Friday, August 31, 2012

'A Destined Death' Blog Tour - Book Review and Giveaway



Leave a comment after reading the post to be entered into a tour-wide contest to win a free copy of the book!

A Destined Death by Lisa Rayns

Elizabeth Tarkson has it all figured out. She has a plan. She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. At least she does until the day she turns eighteen, and a gorgeous stranger crashes her birthday party. 
But this stranger knows things about her that he shouldn’t know, and as he slowly reveals his secrets, she discovers the world she thought she understood is much larger than she’d ever imagined. She is swept into a whirlwind of secrets, death, and attraction all involving him. Will she uncover the truth about her tragic past in time? Or will she be forever bound to…

**My thoughts**

Imagine being told repeatedly that you only have x-amount of time left to live. You're seeing visions in your dreams of another life, lots of tragedy, and the same man who has been following you in real life. Every wish you have is granted. If you think of him or need him, he appears.

Creepy stalker or destined soulmate? I think it would creep me out at first, but hope that if it was meant to be, I would feel that. Elizabeth does, despite knowing that she is destined to die. It's hard to decide what kinds of sacrifices I would be willing to make if I were in her shoes. 

It's a love story that spans generations and transcends the limits of time and human nature. 

Follow Lisa Rayns
Purchase    Amazon  B&N
Follow the Tour -
August 27 Interview http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com

August 28
Excerpt http://cuzinlogic.com
Review http://savingfor6.blogspot.com/

August 29
Review http://mommyreadstoomuch.com
Review http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

August 30
Review http://craftylife.net
Review http://www.prettyopinionated.com

August 31
Review http://andisbookreviews.blogspot.com
Interview http://ereadingonthecheap.com

September 4
Review http://www.genuinejenn.com
Review: http://www.nightskydarkstar.blogspot.com

September 5
Guest Post http://www.insightsbyapril.com
Review http://takingtimeformommy.com

September 6
Review http://amandablogs.com
Review and Interview http://identitydiscovery.net/

September 7
Review nikita-mattes.blogspot.com
Review: http://reviewinginchaos.blogspot.com

Remember, leave a comment below for your chance to win a copy of the book from Lisa Rayns.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Guest post from Shirley Ann Wilder, author of 'Too Many Cooks' and giveaway


Today's guest post comes from Shirley Ann Wilder, author of Too Many Cooks.

The First Line of my Novel – Where did it Come From?

Probably the most important sentence in a book is the first line. And perhaps equally important is the last line—depending on whether it’s a transition or a real “hook” that will grab your reader or at least keep them questioning what comes next? Honestly, coming up with a first line of “Too Many Cooks” was not as easy as it may appear.

I knew what I wanted the scene to include, but there were several ways of getting there. At the first writing, I tended to be a bit on the vague side of what the main character was overhearing. Then my critique group had the opinion that being too vague would only confuse the reader and they felt I should nail down exactly why the medical professional was having the phone conversation and whom it was about.

That didn’t sit well with my inner instincts, but I thought they had a point. Anyway, after several rewrites and changes, I compromised. Lucky for me, my editor, Chris Keeslar, was able to help me adapt the first line just enough to offer up questions for the reader and at the same time, convey the fact that Estelle is over-­reacting and is emotional due to recent events in her life.

In Romance novels, the last line has to wrap up the “happily ever after.” Everything has to be solved and there shouldn’t be any questions left unanswered. The exception to this, I suppose, would be if the book was the first of a series and then of course, you might want to dangle something for the reader to encourage them to seek out the second book.

Probably one of the best first lines I’ve ever read belongs to a fellow author, R. Ann Siracusa’s, first novel. It’s not a Romance, but one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, set in post WWII Sicily. She begins the Prologue with this: It was an inconvenient time and place for her to die.

Who could not be fascinated by that bombshell? It was a powerful beginning to a powerful book. I have used that as a benchmark to a goal I hope to achieve in my writing; a first line that knocks your socks off and leaves the reader begging for more.

While the first line is important, the body of the book has to keep the reader interested and invested in the characters. They have to root for the heroine and hero. If the author is able to achieve that standard and meet those goals, the book most likely will be well received.

That is the hope of writers worldwide.

From the time she could hold a pencil, Shirley Ann Wilder wrote stories. Being the youngest of six children, she was overlooked many times but found wonder and magic in reading books. As a youngster she was especially fond of horse books and read every one of Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books.

That passion for horses carried over into her adult life and with her husband and four children, raised Quarter Horses and German Shepherds. Shirley’s other passion was writing, but it was put on hold until the three sons and one daughter were in high school.

After developing a severe allergy to the equine species and having to give up the major part of horse involvement, Shirley wrote a weekly column for a community newspaper and a monthly column entitled “On the Wilder Side” for the California Horseman’s News in the which she recounted the humorous episodes that happened during the Wilder Family’s horse era. Shirley also published in college literary magazines, but her real quest was to write novels.

After taking numerous writing classes and amassing many unfinished manuscripts, one of her writing instructors suggested she join Romance Writers of America. Taking that advice she also joined the local San Diego RWA chapter has since completed six novels. She served on the Executive Board as Co-President of RWA- San Diego for 2006 and 2007 and held several other chair positions. She credits her fellow writers for the support and encouragement that has kept her writing during recent difficult times.

Shirley Ann was widowed in January of 2008 when her husband died of stage four colon cancer after battling it bravely for three years and four months. Three of her grown children live near her in suburbs of San Diego and one son lives in Kentucky. They have blessed her with four granddaughters and one grandson.

Since her husband’s death, Shirley has become an advocate for colonoscopies and is currently working on a non-fiction book about the grieving process and all one encounters when suffering the loss of a mate. “John was my hero and I will miss him forever, but he always encouraged me to keep writing and to stay strong.”


Shirley Ann Wilder  Online:



Book Blurb:
Bitter news leads a San Diego widow and widower to true love—and to a scheme to marry off their adult children, a plan that goes deliciously awry.

Gaetano Lorenzo was the sweetest man that the widowed Estelle Bennett had ever met. That morning began terribly, with awful news, but now the owner and head chef of a local San Diego ristorante was offering up Italian delights: red wine, delicious food, walks on the beach, laughter when she’d never thought she’d laugh again…. Estelle felt twenty-five. She and Gaetano had found the recipe for love, and a simple variation might just get their adult children to settle down, too. A scoop of sugar, two ladlefuls of lust, a pinch of deception and a whole 24 oz.-can of danger—Suddenly, ingredients were coming from everywhere! But kitchens are crazy places, and variety is the spice of life. And for anything to get cooked, things have to get hot.

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Read the first chapter of 'Too Many Cooks' and enter a giveaway!


Book Blurb:
Bitter news leads a San Diego widow and widower to true love—and to a scheme to marry off their adult children, a plan that goes deliciously awry.

Gaetano Lorenzo was the sweetest man that the widowed Estelle Bennett had ever met. That morning began terribly, with awful news, but now the owner and head chef of a local San Diego ristorante was offering up Italian delights: red wine, delicious food, walks on the beach, laughter when she’d never thought she’d laugh again…. Estelle felt twenty-five. She and Gaetano had found the recipe for love, and a simple variation might just get their adult children to settle down, too.  A scoop of sugar, two ladlefuls of lust, a pinch of deception and a whole 24 oz.-can of danger— Suddenly, ingredients were coming from everywhere! But kitchens are crazy places, and variety is the spice of life. And for anything to get cooked, things have to get hot.

Check out the first chapter!

TOO MANY COOKS

Copyright © Shirley Ann Wilder 2012

Chapter 1

Estelle Bennett hesitated at the door. It was slightly ajar, and the doctor was on the phone. She’d obviously gotten dressed and walked over to his office faster than he’d expected.

She waited out of politeness and debated if she should knock to announce her presence; then the conversation riveted her in place and she couldn’t help but listen to every word. Dr. Robert Taylor’s voice was not its usual deep, rich baritone. Estelle had known the man for over twenty years and to her he was Dr. Bob, a friend as well as her physician. She could tell he was fighting down emotion.

“You’re absolutely sure there’s no mistake? It’s leukemia for sure? Oh boy, this is not good.”

She had come in for a follow-up appointment and to get the results of some tests the physician had taken two weeks ago. She hadn’t been sick, just tired. Estelle leaned as close to the crack in the door as she could get without bumping it open.

“She just went through an ordeal not long ago, so if you have no objections I’m not going to tell her yet. God, I feel like the grim reaper. Well, we’ll get some meds started and then I’ll break it to her. In some cases, I don’t think it’s unethical to delay delivering a death sentence.”

It took Estelle a few minutes to recover after Dr. Taylor hung up. She raised her hand and was just about to knock when he buzzed Nurse Marlow at reception.

“Betty, would you have Mrs. Bennett wait just a few minutes before bringing her to my office? I’ve just gotten some terrible news, and I need time to compose myself before I see her.”

Estelle’s heart was in her throat. Oh, God. That call was about me. I have a terrible disease. Leukemia. She felt her body go from clammy to scorching hot. The urgency to get out of there overwhelmed her. She wanted to run, to hide, to…

Dr. Bob had said he wasn’t going to tell her today? Well, too late. She already knew.

Panic commanded her feet to move, and they obeyed. She almost knocked Betty over as she bolted down the hallway, through reception, and out the front door. She heard someone calling her name but didn’t stop. She had to be alone.

She scarcely remembered getting in her car, but she must have, because she was driving down the freeway toward home. Suddenly, though, she didn’t want to go there. She took the next off-ramp and found herself in the area where her husband’s business office had been. If there was ever a time she needed a drink, it was now. But it was only a little past three in the afternoon. Still, what difference did it make if she broke her cardinal rule of no drinks before five o’clock? It had to be five somewhere on the planet.

She pulled into a small strip mall and parked her car in one of the spaces while thoughts of what might be in store for her bounced around in her head. I’ll probably have to give up driving one of these days. Hope it’s not too soon. But, why not? The sooner it comes, the sooner I’ll be reunited with Marty.

But, what about Alex? At twenty-nine, her only child was still floundering. He had no clear direction and no real commitments.

Emotion welled up so Estelle pushed it down. She had cried enough, and she certainly wasn’t going to break down in public. Leukemia. It wasn’t really an ugly name, not for such an ugly disease. It sounded more like a houseplant. Oh, look how beautiful my leukemias are! Have you ever seen such blooms?

She was dying though. From a disease that didn’t bloom, but instead drained the body of all strength and vigor.

She pulled the car key out of the ignition and then sat for a few minutes. She’d have her drink before phoning the doctor to explain her odd behavior. He’d said he was going to start some meds. They’d probably have instructions stating, “Do not drink alcohol or operate machinery.” She’d always been a stickler for rules, but since she hadn’t taken the medicine yet, this could be her last drink—or two.

Estelle got out of the car, set the alarm, and walked to the entrance of Gaetano’s Ristorante. She’d been by the small Italian restaurant a million times. She and Marty had intended to go there for dinner but never had; it had been the wrong time or he was held up at the office or it had been one of a thousand other excuses for not doing all the things they’d said they would do one day and never did. Typical.

The minute the door closed behind her, scents of basil and garlic bread mixed with the heavy aroma of pasta sauces and cheese, tantalizing her taste buds. Skipping lunch hadn’t been a good idea, and now her mouth watered while involuntary growls escaped her stomach. How could she eat after learning that she had so little time left on earth? But if she didn’t eat, the glass of wine—or two—would go straight to her head.

She chose a small booth barely large enough for two, but she wasn’t a part of a couple anymore so she had plenty of space. Scooting into the seat, she smoothed her skirt over her legs. She’d worked hard at keeping her figure. She’d kept it all right, but for what? For whom? Well, there had been plenty of interest from men, but many of them were her friends’ husbands. She’d never felt comfortable around those particular couples afterward. Did the wives know?

Think of this in a positive way, she commanded herself. At least I’ve been put on notice and can get things in order. How many people get that chance?

She didn’t know exactly what the treatment would be, but she’d already decided that she would save Alex the agony of watching the day-by-day dying again. They’d both watched Marty struggle for life. The procedures had been painful, but he’d fought like a tiger. The end had come well over a year ago though…and yet, when she let herself go there, it still hurt.

It bothered her that Dr. Bob couldn’t tell her the truth about her condition. Did he think she wasn’t woman enough to take it? True, she’d been to hell and back during Marty’s illness, so it was logical that their old friend would want to protect her. Marty’s death had been hard for him too. They’d been golfing buddies for years. Maybe this was his way of dealing with it.

When Alex finds out, he’ll want to hover over me, she realized. I wonder if Dr. Bob will tell him before he tells me. Could he do that? There had to be some ethical rule stating that the patient is always told first. Wasn’t there?

She tried to remember if she’d been the first to know about Marty or if the news was given to them both at the same time. Marty’s illness had been such a shock. She’d been in a fog for weeks before she came to grips with it, and there were still time segments that remained blocked from her memory.

That made up her mind: She was going to keep her condition a secret for as long as she could. When the effects of the illness became obvious, then she would tell Alex. There was no point in burdening him with this so soon after his father’s death.

Of course, she wouldn’t wait too long, but she needed to get a few specific things in order. Would he want to move into her place? His townhouse was nice but not as large as her house. On the other hand, he’d been away from home a lot and the upkeep of a home the size of hers took considerable attention.

In spite of herself, she felt a lump settle in her throat. The inside of her nose began to burn just like it always did when tears couldn’t be held back, so she reached for the bright red napkin on the table in front of her. It had been folded in an intricate manner so that it stood at attention.

A white apron with tomato splotches appeared at her side, and Estelle flinched.

“I’m sorry,” a rich, deep voice said. “I didn’t mean to startle you. May I get you something? Iced tea, coffee?”

Estelle dabbed at her eyes, then turned to the man wearing the apron. He was fairly tall, and he had beautiful dark hair accented with silver. His deep brown gaze met hers, and she couldn’t remember when she’d ever seen such soulful eyes. His face held concern.

“I could also offer you a glass of wine, if you’d prefer. A nice Chianti? Or something white?”

“Yes, that would be wonderful.”

“Which?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve had quite a day and my head isn’t screwed on right I’m afraid. A Chianti will be fine.” She needed something heartier than a white to bolster her courage.

The man didn’t move. When she looked up he averted his gaze then peered at her with worry in his eyes. When he spoke Estelle detected a slight accent.

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to intrude, but…” He flushed. “Never mind. I’ll be right back with your wine.”

***

Gaetano Lorenzo hurried to the bar and filled one clear glass with his very best Chianti instead of the house brand. This was what his daughter always complained about, really. She said he let his heart rule his head and thus gave away the profits. But, what was wrong with being concerned? That poor lady back there was obviously in some kind of distress. He couldn’t help it if he was just naturally curious about people. His restaurant had been the meeting place for many lost souls, and he liked to think he’d helped many of them find each other. He’d made them all a little happier. Too bad he couldn’t work the same magic on his daughter. At the rate she was going, he’d be an old man before he got to bounce a grandbaby on his knee.

Young women today. They wanted the big career and waited for marriage until they were almost too old to have babies. Even if Gina fell in love, it could take years before she settled down to matrimony and motherhood. Gaetano wanted that to happen sooner than later. Mama mia, it was so much easier in the old country. The parents arranged everything, and everyone was happy. Here in America, his daughter Gina couldn’t even cook! Rosie was surely rolling in her grave.

He took the wine back to the table and set it down in front of the woman. She wasn’t wearing a wedding band. Not that it was any of his concern, of course, because he certainly never intended to remarry; this was just more of his curiosity. And there was nothing wrong with playing cupid or being interested in people, no matter what Gina said. Rosie had always been a people person too. They’d made quite a team.

Gaetano was so wrapped up in his thoughts he barely heard what the woman said.

“Sir? A menu, please.”

“Oh, forgive me. Yes, of course.” He fought back embarrassment. She must think I’m crazy—or worse yet, incompetent.

He sprinted to the back of the room, took a menu from the stack on the counter, and returned with a smile as he handed it over. At the same moment, his first dinner waitress came through the door.

Good, he thought. Debbie could take over. For some reason this sad lady was making him uneasy. He excused himself and retreated to the kitchen.

***

Estelle pondered the menu. It had been a while since she’d had any real appetite, but just reading about these entrées stirred her taste buds. She took a sip of wine then upended the glass and swallowed the contents in one gulp.

“Did you decide what you’d like?”

The little blonde waitress who’d come to take her order was so perky and cheerful that it was all Estelle could do not to strangle her. Instead, she smiled. “I haven’t quite made up my mind. How about bringing me another Chianti?”

“Sure.” The young woman took her empty glass.

Estelle looked around at the interior of the restaurant and admired the fact that real plants and not plastic ones adorned the window boxes. The tables were covered with red checkered cloths, and each featured a live centerpiece: a bright red carnation in a bud vase. Before she’d finished her assessment of the room, a full glass of wine appeared. Well, she grudgingly admitted, the service was good. That was important. When you didn’t have a lot of time, you needed things done in a hurry. Or, should a person take more time to savor each moment?

From speakers she hadn’t quite located, Placido Domingo’s beautiful tenor voice filled the room. Estelle listened in silence. Ah, yes, it was his solo from…what? Suddenly she couldn’t remember. That must be part of the illness. Loss of memory…and then how much time to the end?

Damn it! It wasn’t fair. She didn’t deserve this. All her life she’d followed the rules, and in the end none of that mattered. Because the end came, like it or not.

She turned in her seat to get the waitress’s attention; she had to go home and get started on her plans. Forget dinner.

“Where is that girl?” she muttered.

“Your waitress is seating some customers, but I took it upon myself to make some selections for you.”

The voice surprised her, but not as much as the fact that the man who’d seated her was now standing at her table with a fully loaded tray over his head. He lowered the tray and began placing dishes on the table.

“First, a little appetizer. Then salad. Then the entrée, it is one of my masterpieces. Chicken Marsala. And a fresh bottle of wine.”

Estelle was speechless and then shocked as the gentleman sat down opposite her. He’d lost the apron, but his eyes were still soulful and staring straight into her.

“Aren’t you the chef?” she asked. “When I saw you earlier you were wearing an apron. I just assumed…”

“You were correct. I am one of the chefs.”

“Can you leave the kitchen like this?”

“Ah, but I am also the owner. Gaetano Lorenzo.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her fingertips, his eyes twinkling with mischief. She offered her hand in return to his greeting.

“I called in another chef,” he admitted, “so now I can have dinner with you.”

Once more Estelle was at a loss for words. She looked around to see who’d witnessed this act of…whatever it was, and she saw that the restaurant had begun to fill up. There was no longer just the one waitress but several, and all of them looked busy. The shades at the windows were lowered, and candles were lighted at each table. She must have zoned out listening to the opera.

“I l-like your music,” she stammered, hoping she didn’t sound as dumb as she felt.

“I’m glad. This selection is Placido Domingo’s aria from La Traviata. Not everyone cares for classical. I think opera is something you must develop a love for.”

“Oh, yes, I believe that too. My late husband never took the time. After going alone so often when he couldn’t get away I finally let my season tickets lapse.”

“What a shame. The opera was my wife’s passion, but we also got too busy. We spent so many years getting the restaurant going… Ah, you know how it is.”

“Does your wife help out now?”

The minute the words were out of her mouth Estelle instinctively knew she’d put her foot in it. Gaetano’s face fell.

“Oh, no. Like you, I am alone. I keep busy—” The man stopped abruptly. He waved his arms in the air and unfurled his napkin. “What are we doing? Our food is getting cold. Eat. Eat!” he scolded.

Estelle smiled and picked up her fork. She couldn’t recall when she had such a handsome dinner partner. She squeezed her eyes and blinked, keeping tears at bay while she tried to eat. She didn’t have much time left to enjoy meals with anyone, especially someone as nice as this.

A short time later she was saying, “That was absolutely delicious, Gaetano, I can’t believe I ate so much!” She really couldn’t.

“What are you saying? You eat like a bird.”

“Yeah, a big bird. I haven’t had much of an appetite for a while. It’s no fun cooking for one.”

“I suppose not. But don’t you have any family who visit you?” He seemed genuinely
curious.

“I have a son, but I don’t want him to feel he has to look after me. Although, he does enjoy a good meal. Here, let me show you his picture.”

The restaurateur pulled his wallet out of his hip pocket. “I also have just one child. Let me show you my Gina.”

Estelle continued to flip through her bag, finally coming up with a small leather photo case. “This is Alex. He’s twenty-nine and still running around the world taking pictures.”

“Your son is a photographer?”

“Yes, I guess he makes a fair living with the magazine he works for, but it’s time he settled down and got a real job. Stayed in one place. Got married and had a family.”

“Ah, I know exactly what you mean,” Gaetano said. “My Gina is big-shot attorney, but she’s never home either. I spend all my time talking to her answering machine.”

They exchanged snapshots.

“Oh, my. Your daughter is very pretty,” Estelle realized. It made her think of something else. “Can she cook as well as you?”

The restaurant owner stared intently at the photo of Alex, perhaps seeing a perfect candidate for the beautiful Gina as Estelle had done with Gaetano’s daughter for her son. He must have realized that her question was still hanging in mid-air, however, as he spoke in a rush.

“Cook? Gina?” He laughed. Looking once more at the glossy print, he seemed wistful. Maybe he was imagining a little boy or girl with Gina’s dark hair and Alex’s green eyes and dimpled chin. That’s what Estelle was doing. But handing back the photo Gaetano shook his head. “Oh, sure, she can cook up a storm, but she has so little time.”

“I think that’s the way it is with young people—always rushing,” Estelle agreed. A big sigh escaped her lips. “I worry that he doesn’t eat properly. He, unlike your daughter, can’t even boil water.”

Gaetano made a strange face. As if eager to change the subject, he nodded toward Estelle’s photo and said, “I think he has your eyes, and maybe your smile?” He handed it back to her.

“Perhaps. I just wish I could be around when he finally settles down. That’s not going to happen.”

Gaetano seemed amused. “What are you talking about? He’s not that old. He will find some lovely lady and pop the question, and you’ll be a grand-mama before you know it.”

Estelle could no longer hold it in; the tears she’d swallowed came rushing back in a deluge.
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From the time she could hold a pencil, Shirley Ann Wilder wrote stories. Being the youngest of six children, she was overlooked many times but found wonder and magic in reading books. As a youngster she was especially fond of horse books and read every one of Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books.

That passion for horses carried over into her adult life and with her husband and four children, raised Quarter Horses and German Shepherds. Shirley’s other passion was writing, but it was put on hold until the three sons and one daughter were in high school.

After developing a severe allergy to the equine species and having to give up the major part of horse involvement, Shirley wrote a weekly column for a community newspaper and a monthly column entitled “On the Wilder Side” for the California Horseman’s News in the which she recounted the humorous episodes that happened during the Wilder Family’s horse era. Shirley also published in college literary magazines, but her real quest was to write novels.

After taking numerous writing classes and amassing many unfinished manuscripts, one of her writing instructors suggested she join Romance Writers of America. Taking that advice she also joined the local San Diego RWA chapter has since completed six novels. She served on the Executive Board as Co-President of RWA- San Diego for 2006 and 2007 and held several other chair positions. She credits her fellow writers for the support and encouragement that has kept her writing during recent difficult  times.

Shirley Ann was widowed in January of 2008 when her husband died of stage four colon cancer after battling it bravely for three years and four months. Three of her grown children live near her in suburbs of San Diego and one son lives in Kentucky. They have blessed her with four granddaughters and one grandson.

Since her husband’s death, Shirley has become an advocate for colonoscopies and is currently working on a non-fiction book about the grieving process and all one encounters when suffering the loss of a mate. “John was my hero and I will miss him forever, but he always encouraged me to keep writing and to stay strong.”


Shirley Ann Wilder  Online:



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Books for Bunnies Benefit

Books for Bunnies

Books for bunnies is an event set up by the blogger over at The Bunny’s Review and coordinated with the help of blogger Alchemy of Scrawl.

These two ladies have worked tirelessly in getting authors to donate eBooks for the event. Currently there are over 100 eBooks that have been donated., along with over 30 print books donated. Some of the print books are even signed by the authors themselves.

The event is to help raise money for the House Rabbit Society. The House Rabbit Society or HRS is a 501 non-profit organization to help raise awareness and to rescue rabbits from animal shelters. Below is a little about the background of the HRS.

House Rabbit Society Background

House Rabbit Society is a national, nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Richmond, California. Our mission has two parts:
  • Through our fostering program, volunteers rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent adoptive homes for them.
  • Through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies' lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals.
In line with our mission, we are against the exploitation of rabbits.

Since HRS was founded in 1988, over 25,000 rabbits have been rescued through our foster homes across the United States. Many of these bunnies had run out of time at animal shelters and were scheduled for euthanasia; others had been deemed "unadoptable" because of age, health, or disposition. Because there is no time limit on our rescued rabbits, HRS foster parents are able to spend time getting to know each individual bunny and can then match him or her with an appropriate home. We neuter/spay all incoming rabbits, obtain any necessary veterinary care, and attend to their social needs.

In caring for so many diverse bunnies, our all-volunteer organization has learned a tremendous amount about their social, behavioral, and medical requirements. By sharing the collected information these rabbits have taught us, we are able to help other people improve their relationships with their rabbits. HRS provides educational materials to veterinarians and humane societies and helps individual rabbit people solve behavior and health problems, primarily through our web site, www.rabbit.org, and our quarterly publication, House Rabbit Journal.

Over the past 20 years, HRS has grown from 300 to more than 8,000 members, with local chapters and educators in over 30 states plus Canada, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia and Singapore.

Our web site, www.rabbit.org, is accessed over 100,000 times a day by people in dozens of countries around the world.


We are asking people to donate money to the HRS at this link through Network for Good. The person that makes a donation will receive either an eBook or print book equal to the amount donated. There are books ranging in price from 99 cents to $27.00. There are several print copies of the books that have been autographed by the author.

The person that donates will receive an email thanking them for donating. That email needs to be forwarded to books4bunnys@bunnysreview.com. This will show the amount that has been donated. Please remember there is not any donation that is too small. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. The HRS will use the money to either help pay for vet bills or help in finding a forever home for the hundreds of bunnies in their care.

Please, if possible, take a moment to donate a couple of dollars to the HRS. You never know what bunny's life you might be saving.

Suzie & The Bunnies - CupCake & Coale

Some of the available books:

The Night Watchman Express (The Crown Phoenix #1) By Alison DeLuca

Orphaned Miriam has always been terrified by the sound of THE NIGHT WATCHMAN EXPRESS as it hurtles by her house. The sound of the train gives her nightmares of an underground factory, and a laboratory where brutal experiments take place.

During the day she has very different problems. Her new guardians, the Marchpanes, have arrived with their son, Simon, to live in Miriam's house. The Marchpanes are plotting to take over her dead father's business.

As they are both strong willed and stubborn, Miriam and Simon develop an instant dislike for each other. They have to work together, however, in order to solve the mystery of what the Marchpanes are doing with Miriam's inheritance.

As they come closer to learning the truth, Miriam is kidnapped and put on THE NIGHT WATCHMAN EXPRESS, and Simon must try to rescue her. In doing so, he will have to confront his own parents and the evil forces behind them.

But as he tries to help Miriam, he is captured. Simon is put in a strange, luxurious prison, where his jailers are as hauntingly beautiful as they are dangerous.

As THE NIGHT WATCHMAN EXPRESS arrives at its destination, Miriam comes to the shocking realization that her nightmares about the subterranean factory and the dark laboratory were not just dreams.

What she always feared more than anything is going to come true.

Losing Beauty by Johanna Garth

Child abuse, cross-dressing, theft, adultery—people in Persey Campbell’s town have terrible secrets and she is the unfortunate repository for all of them. What she can’t figure out is why everyone is so desperate to tell her their worst secrets.

Daniel Hartnett is a lawyer who has it all. People think he’s lucky. What they don’t understand is Daniel has a crap-o-meter that lets him hear the meanings behind other people’s words. He used to think his crap-o-meter was a gift from God. It made him successful with his career and women. Except now he’d like to meet someone and settle down and he can’t turn his crap-o-meter off. As long as it’s on, there are no surprises, no rush of anticipation and no falling in love.

When Daniel meets Persey he discovers the first girl he’s ever met who is immune to his special talent. The only problem is someone else discovered Persey first and is hell-bent on claiming her as his own. Haden is the king of the Underworld with a plan to make Persey his immortal queen. What Haden doesn’t plan on is Persey’s unique ability to compel secrets and how far the people who love Persey will go to protect her from the inner darkness that threatens to destroy her soul.

About the Author: Johanna Garth is a writer of urban fantasy and mythic fiction for adults who resides with her husband and two children in Portland, Oregon. This is her debut novel.

Land of Nod, The Artifact (Land of Nod Trilogy #1) by Gary Hoover

Jeff Browning has been haunted by terrifying dreams since the mysterious disappearance of his father (a renowned physicist). But when he finds a portal in his father’s office, he must overcome his fears in an attempt to find him.

The portal takes him to another dimension – one populated by fantastic and dangerous creatures and also an advanced society of humans.

As Jeff looks for clues regarding what may have happened to his father, he is accused by some of being a spy while thought by others to be a prophesized figure . . . who may be the key to victory in a developing war.


The Last Good Knight by Connie J. Jasperson

Swashbucklers, pirates, sword fighting courageous Knights and Fair maidens abound in The Last Good Knight. In the tradition of a Wilbur Smith and Michael Crichton's Medieval block buster Timeline. Action abounds, it this historical fiction account. 

From slaying dragons, to rescuing the King's Whore, to secret missions for good King Henri, no job is too big or too small for the Great Knight, Sir Julian Lackland. But what happens when the only one still willing to take on the bad jobs is too old to be doing them? How does a hero retire from the business of saving people? 

Here begins the tale of the life and adventures of the peoples Champion. Invincible on both the field of battle and the bedroom, Lackland is a man of intense passion, the highest honor, and deepest loyalties. A mercenary, a bold warrior and a brilliant tactician, he is at times reckless beyond comprehension, and often suicidal; throwing himself into both battle and love with his entire being. 

His heart is forever given to one woman, but she will never give up the sword, not even for him and her choices leave Lackland with no choices whatsoever. Despite the lack of resolution in his personal life, he somehow endures; his innate sense of the ridiculous, wry wit and humor concealing the fragile man that is Julian Lackland. From his days as a mercenary to his years as the arms-master of Waldeyn, obsession and honor rule his life; these two things both make him and break him. 

But for all that Julian is the invincible Great Knight, he eventually becomes the Lost Knight. An incident occurs that changes everything and begins his descent into madness. Two great loves form the framework of his life anchoring his sanity and making a love triangle unlike any other. Yet, even in the depths of madness Lackland remains the very soul of knightly courtesy and true nobility; seeking that which was lost, and as always, making the world a safer place

Gabriel's Inferno (Gabriel's Inferno #1) by Sylvain Reynard

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption. When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love and redemption, "Gabriel's Inferno" is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man's escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible...forgiveness and love.


"Gabriel's Inferno" -- semi-finalist for Best Romance in the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards

"This is not only one of the best debut books this year, but Reynard is one of the best new authors this year. 5 stars."
- Donna of Offbeat Vagabond

"It's not very often that I am left so affected by a book, but this one took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions ... This novel is thought provoking, entertaining and beautiful. 5 stars."
- Nix of Scorching Book Reviews

"This is one of the most romantic and sensual stories I have read ...the words he writes will sing to you. 5 stars."
- JJ of JJ iReads

"I was seduced, entranced, and completely satisfied ...The narrator, and its characters were equally charming and sinful. 5 stars."
- Tigris Eden's Garden of Books

Rook (Allie's War #1) by J.C. Andrijeski

Twenty-eight-year-old San Francisco native, Allie Taylor, at least thought she was human. Against a gritty and original backdrop of a modern-day Earth populated by a second race of beings, Allie finds out she's a member of an enslaved yet deeply powerful race, whose members believe her to be their most venerated leader, come to end the reign of humanity. With her guide, Revik, a mysterious and deadly seer who acts as her bodyguard and teacher, Allie will come to grips with who she really is, or end up a slave like the rest of her kind...or worse, betray the very people she always thought of as her own.

The Culling (The Slave Girl Chronicles #1) by J.C. Andrijeski

Jet is a 19-year-old skag, one of the humans still living free on Earth following an invasion of creatures called the Nirreth. Squatting in the ruins of Vancouver, Canada, Jet and her family eke out an existence underground, hiding from the culler ships. No one knows where the ships take the people they take, but they never return. When a culler finds Jet, she may discover the truth the hard way.


The Sea Witchby Brian Bigelow

Imagine for a moment, what would you do if you could change your entire life?

The author did think about it and this book is the result.

Come away for romance and adventure in The Sea Witch.

Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos

Anya Michaels is having the time of her life. She has the man of her dreams by her side. She has graduated at the top of her class. She has the job others were lining up for. Between late night drinks at her favourite bar and fancy dinners at the most expensive restaurants, she has a string of adoring friends.

Everything changes when she hears the dreaded words, "You are sick." Being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her world starts to fall apart, one piece at a time. Now dumped, her four year relationship is nothing but a memory filled with pictures, thoughts and a very broken heart. Her job becomes an even further challenge as she tries to hide her condition. Her friends suddenly have more important things to do, what is a party without a party girl? Perfect could not crumble any faster. Soon, caught between situations, people and pieces of life that she never dreamed of planning for herself, Anya begins to wonder if her brain condition is all that bad. As she absorbs the changes in her life and realization sets in, she begins to wonder if she is the only one saying: Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out.

Frequent Traveller by Pandora Poikilos

Catherine Dixon is everyone's dreamgirl. Girls want to be her. Men want to be with her. From her charming smile to her gentle voice, one always turns to take a second look at Cathy. Wherever she goes there isn't an ill-word spoken about her. Her job as Vice President of Communications at MoonStar, one of the world's top hotel chains is to make sure guests are happy to the point of perfection.

From the blue oceans of Antigua to the bustling streets of Vietnam, the racing adrenaline at the Green Hell, the devastating natural disaster in Japan and the stunning architecture in Germany, Cathy finds herself in a whirlwind of fine dining, plush clothes and sheer extravagance. But is perfection only a mask for untold disaster? In a job that deals so much with people, Cathy goes home to an empty bed. There are no pictures on her wall, no doting phone calls from a tongue tied lover and no family holidays to boast about.

What is Cathy's secret and how will her world change when the world knows? What is the significance of the blue pendant round her neck? Who is the mysterious man she is seen with every three months? What are the contents of the brown envelope delivered to her on the fifteenth of every month? Will her secrets ever catch up with her or will Cathy continue to sail alongside perfection in the world she has created for herself as a Frequent Traveller?


Elevenses from Around the World by Pandora Poikilos (Goodreads Author), Bruno McGrath

Farmer's Ham from Germany, French Toast from the Bahamas, Beef Kebab from Vietnam, Potato Salad from Brazil, Purple Corn from Bolivia and more. This book offers an insight to much loved breakfasts, brunches and snacks from around the world.

*Metric system measurements.

Genetically Modified Foods vs. Sustainability by Bruno McGrath

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

This ebook points out the surrounding issues of genetically modified fruit and vegetables that consumers are unaware of. While several parties defend the use of technology to create food, there seems to be little being done to increase awareness about this matter to the end consumer.

It also points out alternative food sustainability options such as organic farming and land management. This ebook will indicate that although some parties agree that genetically modified food items are cost effective and considered safe, its long-term results have not been adequately researched and the use of pesticides on these items are far higher than for other types farming or food products.


Nate Rocks the World (Nate Rocks #1) by Karen Pokras Toz

Nate Rocks can do it all: part super-hero, part all-star athlete, part rock-star… part fourth-grader?

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed.

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.

Under a Prairie Moon by Krista Kedrick
~~One night, under a prairie moon~~
Poor uninspired, unfulfilled Andrea Jameson; photographer extraordinaire. Where was her dreary life taking her?
The last place she'd ever imagined! A motel room with her ex-boyfriend's younger brother.
She had to escape without a scene. So she slipped out with only the memories of one incredible night. Or so she thought...

~~One night is never enough~~
Nebraska rancher Jason McCoy made a miracle happen last night. He made beautiful, vivacious, talented Andy his after twelve years of loving her. But all his dreams came crashing down when he woke to an empty room. She was gone forever. Or so he thought…

How were they to know their extraordinary journey had just begun?


Farsighted (Farsighted #1) by Emlyn Chand

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, an enticing new girl comes to their small Midwest town all the way from India. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they suggest Simmi is in mortal danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex embarks on his journey to change the future


A World Apart (The Elencheran Chronicles) by David M. Brown

Demetrius makes his first mistake when he lets his best friend Halcyon marry Eleyna, the love of his life, without saying a word. On the day of the wedding, he walks away from the Elencheran town of Dove's Meadow and joins the army.

He makes his second mistake when the pirate Black Iris tricks him into letting dozens of men, women and children die in a fire. Demetrius is imprisoned in grief and disgrace.

But he can atone. The Black Iris is dead. The Ivory Rose has risen to the top of the pirates and is leading brutal raids on the coast. If Demetrius can capture and kill her, he'll win his pardon.

And then Demetrius discovers the Ivory Rose is Eleyna. He must decide which will be his third mistake: Losing his last chance at a pardon, or destroying the one woman he's ever loved

Fezariu's Epiphany (The Elencheran Chronicles) by David M. Brown

12-year-old Fezariu thought his mother died when he was little, but when his beloved stepfather dies the boy discovers she is alive and well - and working at the most famous brothel in all of Elenchera. When she cruelly rejects him it's more than he can bear, and he runs away to join a band of ruthless soldiers for hire. The Merelax Mercenaries will fight for anyone who can pay them, no matter the justice of the cause.

Fezariu grows up among the soldiers and becomes one of them. He thinks his time with the mercenaries has hardened him. But a campaign in his old home town pushes him too far, and he discovers what really happened to his mother. Maybe there are some things money shouldn't buy... and maybe it's time Fezariu took his revenge.


Broken (Closure Series) by Lissette E. Manning

The past is hard to bear, but sometimes, we must face it, no matter the cost.

Displeased with the life she’d led, Ellie Morgan walked away from it all in hopes of finding happiness amidst all the turmoil. She knows it’s only a matter of time before she has to face the bitter reality of the repercussions caused by her past actions.

Broken and bereft, she tumbles head first into her despair. Yet there’s always a silver lining to every cloud, a certainty she knows is there if she’ll allow herself to see it. To do that, she must let go of the past and put her ghosts to rest, once and for all.


Closure (Closure Series) by Lissette E. Manning

Love is supposed to be forever. Sometimes, we're not meant to keep it.

Ben Morgan thought he had it all - fame, fortune, a beloved wife, and a loving family. His work kept him out of the country for long stretches at a time, but he did his best to provide for those he loved. He never imagined that his being away so much would have severe repercussions. When his life starts to shatter and his wife walks away without another glance, he's left to deal with the pain and sorrow of the choices that he's made in the past.

Stuck by Lissette E. Manning

A world too different from what we once knew . . . all we hold onto now is survival.

Memories of the dead remind Annie Page of the world she'd once known. Renegade forces are closing in, seeking to command the little that remains. Yet she refuses to stand by and watch the world crumble.

Her children’s love the driving force behind the choices that she’s made, she’s determined to make their world a better place. Yet their survival comes with a price – one that she never meant to pay.


Redheart (Leland Dragon Series #1) by Jackie Gamber

Enter the lands of Leland Province, where dragon and human societies have long dwelled side by side. Superstitions rise sharply, as a severe rought strips the land of its bounty, providing fertile ground for the arker ambitions of Fordon Blackclaw, Dragon Council Leader, who seeks to subdue humans or wipe them off the face of the land.

As the shadow of danger creeps across Leland Province, a young dragon named Kallon Redheart, who has turned his back on dragons and humans alike, comes into an unexpected friendship. Riza Diantus is a young woman whose dreams can no longer be contained by the narrow confines of her village, and when she finds herself in peril, Kallon is the only one with the power to save her. Yet to do so means he must confront his past, and embrace a future he stopped believing in.

A tale of friendship, courage, and ultimate destiny, Redheart invites readers to a wondrous journey through the Leland Dragon Series

Poseidon’s Children (The Legacy of the Gods #1) by Michael West

Man no longer worships the old gods; forgotten and forsaken, they have become nothing more than myth and legend. But all that is about to change. After the ruins of a vast, ancient civilization are discovered on the ocean floor, Coast Guard officers find a series of derelict ships drifting in the current-high-priced yachts and leaking fishing boats, all ransacked, splattered in blood, their crews missing and presumed dead. And that's just the beginning. Vacationing artist Larry Neuhaus has just witnessed a gruesome shark attack, a young couple torn apart right before his eyes....at least, he thinks it was a shark. And when one of these victims turns out to be the only son of Roger Hays, the most powerful man in the country, things go from bad to worse. Now, to stop the carnage, Larry and his new-found friends must work together to unravel a mystery as old as time, and face an enemy as dark as the ocean depths.


AngelKiller by H. David Blalock

Why do bad things happen to good people? Simple. In the ancient war between the Angels of Light and Darkness, the Dark won. Now it is the job of an undercover force simply known as The Army to rectify that.

Using every tool available, The Army has worked to liberate our world from The Enemy for thousands of years, slowly and painfully lifting Mankind out of the dark. On the front of the great Conflict are the Angelkillers, veterans of the fight with centuries of experience.

Jonah Mason is an Angelkiller, and his cell is targeted as part of a plot to unseat a very powerful Minion of The Enemy. Mason and his troop are drawn into a battle that stretches from real-time to virtual reality and back. The Conflict is about to expand into cyberspace, and if Mason is unable to stop it, The Enemy will have gained dominion over yet another realm.


Cathartes Aura and the Apocalypse Zoo by Eighty Six

The post-apocalyptic story of a zoo the day no one showed up. Narrated by a captive turkey vulture. A novel in verse written in 10 by 10 format.

Cathartes Aura on the Road from Nowhere (Cathartes Aura, #2) by Eighty Six

Episode Two in the "Cathartes Aura" series follows our turkey vulture narrator on the road away from the zoo. He observes the remnants of human society rebuilding, destroying, coming together, and falling apart in the aftermath of the apocalypse. Written in ten-by-ten format.


Inside the Skull of David Priest by Eighty Six

Twenty-four hours in the life of bartender David Priest. By a twenty year restaurant veteran. Happy-hour. After hours. Stay up late until it's early again. Drink. Eat. Drink. Sex and drugs. Music. Do it all over again.

The pretty and dirty, the clean and ugly in the lives of bartenders, waiters, cocktailers, cooks and criminals. Welcome to SeaSalt Ocean Grill, Empire, Washington. Contains Adult Content.


Cappuccino Heaven: A life after death by Michelle Wright

Cappuccino Heaven will take you on a journey into the afterlife with Elizabeth Walker. Leaving her 38 years of life behind she enters her wider world full of expectations, meeting friends and family long gone she marvels at the fact she can still get her favourite cappuccino's. New adventures await yet she cannot forget her husband Mike and daughters Sasha and Lucy that she has been forced to leave behind.

Slowly she begins to realize that her visions of the afterlife are not what they seem, the dark lower levels becoming a source of attraction that draws her to the idea of rescuing lost tormented souls exposing her own human weakneses. A sensitive and challenging story that will leave you wondering. Maybe what we do in life does affect where we go in death.


Amador Lockdown by Coral Russell

Something has moved into the Amador Hotel. Hector, Marcos, Bev, and Tony of the Paranormal Posse are called in to either debunk the haunting or get rid of whatever is causing the problems. With the surprise arrival of Hector's son, he tries to keep his professional and personal lives separate, but whatever is haunting the Amador Hotel has other plans.


The DIY Guide to Social Media Marketing and eBook Publishing by Coral Russell

I emptied my brain and computer into this eBook of all the current information on eBook Publishing and it has literally 1000 links. I have been reviewing Indie Authors and enjoyed so many great stories. I hope this information is useful and helps you sell a ton of eBooks.


Playing with Fire by Coral Russell

Scare easily? Are you often frightened out of your sleep? Does the mere mention of ghosts prickle your skin?

These seven authors' imaginations are fired up by the scariness of the unknown.

Find a comfy spot, sit back and enjoy nine tales to tickle your taste for terror.


Life's Rhythms by Vickie Johnstone

Ancient Japanese poetry with a modern twist. The old meets the new in this collection of 316 haiku, composed in the traditional pattern of three lines with 5-7-5 syllables. Subjects include: nature, life, food, animals, loss, love, longing, hope, dreams and time.


Kaleidoscope by Vickie Johnstone

A book of 119 poems about people, life, philosophy, animals and nature. It is structured under eight themes: figures; nature; abstracts; love; haiku; creatures; childhood and darkwave.

Kiwi in Cat City (Kiwi Series #1) by Vickie Johnstone

Amy and James live in a house with their parents and their little black cat, Kiwi. One dark night, Amy cannot sleep and she looks out of the window into the garden to see Kiwi transfixed by the moon, which has taken on a weird, glowing shape like a cat's claw. Waking her brother, Amy suggests they follow Kiwi that night to see where she goes... whether it involves a hunt for mice or something else. Little do they know that, with a flick of her tail, Kiwi is going to lead them on the adventure of their lives to a land they never knew existed in their wildest dreams. In the blue-lit world of Cat City, they gain an understanding of what it's really like to be a cat. There they get to help Inspector Furrball solve the mystery of the missing catizens and find out what happened to Madame Purrfect.

This book is the first in a series of adventures.


Day of the Living Pizza by Vickie Johnstone

A horror comedy with pizza.

Detective Smarts of Crazy Name Town has a problem. Doctor Boring and his receptionist have been bumped off, and the only clues at the scene are some olives, tomatoes, mushrooms and sprinkles of oregano. With the town folk dropping like flies and strange figures stumbling down the streets, Officer Dewdrop has an idea.


3 Heads & A Tail by Vickie Johnstone

Comedy romance with walkies.

When nature lover Josie moves into a house share with two pals, dreamer Ben and model man David, she sees it as a short stop and doesn't bank on an attraction developing with one of them. Meanwhile, Ben's dog, Glen, has the hots for Miss Posh, the beautiful golden Lab in the park. When dog meets dog it's puppy love, but a complication leads to Glen taking matters into his own paws. In this comedy of errors, romance and walkies, it's anyone's guess who is going to get the girl/dog and live happily ever after.


Leap Day by Mozart

7 short stories from the world of the weird and unusual.

Every four years we have to add another day to the calendar to make up for the time that we skip over while we carry on with our normal lives. So what happens on that abnormal day when the rules change and tab is a cash only sale?

Join us for a day while irony replaces currency and sanity takes a joyride through town. Have a smoke with the residents of the hospital and after dinner take a drive through the desert and a flight across the polar ice caps. Then wrap it all up with a cup of tea on a luxury ship. It won't last long and you won't have to do it again for a while. Just don’t expect it to be normal.


Calico by Allison Bruning

"A man whose heart appears pure shall deceive you. The power he holds over you leads you to evil. You shall denounce the ways of Our Grandmother. Another man comes, whose pure heart beats for you alone, and who has a pure spirit devoted to Our Grandmother. He shall defeat the evil and set you free." A prophecy has been cast against her. In a harsh world deep within the western frontier of Ohio and Kentucky, Calico Marie Turner must learn to survive among the Shawnee and trust the one man who hates her the most, Chief Little Owl Quick as the Wind.


Guarding Suzannah (Serve and Protect #1) by Norah Wilson

There's no love lost between criminal defense lawyer Suzannah Phelps and the St. Cloud police department. Now she's being stalked, but she won’t turn to the police, who may be behind it. But when Det. John Quigley learns of it, he's determined to protect her, no matter who is harassing her. They've struck sparks off each other in the courtroom, and he's burning to do the same in the bedroom.


Karis by R.M. Strong

Tamara finally got what she'd always wanted. All it took was the complete disintegration of her life. Putting her life back together would take her places she never thought possible.


Vampire Assassin (Jane #1) by Samantha Warren

All vampires deal with their immortality differently. Jane decided to make her extra pointy teeth work in her favor. She hires herself out for a good cause, as a vampire assassin. In this 15,000 word novella (part 1 of the Jane series), she takes you with her on one of her jobs and through the intriguing tale about how she became immortal.


New Blood (Jane #2) by Samantha Warren

In the second book of the series, Jane struggles to cope with her new life as a vampire. With the help of a priest, a dog groomer, and an assassin, she attempts to come to terms with what she has become and find her purpose in the world. This novella runs approximately 20,000 words.


Blood & Tears (Jane #3) by Samantha Warren

Jane's back! And she's not alone. Someone is creating new vampires and Father Bellini has hand-picked a crack team to find out who's responsible. Meet the boys that have Jane's back!

Felipe- Strong, handsome, Italian. This sexy vampire is not only Jane's trainer, he's her friend. But he wants something more from the relationship. Is she ready to give him what he asks?
Ronin- A vampire priest who lives with Felipe and Jane, he refuses to let his flock go into battle unprotected. Armed with a wooden cross and a machine gun, his loyalty is unquestionable and unmatched.
Ado- After New Blood, Ado is dealing with the loss of his previous partner. He struggles with feelings of guilt, despair, and vengeance.
Benton- One of the two humans on the team, Benton was kidnapped at the age of 15 and used as a blood slave for more than two years. Since his rescue by Ado, Benton has been a key player in the fight against rogues.
Jax- The other human team member, Jax was introduced to the world of vampires when his brother was turned. After spending years in the dull work of security forces, Jax is looking for some action.


Redemption (Jane #4) by Samantha Warren

After the final battle in Blood & Tears, Jane's team struggles with the death of one of their own. When things get too tough, they call in reinforcements--the Italian military. Will the extra men and women help Jane, Felipe, and the others defeat Conrad and his minions? Or will the rogue vampires finally win?

This is the fourth novella in the Jane series.


Till Death (Jane #5) by Samantha Warren

Jane and Felipe have conquered one of the worst vampire plagues in recent history. Now they're ready to start their new life in America. But as is often the case, life is rarely all wine and roses as Jane's past comes back to haunt her.

This is the fifth book in a string of serial novellas.

Blood Moon (Jane 6) by Samantha Warren


Jane just got married and she couldn't be happier. She's surrounded by her best friends and things are looking bright. But there's one problem: they're outcasts and hunted by the Vampire Council. Can an alliance with a strange new ally be their saving grace? Or will it spell doom for them all?

Truth Teller (The Truth Teller Series, #1) by Kurt Chambers

How could a modern day girl like Charlotte ever envisage that magic really exists? Even with her own vivid imagination, the place for other realms belonged in a child’s fairy tale. Or so she thought, until she stumbled across a hidden curio shop and an even stranger shopkeeper. He gives her a gift that resembles an antique snow dome, but this is not an ordinary globe. The world Charlotte has always known disappears as she’s spirited away into a mystical land.

This is the beginning of a lifelong friendship that changes Charlotte’s life forever. Discovered by a young elf alone in the forest, she embarks on a journey in search of a group of travelling Entertainers. She encounters heart-stopping dangers and real life monsters, but a far greater threat shadows her every move. Even the strength and skill of her new found companions cannot protect her against a ruthless druid assassin. But in this realm, Charlotte is not the vulnerable little girl she thought she was.


Destinies by Karleene Morrow

Catherine II seizes the imperial crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy’s life changes forever.

Uprooted from his home near the Rhine River and taken to a hostile land on the Russian steppes, Christian comes up against adversity and setbacks as he attempts to make a new life for himself and his family. His efforts at enlisting a blacksmith and Gypsies to help a Russian girl sold into servitude put all their lives in deadly peril.

Meanwhile, Catherine, in her new role as empress, is surrounded by court intrigue and secret plots to overthrow her; rumors of her lover’s infidelity; an army of wild Cossacks and escaped serfs thundering down on Saratov intent on burning the city, sacking Moscow and locking the empress in a convent.

Now Catherine must find a solution to the challenges she faces at court – as Christian must find his own solutions in the colonies.

The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson

Delano Bowen has been a medical doctor for a very long time. More than 170 years, in fact. For much of that time, he’s been searching for a way to reverse the curse foisted on him by a vampress who sought to own him. With the emergence of medical technology, he now also aims to develop a vaccine to protect the vulnerable from predation by rogue vampires. After a century of searching, he thinks he's found the key to his vaccine – a surviving descendent of the Merzetti family. The Merzettis were virtually hunted to extinction over the years by rogue vampires who feared the anti-vampirism properties in their blood.

A foundling, nurse Ainsley Crawford has no idea that she carries a genetic gift, and Delano aims to keep it that way. He must keep her close, and ignorant, for he can leave nothing to chance. He manipulates events to ensure her unwitting cooperation. But when Delano's arch enemy Radak Janecek mounts an all-out assault to destroy Delano and the fruits of his research, Delano is forced to draw Ainsley even closer to protect her. Inevitably, the attraction that has sparked between them from the first flares hot and urgent. Ainsley sees no reason why that attraction shouldn't be consummated, but Delano knows succumbing to it is not just ill-advised; it could literally be the death of him.


Hell on Wheels: The Incredible Story of Rookie Roller Derby Queen Cindy McCoy by Karen Mueller Bryson

This captivating biography reveals the details of sports legend, Cindy McCoy's inspirational life story. Cindy escaped a difficult youth, in which she faced abuse and abandonment, by becoming a professional skater as a teen and traveling on an international roller derby team. Fans in Australia became like a surrogate family to young Cindy and she was soon voted Roller Game Rookie of the Year and Roller Game Queen of the Year, an honor that was never repeated. This moving narrative, about a young woman, who gave everything she had to the sport she loved, will appeal to fans of roller derby as well as readers of all ages just learning about this fascinating sport


The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

On August 15th 1939, at the brink of World War II, an English plane crashed and sunk in Danish waters. Five deaths were reported: two Standard Oil of New Jersey employees, a German Corporate Lawyer, an English member of Parliament, and a crew member for the airline. Here is a conceivable version of the events.


Open Heart (Farsighted #2) by Emlyn Chand

Simmi Shergill's life is a mess. Her powers of psychic feeling are on the fritz, and Grandon Township's sudden population boom has brought quite a few unsavory characters to town. She also looks like an over-blown balloon in her size 14 pants, but not even starving herself seems to be working as a diet plan. Well, at least her boyfriend, Alex, loves her so much he'd do anything for her. Last summer he even risked his life to protect her from the mysterious boy everyone was convinced wanted to kill her.

The problem is, she's not so sure she feels the same way. Is Alex really the man of her dreams? And why can't she stop fixating on her would-be killer, Dax? Whenever he's around, part of her wants to run screaming in the other direction while the other part longs to run into his embrace, no matter who she’d hurt or what she’d risk.

Simmi's loyalty is on the line. Who will she choose—the blind seer who loves her, or the charming telekinetic with "bad idea" written all over him? Emotions run high as the tension mounts in book two of the Farsighted series.


Honey the Hero (The Bird Brain Books) by Emlyn Chand (Goodreads Author), S. Shaw (Illustrator)

Honey, an inquisitive young parakeet living in the Australian Outback, decides to become a superhero after she spies a human family watching Superman. Since she already has the power of flight, all she needs to do is create a costume to conceal her true identity and then fly off in search of animals that need rescuing.

Unfortunately, every time she tries to help, Honey only ends up making matters worse. She spoils Kangaroo’s game of hide-and-go-seek by revealing his hiding place to Wallaby; Mr. Anteater must go hungry when she alerts the ants to his presence, and Mrs. Koala is made a laughingstock among bears when Honey pretends to be her Joey. Finally realizing that she’s not as heroic as she’d like, Honey gives up her day-saving efforts.

But what happens when someone actually needs Honey’s help? Will she rise to the challenge?


Davey the Detective (The Bird Brain Books) by Emlyn Chand (Goodreads Author), S. Shaw (Illustrator)

Davey dubs himself the luckiest crow in the entire world when he finds a wonderful, shiny object. It even has a fantastic name: “paperclip.” Wow!

One dark and dreary day, Davey’s treasure goes missing, and he is beside himself with grief. Luckily, he knows just how he can find out which of the forest animals is to blame for the theft. Inspired by the torn pages of a Sherlock Holmes story that were used to fashion his nest, Davey calls on the help of Sarah the sparrow to investigate the mystery and, hopefully, retrieve his prize.

Together the two birds begin to collect clues. Their trail leads them straight to Mr. Bushtail, a greedy squirrel who keeps a giant store of objects in a hollowed-out tree trunk. When Mr. Bushtail refuses to cooperate, the two birds have no choice but to break into his tree house in search of the truth.

Justice will prevail and treasure will be found in this intriguing tale of mystery.


The Mumbo Jumbo Circus by Jane George


When the enigmatic Ringmaster asks 15-year-old Evanja (Evan) Leane to run away and join the circus, she says yes. Anywhere’s got to be better than foster home Number Eight. Evan learns that this ragtag circus, a haven for throwaway teens, relies on more than spectacle and illusion. This circus is built on magic. Each of the teens possesses a donvrai, a true gift, that manifests only in the presence of the Ringmaster’s mysterious Ju-Ju. Unlike many of the other teens who must wait for their donvrai to emerge, Evan’s gift surfaces on her first night: she can read horses’ minds. This would be totally awesome except she has been deathly afraid of horses since foster home Number Three. But circus is a dying art. If Evan wants to save her beloved new-found home, she must concoct a brilliant horse act that will bring in the crowds. And she’d better get over herself and get on with it fast; there’s a traitor close to the Ringmaster who will stop at nothing to make sure she doesn’t succeed.


The Destiny of Shaitan by Laxmi Hariharan

"The Destiny of Shaitan is mind blowing, dark, humourous, and clever. It took me on a powerful journey inwards, which was a surprise as I'm not generally drawn to scifi or fantasy. I love the scene where the planet is covered with water and Yudi rescues Tiina. It's core message is Unity. I believe it will appeal to people across all ages." Sonia Ducie Dip.CSN.AIN, Numerologist, Author 11 Numerology books.

When Yudi, Tiina & Rai embark on a mission to save the universe, they come up against the ruthless Shaitan who is determined to stop them at any cost. But they soon realise they have a bigger enemy - themselves. So they must learn to trust each other and overcome their fears as they fight their way towards the ultimate showdown.

Partially set in a dystopian Bombay of the future, The Destiny of Shaitan is a coming of age story, painted against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.

Yudi, Tiina and Rai are destined to come together, for they are the Chosen Ones. It falls to them to save the universe from the powerful Shaitan, who is terrifying, and utterly merciless. Driven by greed, and fear for his own survival, Shaitan bulldozes his way through the galaxy, destroying anything that gets in his path, including his lovers and his own children. The battle between the Chosen Ones and Shaitan is a classic, epic encounter. Hated and feared by all, Shaitan must win this fight to keep his power. The stakes are high, the combatants are determined, and no matter what the outcome their lives will be changed for all time.


The Loyal Heart (The Noble Hearts, #1) by Merry Farmer

Lady Aubrey has a problem. Several problems. Her childhood love, Ethan, has returned home from the Crusades, but he’s more interested in winning his land back than wooing her. She has to rescue a pair of nuns who are being held prisoner in Derby Castle’s tower by the sadistic Sheriff Buxton. And to top it all off, she’s developing scandalous feelings for Buxton’s lackey, the dark and devilish Crispin. Faced with all that what’s a girl to do but don her disguise as the Derbywood Bandit and take matters into her own hands?

Sir Crispin is at his wit’s end. Not only does he have his hands full keeping Buxton from killing half the shire, now his arch nemesis, the Derbywood Bandit, has joined forces with his old rival Ethan. And that’s nothing compared to the burning torch he carries for his ex-fiancé, Lady Aubrey. He would do anything to win Aubrey’s love …

… until he suspects that there could be a closer connection between Aubrey and the Derbywood Bandit than anyone knows.

Doodling by Jonathan Gould

Neville Lansdowne fell off the world.

Actually he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.

Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver's Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.


Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1 by István Szabó Ifj. (Goodreads Author), Orlanda Szabo

“Thousands of stars could tell thousands of stories.”

Seven year old Grace always dreamt of becoming a guardian angel; like those who guarded and guided her people and prepared to bravely fight in a dreaded mythical event, the Crystal Shade – which never came. It's not like Grace ever wanted to see Demons. Or wants to know what evil and darkness is – things that no one ever faced on her world and as the legends says, the Crystal Shade carries within –, nor does she want to die to be reborn as a guardian. But she thinks the mysterious life of angels is so noble, a fable that it sounds exciting – until it actually happens.

Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1 explores the early life of a young daydreaming soul who is destined to reveal the forgotten past of her home world and to seek the answer to the eternal question; what the legendary Crystal Shade really is.


Pale Moonlight (7 Post Meridiem #1) by István Szabó Ifj. (Goodreads Author), Orlanda Szabo (Editor)

SERIES DESCRIPTION
A short novel series, 7 Post Meridiem comes in various genres where only one element connects every story; it plays in all times and space with each happening at seven in the evening. The first issue, Pale Moonlight is a noir novelette was written by the creator of the Epic Fantasy trilogy, Crystal Shade.

ISSUE #1 – PALE MOONLIGHT
December 1936, New York. Detective Jack Kelly bravely faces harsh daily life to always emerge victorious, but every evening as the clock chimes seven, he prepares for the battle he has always lost.

Other 7 Post Meridiem Short Stories
Issue XSS: Anno Humanae Salutis (Science Fiction Short)


Neiko's Five Land Adventure by A.K. Taylor

The Indians and the Crackedskulls are locked in the turmoil of war. 

Neiko--a warrior with the glistening title of "the Chosen One"--finds herself facing a collection of enemies. Her archenemies, Raven and Bloodhawk, have come up with a scheme to destroy her reputation with the help of a phony Indian chieftain. 

However, during the unfolding of their plan, Neiko finds out that a land she thought she had only imagined is actually real--and more terrifying than she ever imagined. It turns out that Ramses--the arch-villain of her collection--has sinister plans of his own for Neiko, whom he eventually traps in Qari.
Neiko must find her way back home and turn the tables on her enemies, but what she finds out during her travels in Qari will change her entire existence for all eternity.


Just Us Two:Ned and Rosie's Gold Wing Discovery (Just US Two #1) by Rosalie Marsh

A new edition of award winning Just Us Two:Ned and Rosie's Gold Wing Discovery.

Ned, in middle age wanted a little bike to tinker with. Rosie had well-groomed hair and wore high heels. Follow them as Rosie dons a crash helmet and biker boots and they set off, on not a little bike but a 1500cc Honda Gold Wing touring bike, to follow dreams and found their lost youth.

Join the spills and thrills as they venture across the water to find long-lost family on the far west coast of Ireland in Co.Mayo before setting off to explore Western Europe. They discovered much about themselves as they went into high mountains of Andorra and the Pyrenees, the interior of Spain and much more.


Chasing Rainbows - with Just Us Two (Just Us Two #2) by Rosalie Marsh

Chasing Rainbows is the second in the Just Us Two series by Rosalie Marsh and the real end to Rosie's Gold Wing story. Rosie Chases Rainbows with the help of a hidden controller.

Sat Navs! Do you love them or hate them?

Have you ever ended up near Brussels when you wanted Reims or Paris? Why did Sat Nav lose her voice?

A light-hearted, inspirational story for all ages. Rosalie brings alive the countryside and day-to-day practicalities as she ‘Chases Rainbows’.

Lots of tongue-in-cheek humour from Rosie who grabs every opportunity to stick pins into maps and says ‘Let’s go . . .’ A peek into Rosie’s life as she pleads for maps instead of the hidden controller. You know boys and their toys? . . .

In the second in the Just Us Two series (where ‘Ned’ has come out of the shadows and reverted to his given name), Rosie has a love-hate relationship with the hidden controller which sits on the dashboard and threatened to ruin their next big trip . . .

Now, no longer able to ride, this intrepid couple finally say ‘good-bye’ to their Gold Wing motorbiking days but only after more adventures; this time not on a Honda Gold Wing; and this time not quite Just Us Two . . .

With photos, detailed routes, historical and geographical facts, Rosie takes you on a whirlwind journey – 

• re-visiting Ireland to drink in the rugged beauty of County Mayo – where Rosie leaves her heart – as they re-trace their footsteps from an earlier journey. 
• across France, exploring mountain villages the Alps.
• into the breathtaking wonder of the Andorran mountains and awesome grandeur of the Spanish Pyrénées where they meet up with Gold Wing motorbiker friends – and Sat Nav led them astray!
• guiding you around the dazzling splendour of Versailles. 

And why were they almost stranded in Paris as Rosie chased her rainbows . . .?


The Hungry Freelancer: How to Break Into (and Succeed In) the World of Freelance Writing by Beth Jones

If you've ever dreamed of being a writer but don't know how to get started, this book is for you.

The Hungry Freelancer: How to Break Into (and Succeed In) the World of Freelance Writing walks you through, step-by-step, the process of becoming a freelance writer. You don't need a college degree or years of experience to succeed as a writer, and this book shows you how.


D.N.A. -Nothing Would Ever be the Same by Ey Wade

Debney Nichole Armstrong thought she knew everything about her family. She knew her dad worked hard at everything, except building a relationship with his family. She knew her younger brothers were typical little kids, and she knew her mother, for some unknown reason, disliked her first born and only daughter.

On the night before a planned family vacation, Debney is inexplicably excluded. After a bitter argument with her mother at being barred from family vacations, especially one so close to her eighteenth birthday, Debney arranges a romantic dinner with her long time crush. During the chaos of dinner turned teen party, she learns of the death of her family. Yes, sometimes relationships in families end tragically. People leave; parents die, and lives change. But does it all have to bring out the skeletons in the closet?

Debney Nichole Armstrong thought she knew everything about her family. She knew her dad worked hard at everything, except building a relationship with his family. She knew her younger brothers were typical little kids, and she knew her mother, for some unknown reason, disliked her first born and only daughter.

What she really needed to know was did her mother contribute to the ‘accident’? Who is the man repeatedly mentioned in her mother’s journals? Where were the bodies of her ten year old twin brothers, and who is the father of the child she now carries? No matter what the answers are, Debney knows, nothing will ever be the same.

The Perfect Solution-A Suspense of Choices by Ey Wade

Anger destroys a relationship.
A teenage babysitter decides to go to college.
A single parent places her child in daycare.
A three year old is mistakenly given to a stalker by his pre-school teacher.

The Perfect Solution is a suspenseful analysis of choices and how those choices affect the people around us. It entertainingly highlights the misguided parental trust and negligence in the childcare system.

How could a teacher mistakenly give a child to a stalker?

When Saturday mornings rolled around Catrine Teddi brought her three year old son Brhin to eat breakfast at McDonald’s. It was an established routine to mark a day of errands and bonding. She never paid attention to Mona Boots sitting in the shadows across the play yard watching the little boy.

Mona, deciding she wanted Brhin as her own child, stalked him and his mother for weeks. In her delusion to finally do something right in her life she enters The Perfect Solution Childcare Center and leaves with Brhin-Kristoffer Teddi in her arms.It’s a choice she is prepared to defend.

Catrine is devastated by the news her child is not safe with her sister, but has been forced by a substitute teacher to leave the center with a woman he didn't know. Scared out of her mind and fearing for his life, Catrine knows she must now dig up the past and tell Austin Sanchez about the child he never knew existed.

The Women of the Hill- From the series...Yes, Sam Takes Care of Me by Ey Wade

Phyliss Price fell in love, bought what she thought would be a family home, became pregnant, her man ran off, she lost her job and now she struggles as a single mother. How much different is her situation from the woman living next door? Not very, because each of the five women living at the end of the cul de sac on Hill Lane are entangled in an enslaving humiliating relationship with the same person, Sam systematic provider of funds, housing, and medical coverage. Through the writings of her memoirs Phyllis employs flashbacks and subtle weaving of conversations with her four African-American friends to explain the hurt and humiliation experienced in the presence of Sam who is seen as the heavy observance of a jealous lover. 

Rayne Moore 18, and the youngest member of the group, is a mother of a young son and lives with an older man. Frankie Duz, home schools her children and baby sits on the side and Jenny Needs husband left her for her cousin. She is a parent of four children and a teacher in the public schools. At four o’clock in the evening on a daily basis the women get together at Phyllis’ house to watch Oprah, eat snacks and discuss the events of their day. They call it their ‘Stress Bashin’ Session’.

During one of these sessions, Phyliss is coaxed into hooking up with Sam. After filling mounds of paper and waiting for hours she is rejected. Feeling humiliated and unwanted Phyllis returns home and dauntlessly struggles to keep her finances. Just as she is sinking into the red and the job is about to play out, Tone'ya Knowes a divorced mother of two daughters, left an abusive relationship and now attends college in the hope of starting a nursing career is the group’s know-it-all. She explains the slight deceptions that are necessary to become one of Sam’s privileged.


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