewsMoore
Website http://nicoleamoore.weebly.com
Goodreads profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore?auto_login_attempted=true 
Author website: http://nicoleamoore.com

Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 3/13/13

Samuel Davenport runs his family's New York based advertising agency. His brother, Adam, runs from responsibility and anything remotely boring. And his temp, Haley, runs so she'll never be caught and hurt again. She moved to the city New Year's Day to hide and recover, to build a new life far from her past. In an effort to lie low, Haley never expects to be more than a temp. What begins for Sam as an excuse to get to know her better, ends up being an opportunity for advancement and excitement for Haley. When Sam tries to uncover all of Haley's mysteries, he exposes her hiding place, endangers her life, and threatens to destroy any chance of them ever having a future together.

Read an excerpt:
“Is that what you like?” The words had come out all wrong. What she really intended was to check for understanding. She should have said, ‘Would you like me to handle that?’ The minute the words escaped the safe but sensual confines of her lips, Haley Iverson cringed on the other end of the phone. What was it about that man that made her bungle her phrasing? She bit her lip while she awaited a response.

Samuel Davenport’s eye brows had arched instantly. Every time he spoke with his assistant, he was left feeling like a dissatisfied 1-900 caller. It was something in her voice, the sexy, yet professional way she spoke. Or maybe it was in the way he imagined her soft, full lips curving to form each word. It might be the way he pictured her sitting at her desk with her shapely legs crossed, exposing ample calf, slender ankle, and whichever open toed shoe she was sporting that day. He shook his head slightly to focus on the question at hand.

Is that what you like? He wrapped his mind around the question. “Oh, yes, Miss Iverson,” he said, his response immediately taking on a double meaning. He pushed the button to disconnect then, and leaned back in his leather chair, spent.
Buy links: Amazon \ Kobo

'A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest' Book Blast

A Scholar's Journey The Divine TempestA Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest

A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest is a no-holds-barred fantasy brawl. It begins when the God of Justice and Retribution opens The Abyss and unleashes a vengeful demon upon the mortal realm of Therra.

Now it is up to scholar Penndarius Greyson and his tormented protector, martial artist Soren Luna Mortalitas, to stop a crisis that would send shockwaves through the very fabric of creation. In addition, Penndarius is waging an internal battle with a disembodied presence attempting to possess his mind. The two heroes must avoid death or capture, but there is a catch: They have only one day to solve a riddle older than history before a dark host of unstoppable demons is released into the world.

The Divine Tempest includes warring factions, betrayal and redemption, and of course, Herrick Erickson-Brigl's trademark: epic fight scenes. This is the lean, hard-hitting first installment in a series that follows Penndarius’s growth as the avatar of the God of Creation and Soren’s reclamation of his lethal family’s humanity.

Purchase A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest on Amazon.

Herrick C. Erickson-BriglAbout Herrick C. Erickson-Brigl

Herrick Erickson-Brigl has been reading fantasy since he first learned to read and writing it nearly as long. While in college, Herrick's passion for writing culminated in his first novel, entitled *A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest*. He is currently completing his second book in that series.

Follow the Author:
Website | Twitter

Kickstarter Campaign

Herrick is also kickstarting the editing for his second book "A War of Lies"

A War of Lies




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Thursday, March 28, 2013

'The Marriage Caper' by Sandra Edwards' Book Review Blast

The Marriage CaperThe Marriage Caper

Andre de Laurent is the second son of an extremely wealthy family, which basically means he’ll always be number two. That is, until his mother’s uncle dies and leaves him a multi-billion-dollar fortune. So what’s the trouble? Andre has sixty days to take a wife, and he’ll have to remain married for one year or forfeit the inheritance to distant relatives—who are hell-bent on claiming the inheritance as their own.

Aspiring actress Tasha Gordon has never wanted anything quite so much as that big break—until she met Andre de Laurent. Could his offer turn out to be the role of lifetime?

 **My thoughts**

Remind me to never get involved with a billionaire. There are too many issues! They seem to always have stipulations for keeping their fortunes, can't always marry for love, and have crazy people always manipulating them while going after their money.

Then again, I would have the opportunity to do whatever I wanted. And if I were really lucky, love would go hand-in-hand with that fortune, to really make all of my dreams come true.

Tasha has never given much thought to being a billionaire's wife, either. She enjoys her free time with Andre de Laurent. Her best friend is married to his brother. When Andre finds out about the stipulations in his great uncle's will, he knows Tasha could be the perfect match for him, and could solve his problems.

The solutions to their problems seem really easy, once they get married. The problems lie in secrets being kept and people plotting to destroy what they have, all in the name of money and greed. Are they going to be able to weather all of the storms that are thrown in their direction?

This is one of those books that goes well with a glass of wine and a warm blanket, or a tall cool drink on the beach. You pretty much know what is going to happen, but it is fun uncovering minor little twists in the plot as you see if your predictions actually are carried out. And who wouldn't want to dream of being married to a billionaire?

Purchase The Marriage Caper on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo.

Author Sandra EdwardsAbout Author Sandra Edwards

Sandra is an award-winning author of romance. She has eclectic tastes, penning tales in a variety of genres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary and suspense. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline. Sandra's books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance.

Follow Sandra Edwards: Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads.

The author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC as the Tour prize. Fill out the form below to Enter

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Cover Reveal! 'Broken Gates (The PJ Stone Trilogy Book #2)' by D.T. Dyllin


Book Info-
Title-Broken Gates
Series-The PJ Stone Gates Trilogy Book # 2
Release Date-May 24th 2013
Cover Designed By- Lindsay Tiry

Blurb-

P.J. Stone is a Seer who saw too little, too late.

In the past, her biggest worries were boys and school—but war has a way of changing things. Now, the alien Riders are trying to overrun the world. As the last of their kind, P.J. and her friends must find a way to save humanity before there’s nothing left to save.

After choosing a mate, P.J. hoped she'd have time to enjoy her love life. But with everything changing so quickly and major secrets revealed, who knows what the future will bring?



About Book 1-Hidden Gates

***Genre - New Adult Paranormal Romance

For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience.

To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes.

As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.


Hidden Gates buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble \ Book Depository


Author Bio-

Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Romance Junkie. Self-Imposed Insomniac. Animal Lover. Writer...are just a few words to describe D.T. Dyllin. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two very spoiled GSDs.

Social media links-



Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Author Ashley Robertson's Live Video Event 3/28/13



Join us Thursday March 28th from 3-4 pm EST. Ashley Robertson will be reading from her books, and answering all of your questions! It's going to be a ton of fun, I hope you all can make it!


Find her books on Amazon:


 Hope to see you all there!!



Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'Alice's Sacrifice' by Andrea DiGiglio Facebook Event 3/29/13


After the fight of a lifetime, Alice and Cole return home to live a life they were never meant to live. Fallen Angel father's choose to stay, protect and get to know their nephilim children. Now that everyone knows where to find Alice, the real question is who is that information pertinent to? One single traumatic event sets Alice's true destiny into motion. How each of those she cares for reacts to this event; has enormous consequences for her.


Join Release Day Diva and Andrea DiGiglio Friday March 29th from 12-4 EST. We're celebrating the release of Alice's Sacrifice, the much anticipated sequel to Finding Alice! We'll have tons of fun games and prizes for you all!!

Stalker links:

http://www.andreadigiglio.com/
http://andrea-digiglio.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrea-DiGiglio/158314532770
https://twitter.com/andreadigiglio

Word hunt word: love


 Hope to see you all there!!


Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

 

'Soul Sucker' by Kate Pearce Super Book Blast!


Soul Sucker
by Kate Pearce

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Supernatural Branch of Law Enforcement empath Ella Walsh sucks memories from people's heads. The job fills her mind with others' nightmares and leaves her with little time for love, but if she doesn't pair off with a mate of the government's choosing soon, the psychic blowback will destroy her powers and her sanity.

The last time shapeshifting SBLE superstar Vadim Morosov worked with an empath, he got her killed and himself assigned to a desk. He worries about taking on another partner, but helping Ella track down an empath killer might be his only chance to save his career.

Naturally, the government decides to throw them together.

They resist at first, but they can't deny the simmering heat between them. As the killer's strikes grow closer to home, their bond gets tighter. And when the murderer finally traps Ella, her developing link with Vadim might be the only thing that can save her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPTS (Your exclusive excerpt is attached separately.):
Ella stopped walking and faced him. “Look, are you programmed to disagree with everything I say, or are you just totally obnoxious?”

Probably a little of both.”

Then get over it. I’m already tired of having to argue with you all day.”

You could try agreeing with me for a change.”

She started walking again. “Right. Like that’s going to happen. We’re obviously not meant to be best buddies, okay? So let’s do what Feehan said and try to get along at least on a professional level.”

You prefer to keep things professional?”

Of course.”

You don’t date your colleagues?”

Why, are you trying to summon up the courage to ask me out?”

He laughed, displaying a dimple near his chin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners and he looked so damn sexy Ella almost wanted to smile back.

For the record, Morosov, I don’t date.”

Why not?”

Because...” She glared at him. “I don’t owe you an explanation, do I?”

Not yet.”

Wow, you really are over-confident.”

Not at all. As your colleague, I’m just concerned about your well-being.”

I have men, I don’t date them.”

He nodded. “So you’re afraid of commitment.”

My life will probably end at twenty-seven.” She looked up at him. “Would you subject someone you loved to that?”

Ella regretted the words the moment she said them. She didn’t want him feeling sorry for her.

He let out his breath. “Probably not.” He reached out and took her hand. “I apologize.”

She flinched as his magic shot through her. “I knew you weren’t quite human.”

He shrugged and released her hand. “I’m many things.”

Text Copyright © 2012 by Kate Pearce
Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and TM are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buy links: Amazon \ Barnes & Noble

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Award winning author, Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to 'get with the program', she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.

A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write her first romance novel. Kate is published by Signet Eclipse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Ellora's Cave, Carina Press, Cleis Press and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.
you can find her at:

http://www.katepearce.com

Twitter as Kate4queen

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Pearces-Fan-Page/220636502580?fref=ts

Kate will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N GC, winner's choice, to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B&N GC,winner's choice, to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour for more chances to win. 

Review Blast for 'Easy Bake Coven' by Liz Schulte


Easy Bake Coven Easy Bake Coven

For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated.

A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible.

This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.

**My thoughts**

I first "met" Liz Schulte as an author through the Ella Reynolds series, which I loved. I have heard of her Guardian series, which is on my TBR pile. There was a lot of excitement building up around this new series, especially from her beta readers, so I was excited to pick up this one. I am glad I did, because I loved it! (And how can you resist this title?)

In the beginning, as Selene meets her "stranger," I was reminded of H.P. Mallory's Jolie Wilkins series, which I also loved. I took that as a good sign and was completely sucked in to Selene's story. 

I liked that she already knew she was a witch and had some magical powers. She has already created her own coven. But a twist of fate reveals so much more about her real past, challenging her own beliefs and relationships. Her past is out to get her and she needs to rise to the occasion to do something about it. 

Familiar names kept cropping up here and there throughout the book. It turns out that a couple of Liz's popular characters from her other books have made an appearance. I will really have to read that series now!

Pages flew past, and I hated to see it end. I am so glad that the second book is now available! Check out a preview below.  

Purchase Easy Bake Coven on Amazon.

Hungry Hungry HoodooHungry, Hungry, Hoodoo

One simple revelation about her past turns Selene Warren’s life upside down. Determined not to let her elf half ruin her future, she fights for the love she’s found at Cheney’s side, despite her increasing doubts about the bond they share.

However, when her studio burns down, a new enemy emerges and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. To save one of her friends from a gruesome death, she must expose who she was and put more than just her life on the line. Her only hope is deciphering her past in time to save them all, but the more she learns, the less she can trust anyone.


Purchase Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo on Amazon.

About Author Liz Schulte


Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn't always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.

When Liz isn't writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.

Follow Liz Schulte: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Prize: Gift Basket
 

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

'The Angry Woman Suite' by Lee Fullbright Blurb Blitz Tour



THE ANGRY WOMAN SUITE
By
Lee Fullbright


BLURB:
Raised in a crumbling New England mansion by four women with personalities as split as a cracked mirror, young Francis Grayson has an obsessive need to fix them all. There’s his mother, distant and beautiful Magdalene; his disfigured, suffocating Aunt Stella; his odious grandmother; and the bane of his existence, his abusive and delusional Aunt Lothian.

For years, Francis plays a tricky game of duck and cover with the women, turning to music to stay sane. He finds a friend and mentor in Aidan Madsen, schoolmaster, local Revolutionary War historian, musician and keeper of the Grayson women’s darkest secrets. In a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three different people–Aidan, Francis and Francis’stepdaughter, Elyse–adding layers of eloquent complexity to a story as powerful as it is troubling.

While Francis realizes his dream of forming his own big band in the 1940s, his success is tempered by the inner monster of his childhood, one that roars to life when he marries Elyse’s mother. Elyse becomes her stepfather’s favorite target, and her bitterness becomes entwined with a desire to know the real Francis Grayson.

For Aidan’s part, his involvement with the Grayson family only deepens, and secrets carried for a lifetime begin to coalesce as he seeks to enlighten Francis–and subsequently Elyse–of why the events of so many years ago matter now. The ugliness of deceit, betrayal and resentment permeates the narrative, yet there are shining moments of hope, especially in the relationship between Elyse and her grandfather.

Ultimately, as more of the past filters into the present, the question becomes: What is the truth, and whose version of the truth is correct? Fullbright never untangles this conundrum, and it only adds to the richness of this exemplary novel.—Kirkus Reviews

Read an excerpt:
“I’ll tell you what I’m ready for, Aidan. I’m ready for the top floor.” His eyebrows shot up.

“I beg your pardon?”

“The third floor of Grayson House. I’m ready for it. I’m really ready.”

“I don’t think I understand—”

“Please, Aidan.” I emphasized each word: “I’m ready to meet Jamie.”

I turned and walked out of that parlor then, and into the foyer and up the ten steps to the landing where the grand staircase turned direction. I ran up the first flight, then paused at the second landing, waiting for Aidan. When I glimpsed him behind me, I turned and ran up the next flight, to the third floor, straight for the door at the end of the hallway, next to the door that opened onto the outside stairs.

I’d been able to pinpoint this door as the one by the soft thumps I’d heard when I’d sneaked into Papa’s room on the second floor—things nobody thought I’d hear—and by watching from my spot across the road: the quick deliveries and arrivals, the things and people nobody thought I’d see.

I hesitated, not feeling anything, I was now so empty. No more anger. Instead I was in tune with senses: the steady tick-tock of the clock at the end of the otherwise soundless hallway, the wallpaper’s perfectly vertical stripe, even an aromatic odor reminiscent of the appendectomy I’d had when I was six—was it ether? And then, finally, Aidan’s ragged breathing when he caught up with me. We were ready, in position—and it was understood I’d assumed leadership: I’d go first.

I turned the doorknob. My opponent had just run through his resources.

REVIEW SOUND BYTES

From Kirkus Reviews  

"Secrets and lies suffuse generations of one Pennsylvania family . . . in a skillful move by Fullbright, those secrets are revealed through the viewpoints of three very different people . . . a superb debut that exposes the consequences of the choices we make and legacy's sometimes excruciating embrace."

2012 DISCOVERY AWARD

GLOBAL E-BOOK AWARD NOMINEE

From Midwest Book Review:"A very human story . . . a fine read focusing on the long lasting dysfunction of family."

"There is something fascinating in labyrinthine plot twists, which is what we have here, and I must applaud Fullbright for her keen and magical ability to pull it off with such aplomb."-Norm Goldman, Montreal Books Examiner and Bookpleasures.com

5 Stars ***** Reviewed by Joana James for Readers Favorite: "The Angry Woman Suite is quite a ride . . . very cleverly written . . . an outstanding novel."

Rating: 5.0 stars Reviewed by Anne B. for Readers Favorite: "Lee Fullbright is master of characterization."

Rating: 5.0 stars Reviewed by Alice D. for Readers Favorite:"The Angry Woman Suite is a brilliant, complex, complicated story about talented, complicated people . . . this is a story to remember!"

**My thoughts**

This is one of those complicated novels in which everyone's life is intertwined, and not necessarily in a good way. Fulbright provides a cast of characters and their relationships in the beginning, to which you may have to refer while reading through all of the tales. Different characters take turns sharing their stories, revealing only enough information at a time to answer one little question, while creating a dozen more. This shows how intricately woven our lives can be with others', even if we didn't realize it.

It's also one of those novels that is filled with life lessons, especially if you are paying close attention. The advantage of the Kindle edition is that others have often already highlighted particular passages that they find meaningful. The words of wisdom are so clear and beautiful, though, that you will have no problem picking them out by yourself. Most of the observations come from Elyse's Papa.

And then there are the deeper lessons, that if you are not paying attention, you could miss. I think the biggest one for me is how everyone has a story and reason for who they are in the present day. You will find yourself detesting certain characters, based on the time of their lives that are being described and by whom they are being described. In the next section, you may hear from that character yourself, or from another character's point of view, and find yourself feeling sorry for him or her. 

I think Francis is one of the perfect examples of this. I almost hated him when Elyse was talking about him as her father. He does horrible things to her and her family. But when Francis is sharing his own story, I actually liked him a lot. I better understood his confusion and the turmoil in his entire life. It just goes to show you that you should get to know someone better before making a strong judgment on their character, I think.

This book isn't one that you are going to sit down and devour all at once. It will require some commitment and some thinking and processing on your part. But it is worth the time and the effort.


AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Lee Fullbright, a medical practice consultant in her non-writing life, lives on San Diego’s beautiful peninsula with her writing partner, Baby Rae, a 12-year-old rescued Australian cattle dog with attitude.

The Angry Woman Suite, a Kirkus Critics’ pick, 5-starred Readers Favorite, and a Discovery Aware winner, is her first published novel.

LINKS:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13555924-the-angry-woman-suite

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/fullbrightlee

Blog/website: http://www.leefullbright.com


Lee will be giving away a $50 Amazon gift certificate to one randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

'Sunspots' by Karen S. Bell Book Barrage

Sunspots
by Karen S. Bell
Contemporary Paranormal Time-Travel Romantic Suspense
Categories: Comedy, Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: KSB Press
Release Date: December 12, 2012
Heat Level: Sensual
Word Count: 102,300

Blurb
“One can never be, and should never be, smug about life,” says Aurora Goldberg. An aspiring New York actress who has never realized her dreams, Aurora keeps herself afloat by doing odd temp jobs where her rich fantasy life helps her get through the day. Aurora sees the world through the lens of characters in literature and film and these fictionalizations are woven into her interpretation of reality.

On one of her temp assignments she meets Jake Stein, a man who could “charm the skin off a snake” and she decides to follow her destiny as his wife in Austin, Texas. But Jake's sudden death after two short years disintegrates her world and Aurora must reevaluate her life and let go of a love that has become an obsession.

With the help of friends, family, and the ghost of Viola Parker (her home's original owner), Aurora accepts her fate and the secrets revealed about Jake's true character. She realizes that in this life she will finally break the cycle of pain caused by her love for this man, Jake Stein, through the centuries.

Excerpt:
Although I had started to speak, I immediately fell speechless creating another awkward moment as his dark flame-throwing eyes studied my face. He was smiling and I could see dimples forming on either side of his mouth. We just stood there, apart, in silence, yet there was an unmistakable sexual tension gluing us together like Kelly McGillis and Harrison Ford in Witness or Omar Shariff’s Dr. Yuri Zhivago and Julie Christie’s Lara Antipova. When he finally spoke, he asked me if I could recommend a good restaurant nearby elongating his vowels in a cute Southern accent that I would later learn was peculiar to Texans.

If you like French cuisine, there is a wonderful place right around the corner, La Grenouille. I believe it’s quite popular with some of the executives here,” I said no longer mute, and handed him a business card that was kept in a stack on the desk.

Would it be too much trouble, ma’am, for you to call and make a reservation?” he asked in a faux subservient manner. “I can’t understand French accents, especially over the phone.”

Of course… sir,” I said returning his request with sugary sarcasm. I was, after all, nobody’s secretary and certainly not of the vintage that brought forth ma’am from the lips of a virile stranger. When I got the restaurant on the phone, I looked up and asked casually, “For what time, sir?”

And then he paused, looked at me with a gleam in his eye and said quite softly, “Well, let’s see. What time is good for you?”

Shocked but not rattled, I responded without any hesitation, “Now,” I said steadfastly meeting his gaze, “Now is perfect.”

And that’s how I met Jake Stein and sealed a future that fate ordained. Life-changing events seem to come when you’re ready even if you’re not aware of their import. Intuition can nudge feelings into your conscious space making a seemingly ordinary encounter, like a dropped book, one of great significance. Somehow, I understood that then and I understand that now. Meeting Jake Stein was my dance with destiny.

We instantly harmonized, interacting on two levels. The overt reality of the commonplace chitchat, sexually charged banter, and frothy intellect contrasted with a covert reality, a place where everything had deeper meaning, connection, and familiarity. In some cosmic way, our unspoken language was far more important than the spoken. Scientists might describe our attraction as the interaction of airborne pheromones—chemical messages emitted through our skin conveying our primal sexuality. Indeed, we seemed to be enchanted at the deepest levels of our instincts. Two realties happening at once—the outer and the inner—one a slick manifestation of the intelligentsia, the other a calming and gentle journey afloat a timeless river.

Throughout our initial encounter, playing faintly in my mind was the music from the sappy but tender, A Man and a Woman, my mother’s favorite movie when she was a teenager and strangely at odds with her penchant for a counter-culture way of life. She played the album all through my childhood—sealing my connection with whispery French sounds to all things romantic. And so that haunting melody was my personal soundtrack as we walked to La Grenouille.

My prudent study of this man, this Jake Stein, as we nonchalantly strolled along, was intentionally unintentional—I absorbed him as if he were liquid. My senses were on high alert, a spy observing my target in secret. Now, wafting about my face and filling the air around me was a hint of soap and expensive cologne. Now, smooth fingertips lightly touched and guided my arm bringing an explosion of sensuality but also feeling like a safe harbor. Now, upon my ear, the pleasant cadence and timbre of his voice sounded like a sweet symphony. My darting eyes savored his honey-tanned and smooth complexion and nose of quality, straight and sharp (but not too sharp). Luxurious thick, jet black, wavy hair fell casually over intense brown eyes. There was strength, a physical strength to his tall, elegant, Jeremy Irons frame. A noble grace to this huckster businessman. And his sensuous lips with just a hint of fullness, lips that I could almost taste—wanted to taste—formed words so provocatively. Later, in the privacy of my own thoughts, I would relive, with a slow and deliberate progression, these mesmerizing details that stirred me to my core.
Review by
Tahlia Newland Awesome Indies
SUNSPOTS is a moving, beautifully-written mystery about the devastating consequences of obsessive love.

Bell’s elegant prose not only describes the events and scenery of this self destructive love story in riveting detail, but also skilfully evokes the atmosphere both internal and external. The structure of the story is very clever. At the beginning of the book, our empathy is aroused for grieving widow Aurora Goldberg. It appears that she had the perfect marriage to charming Jake, but as the story progresses, we and Aurora discover Jake’s secrets, so shocking to her that she is forced to re-evaluate their love. Through eyes opened by the truth—and helped along by the visions provided by a ghost—she sees that all was not as rosy as she had believed. Not only that, but the legacy he left her could be life-threatening.

Popular fiction tends to romanticise love where one looses themselves in the other, or feels completed by the other, or feels they cannot live or be happy without the other; Sunspots takes this kind of notion to its extreme to show how disempowering an obsession with the object of our love actually is. Obsession not only blinds you, it makes you weak, needy and boring. Your partner is likely to turn elsewhere to get away from your clinging, especially if you end up harping on at him that he never gives you any attention anymore. It’s dangerous to let your whole life revolve around one person, for when they leave you—by death as it is in this case—you are devastated. As the book progresses we come to see how much Aurora has brought her crippling grief upon herself. She literally looses herself in this obsession.

Bell brings a metaphysical element to the story with the addition of Viola Parker, the ghost of the sister of Aurora’s last incarnation. With her help, Aurora sees that this pattern of obsessive love and betrayal by Jake—in his previous incantations—has been repeated in past lifetimes that ended with Aurora’s suicide. Viola urges her to take a different path in this life and cut the cycle of self-destruction.

Bell deals with interesting themes here, that we tend to repeat patterns until we make a conscious effort to change them, that the past can be changed by actions in the present, and that when someone ‘saves’ us with love, in a healthy, balanced relationship we also to some extent ‘save’ them.

Highly recommended to anyone who likes psychological depth in their romance. I give it 5 stars and a place on the Awesome Indies list.”



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About the Author
Walking with Elephants was my first novel, although I am not new to writing. I was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl and I earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from Oklahoma State University. For 15 years I worked in Corporate America as a technical editor/editor/writer. I experienced first hand the politics and intrigue that goes with that territory and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother. I salute all those mothers who are the glue that holds their families together while pursuing the nine to five brass ring. And that is what inspired me to write that novel.

With my second novel, Sunspots, I continue to be in awe of the magical and wondrous phenomenon called life. As an observer and obvious participant in feminine values and approach to our human challenges, I bring this perspective to my work. Fascinated by the mysteries of the unseen forces that perhaps play a role in guiding our choices, I search for answers in the mundane as well as in the cosmic forces that surround us.

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