Friday, June 29, 2012

Feature & Follow

Feature & Follow

Q:  Birthday Wishes-- Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake...Who is it and what book are they from?

I would love to see Harry Potter pop out of my cake, I think he would be very interesting to talk and spend time with.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Daniel Armand - Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution - Excerpt



About the Book

Adam Orser: The Chronicles of Evolution


Book One in the Adam Orser Trilogy

A visitor in the celestial realm of interdimensional communication

Adam Orser seems to be a regular guy, leading a fairly successful life in Toronto as a psychologist with a loving girlfriend, Jazmin.

But there is nothing ordinary about Adam.

Fate interrupts his planned marriage proposal, and a serious car accident thrusts him into a metaphysical reality behind a deep coma that holds his physical body in check. Through an advanced system of training and evolution created by the celestial realm, Adam is called to a dangerous mission with profound implications for the world he knows, and life and death consequences for one missing nine-year old girl, who is no ordinary kidnapped child. Fantastical forces are at work on both sides of the veil between the world we recognize and those yet to be discovered.

Destiny compels Adam to freely choose the part he will play in a no-limits competition between good and evil. Questions of existence, causality, and truth converge as Adam struggles to find his way back to Jazmin and a life that will never be the same.

Paperback
Price: $17.95
Release: April 2, 2012
Buy Links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

Chapter 2
The Proposition


"It’s gonna rain,” I said, looking out and up from my fourth-story office window in the Clemensdale Professional building. I was beginning to get a little “steamy” under the collar, primarily because I was not in the best of moods; but also, I had the morbid sensation that my life was very quickly heading nowhere. Apart from that, the erratic weather was going to ruin the outing Jazmin and I had planned. To be more precise, the Ontario Place visit, which Carly anxiously anticipated.

“Beatrice, do we have any more appointments scheduled for today?”

“No, Doctor, Mrs . Palmiero called and canceled her son’s four-thirty appointment.”

Naturally I thought. Why waste time and effort on a useless remedy? If Albert wasn’t ready to put away his childhood and begin accepting the challenges of adulthood, his world would still revolve around Power Rangers and Loony Tunes at sixteen or sixty-one. It’s not like I hadn’t tried reaching him. Lord knows, I’d practically exhausted my means. It’s just that every time I managed to get closer to him, he took a quick step back and built another wall defending the spot where he left behind.

“Beatrice, is Mr Towanna still scheduled for tomorrow?”

“Towanka. Yes, Doctor, he’s still scheduled for his nine o’clock.”

“Thank you, Beatrice.”

Marcel Towanka, twenty-one years old, and a construction worker by trade, was half French-Canadian, half Native Indian. He came to me one day with a very interesting proposition. According to this self-proclaimed “Dragon Chaser,” once, under the influence of drugs that helped him to “psychically travel,” he encountered a tribal ancestor known as a shaman. The grim elder warned Marcel of the dangerous path he had chosen. The shaman severely pointed out how their race was on the verge of extinction, and the young man’s negative conduct was helping to speed up the burn of their long-rooted heritage and proud millennial traditions.

That’s when this young native came to see me. He literally begged me to help him get reacquainted with his lost traits. It’s been nearly four months now since our first meeting, and I am proud—no, that’s not the right word—I am thrilled that Marcel Towanka has not consumed anything more stimulating than aspirin, or drunk anything more relaxing than herbal tea, for over two months now. As for his heritage, Marcel attends religious ceremonial rituals held biweekly on sacred conservation grounds, as well as taking part in Native Indian arts and crafts.

It is said that when a man’s future looks shaded with gloom, he should attempt turning over a new leaf. The way I see it, this young man, armed only with native courage and fueled entirely with compassion, had managed to turn over an entire season. Regarding my role in his quest for spiritual freedom, all I can say is that he is the artist, the master who, day by day, piece by piece, painstakingly chipped away at his monumental totem pole, in honor of the great warriors of the past and the ones yet to come. I, his humble assistant, merely swept away all the flying dirt and debris, clearing the path for all those who wish to come and see the work of a genius.

My time with Marcel is quickly coming to an end; although this man wishes to continue therapy, and I equally wish to continue to help him. I must honor him and let him go, for he no longer needs my help. Ironic though as it may seem, he never really did.


About the Author

Daniel Armand lives in Toronto, Ontario. His inspiration behind Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution originated during the summer of 1983, after a near death encounter offered an incredible insight into the obscured aspects of life, love, and the progression of the human spirit.

Daniel is currently working on the next novel of the Adam Orser saga. "I truly hope this novel will help inspire readers all over the globe, to embrace their spirituality. It is through clarity of mind and understanding that we may one day 'bloom' into harmony and unlock our limitless potential."



 




About the Blog Tour

Adam Orser: Chronicles of Evolution blog tour site
and
Tribute Books Blog Tours

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop

Congratulations to our winner!
nightsky1102 [at] gmail [dot] com


Enter to win Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 by Amy Lignor, a young adult ebook release from Tribute Books.


1) Click here to add Tribute Books' upcoming YA release, Owlet to your Goodreads to-read list.

2) Leave a comment with your email address.


***


Until Next Time: 
The Angel Chronicles, Book 1
by Amy Lignor


How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

http://www.the-angel-chronicles.com


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

My teaser today is from:

http://the-color-of-snow.blogspot.com

The Color of Snow
by Brenda Stanley


When the horse’s hooves made contact with the lake bottom and we started to emerge from the water, I wanted to burst from relief and joy. “That was the most wonderful thing ever!”

Stephanie was sitting on a large tree limb that had fallen while her horse munched on fresh new grass beside her. “I didn’t think you’d do it. I’m proud of you.”

“It was so scary, but then it was so amazing.”

“I’m glad you liked it, because that’s how we’re getting back.”

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Debra Mares - The Mamacita Murders - Author Interview

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
It’s based around Laura, a troubled 17-year-old sex worker and Gaby Ruiz, the prosecutor who is investigating Laura’s assault.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
It’s a who-done-it mystery. Who sexually assaulted Laura and left her for dead in a motel is the main thrust of the plot. The sub-plot is Gaby’s struggle to find closure over her own mother’s death.

3. When does the plot take place?
Present day. Most of the plot takes place over the period of a month.

4. Where does the plot take place?
In three separate places. First, the crime happens in the fictional Tuckford County, which is inspired by Riverside County, a county east of Los Angeles, California. Gaby lives in Blackbird Beach, which is inspired by Laguna Beach, California. And the investigation is taken to the fictional Walled City, inspired by Cartagena, Colombia.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
By chance, surprise and intuition. As Gaby investigated the crime, I never knew what she was going to find or where it was going to take her.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
I started writing as an outlet. At the time I wrote The Mamacita Murders, I was working in the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit, meeting troubled youth, and learning about sex trafficking. The made-up plot became a natural expression for me at the time. I am also passionate about the main issue driving the plot - closure - whether for an investigation or personal loss. So it naturally found its way in my writing too.


About the Book

When Laura, a seventeen year old key witness goes missing during trial, Assistant Prosecutor Gaby Ruiz is called to action.  Ruiz, a Latina prosecutor, investigates the sexual assault on Laura, who is left for dead in a motel in a drug- and gang-ridden community.  The investigation twists from the backwoods in Tuckford County to the back rooms of law enforcement buildings all the way to the Walled City.  Did Clown, Laura's boyfriend, try to kill her when she wanted to leave the Lincoln Gang's prostitution ring or -- did a random assailant ransack Laura's room and assault her -- or did law enforcement try to kill Laura to protect one of their own?  Through pure determination, Gaby Ruiz does not let anything stop her search for justice and to secure her witness for trial.

Gabriela Ruiz is a sex crimes prosecutor in Tuckford County and runs The Mamacita Club, a community outreach effort from her chrome Vintage Airstream motorhome. She travels with her friends around the county to reach at-risk women.  Women affected by drugs, abuse, gang and domestic violence, sex crimes, and broken homes -- they're all in The Mamacita Club.  For Gaby, the law is rarely black or white -- it's more about determination, persistence, and finding closure for her victims.  But it's always about justice.  Gaby has spent all of her professional life seeking justice for others.  But what she should have been doing is searching for closure for herself.  It is not until Laura goes missing, that Gaby is able to start fixing her own guilt-ridden past for not protecting her mom from an abusive relationship -- this time to save her own life and seek closure over her own mother's death.

Price: $12.99 (Paperback), Free (eBook), $.99 (Kindle)
# of Pages: 352
Genre: Courtroom drama / mystery lit
Publisher: Justicia House
Release Date: May 13, 2012
Buy Links: KindlePaperbackSmashwords 


About the Author

Author Debra Mares is the granddaughter of a Mexican migrant farm worker and factory seamstress, was born and raised in Los Angeles, is the first to graduate college in her family, and grew up dancing Ballet Folklorico and Salsa. Debra followed a calling at eleven years old to be an attorney and voice for women, currently lives in Orange County, and appreciates international travel and culture.  She has been a county prosecutor in Riverside, California since 2004 and is assigned to the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. Debra has prosecuted cases ranging from gang homicides and domestic violence to political corruption and major fraud. Debra co-founded The Women Wonder Writers, a community outreach organization and co-created The Write of Your Life, a mentorship and writing program for at-risk young women throughout Riverside County. The Mamacita Murders is her first novel and first in a series of courtroom dramas and chick lit mysteries.

Links to connect with Debra:
Web site
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:



Back to Bataan
by Jerome Charyn
Publication Date: July 1, 2012

Hiding out in Riverside Park after lashing out at the boy who stole his girlfriend, Jack joins ranks with a group of vagrants and is soon under the sway of a man called the Leader, a charismatic ex-convict.

Click here to add Back to Bataan to your Goodreads to-read list.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

Congratulations to our winner!
hhollyhal [at] gmail [dot] com


Enter to win Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 by Amy Lignor, a young adult ebook release from Tribute Books.


1) Click here to add Tribute Books' upcoming YA release, Back to Bataan to your Goodreads to-read list.

2) Leave a comment with your email address.


***


Until Next Time: 
The Angel Chronicles, Book 1
by Amy Lignor


How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

http://www.the-angel-chronicles.com


Friday, June 15, 2012

Tribute Books is a proud sponsor of the Emma Michaels Cover Art Extravaganza and Giveaway


To kick off the 17 day

With the help of these sponsors
We have put together an amazing selection of prize packages for one lucky winner to choose from. 
One blogger or author will win their choice of...

Customized Pre-made Cover 
To see the other pre-made covers click here
(Pre-made covers sold during this event will no longer be eligible as prizes)  



 Commission Cover Art 


Full Wrap Around HD Paperback Cover Art 

Blogger Graphics 
includes bannersevent imagessignatures and more! 
If you can imagine and describe it, I can make it happen.

To enter use the Rafflecopter form at this link.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday

Q:  Have you ever bought a book, started reading it and then realized you have already read it? If so  how far did you get?

Maybe a while back, but realized it right off in the beginning, it sounded too familiar.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday

Q: Favorite secondary characters? (note the plural)

My favorite secondary characters are Jacob from Twilight and Sam from LOTR, who showed true friendship to Froto. What are yours?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

2012 Debut Author Giveaway Hop

Congratulations to our winner!
kristen10horses [at] yahoo [dot] com



Enter to win the young adult ebook release, Spectral from Tribute Books.

1) Click here to add Tribute Books' upcoming YA release, Back to Bataan to your Goodreads to-read list.

2) Leave a comment with your email address.


***


Spectral
by Shannon Duffy


Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe — the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.


http://www.spectralwitch.com


Monday, June 4, 2012

Kaitlyn Davis - Simmer - Author Interview



Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
The plot is based around three main characters – Kira (the female lead who can potentially mean the end of the world), Tristan (the boy she is crushing on) and Luke (the best friend who may sneak his way into her heart)!

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
Kira moves to a new town and all hell breaks loose! Okay, just kidding… sort of! She starts crushing on Tristan and knows Luke is keeping secrets from her, but when she uncovers those secrets her entire world is flipped upside down. She has mystical powers she never dreamed of, new enemies out to kill her and a boy she just can’t seem to stay away from.

3. When does the plot take place?
Modern day!

4. Where does the plot take place?
The first book is set in one of my absolute favorite cities in the world: Charleston, South Carolina! In the second book, we visit a few different cities in the USA. And, in the third book, my characters may be headed overseas!

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
I love books with high stakes and what is higher than a girl who may mean the end of the world? The plot follows Kira as she discovers the truth about her life and struggles to accept it. In many ways, she becomes two different people on two different paths, and the story is about her deciding which life she wants – which boy, which future and which identity.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
Very slowly! Initially, I thought of a new and unique paranormal power. From that, I began to imagine different characters and different scenes popped into my head. And soon enough, I had the basic idea for the series – something I spent a lot of time fine-tuning and developing into a seamless plot.

About the Books

Simmer: Midnight Fire Series: Book Two


Slowly, like a whisper almost blown away in the wind, two words streaked across her mind: "Kiss me."

Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She's headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they're right...

Simmer eBook
Price: $0.99
Release: April 4, 2012
Buy Links: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Other Links: Goodreads

Ignite: Midnight Fire Series: Book One

With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death.

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they're keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan's lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

Ignite eBook
Price: $0.99
Release: October 9, 2011
Buy Links: Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Other Links: Goodreads

About the Author

Kaitlyn Davis graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. in Writing Seminars. She's been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to finally share her work with the world. She currently lives in New York City and dreams of having a cockapoo puppy of her own.

Connect with Kaitlyn:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads
 

 





About the Blog Tour

Simmer blog tour site
and
Tribute Books Blog Tours