Review of The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

 

So, I've written a book.

Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities ("It's a piece of cake! Just do 4 hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!") I have decided to write these stories just as I have always done, in my own hand. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I've recorded and can't wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child.

This certainly doesn't mean that I'm quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it's like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement.

Amazon Hardcover / Amazon Paperback / Kindle / Audible / BN

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**My thoughts**

This is the book that kicked off a year of reading memoirs. Every one that I read after this made me feel like I was chasing the same high I had from reading this one - and I could never get there. This is one of a few memoirs that was completely honest and genuine. You knew that Dave wrote every word of it himself. You know this is precisely how he would stand on the stage or across from you at dinner and tell you every one of those stories. Too often, the ghostwriter stifles some of the narrator's voice and it feels flat.

The other thing that struck me was how genuinely humble and grateful Dave is for everything he has gotten in his life. Even when talking about stories that happened a long time ago, you could feel the gratitude pouring through. It has never dwindled in all of his success, which seems to be rare for people at this level. I need to listen to the audiobook next so that I can experience even more of that.

It's a true love story with an amazing soundtrack along with it. It's Dave's love for his family, his mother, his wife, his children, music, his friends, humanity. And of course there's his strong love for music. I think even if you are not a fan of Foo Fighters or Nirvana, you can still find some great stories in here about some of your other favorite musicians. This is one that is going to be reread time and time again.

Review of A Song for Another Day by Maria Imbalzano

 

Please welcome Maria Imbalzano back to the blog! Earlier this year, I reviewed her historical romance Blueberry Swirl Waltz. Today she's back with a contemporary romance to tug at your heartstrings. Enjoy an excerpt and my book review. Be sure to leave her questions and comments as you follow the tour. And best of luck entering the giveaway!

Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career.

Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright.

When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?

Read an excerpt:

Halfway through the song, the air in the tavern seemed to change. His gaze followed that of a few of the guys sitting nearby. Giselle had walked in. Not exactly walked. Glided. His heart picked up a quicker beat, as he concentrated on the words to the song he was singing. Thankfully, he could sing this song with no brain cells.

Dressed in black jeans—designer no doubt—a black silky tank top, and black-heeled sandals, she stuck out in the crowd like a glittering star in a dark, moonless sky. Her long blonde hair was pulled up into a high ponytail showcasing her elegant neck and dangly, silver earrings. Silver bangles graced her wrist. Definitely overdressed.

Her gaze clicked on his, and surprise lifted her perfectly arched brows.

She found an empty bar stool, perused the menu, and ordered something from Sarah. Apparently she was staying for a while. Maybe he’d join her on his break. She probably knew no one in town, which had to be difficult. The least he could do was introduce her around so she’d feel more at ease.

Maybe he’d even give her some tips on how to dress when coming to Finnigan’s.

Although she sure looked hot in those upscale black jeans.

Available on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

I kept forgetting that this was not a holiday romance. I'm writing my review on December 1. Holiday romance books and movies are on my mind. And this contemporary romance does fit the formulaic mold of those beloved Hallmark movies. 

Gigi is the classy and ambitious woman briefly coming into the small town from NYC who needs to learn how to slow down and appreciate life. Jason is the hottie local musician and jack of all trades who loves his small town and hides his talent. The two of them naturally are attracted to each other and develop a quick relationship. But what are they going to do when her time there is done?

He is able to soften her rough edges; she is able to bring him out of his shell. They're a perfect match, making beautiful music together.

Their story flows quickly, playing out on the pages like you're watching it on the screen. Actually, it's a little spicier than what you would find on Hallmark, so maybe Netflix would be a better place for the movie version to land. And like I said, it is very formulaic, but it was a great way to pass a cold evening at home while recovering from illness. I may have wanted a smidge more conflict between the two of them because it did wrap up and resolve quickly. But I still really enjoyed it. It looks like it may be the start to a new series?

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Maria Imbalzano is a retired matrimonial lawyer who now writes full time. Instead of drafting motions, legal memoranda, and briefs, although fascinating, she now spends her days creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys through her contemporary romance novels.

In addition to writing fiction, Maria is on the Friends of Thomas Edison State University Foundation Committee and is still involved with Dress for Success Central Jersey, having been a founding Board member. She also serves on the finance committee for The Present Day Club. She has received the distinguished Family of Edison Award for her work with The Thomas Edison State University Foundation, the Iron Mike Professional Achievement Award from Trenton Catholic Academy and was inducted into the Italian American National Hall of Fame.

Her novel, “Unchained Memories,” won the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers’ Award and the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award. “Sworn to Forget,” the first of the four-book Sworn Sisters Series was a finalist for the illustrious RONE award as well as the Book Buyers Best Award.

Visit Maria at www.mariaimbalzano.com

https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor

https://twitter.com/MariaImbalzano

Maria is giving away a $20 Amazon/BN GC to someone during the tour. 

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Review of Falling for Her Bodybuard by Amy Vastine



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine! I just love these Harlequin Heartwarming books! Check out my review before you download your own copy. Follow the tour for even more reviews, excerpts, and more. And of course, best of luck entering the great giveaway at the end!

Falling for Her Bodyguard

(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

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Should you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a few pennies at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my websites!

**My thoughts**
Somehow, this is my first Amy Vastine book and the first one that I have read out of this Grace Note Records series. I think I am going to have to fix that now and check out more from this series and from this author! So I will say that although this is the fourth book in the series, I truly believe it works as a standalone book, because I was good to go through the whole thing.

I liked Kelly from the get-go. She's one of those girls I would totally be friends with. She gets along well with everyone and seems to have a lot of fun in her life, especially thanks to her job as a DJ at the radio station. She has a heart of gold and it's no wonder people easily fall for her. Just stalkers always suck and this guy takes it to some weird levels.

I also liked Donovan from the beginning. He starts out trying to be a cranky borderline alpha male, especially now that he is on desk duty before being assigned to Kelly, but you can quickly see how he has many layers and also has a heart of gold. Any man who steps in to take care of his niece and nephew after they are orphaned is bound to turn out to be an amazing person. The more we learned about him, the more I found myself even starting to crush on him a little bit.

Their chemistry leaps off of the pages and warms your heart as they get to know each other and dance around their feelings for each other. The mystery of the stalker keeps things a little more exciting, without being overly dramatic. And I'm madly in love with Avery and Graham and want to adopt them myself.

I loved this story. It was a hard one to put down to get a little bit of sleep. So don't start reading it right before bed. It's a great addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming Series. And like I said, I'm going to have to find more from this author and the Grace Note Records series now.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Other Books in the Series



About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

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The Summer Springsteen's Songs Saved Me by Barbara Quinn Giveaway and Excerpt

This post contains affiliate links which may provide me with a small commission when you click on them.

The Summer Springsteen's Songs Saved Me

Women's Fiction

Date Published: October 24, 2017

Coming home to catch her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects—and on today of all days. So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.

Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.

In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.

Purchase Links

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Excerpt

The sighs from my supposed-to-be-empty bedroom grow into moans, and my pulse thuds in my temples. I know the dark place might suck me in if I’m not careful, but I can’t stop myself from looking.

 I peer through the half-open door. My husband crouches naked on the bed with his face buried between long, shapely legs. Gorgeous, oddly-familiar legs.

“Oooh, oooh,” groans the owner of the silky limbs.

“Mmm, mmmmm,” answers Jerome. His rear wags from side to side. The two bald spots in the center of his butt cheeks stare at me, and my skin tingles the way it did when I drew too close to the sparklers little Benjamin played with on the fourth of July.

The bed creaks. After twenty-six years the thing still makes the same noise. A chill winds its way up my back, and pain sears beneath my ribcage. My breaths rush in and out.

How can he? What the hell? In our bed. Today of all days.

Darkness grows, and flames erupt behind my eyelids. In a red fury, I howl and charge. I whoop again and bear down on the startled couple.

With a jolt, the name of the owner of the legs explodes into my mind.

Mandy.

I know Mandy. Sort of.

Jerome’s personal trainer. Mandy Malone.

I slip on the area rug and lose my balance. Oh, yes. I know Mandy. At the gym Christmas party Mandy’s hips sported a short, pink thing that appeared to be more like a headband than a skirt. The Christmas party was where I saw those legs before.

Mandy jumps out of bed and pulls the covers around her. She cowers in the corner. 

I’m not proud of what I do next.

I grab a red high heel from the floor and climb to my feet. Taking aim, I hurl the shoe, but Jerome rolls away and the stiletto lands on the pillow. I reach for one of Jerome’s wing tips resting annoyingly on the floor beside a pair of red panties and matching bustier.  I launch the shoe, and the ever-athletic creep dodges and leaps from the bed. A pink rubber phallus lands with a thunk, and a yowl bursts from deep within me. “Sex toys. You’re using sex toys.” My hands grasp the floor lamp and level it like a spear.

“Sof, cut it out.” Jerome’s voice quavers, and he holds his hands over his privates.

Yanking the plug from the wall, I swing the lamp in a circle with no idea of what I’m doing, acting on instinct. I run towards him, but Jerome darts out of the way. The lamp smashes into the headboard, shattering bulbs and sending the pole flying from my hands. Shards of glass cover the bed and floor.

A tiny red mini-skirt and pink tank top catch my attention. My God, she must shop in the children’s department. And what an awful color combination.

 “Sof, this isn’t doing anyone any good. Can we talk?” He’s bobbing and weaving now, waiting for the next assault.

“Talk? Talk? What’s there to talk about?” My brain sizzles, and my thoughts stab mercilessly. I seize his belt from the floor and hurl it, grazing the top of his head. “Do you remember when we bought this bed?”

No answer leaves his lips.

“I do.” I snatch up his other wingtip, and this one catches him in the back. “We couldn’t afford it, but you wouldn’t take no for an answer. You said it would last a lifetime.” I rip at the all-cotton sheets, yanking them off the mattress. “I just bought these at Macy’s. I changed the bed yesterday. You told me polyester blends make you sweat. So does she!” I yell, jerking my arm towards the cowering blonde and fighting the fury twisting inside my gut.

Jerome approaches the closet. His hairy bare rear with its Orphan Annie blank orbs shines in the morning light. I tug on the curtains, and as the metal rod falls we both reach for it. He twists hard, and I let go causing him to lose his balance and send the pole clattering against the oak flooring. I swoop up the rod in a death grip and connect with the back of his knees. He falls to the rug and writhes in agony.

“Stop,” he shouts.

“Sure,” I say, launching myself on top of him and boxing his ears. “How’s this?”

He rolls to the side throwing me off, and my face plants onto the carpet. I scramble to my feet and collect the scattered clothing, stumbling down the hallway to the spare bedroom.

About the Author

Barbara Quinn is an award-winning short story writer and author of a variety of novels.

Her travels have taken her to forty-seven states and five continents where she’s encountered fascinating settings and inspiring people that populate her work.

Her many past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and postal worker. She’s a native New Yorker with roots in the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester. She currently resides with her husband in Bradley Beach, NJ and Holmes Beach, FL. She enjoys spending time with her son and his family and planning her next adventure. She wants to remind everyone that when you meet her, SHE’S NOT SHOUTING, SHE’S ITALIAN.

Contact Links

Publisher Website

Author Website

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Blog

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What Casts the Shadow? (The Edge of the Known) by Seth Mullins

What Casts the Shadow?

Brandon Chane is an artistic visionary, a profoundly gifted young musician and poet. He is also deeply troubled, and seemingly at the mercy of dark forces that threaten to tear his life apart. He has risked all of his fragile hopes upon the fate of his band, Edge of the Known, and the dream of following his Muse.

Here he narrates the incredible journey that begins when he meets Saul Mason, an enigmatic soul-guide who insists that Brandon’s life and destiny are of his own making. Saul’s wisdom and guidance sets Brandon upon a path of spiritual awakening; and this inner transformation reverberates not only within his own life but also within the lives of all the hungry, searching souls who are touched by his music…

Purchase on Amazon only $.99 for ebook or $12 paperback

 

About Seth Mullins

 Seth Mullins first conceived of his dream to write novels in his early teens, and this one desire has stayed with him throughout all the other myriad twists and turns of life. His inspirations include methods of inner exploration such as dream-work and shamanism and his experiences as a songwriter and performing musician. He studied creative writing at Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico and Lane Community College in Oregon.

Website HumanitysWayForward.com / Facebook

'Music Beginners Guide: Everything Music Students and Parents Need to Know' by Jane Moyer

Music Beginners Guide:

Everything Music Students and Parents Need to Know

Do you want music in your life or your child’s life? This book will help you get off to a good musical start. It provides guidance on:

• When to start music lessons
• Establishing motivating musical goals
• How to decide which instrument to learn first
• Popular first instrument choices — how and where they’re played, special considerations, buying and maintenance tips
• Shopping for your instrument
• How to find the best teacher or music learning program for you
• How to get the most out of lessons and practice
• Performing with confidence
• How to keep progressing musically
• How to be an effective music parent

Music Beginners Guide is available in both paperback and Kindle versions through Amazon. 

http://amzn.to/1dFSFcf

What Musicians, Teachers & Parents Are Saying About

Music Beginners Guide: Everything Music Students and Parents Need to Know

“Comprehensive...easy to read...a valuable resource...”

Music Beginners Guide is well-written and a good resource for anyone to begin his or her journey to learn about music in a foundational manner. The book is a valuable resource for music educators to recommend for reading by parents of young musicians, beginning musicians of all ages, or anyone with an interest in learning more about music.- Music Educators Journal, December 2014

Comprehensive and engaging. A compact instruction manual for achieving musical success.

Music lessons are an elementary school rite of passage that should be fun and inspiring, but sometimes can deteriorate into an endurance contest and struggle of wills. Anyone who takes music lessons, but especially the parents of young music students, will find in this Music Beginners Guide a tremendous resource and blueprint for a thoughtful and informed approach to the study of music. Music Beginners Guide is an engaging and complete look at every aspect of music study, and the author's enthusiasm for this subject is apparent on every page. 

Ms. Moyer, who has studied no less than 10 instruments herself, is an articulate advocate for the study of music. From deciding on an instrument, choosing a music teacher and strategies for effective practice, to dealing with performance anxiety and considering music as a career, every detail of studying music is included in this comprehensive text. Music students of all ages and in every stage of study will find something of interest and relevance here. 

The most exceptional feature of this book lies in the gently probing questions it asks, which enlighten and guide readers to deeper understanding of and insight to their musical goals. Ms. Moyer brings her experience and skill as a talent developer and coach to this book, making it more than just a how-to manual - it is a little instruction book on achieving musical success. As someone who has maintained a private music studio for over 30 years, I can recommend Music Beginners Guide as a helpful and thorough text for music students of all ages and levels of study, and I look forward to sharing it with my own students.

- Christa, Musician, Music Teacher & Parent

Excellent Resource

...It is a wonderful compilation of information, insight, and your experience as a musician and and a musical Mom, and I want to thank you for your idea to do it, the concise and professional way you put it together and organized it, and the work you did to put it out there for parents as an excellent resource for them to use!

- Debbie, Musician, Suzuki Music Teacher & Parent

Fabulous for parents --especially homeschoolers!

I have been homeschooling my children since 1997, and I have never seen such a comprehensive or engaging book about music education. The book was such a pleasant read, it was like chatting over a cup of coffee with a musician friend about your children.

While I learned a bit of piano as a child and sang in choir in high school, I knew nothing about other band or orchestra instruments until now...With this book, I now have more options as I have a better understanding of other instruments, and I will certainly recommend it to other parents in my homeschooling groups, as well. Since each of your children is likely to have a different learning style and a desire to choose a different instrument, you are likely to be reaching for this book more than once!
- Homeschool Parent

Loved learning more myself about the many instruments that are available

Comprehensive is the one word that sums up this book. As a clarinet player that started way back in grade school, I think that this book would have really helped my parents deal with the whole music scene. It can be used as a reference for quick information or read cover to cover to give a more thorough understanding of instruments, voice, and performance. 

As a student this book would have encouraged me to not give up when frustrated. It give wonderful pointers to new or seasoned musicians. 

I highly recommend it to everyone who has a child interested in playing an instrument or developing their voice. The student can learn much as well by picking up a copy. 

Thank you Ms. Moyer for your book! 

- Terri, Musician

An Excellent Guide

An excellent guide for parents who are seeking to enrich their children's lives through music. Jane Moyer's book captures many aspects of the musical journey that will leave parents satisfied to know that music is important to the development of any child. I am a classically trained musician and truly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book to any parent who is considering adding music to their child's education and life. 

- Ellen, Musician and Music Teacher

Available on Amazon

About the Author: Jane Moyer

Music has always been an important part of author Jane Moyer’s life. She started playing the recorder in 2nd grade, begged her mother for piano lessons in 3rd, joined the band in 4th and has never been without a song in her heart, head and fingers since.

After laying a strong foundation in classical music by earning a Bachelor of Music degree at Michigan State University, Jane expanded her musical life by exploring jazz and playing folk music out in the real world. She’s learned to play ten different musical instruments.

Jane has played many musical roles — from formally-taught to self-taught music student, performer, teacher, arranger, accompanist, ensemble member, music spouse and parent. She’s picked up musical ideas by hanging around conservatory students, church musicians, folkies, jazz cats, opera buffs, Suzuki music teachers, composers and songwriters. She takes in used instruments and gives them a good home as others might take in stray cats.

Read an excerpt from 'The Devil's Music' by S.L. Klein

Non Fiction
Date Published: August 2014

Certain musical modes, tones, and instruments have been used to represent evil for centuries. From the torturous musical instruments depicted in Hieronymus Bosch's famous "Garden of Earthly Delights" to the dark tones that announce the presence of Darth Vader in the Star Wars films, from the cantatas of Bach and the operas of Mozart to heavy metal, music has been used to represent a gallery of rogues and demons including the devil himself. But can music do more than suggest the presence of evil? Can certain music actually embody evil? Since antiquity many have thought so. And this belief combined with religious and philosophical concepts drawn from Eastern cultures has influenced the direction of Western culture, its mythology, cosmology, theology, and politics, and consequently the structure of Western society itself. This book recounts the history of demonic music and its extraordinary influence on Western culture.

Read an excerpt:

Like other distinctive cultures, Western culture has long struggled against its own particular demons. Especially during the period from the Dark Ages through the Renaissance, Europeans viewed this struggle literally as a battle with the Devil and his cohorts for the souls of humanity. By the eighteenth century, however, many Western thinkers had come to view the dark forces that their ancestors so feared and struggled against as essentially a product of destructive beliefs, social institutions, and practices. They disputed philosophies that promoted absolute rule, a rigid class system, impoverishment of the vast majority, and extreme judicial inequality; and they disputed the idea that a rigidly structured human hierarchy was justified as part of a divinely ordained order. This challenge to traditional authority reached a culmination during the eighteenth century Enlightenment and helped precipitate the revolutions that followed. It brought with it eventual change to societal institutions and, among other things, put a formal end in the West to one of the world’s great evils: slavery.

Much of what occurred is well-documented. What has been largely overlooked is the sizable role that Western music and the affective theories that helped shape it have played in this history. This book recounts the dark side of that extraordinary and often surprising influence on Western culture and history.

Available on Amazon

Meet the multi-talented Barbara Hall, author of 'Charisma'

Blurb:

In the aftermath of a violent incident and near death experience, Sarah Lange is plagued by heavenly voices and dogged by a desire to return ""home"". Frightened by her desire to terminate her existence on earth, she checks into a trauma center in Malibu, California and meets Dr. David Sutton, an intellectual, a scientist, a reductionist and someone who believes in nothing beyond his immediate experience. David’s world is as divorced from mystery and magic as Sarah’s is alive and animated by it. Their sessions open up a dialogue about the separation of worlds—one easily defined and explained and one unknowable and waiting on the other side of human experience. Even as his faith in his profession fades, David struggles to bring his disturbed patient back to the real world. In a desperate effort to define herself, Sarah ""escapes"" and David must decide how far he is willing to go to save a patient and ultimately himself.

Available on Amazon

With 15 5* reviews!

Other books by Barbara Hall on Amazon:

(Click on a cover for more information and to purchase.)

 

A Summons to New Orleans

 

 A Better Place

 

Close to Home

Barbara Hall is a musician based in Los Angeles who also works as a TV Producer and Published author of 11 novels. She's currently working with Morgan Freeman on a pilot of "Madame Secretary".

She may be better known as a 4-time Emmy-nominated writer & producer (Joan of Arcadia, Judging Amy, Homeland), but to avid readers she’s a novelist with 11 published works whose imagination has been honored by numerous institutions, including the American Library Association in both their Best Books and Notable Books categories.

Additionally, Barbara still manages to find time to independently write, record and release her original music. Her newest album "Bad Man" is available on CD Baby \ iTunes

Official Website for Barbara Hall: www.thehallmonitor.com

Check out 'The Singer' by Roger Himes - A book with its own original soundtrack!

Blurb:

THE SINGER IS A VERY UNIQUE BOOK WITH A MUSIC SCORE!
By Roger Himes, lawyer, life coach, licensed counselor, composer and singer.

If you like books and music, the combined effect of this new publication is a '10.'

TYPE OF READING: 

This is a fiction, romance, family novel that is packed full of emotion, but also hope and vision. "Even in betrayal we can find restoration and healing."

MUSIC PLUS THE WRITTEN WORD: 

In addition to being a compelling story, the book also has 12 songs that blend perfectly with the story line of the book. The songs add emotional impact, meaning, and understanding. They enhance the story in ways only music can. Why the story is presented in this way is explained in the lines of a song:

"Music speaks louder than words
It's the only thing the whole world listens to
When you sing, people understand."

By means of links, you can LISTEN to Scott Bailey, the lead character sing the songs he has written. You can also read the lyrics in the book. In actuality, author Roger Himes composed and sings all 12 songs.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF THOUGHT AND SOUND:

The story is entertaining, and contains a lot of humor. 'Humor helps smooth the bumps of life.' This real life drama, together with the music and humor creates a great experience. The combination is potent and is also very thought provoking. It has the power to impact and change lives for the better.

THE STORY IN A NUTSHELL: 

At 40, Scott Bailey wants to get out of the rat-race business world. He reaches mid-life crisis and wants a positive life change. His desire is for a life that is more meaningful and purposeful. He and his wife Sharon (and their children Megan, Julie and Garvin) leave the big city for Wildwood, Colorado USA. Scott begins singing in a local nightclub and working on his music. But he falls into adultery with Christy, a young woman who comes in to listen to him sing. The story is about him, his family, and others working through this situation in very positive ways, -- as Christy also does.

FOR THE TEEN READER AS WELL AS ADULTS: 

Even though the story is mainly focused on adults, a teen reader will find the story intriguing for two reasons. FIRST there is the music. Even though not rock music, it does add romance, emotion, and impact to the story. SECOND, Scott and Sharon's 15-year-old daughter Megan plays a major role in this drama. Her influence on her dad's life even before their move is positive. Plus, her feelings and impact on his adultery are significant.

FROM A SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE: 

Part of the story has a biblical influence, especially in dealing with forgiveness, as Scott and Sharon separately work through life issues that they must deal with. Their talks with Pastor Lou are quite thoughtful and engaging.

FROM THE AUTHOR'S PERSPECTIVE: 

Roger Himes is a life coach and licensed counselor, in addition to being a lawyer who has handled more divorces than he cares to remember. In these roles he has gleaned a unique perspective on the the emotional impact of the problems contained in this story. The story leads to thinking about ways to live a more positive life in ourselves, as well as for others.

Available on Amazon

US \ UK \ CAN

'In the Lyrics' by Nacole Stayton Blog Tour Kickoff!

Title: In the Lyrics
Author: Nacole Stayton
Publication Date: February 7, 2014

Summary: 

Hensley Bradley is the definition of the girl-next-door. She’s kindhearted, beautiful, and talented. Bored with her mundane life, thoughts of fleeing her small town begin to consume her. With aspiring dreams to use her voice as a one-way ticket, she suddenly discovers that music might not be her only passion.

After a fallout back home, Colby Grant decides to leave his family’s farm, determined to show his father he’s more than just a wanna-be country singer. With his All-American good looks, it doesn’t take long for girls in his new town to focus their eyes on him. But things aren’t what they appear from the outside, and it isn’t long until Colby feels he doesn't fit into the perfect world that so quickly embraced him.

A chance encounter places Hensley in Colby’s path, but it isn’t her natural beauty that first captures his attention – it’s her voice.

When love and music mix, will the combination blossom into a beautiful melody or wither into a heart-wrenching tune?

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About the Author: 

Nacole Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass State. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life, like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family, and The Bachelor.

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SYNOPSIS

She's living her dream...

Kylie Ryans is the biggest thing to come out of Nashville since, well, since Trace Corbin. With a hit album and a powerful label behind her, she appears to be the girl who has it all.

But appearances can be deceiving.

Fresh out of rehab, Trace Corbin is ready to take on the world. Just not the girl he walked away from. Because if there's one thing he knows for certain, it's that the people you love are the ones who have the power to destroy you.

As their worlds collide, they'll have to make the ultimate choice. Follow their dreams, or give it all up for love.

They say love conquers all, but for Kylie and Trace, it just might wreck everything they've worked for.

TRAILER

EXCERPT 

“I don’t want to be involved in anyone’s game. Not his and not the label’s. That’s how I started out, and I’ve put it behind me. My career is about me. Not about him and not about whatever the label wants to spin us as. He and I are nothing and it’s going to stay that way.”

“He who?” Maude Lowenstein prompted. “If your feelings for him aren’t an issue, then how come you haven’t said his name? He’s not Voltemort, last I checked. Saying his name won’t conjure him out of thin air.”

Kylie resisted the urge to fold her arms and glare at the surprisingly sharp and callous woman in her late sixties. And to storm the hell out. She took a deep breath and shrugged.

“Trace. His name is Trace. And while I fully support his A Hand Up charity-thing, I have no interest in being involved in his benefit concert. I’ll donate a signed guitar or something. But I’m not going to it. I wasn’t even technically invited. We done here?”

She began to scoot out of the booth, but her manager reached out and put a hand on her arm.

“You were invited, Kylie. He’s having a hard time. The venue pulled out because of his rehab stay and so did some of his family-friendly sponsors. The event’s been moved to his property in Macon and his sister called me personally and invited you.”

He’s having a hard time.

The words wrapped around her heart and squeezed. Kylie swallowed and looked up at the ceiling. She sucked in a lungful of air and glanced from her agent to her manager.

“All I have to do is show up?”

The other two people at her table exchanged glances and Chaz cleared his throat.

“Um, not exactly. The label was hoping you and Trace would sing The Other Side of Me. On the tailgate of some truck that’s being donated to his charity.”

Kylie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Why do they want us to sing it at some benefit? I don’t see how that would make any difference to them.”

“We don’t know for sure,” Maude answered. “But if I had to make an educated guess, I’d say they’re playing with the idea of sending you two on tour together. Again.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New and Young Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com. 

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