Book Details:
The Restarting Point (Chammont Point #1) by Marci Bolden
Publication date: April 27th 2021
Genres: Women’s Fiction
Synopsis:        Marketing executive and mother of two, Jade Kelly can now add cancer survivor to her list of successes. But while her life looks good on paper, four months out of treatment, Jade realizes she hardly knows her college-age children and she and her husband Nick are little more than housemates.
       Determined to start over, Jade schedules a family vacation to a lakefront cabin. When her kids bail and Nick stays home to handle a last minute work crisis, Jade heads to Chammont Point alone, determined to dust herself off and figure out what to do with the rest of her life.
        While she’s away, the life she thought she had unravels. Secrets, lies, and old wounds drive Jade into new adventures and new relationships. With the help of family and new found friends, Jade learns starting over sometimes means finding a brand new restarting point.

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~iBooks ~Kobo ~Google Play ~

AUTHOR BIO:
        As a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.
       Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband, two kiddos, and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of will power, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she'll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym "soon."
Author links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Newsletter ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~

GIVEAWAY!
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• $25 Amazon gift card
  

This grand prize giveaway - ends Apr 29th:

A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table (Book Three) – Lombardy, Tuscany, Campania, Apulia, and Lazio (Roma) (Savoring the Olde Ways Series, 3) by Carole Bumpus
Publisher:  She Writes Press (April 27, 2021)
Category: Culinary/Travel Memoir & Non-Fiction
Tour dates: April 12-May 31, 2021
ISBN: 978-1631527272 ~ Available in Print and ebook, 245 pages
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
        This culinary travel memoir is an invitation to join in on a month-long trek through Italy, all in the search of the true Italian experience. Sprinkled with unforgettable characters, you will sup on sumptuous traditional foods, sip regional wines, and enjoy vast panoramas of extraordinary beauty. You may find yourself dancing at harvest festivals, climbing through Etruscan tombs, traipsing among Roman ruins, or bathing in ancient Roman termes (hot springs).
         You may also enjoy climbing to the heights of wonder in Capri or to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica. Or delight in soaking up the ancient and cultural history in Milan, Firenze (Florence), Amalfi, Pompeii, Lecce and Rome. You can bask in the sun and rugged beauty of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, or the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. Or you can chat for hours over family meals while collecting a compendium of regional and traditional recipes (cucina povera), while you capture a rare glimpse inside the secrets to the Mediterranean psyche. It is truly a trip of a lifetime.Buy Links: Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble  ~ IndieBound  ~ 

                              In what ways has writing affected other aspects of your life?
            When I retired as a family therapist, my husband whisked me away to Italy for a month of rest and relaxation. It was a marvelous respite, but also a mind-opening experience. Everywhere we traveled I was captivated by the people we met and curious about their lives, loves, pasts, and triumphs. I wanted to know what they ate, how they raised their children and especially what brought them together at the family table. I wanted to know what it would be like to live in the very village in which they lived. Obviously, I hadn’t left the family therapist in me at home.
           My training as a therapist, in fact, began to crop into every day travel notes. I jotted down conversations with locals; names of traditional foods and recipes; and when we were fortunate enough to be invited into family homes, I found myself enchanted by the familial stories shared along with the wonderful traditional dishes.
          So, what did I want to do with these notes? I realized if I wanted to continue my interviews, I needed to create a method to my ‘madness’. Travel writing, I thought. Even though I had never taken a writing class before, this might be an option . . . with a focus on families and their favorite foods and traditional values.
          After returning home, I began taking both writing and cooking classes. Again, good fortune smiled on me, as I was invited to travel to Provençe on a gourmet cooking tour. Led by my cooking instructor, this experience again opened my heart, eyes, and palate to a world of heady inspiration in France. My notes became short stories, then blog posts and my writing ‘career’ began to take off.
         Having developed a good friendship with my culinary instructor, I was asked to accompany her back to France and Italy. Her goal was to establish future culinary tours as well as collect traditional recipes for a cookbook she was writing. I found I could assist her while continuing my research on the families from many different regions of both countries. I knew if I wanted to better understand European families, I needed to meet them in their own villages, in their homes, and at their kitchen tables.
           It was at that time I created the idea for a series of books called Savoring the Olde Ways. It was a celebration of generational gifts. “What were your favorite foods as a child?” I would ask. “What dishes did you learn from your grandmother? What were your family favorites? What brings your family to the table each day?” You see, everyone has a favorite dish they love to share, and an easy way for people to relax and share their stories, is to ask them about favorite foods.
          So, in short order, I was ushered into the kitchen, asked to sit down, and given a glass of wine. As I pulled out my notepad, my host would shuffle through her recipe cards to be certain I was given her absolute favorites. (Yes, they were written in either French or Italian of which I didn’t know, but not to worry. I would jump off that bridge when I got to it.) Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, I became the beneficiary of some of the most incredible meals and heart-warming stories, I’ve ever encountered.
           So, I began to write and write some more. And when I finally compiled my notes, I was surprised to have filled 950-pages – an entire tome. During the next twelve years, I pulled these stories together, continued my research and took more writing classes. Out of the five books which I completed, the first is an historical novel, the second a companion cookbook to the novel, and the last three are culinary travel memoirs. Yes, my Savoring the Olde Ways series Yes, my Savoring the Olde Ways series finally came to fruition—almost exactly twenty years later.
           In what ways has writing affected other aspects of your life? Writing has overtaken almost every waking hour. I fill my days writing, editing, rewriting, promoting, setting up ads and Zooming events, speaking at bookstores, and hosting cooking demonstrations. Oh my! At this point, there is no end in sight! Ah, but I do make time for more travel, as writing has added a whole new outlook and purpose for all my trips. And I’m just getting started.
****************************
          A Cup of Redemption, an historical novel, published October 2014; Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, published August 2015; Books One and Two of my series, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, published in August 2019 and 2020; and Book Three, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table will be published April 27, 2021.

About Carole Bumpus
         Multi award winning author, Carole Bumpus is a retired family therapist, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She began writing about food and travel when she stumbled upon the amazing stories of women and war in France. Her historical novel, A Cup of Redemption, was published in October 2014, and her unique companion cookbook, Recipes for Redemption: A Companion Cookbook to A Cup of Redemption, was released in August 2015.
         Books One and Two of her Savoring the Olde Ways series, Searching for Family and Traditions at the French Table, were published in August 2019 and 2020; her third book in the series, A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table is due out April 27, 2021. All five books have been published by She Writes Press which is part of SparkPoint Studio, LLC.
~ Website  ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Giveaway for print or eBook of September to Remember (3 Winners) This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on June 1, 2021.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

Follow September To Remember by Carole Bumpus Tour
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Apr 12 Kickoff & Interview
Jas International Book Promotion Apr 13 Review
Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Apr 14  Guest Post
GudReader Goodreads Apr 16 Review
Liam Bookbub Apr 19 Review
Beth’s Book-Nook Blog April 20 Review
Lisa’s Writopia Apr 21 Review
Lisa’s Writopia Apr 23 Guest Post
Sherry My Journey Back Apr 26 Review & Excerpt
Gracie Goodreads Apr 27 Review
Andy K. Amazon Apr 28 Review
Denise Amazon Apr 29 Review
MK French Girl Who Reads Apr 30 Review
Zohar Man of la Book May 3 Review & Guest Post
Ellen Goodreads May 4 Review
Miller Amazon May 5 Review
Harvee BookDogBird May 6 Review & Guest Post
Mike M. Goodreads May 7 Review
Sol Celticlady’s Reviews May 10 Review & Excerpt
Lu Ann Rockin; Book Reviews May 12 Review
Katy Goodreads May 13 Review
Smitty Bookbub May 14 Review
Sage Nor Bound 4 Escape May 17 Review
Bee Book Pleasures May 18 Review & Interview
Linda Lu Goodreads May 21 Review
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 25 Review
Sarah Amazon May 27 Review
Betty Toot’s Book Reviews May 28 Review & Excerpt
Amber M. Amazon May 31 Review

Book Details:

Book Title:  Blood of the Dragonfly ( The Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series - Book V)
Author:  Hawk MacKinney
​Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 227 pages
Genre:  Mystery/Suspense
Publisher:  Sage Words Publishing
Release date:  Feb 2021
Formats Available for review: print (USA and Canada), ebook (Gifted Kindle, PDF)
Tour dates:  Apr 12 to Apr 30, 2021
Content Rating:  PG. There are graphic death scenes.

Book Description:

While dangling a fishing hook from his flat bottom skiff before dawn, former SEAL-turned-PI Craige Ingram spots grey-black smoke coiling above the treetops across the river in the direction of the Georgia bayous and Corpsewood Manor. Bayou or bogs, fire in the uncut cypress and pines bodes a sense that the river is no barrier to the fire that threatens his ancestral home, Moccasin Hollow. Neither are the bodies later found in the burned mansion of Corpsewood Manor. Craige wastes no time in helping his ex-SEAL buddy Lt. Graysen MacGerald who is now Head of Buckingham Homicide Investigations by unofficially investigating the bodies and an exquisite dragonfly brooch found in the mansion with a reputation for evil, hauntings, and mystery.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
B&N ~ BAM ~ Book Despository

                                                                 The Discipline of Writing
           Writing every day IS the schedule! Even if it seems that a writer is only shuffling bits and bones of scattered scribbled notes. It nurtures the imagination and planning the writer has jotted into notes and is the beginning of the framework skeleton that will become a rough-rough draft. Notes and scribbles are jotted anywhere – at this point it’s the ideas that are critical, not the where. That changes when the writer begins stitching together the rough lumps that will intrigue readers. Self-editing is critical. Friends and family that care for you will tell you what will make you happy. Productive positive critique is invaluable and all writing needs it. I especially value and treasure the professional critiques I receive because inevitably it leads to successful marketing for my work. Trusted editors are essential and not friends or family.
           Marketing is another tale that extends beyond the final draft wrapped in an enticing cover –your book. Crowing about your work, showing it to others, spreading the word is fine and can be nurturing food for one’e ego, but keep that ego in check. It can mislead. Determined, thorough trusted editing and re-editing is an absolute and an essential contribution to quality work. I actually enjoy editing my work. After a minimum of 5 to 20 edits, hunkering down with the nitty gritty guts-and-plumbing of final drafts, I seem to fit the ageless definition of what a writer is: a loner by oneself, in a room with stacks and jumbles of papers and folders, not to be disturbed by any electronic junk or toys or gossip or social media. Quite simply, a writer writes.

Hawk MacKinney - www.hawkmackinneyauthor.com

Here is the tour schedule. 

Meet the Author:

Hawk MacKinney began writing mysteries for his school newspaper, served in the US Navy for over 20 years, earned two postgraduate degrees with studies in languages and history, taught postgraduate courses in the United States and Jerusalem, authored professional articles and chordate embryology texts on fetal and adult anatomy, and is well known for his works of fiction. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel, was nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. Both his CAIRNS OF SANCTUARIE science fiction series and the MOCCASIN HOLLOW MYSTERY series have received worldwide recognition.
Connect with the Author:     website

GIVEAWAY!

$25 Amazon Gift Card  courtesy of the author of BLOOD OF THE DRAGONFLY  
(1 winner) (open to Amazon.com customers) 
(ends May 7)

A Marriage of Inconvenience (Stop the Wedding! #3)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance ~ Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
          She’s met the perfect man…
           But he’s engaged!
      Wedding planner Sophia Reed never imagined she’d  meet her perfect man during a bank robbery. Evan Anderson is handsome and funny and makes Sophia believe in love at first sight. There’s only one small hitch—he’s engaged to someone else, and Sophia is planning his wedding! But Evan’s wedding is purely a business arrangement…and true love might just turn this almost-perfect wedding into a beautiful catastrophe!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Stop the Wedding!
Book 1: A Bridesmaid to Remember
Book 2: His Brother’s Bride
Book 3: A Marriage of Inconvenience
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Harlequin | Target | Walmart | IndieBound | BAM | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
         When Wedding Planner, Sophie Reed, stops at the bank to do business, she is traumatized by being  there when the bank is robbed! A pleasant, comforting "man of her dreams" is in line behind her and saves the day! It is love at first site! The obly problem is, her "bubble is popped" when he arrives at her shop the next day, along with her client, his Fiance'.
          After a few bad experiences in relationships, he agreed to help his best friend out of a family crises by agreeing to marry her. Little did he realize he'd meet the "girl of his dreams" shortly later. With his personal situation and his vow to his best friend, there was no way out of it. It was causing him many sleepless nights. There is no way this new girl would agree to waiting several years, until he could get released from his commitment, to marry him. It was all doomed, with no way out!
           This is a bitter-sweet, entertaining novel of adventures and romance.
           The characters are, mostly, delightful. They are well-portrayed and feel real. The scenes are easily visualized and it is a very hard book to put down. t is totally a "clean" read.
          The only negative I felt is at times it was slightly dragged out but that doesn't affect my rating.
         I offer a Five stars rating.
         *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is 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 | BookBub | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Tour Giveaway !

One winner will receive (US only):
- $25 Amazon gift card
- “I love you to the bookstore and back” book bag filled with several of my favorite Heartwarming books
- Blackwell Sisters cleaning cloth
- Bookmark
* Three additional winners will receive an ebook of the first book in the Stop the Wedding Series, A Bridesmaid to Remember (open internationally)
Ends April 28, 2021... ENTER by COMPLETING THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW.

SINS OF OUR MOTHERS by Nicole Souza
◊ Genre: Dystopian Novel
◊ Publisher: WiDo Publishing (August 25, 2020)
◊ Print & eBooks ◊ Paperback: 338 pages
◊ ISBN-10: 1947966391 ◊ ISBN-13: 978-1947966390
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
        It has been fifteen hundred years since the solar flare devastation of the Global Catastrophe. Due to the radioactivity in the harvesting fields, society dismisses its defective children as nothing more than flawed products of the malfunctioned seeds in the field.
     But Lyratelle, a hyper-observant musical prodigy, believes these “defects” are intelligent, particularly her own sibling, the youngest child of her impervious mother. Abandoning her dream career, Lyratelle climbs the bureaucratic ladder to run the Defect Research Center, where she can safeguard the child.
         With an underground team of women who share her uncertainties, Lyratelle unearths the Old History truth that womankind’s survival actually hinges on the existence of these defects.
        When General Sarah Love, the city’s most powerful advocate against the defects, detects Lyratelle’s sympathy toward the creatures, she threatens the life of Lyratelle’s sibling.
       Now Lyratelle’s desperate attempt to save this child endangers everyone she loves—her team, her family, even the existence of the defects themselves.

SINS OF OUR MOTHERS is available at AMAZON * Barnes & Noble * WiDo Publishing. Also, be sure to add it to your TBR List on Goodreads.

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
     Lyratelle, was a very talented, intelligent young girl. He future as a top musician was "set". After the "defect", causing her youngest sibling to be taken away, she shocked everyone by switching her college degree from a musician to a medical doctor. She became very successful... a success which would cause her to question life as she thought it to be.
      Sins of Our Mothers is a "catchy" Title for an action-packed, Dystopian book.
      At first it was difficult to "get into" but that didn't last long. The suspense and intrigue grew with each chapter. It soon became a book I couldn't put down until the very last page
         The key characters were very endearing and others, very infuriating. The scenes and characters were easily visualized and felt real. 
         The novel was about a distant future where women ruled and deceived the majority of the population. Families existed of only women. Their thinking was truly distorted.
          So many times in women's literature, men are depicted as evil or insignificant. The sad fact is, although some men are evil and most men can be "jerks" at times, women are nt exempt from these character flaws, either. Women can also be brutal and cruel.
          Some sensitive topics are addressed in this book, but otherwise, it is very "clean".
         I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
        * This  book e=was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

                        10 Things I Wish I Knew About Being an Author I Didn’t Know Before
          
          If I could go back in time and start my writing journey over, would I?
          Absolutely not! It’s been way too strenuous a trek.
         I’m happy with where I’m at now, having learned the hard way over nearly a decade, and still picking up tricks and new ideas every time I write. I’ve learned that what we call mistakes are really steps in the right direction. I embrace my limitations as a writer and enjoy the challenge of maximizing my abilities.
          That’s not to say, however, there aren’t some things I wish I knew before embarking on this journey. Would I go back in time to give my younger self some advice? Absolutely! (I’d just get out of there as fast as possible.)
        Here’s to hoping these tips will reach someone who can benefit. I present to you, the ten things I wish I knew about being an author I didn’t know before:
                    1. The First Draft is Just Verbal Vomit; Editing is the True Art-form
          Authors are not good writers; we’re determined, dedicated editors. Much like a large chunk of stone before being masterfully carved, a first draft is rarely more than a massive glob of words, ideas, notes, and concepts that over time, and with a lot of agonizing patience and strenuous mental labor, is whittled into artwork in the form of storytelling.
        Editing is akin to clay sculpting; just as your project begins to take shape, you’ll add another handful of verbal clay to thicken or reshape what’s there. There’s no counting how many times an author edits a manuscript to half its size only to add back nearly the amount removed with new content, then commence construction anew, chiseling away at excess words, cliches, and lazy writing.
          Don’t worry about making your first draft sound good. If you have the perfect word chosen for a scene, throw it in. If it’s truly the perfect word, it’ll make the final cut. If not, it’ll be chipped off, like countless other words once part of the original boulder. Making the final cut does not bestow value upon words. Like clay scraps, words sacrificed for the sake of the story are not wasted. Just get your ideas written down. Allow your brain to vomit, as it were, and once it’s all there, make it beautiful.

                        2. Whenever Possible, Use Live Beta Readers:
           Quite possibly, the most valuable thing I’ve ever done for myself as an author, is sit with a group of readers, and listen to them read my story out loud. What an awakening! I’m fortunate enough to have a group of beta readers that are able to do full, single-day readings. We did this several times, each session following a thorough edit.
         Readers’ voices can be broken up by paragraph, page, or chapter. Whatever way you choose, rotate the reader frequently to hear your story read in many voices. This allows you to gauge how the story will be interpreted and processed from other perspectives. Unless writing a screenplay, don’t assign readers a character. Listen to entire passages in the same reader’s voice to assess the flow of your writing.
        Request that your beta readers give live feedback, both good and bad. If something is confusing, cheesy, predictable, cliché, boring, moving, inspiring, shocking, or if they have a suggestion or question, have them voice it the moment they experience it. Don’t dwell on it unless specific feedback requires attention. A simple, “That passage wasn’t clear,” or “Grace is awesome! She’s my favorite character so far,” or “I hate that Grace said that; it’s not like her,” is plenty for the author. Be ready to take good notes! This is also great for grammar and punctuation errors.
          Beta readers can be expensive, and most writers can’t afford such luxuries. So, do what I do: invite your book-loving family members and friends (who won’t sugarcoat their reactions!) to spend the day reading your book together. Good food is usually enough payment for such people. And hey, it’s not like you’re asking them to help you move, right? (Maybe mention that.) Shoot for a minimum of three, maximum of twelve readers.

                       3. Your Book Reads Differently in Different Formats; Test Them All
        This one’s simple. Read your story on your phone, tablet, and other devices, in addition to the one used to write and edit. Print a chapter to read as a hard copy. Scrolling and page-turning are different. There’s a distinct feel to reading when you can see the shape of the paragraphs on two full pages at once as opposed to half a paragraph on a small screen.
Recording yourself reading a chapter then listening to it while doing dishes or laundry provides a fresh perspective as well. Will your writing style translate well to an audio book? You won’t know unless you’ve heard it recorded.

                         4. The Story Often Writes Itself; Don’t Let Go of the Reigns
        Many pre-imagined scenes will be altered as your characters develop. They’ll come alive on the page and often take the story down unexpected paths. This is especially true when writing dialogue. While such occurrences are magical and elevate your writing, stay true to your ultimate message. Of course, be flexible in changing up details that don’t alter the heart of the story, just don’t let changes diminish what you’re saying.
It’s a tough balance!
       This isn’t to say you won’t learn new things and expand personal opinions along your writing journey. Allow growth in both your story and yourself. However, the original idea for your story was probably sparked by a message you wish the world could hear. Is that message coming across? Or was it lost in development?

                     5. Your Characters Really Do Keep You Up at Night
        Characters of untold stories are demanding! The story wants to be told, and, for whatever reason, you’re the only one who can tell it.
Before really dedicating myself to authorship, I assumed other writers were overly dramatic, speaking of their characters as if real people and insisting they’re kept awake in mental dialogue with them. Now, as someone who can’t shower without talking to a character or crying over their pain (yes—I know I created it, but did I? Didn’t those details write themselves?), or even listen to music without assessing how it would make a character feel, I recognize how wrongly I judged my fellow authors.
We’re all nuts. Embrace it!
         You will suffer restless nights and unprecedented stress at work knowing you should be writing instead of building a career that actually generates money. It’s exhausting living between the real world and the fictional. But keep going! It is, indeed, part of the process.\

                       6. Be Mindful of Your Physical Health:
        This may be the point I most wish I knew before diving into the wonderful world of writing. Often, after a productive writing session, I’d stand only to discover the regular feeling in my body was replaced by terrible aches in my back, shoulders, neck, and wrists. Carpal tunnel is no joke! I even got plantar fasciitis as I sat, unaware, with my feet curled in weird positions for hours at a time.
          “Quick bathroom breaks” become whole experiences when limping on cramped feet.
Only in retrospect did I learn that when writing, I completely leave my body behind. I sit motionless, except for my hands, experiencing solely the fictional world, unaware of what’s happening around me physically. It’s incredibly unhealthy, especially several days at a time.
          I was shocked to step on the scale one day and discover I’d gained fifteen pounds in two weeks because every spare second was spent writing without any consideration for my overall wellbeing. A deep writing session could last eighteen hours overnight with zero sleep, no stretching, and no walking breaks. The worst part was I was continuously stuffing my face with quick, easy junk food to disallow hunger to distract me.
          Now, having suffered those consequences, I set alarms reminding me to take a walk, stretch, and check in with my body. I strive to plan healthy meals and eat before writing. When I do get hungry, I take a break to focus on my food and get some fresh air. It’s infinitely better to write with a clear mind. Seven hours of healthy writing are ultimately more productive than fifteen hours of focused writing but physical misery.
           Plan ahead. What position will your body be in while you write? How’s your posture? Are your feet getting good blood flow? Are you tensing your wrists while you type? Is your neck strained? Try out many arrangements and don’t settle until you know it won’t cause issues for your body. A standing or treadmill desk may be your thing. Perhaps an exercise ball encouraging movement in your hips. Maybe you need to set a timer to change positions every half hour. Or maybe frequent breaks will be enough. Just be good to your precious body!

                        7. Write Down Every Good Idea—Even in the Middle of the Night
           My memory is unreliable. I’ve lost grand ideas for my stories due to sleepiness, laziness, or basic unwillingness to stop what I’m doing and write them down. I’m not naturally organized so planners, physical and digital, do me no good. In order to preserve my rare and precious moments of genius, I’ve had to learn (painstakingly) to work with my personality and all its flaws. Hopefully my method proves useful to other poor souls who self-identify as creative sloths.
            When random inspiration strikes, I text myself. That simple! Reading my solo text thread to recall a 3:00 a.m. epiphany is like opening a little gift from my past self. I’m always grateful to that lazy lass for taking the time to type it out; I know how hard it was for her.
I also use an audio recording app to save a quick idea when on the road or in a position where it’s hard to text.
            Find a system that’s easy for you. As long as you get your great ideas recorded where you’ll know to find them later, the method matters not.

                  8. Get Feedback (aka Data) from Professionals and Straightforward Active Consumers:
          Your doting aunt’s praise is important for you as a person because everyone needs encouragement and to know who’s in their corner. However, it’s useless for your writing. Get feedback from agents and editors as you pitch your work.
            Also helpful are your seemingly anti-social, entertainment-obsessed (more often than not manga-loving) acquaintances. See how social they become when invited to scrutinize a story unfiltered. If your story sucks, your writing is lazy, or a character needs work, they’ll tell you. An active consumer’s perspective is invaluable to authors.
              Remember, your story has an audience. It’s not for everyone. Consumers have preferred medias and genres within those medias. The more readers, the better. Within reason, of course. It still needs to be your story. As long as you keep it your own, feedback is helpful.
             Don’t take negative feedback as an attack to your talent or intelligence. It’s just data: process, assess, and apply what’s relevant. You’ll improve by non-emotionally allowing people to tear your writing to shreds. Using criticism constructively is a talent of its own.

                 9. For Character Development, Create Your Own SPEMPARFS:
          For me, character development is the most fun, yet daunting, aspect of storytelling. To assist my chaotic brain, I developed a system I call SPEMPARFS, an acronym for:
· Spiritual
· Physical
· Emotional
· Mental
· Psychological
· Artistic
· Romantic
· Financial
· Social
           This is in order of importance as I like to get to know my characters in a certain way. That doesn’t mean I don’t sometimes know a character’s physical traits or financial status first, it just means when fleshing out a character, this works best for me.
         I encourage all writers to create their own program for developing characters and am happy to share SPEMPARFS as a starting point for anyone struggling to get theirs going.
          I begin with a character’s spirituality because it will tell me more about them than anything else. What are their beliefs? Were they raised in those beliefs or did they come by them later in life? Is their spiritual journey part of the story I’m telling, or did they have unwavering beliefs before the story begins? Do their beliefs affect the story? Are they relevant for the reader? Or are those details out of place in this story? Either way, the author needs to know them in order to write the character.
           Physical appearance is important early on because I want to picture the character as I write, and make sure the reader is able to do so as well. A character’s physical state also tells me what their body is capable of. If a character is overweight whether from genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, or overeating, I need to remember that when they’re required to ascend twenty flights of stairs. If a character is obsessed with health and fitness, I want to show that with scenes involving more physical activity.
           The emotional makeup of a character will determine their reactions and speech patterns, which will assist with dialogue and decision making.
And the list goes on.

                      10. Utilize the Miracle of Music
         I must preface by saying I never, ever listen to music while I’m writing. What an unbearable distraction! It’s impossible for me to write with sound, strong smells, bright lights, anything that pulls me out of my characters’ world. Music does, however, heavily impact my stories. When away from the screen, I do a lot of music-inspired plotting and mental adjusting to my stories.
             Though I don’t like the term “writer’s block” I relate to being stuck not knowing exactly how to structure a scene or guide it to its main point. What helps most is listening to music that has the feel I want for that scene. Often, I’ll take my dogs to the park and, with headphones on full volume, find the right song on my playlist then listen on repeat. Immersing myself in the feeling of the scene allows me to picture it, facilitating construction.
          If this exercise works well for you, take it to the next level. What song would work for a trailer for your story? While listening to that song, what scenes would be highlighted in the trailer? Do those scenes as currently written in your manuscript portray the importance they bear to your story? Or do they need work?
          There’s really no end to the impact music can have on your craft. The right words for a character’s expression in a crucial moment may come to you via Mozart’s brilliance.
       While writers experience similar challenges and joys, every writer’s journey is unique. Be mindful of yourself, your mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing, including your real-world relationships. It’s a marathon. Pace yourself. Be good to yourself. More than anything, enjoy this fantastic ride!

Meet the Author


As the third of eight siblings, Nicole has always been surrounded by people. Among her immediate family are spoken seven languages. Her favorite thing is hearing her nieces and nephews speak French, Tongan, or Mandarin. It’s no surprise she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Languages, as language is one of her greatest passions, topped only by music and Beat Saber.


Nicole minored in Women Studies and continues to take a particular interest in both women’s history and their individual stories. She’s grateful for her ancestors and other women who paved the way for her to pursue her dream of publishing stories and strives to create new avenues for the coming generations to pursue their dreams.


Though she’s lived-in various states in the U.S. and Brazil, Nicole considers Utah “home base” and continuously finds herself returning, even when previous moves were intended to be permanent. She attributes her love of Utah to the beauty of the Wasatch Mountains and the incredible people who make it feel like home, even when she’s been away for long periods of time. Recently, however, after visiting her sister’s family overseas, she’s been dreaming of a quiet beach house in Taiwan.
Connect with Nicole on her Website ~   Facebook ~ Instagram ~

GIVEAWAY!
One Winner will receive a
$25. Gift Card from Amazon!

Birth of a Unicorn: Six Basic Steps To Success by Heather Wilde
Publisher:  Sunbury Press, Inc (November 11, 2020)
Category: Business: Women & Business, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, Self-Help/Motivational, Non-Fiction
Tour dates: April-May, 2021
ISBN: 978-1620063347
Available in Print 158 pages and ebook 184 pages
Book Description:
        Birth of a Unicorn: Six Basic Steps to Success is the story of what it takes to found a billion-dollar company — also known as a unicorn. It’s told from the perspective of a founding employee, and shows the years and years of emotional strain, stress and dedication that building a successful company takes — and a framework to follow if you’d like to try it yourself.
        In this book, you’ll find the true story behind one of Silicon Valley’s famous companies on its rise to the top. Peek behind the curtain as you see the highs and lows from an insider perspective, on the roller coaster that is the start-up life. What emerges is a lasting friendship, a billion-dollar company, and an understandable framework of success for you to replicate.Buy Birth of a Unicorn by Heather Wilde: Amazon  ~ Barnes&Noble  ~ IndieBound ~  

                            How to Write Nonfiction Like A Pro

         The world is full of nonfiction books. Walk into any bookstore in the country, and you'll find shelves upon shelves of them: "How to" books on every conceivable topic. But how do you write a non-fiction book?
         In this post, we will talk about what it takes to write a non-fiction book that sells well, the process that authors go through before they start writing their first draft, and how to revise your work before publishing it.

1. Research:  Writing a non-fiction book is a huge task that requires lots of preparation and hard work. It can take years to collect enough information and write all the necessary chapters for your book.
        This will help you find the right facts and statistics for your manuscript. It will also give you time to reflect on what you want to write about because some topics might be controversial, and you might not feel comfortable writing about them.

2. Outlining:  Once you know what you are writing about, it is time to develop the outline. An outline will let you know what topics are covered in your book and in which order they need to be presented. You will use it as a guide so that you don't forget any important points while writing the manuscript.

3. Audience:  It is always important to understand your audience before you write a non-fiction book. This will help you make sure that your book meets the expectations of your readers. If your audience would like to read an academic style book, write it that way as well.
       Do you need to answer a question that is in everyone's mind? Is your book addressing an issue that needs to be discussed? Or are you writing a memoir? Although these are all totally different types of books, as an author you can use the same process of following these steps to write them all.

4. Vocabulary:  Most people don't think about the quality of their words when they are trying to write a non-fiction book. This is a big mistake, because it can make or break your work. Many times, people will write a manuscript and hand it over to an editor only to find out that their manuscript has grammatical errors that don't make sense.
         You need to be meticulous when you are writing. Take the time to choose the words that will best represent your work.

5. Writing:  Now that you have your outline and reviewed it several times, it is time to write the manuscript of your book. The manuscript of your book is the first draft that is created by you and reviewed by your editor.

6. Introductions:  The introduction is very important because this is where you hook your reader; get him excited about the topic of your book. But don't get carried away. Keep your introduction short and let it introduce the concepts that will be developed in the body of your book.
         If you have a strong opinion about something that is discussed in your book, you can also write a separate conclusion for it. This is important for every book because it allows the reader to see where you stand when you finish your book.

7. Editing:  The next step is to have your manuscript edited. This stage of the writing process will require some advice from an editor who knows how to provide constructive criticism. An editor will read through the manuscript, identify inconsistencies, and find grammatical errors. It is crucial that you take every comment into consideration and make the necessary changes to avoid making mistakes in the published version of your book.

8. Querying:  Book publishing is no different than any other type of business. You need to know how to find a good publisher (or publisher's rep) who will help you market your book once it's finished. The market for non-fiction books is very large, so you can choose from many options when finding the right publisher for your manuscript.

9. Publishing:  The final step in writing your non-fiction book is to publish it. This means you will have to send your manuscript to the publisher and wait for them to review it. After they review your work, they will make the necessary changes and send the final version back to you (at least once). You must then copyedit your book one last time before the publisher prints copies and starts promoting it through various platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.
     
        Writing a non-fiction book requires a lot of work, but if you are passionate about the topic you are writing about, it will be worth it. Remember, the greatest benefit any non-fiction author can receive is to help others by sharing your knowledge and experience.
 

About Heather Wilde:
       Heather Wilde was the eighth employee of Evernote, where she oversaw the company’s growth from thousands to 100 million customers. She has published popular games, trained Fortune 500 brands, advised hundreds of start-ups, and managed some major non-profit programs. At her non-profit, Serenze Global, and as a fractional CTO through her company ROCeteer, her award-winning work keeps the Unicorn Whisperer constantly traveling across the globe to find the next unicorn.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter  ~ IMDB ~

 Find the Tour Schedule HERE.

Giveaway Birth of a Unicorn by Heather Wilde
   
     This giveaway is open worldwide for print or eBook (Ends on May 22, 2021,midnight pacific time.) Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

"Readers of all ages who look for ethereal, haunting stories of recovery and courage will find Caroline & Mordecai the Gand may hold the trappings of a fantasy adventure; but inside there is so much more. Make the right decision, to read this!" - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

         This novella was written by USA Today bestselling author Jeff Gunhus after he received a devastating diagnosis of state 3 cancer. The story is a message to his five children on how to deal with grief and a plea for them to grasp onto joy and love even in the darkest of times.
        Caroline loses her spark. It takes a great adventure for her to find it again.
        Caroline loses her father in a car accident for which she feels responsible. Consumed by grief, she has a difficult time readjusting to a world that has changed so dramatically for her. On the anniversary of her father’s death, a strange window opens in the middle of the small lake behind her house. She climbs up an old oak to peer inside, but falls out of the tree and discovers that the window also serves as a door into a different world.
        Enter Mordecai the Gand, a mysterious traveler who befriends Caroline and promises to help her find a way back home since the window she fell through has disappeared. The two set out on a series of adventures that include visiting a tree village populated by a tribe known for eating travelers, running into a witch under a spell of her own making, hiding in a cave with a dragon encased in a wall of ice (prone to melting by campfire), all the while being pursued by a mysterious entity call the Creach which promises to devour Caroline and trap her in an eternity of despair.
         As they navigate these adventures and this new world, Caroline slowly discovers that she is meant to help each of the characters she meets. As she battles internally whether to stay or return home to the sadness and grief waiting for her there, she must regain perspective and open her heart to the act of caring and to the joy of love itself. In the end, she must demonstrate great courage, loyalty, and caring as the plot unfolds, becoming the active hero of her own story.
Buy the Book: Amazon ~  Audible ~ Add the Goodreads

Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days by Caitlin Bangsund
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8),  40 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book ~
Publisher: Caitlin E. Bangsund ~ Release date: March 2021
Tour dates: Mar 1 to mar 28, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children's book is for everyone.
Book Description:
      Can you va va voom? Do you light up the room? Marvellous Macey does! She may not quite fit the mould, but she is living delightful days. Embrace Macey's world of imagination and ability to love and accept everyone. Life may not be perfect and some things might be hard, but Macey shows us how to live in the moment and find the delight! Be inspired by Macey to make everyday the BEST day.

 MC Plays Hide and Seek: An Empowering Story for Healthy Children Who Care About a Person Living with Cancer by Eva Grayzel
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  64 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book ~ Tour dates: Jan 5 to Feb 1, 2021
Publisher:  Mascot Books ~ Release date:   Jan 5, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Eva Grayzel
      When asked about her motivation for writing her children's picture book about cancer, author Eva Grayzel explains:
       My children were 5 and 7 when I was diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer. It’s a disease that cannot be hidden under clothing. My caregivers were so consumed with me, we didn’t addressthe feelings of our children. I regret not seeking professional attention for them during that time, but we didn’t think of it. If my healthcare providers had recommended it, we would have followed through. 
          Since my voice was compromised during treatment, finding a book about understanding cancer would have been an easy solution. However, I could not find one to help start the conversation with our children.
        Months after my recovery, my daughter still wouldn’t kiss me. She was intuitive, afraid of losing me and didn’t want to commit to another day of loving me. My son was shopping  with his grandma for a birthday card and he found a Get Well card. “Let’s buy this for Mom.” Grandma had to tell him that I wasn’t sick anymore.

Three Makes a Family (City by the Bay Stories #7) By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance ~ Paperback & ebook, 223 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming
BOOK BLURB:
        Can love for a child… Make them a family?
        Lawyer Molly McKinney needs to be the best—now more than ever. Relocating to San Francisco means a chance to provide a stable income and home for her nine-month-old daughter. And defending former rival Drew Harrington against charges of witness tampering will boost her reputation. As they work to clear Drew’s name, their feelings grow. But does Molly have room in her life for love?
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
(Affiliate links included.)
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REVIEW By LAWonder10:
Cari Lynn Webb has, once again, created a fun, captivating Contemporary Romance winner!

Molly went against her own instincts and fell into an "in office" romance with a colleague. When a unexpected pregnancy occurred, she was devastated to discover what she thought the relationship meant and what her boyfriend viewed it to be was very different. She did not want marriage or to be a dad.

Molly accepted a challenge from an old college friend's parents to represent him in a charge which would disbar him if he is proved guilty.  This gave her a reason to move and re-establish herself. She didn't need a man in her life to be a success in her career or as a good mother. He little daughter means everything to her.

Drew went over everything he could to discover who was framer him and how can he prove it without proof. He was bombarded when he discovered his parent went behind his back and hired his old college mate. He would just have to un-hire her. She was his friend and was in a bind. The least he could do was arrange to aid her in finding a decent apartment. A close friend of his had a vacancy. Little did he realize how this one gesture would endear her to his whole family!

This is a very cute story including an adorable baby girl who will sure endear the reader to her, as well as those in the story community. In fact, most of the character's are a strongly endearing family unit. It is easy for the reader to feel he/she is living as part of this compelling story.

In addition to realistic characters and events, the baby girl on the Cover Image is a perfect depiction! The Title is very well chosen, also. The only thing I found disconcerting is the tumultuous relationship was slightly dragged out. I prefer a faster paced story.

I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.

OTHER BOOKS in the Series:

City by the Bay Stories:

Book 1: The Charm Offensive
Book 2: The Doctor’s Recovery
Book 3: Ava’s Prize
Book 4: Single Dad to the Rescue
Book 5: In Love by Christmas
Book 6: Her Surprise Engagement
Book 7: Three Makes a Family

About the Author
        Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

FOR TOUR SCHEDULE, Click on HERE.

$50 Amazon gift card, complete set of the 5 Blackwell Sisters books and spring assortment of candy (US only)  Ends April 14, 2021

In Your Eyes (Seasons of Love #2) By Jayne Townsley
Contemporary Romance ~ Paperback & ebook, 127 Pages
January 5, 2021
SYNOPSIS
      Crystal Davis got her wish for the Crew’s long-awaited post-graduation trip. Sun and fun before focusing on her new career as a pediatric RN at St. Francis’ Children’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was just what she needed. Bonus? She met Troy Bennett, and she realized she wanted less frivolity in her life and a little more serious.
        Troy Bennett is a man fighting the demons who tell him he is worthless every day of his life. Demons his mother conjured. He quiets them with alcohol and casual relationships, never allowing any woman to get close enough to him so he will never have to disappoint one. Then on the spur of the moment trip to Panama City Beach with his Ranger buddies, he sees the future he’s always been afraid to pursue exit a Jeep Wrangler at a local donut shop.
        Just as Troy and Crystal are finding their footing, she gets the call she never thought she would earn: Crystal Davis is going to Hollywood to be a contestant on America’s Next Chart Topper. What started as a way to honor her murdered friend has now become her dream. Chasing her dream means leaving Troy behind for a bit, and she wonders if her absence will cause what they’ve built so far to come crashing down.
        Chasing her dream also means she’s put herself in a place where she’s vulnerable to the side of Hollywood that no one wants to acknowledge. A place where people only care about her and Troy’s story for the audience while behind the scenes, evil, selfish people work to tear them apart.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop | Book Depository
— Grab the ebook on SALE for $0.99! --

   Crystal and Troy’s FIVE FAVORITE places:

1. Claremore Lake in Claremore, Oklahoma, is important to the CRASH Crew and becomes important to the men in their lives. https://www.claremorecity.com/217/Claremore-Lake-Park
2. Thomas’ in Panama City Beach, Florida, is where Crystal and Troy first saw one another. http://thomasdonutandsnackshop.com/
3. Tulsa’s Linde Oktoberfest: https://tulsaoktoberfest.org/
4. Troy’s home in the historic Owen Park neighborhood in Tulsa, OK. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Park,_Tulsa
5. 320 on Main in Claremore, Oklahoma is where they finally dropped the “L” word. https://www.320onmain.com

OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES:

ABOUT the AUTHOR:

         Jayne Townsley lives with her multi-generational family in Northeast Oklahoma's aptly named Green Country. A transplanted Okie from the Chicago suburbs, she has grown to love this state and its people with a passion, happily calling it home for the past 15 years.
        Jayne shares her home with a rescued Shollie named Maui and two cats called Gamora and Nebula. 
        Jayne enjoys old-fashioned road trips and is in the process of planning one to tour Oklahoma's Route 66. 
         She is also something of a Disney World addict.
Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule
April 5th:
Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters
Jayne Townsley | Writing with Fire
Fire and Ice
April 6th:
E-Romance News
Remembrancy
@hercrazybooksta
April 7th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Lady Hawkeye
Christy's Cozy Corners
April 8th:
QuirkyBookReads
Heidi Reads...
Andi's Book Reviews
April 9th:
@BookishKelly2020
Hallie Reads
underneath the covers

One winner will receive their choice of $15 in products from the Solid Rock Soap Company and a signed paperback copy of In Your Eyes (US only)

Ends April 14, 2021

Book Details:
When a Cowboy Loves a Woman
(Creedence Horse Rescue #2) by Jennie Marts
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: March 30th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
     They both know the pain of loss and how to protect their hearts…but fate has a way of stepping in…
        When a kitchen fire forces young widow Elle Brooks to move in with her friend Bryn and her motley collection of rescue animals, she doesn’t foresee ending up in the muscled arms of handsome cowboy and veterinarian Brody Tate. But she can’t deny the feelings that being close to Brody are stirring in her. Spending time with the hunky cowboy and his adorable young daughter as they rehabilitate rescued horses reminds Elle of all she lost in a car crash years ago.
        As a widower himself, Brody is devoted to being a good dad for his spirited daughter. He hasn’t let romance even enter his head. But now he’s met Elle. Spending time with her is shaking up the calm he’s worked so hard to achieve, and he can’t seem to get this woman off his mind.
         Elle and Brody have both lost people they loved, but their mutual attraction and growing feelings are too strong to ignore. The hope of a future together is a beautiful possibility, but can these two wounded souls take a chance on each other and find the courage to love again?

Goodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google Play

1. "Electric Love" by BORNS
2. "Are We There Yet?" by Ingrid Michaelson
3. "Shotgun" by George Ezra
4. "Closer" by The Chainsmokers
5. "Somebody to Love" by Queen
6. "Take Care" by Drake ft. Rhianna
7. "Willow" by Taylor Swift
8. "Chasing Cars" by Vitamin String Quartet
9. "Viva La Vida" by 2Cellos
10. "I Melt With You" by Modern English

AUTHOR BIO:
        Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad  and WALLFLOWER are out now!  She is also the author of NA sports romance, The Best Mistake.

Author links: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ BookBub ~ Instagram ~Mailchimp ~ Goodreads ~

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

• $20 Amazon gift card

This grand prize giveaway - ends Apr 8th:
Enter by using the Rafflecopter Below.

Book Details:
 The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  541 pages ~  Genre:  Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Leather Apron Press ~  Release date:   January 2021
Tour dates: Mar 29 to Apr 9, 2021
Content Rating:  PG-13. There is mild (romantic) sexual content and very mild profanity.
Book Description:
     1776: Benjamin Franklin sails to Paris, carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence, freshly signed. His charge: gain the support of France for the unfolding American Revolution. Yet Paris is a city of distractions. Ben’s lover, Marianne Davies, will soon arrive, and he yearns to rekindle his affair with the beautiful musician.
      Dr. Franz Mesmer has plans for Marianne too. He has taken Parisian nobility by storm with his discovery of magnétisme animale, a mysterious force claimed to heal the sick. Marianne’s ability to channel Mesmer’s phenomena is key to his success.
     A skeptical King Louis XVI appoints Ben to head a commission investigating the astonishing magnétisme animale. By nature, Ben requires proof. Can he scientifically prove that it does not exist? Mesmer will stop at nothing to protect his profitable claim.
   The Wisdom of The Flock explores the conflict between science and mysticism in a time rife with revolution, love, spies, and passion.

Buy the Book:Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound~ add to Goodreads

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
      Ben was crossing the ocean with two of his grandsons.. They would be together in France for quite a while. Ben was grieving the recent death of his wife, yet, mesmerizing of bygone days in   France, as well.
      Ben was respected everywhere he went. While his thoughts were often not accordant with others, he never became defensive. Thus, it was wisdom for those who signed the Declaration of Independence to send him as an ambassador to the French king who was willing to aid on the was against the British.Little did Ben realize the many ways this trip would affect him for the rest of his life.
      This book is the author's perception of what it was like for Benjamin Franklin's journey and time spent living in France during these crucial years of revolution for freedom's sake. There were many interesting points brought out that most are unaware of. It was very informative and feasible.
       Although interesting, it was too wordy and repetitive for me to truly get involved in it. I also felt the sexual intimacies were totally unneeded and unfounded.
       The writing was done well, the characters portrayed well and the background scenes were well described..
       I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating.
"This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

                                 Ben Franklin’s Inventions  
         Other than as a Founding Father of America, Benjamin Franklin is probably best known for his experiments with electricity. But did you know that he was quite the inventor too?
        Franklin had an inquisitive nature and a keen eye. He made some important observations about the ocean currents and weather. He re-designed the common heating and cooking stove of his era (which later became known as the Franklin stove) so that it would not spew smoke and soot into the home. He didn’t really discover electricity – although he did perform some important experiments explaining and “taming” it. He invented the lightning rod so that buildings and ships would be better protected from damage. You may know that he invented bifocal glasses, but he also invented what he called a “long-arm” device, that we know as a reacher today.
      Franklin was a music lover, but he only invented one musical instrument. He called it the glass armonica. In 1761, while living in London, Ben observed a lovely young musician named Marianne Davies perform on the musical glasses. Despite how beautifully she played, she appeared to be in constant pain from the activity. Franklin conceived of an instrument with glass bowls attached to a rod at their center and bathed in a tub of water. The rod was turned by a treadle mechanism, keeping the turning bowls moistened. The musician could then gently apply her finger to the appropriate bowl to produce the note she wanted – resulting in music without any pain.
       Ben had the very first glass armonica built for Marianne Davies. Historians have questioned the nature of their relationship - but very little is known. In my book, The Wisdom of the Flock, I imagine that they became romantically involved. And who knows? Franklin published a theory about the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) being due to charged electrical particles in the atmosphere. He was right on. He suggested in a letter that much energy could be saved if people would change their clocks to match the daylight hours – even though he did it in jest and Daylight Savings Time didn’t come into existence until much later. He contributed greatly to social benefits through adding his wisdom to ideas like the post office, fire department, and library. He re-designed a streetlight to make it more serviceable, provide more light, and be less likely to break when cleaning. His 4-sided re-design of the lamp is still common. He invented swim fins to aid him in swimming and a library chair that incorporated a stepstool for reaching upper shelves. Many of his inventions were utilitarian. He invented mostly common things that made life easier. But he also published his designs so that others could reap the benefits as well.

      Ben Franklin never patented any of his inventions as he felt that they should be enjoyed by all mankind. Ben continues to contribute to our lives today. Not the least of which is that we can continue to be entertained by his deeds and served by his inventions.

Meet the Author:

Steve Gnatz is a writer, physician, bicyclist, photographer, traveler, and aspiring ukulele player. The son of a history professor and a nurse, it seems that both medicine and history are in his blood. Writing historical fiction came naturally. An undergraduate degree in biology was complemented by a minor in classics. After completing medical school, he embarked on an academic medical career specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There was little time for writing during those years, other than research papers and a technical primer on electromyography. Now retired from the practice of medicine, he devotes himself to the craft of fiction. The history of science is of particular interest, but also the dynamics of human relationships. People want to be good scientists, but sometimes human nature gets in the way. That makes for interesting stories. When not writing or traveling, he enjoys restoring Italian racing bicycles at home in Chicago with his wife and daughters.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Giveaway Details:​

$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of THE WISDOM OF THE FLOCK
(1 winner) (open to Amazon.com customers) (ends Apr 16)
Enter the Giveaway by filling in the Rafflecopter Below

Book Details:
Protector (Doms of Mountain Bend, #1) by BJ Wane
Publication date: March 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Western
Synopsis:        Deputy Sheriff Shawn McDuff can’t figure out why the new teacher in Mountain Bend seems so familiar, but Lisa Halldor’s evasive answers to his inquiries confirms his suspicions they have met before. When he sees her struggling to focus and respond during a scene at his private club, he intervenes and finds himself as drawn to Lisa’s submissive nature as he is determined to unearth her secrets.
        Lisa never forgot the teenage boy who came to her rescue the first night in a new foster home, but she never imagines a nameless, faceless stalker will send her fleeing to his hometown for safety twenty years later. When it becomes obvious Shawn’s memory isn’t as acute as hers about that night, she keeps that fond memory to herself.
       A threat against Lisa’s life forces the truth from her, but will Shawn’s protectiveness be enough to save her from a person so determined to see her dead? Shawn’s long ago vow to keep Lisa safe is put to the test as he works fast to make sure she hasn’t come into his life again just to be taken away by a madman.

Add toGoodreads ~ Purchase: Amazon ~
WARNING: This book may be very R-rated for sexually explicit scenes. The author writes Erotica books.

AUTHOR BIO:
        Author of sizzling hot romance with a touch of suspense. Long and Short Reviews erotic romance of the month winner for Hannah and the Dom Next Door and gold star recipient for Amy's Redemption. I live in the Midwest with my husband, love dogs and enjoy reading and working puzzles. We have traveled extensively throughout the states, Canada and just once overseas, but I now much prefer being homebody. My favorite genre to read is suspense.

Author links: Goodreads ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Book Bub ~ Instagram ~

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Expiration Date
By Mardine Perrins
Medical Thriller, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 304 Pages
March 4, 2021 by Kat Biggie Press
A conspiracy theory no one would have guessed.

It’s 2168 and expiration dates have been a part of the human genome for the last hundred years. Society has grown accustomed to these birthmark dates, revealing the day you will expire. But suddenly, an exponential number of infants are being born across the globe with very short expiration dates, giving them only hours, days to live.
Elisa Quinn’s cousin’s baby is amongst these born with shockingly short expiration dates. Devastated over the rapid demise of the baby, Elisa begins to search for answers. Not satisfied by the response the global government is providing for the growing number of short expiration dates, she sets out to discover what could be behind this alarming trend. Aided by two scientists, Ashlei Quinn and Claude Monark, Elisa investigates the long-standing gestational supplement of nutriment injections as a potential source in the shortened dates.
While researching, the trio uncover an extremist group, Restituere. They learn of the group’s plot to control the growth of the population, potentially exterminating a large portion in the process.
Armed with their new revelations, Elisa and Claude travel to Boston seeking help from the one person they thought they could count on, only to find themselves fighting for their lives. Unable to trust anyone, they venture out on their own to interrupt Restituere’s plot. They soon find themselves in the middle of a deep global conspiracy, and in the crosshairs of those who would stop at nothing to see this plot through.
Unless they can prevent this deadly group’s plans, their loved ones will be lost and the human race altered forever.

If you love Dan Brown’s, Deception Point; Michael Crichton’s, The Andromeda Strain; and A.G. Riddle’s, The Atlantis Gene, you will love Expiration Date.

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         Melissa Morrison put her feet up on a chair in the break room, resting her head on the table. The door opened slightly and June, a student nurse, poked her head in.
          “She’s ready, ten centimeters dilated.”
         Melissa lifted her head slowly and dropped her feet to the floor. The dark circles under her eyes told of the last eighteen-hour, three-day shift she’d been working.
      Melissa entered the room as the laboring mother—Shauna, she re- minded herself—screamed with her next contraction. She watched the woman’s husband, David, get swatted away each time he tried to dab her head with a cool cloth, and wondered how much longer she would tolerate the attention.
       One wall was painted with a mural of lilies, lupine, peonies, primrose and asters—an English garden to soothe the trauma of labor— while the other featured lambs and geese frolicking together in the countryside, washed over with a melancholy overtone contrary to its playful characters.
       Melissa was happy to see the friendly face of the woman’s cousin, Elisa, who was standing by the birthing bed.
        David was pacing. “Is the doctor coming soon? I think she’s ready!”
        “He’s on his way,” Melissa said.
         “I’m going to be a dad in like five seconds and I don’t exactly know what to do here.”
         Melissa glanced at Shauna, panting and gripping the sides of the bed—she let out a grunt.
        “Okay well, I’m pretty sure there’s not much for you to do here. I believe Shauna will do most of the work,” Elisa assured him. “Your job is to be supportive.”
         Dr. Reed Frederick entered the room. “Elisa, I didn’t expect you to be here.”
         “Hi Reed. I’m here for moral support.” She side-eyed David with a smirk.
         “Great, the more the merrier.”
         The room was set up for expectant moms to deliver on one side of the room with a half wall separating the newborn baby area. The baby’s nook was filled with baby supplies and brightly lit with white walls.
         Melissa observed as June pulled the sterile drape off a covered table and began to prepare for baby’s arrival.
        “Melissa,” Dr. Frederick glanced at the nurse, “informs me that you are completely dilated and ready to go.”
          “I’m ready,” Shauna panted.
         Elisa scrunched her face as Shauna contorted hers with a contraction. She let out a little scream and immediately resumed her breathing exercises.
        Everyone assumed their positions, with David holding Shauna’s hand repeating, “Breathe, breathe.”
     Elisa stood at her head as silent support, though occasionally giving words of encouragement. The only wall not adorned with animals or flowers was the one facing the birthing bed—it was a plain lavender.
        Melissa smirked, glimpsing Elisa mouthing the screams with Shauna as she pushed with each contraction.
        Twenty minutes later the shaky cries of a five-pound baby girl filled the room—Jessica, they decided. The anxious mother grappled for her daughter, rapidly searching for the birthmark, as the baby was whisked away to be inspected.
         “I’ll have her right back to you in a moment,” June promised.
        David turned back to his wife, while she lay back to rest, wiping the stray hairs away from her eyes and sweaty cheeks. He looked down at her, meeting her unsettled gaze.
         Elisa backed away, not wanting to intrude.
        In the baby’s nook, Melissa instructed June on how to examine the newborn infant using the Apgar score system—the practice of quickly assessing a baby’s health moments after birth.
        She noticed June’s hands trembling, so she placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. June closed her eyes for just a moment and took a deep breath in to block out any distractions before performing a second test, checking the baby for signs of anything less than healthy.
        “Heart rate’s good—110 beats per minute,” she blurted out, talking herself through it. “Reflex response.” She gently let Jessica’s head drop into her hand. “Spontaneous movement, sluggish. Next check,” she flipped the baby slowly from side to side, “baby’s… color… is… good.” She looked again and lowered her voice. “Hands and feet, slightly discolored. Respirations… slow and irregular.” Melissa watched over June’s shoulder as she finally wiped Jessica down, while apprehensively searching her tiny body for the same string of numbers Shauna had so desperately tried to catch a glimpse of earlier. Finding them, the date was clear. The birthmark read, 7152168. She looked up at Melissa and grimaced.
        June loosely wrapped Jessica in a blanket and carried her to Dr. Frederick, who stood at the end of the birthing bed. She gently slipped the blanket away, positioning the foot so he could see the numbers. His weary eyes looked up, then from father to mother. “I’m so sorry,” he said quietly, glanced at Elisa, and mournfully left the room. There’s nothing more he would do here.
         Shauna cried out. “Nooo, not her!”
         Wails echoed throughout the ward from room 701. David let out a bloodcurdling howl.
      Cupping her mouth, Elisa stood silently waiting in the shadows now, allowing the distressed parents space to absorb their child’s fate. A fate that is always possibly looming with each birth, but never easy to accept. She wiped the tears from her cheeks.
       His eyes red and swollen, David reached toward Shauna, trying to console her. She flailed her arms, rejecting his efforts.
         “Please God, no, no, no!” she cried desperately. Elisa moved forward and placed her hand on her cousin’s shoulder only to get pushed away— she crossed her arms and again receded to her haven against the wall.
        David continued to attempt to console his wife, though he didn’t really have the will to completely contain her. Her arms still pushing him away, she inadvertently hit him in the mouth, causing a trickle of blood to form on his bottom lip. He noticed, but didn’t care, though he stopped trying to hold her. Distraught, he wasn’t sure how to calm his wife or even sure if he wanted to.
        June swaddled Jessica and carried her to her parents. The new mom’s gaze followed her as she got closer, as though her baby would disappear if she turned away. She took her in her arms and kissed her forehead; her dad bent down to do the same, nuzzling his cheek against his daughter’s as if to take a little bit of her with him when he retreated.
      “Check again,” he whispered to her. “Check again, maybe they’re wrong, maybe it wasn’t clear. Check again.”
       Shauna opened her eyes wide. Another chance. A small wrinkled foot popped out as she meticulously unwrapped the pale pink blanket Jessica was swaddled in. Inching closer, Elisa fruitlessly tried to steal a glimpse from across the room. Everyone waited in anticipation knowing the result, but maybe…just maybe there could have been a mistake?
        They both looked so quickly–perhaps they didn’t see well! She unwrapped the last layer and looked away briefly, then turned back. She raised Jessica’s foot, searching as if trying to focus on the words on the page of a book. Her face scrunched up and distorted into what was an unmistakable answer; she sobbed. Unable to hold his stance, David collapsed onto the side of the bed, and this time she allowed him to throw his arms around her and they wept together as a family.
        Silently, Elisa made her way over to join Melissa and June. “What’s the date?” she asked in a whisper.
        Melissa somberly looked into Elisa’s eyes. “July fifteenth, twenty- one, sixty-eight.”
       Elisa gasped and softly said, “That’s three days from now!”
       Suddenly, David pulled away from his family, turned and hit the wall, crushing his hand. He winced, but picked up the chair he’d been sitting in moments before and hurled it across the room, nearly hitting June. Melissa raced to push a button on the wall, while Elisa rushed toward mom and baby to act as a shield of protection.
      The hospital loudspeaker urgently announced, “Code orange maternity, 7th floor, Code orange maternity, 7th floor.”
        On Elisa’s hip she heard her pager, “Beep, beep, beep…”

ABOUT The AUTHOR:
       Mardine Perrins is a writer and a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist in a Cardiac Catherization lab in upstate New York. Forever fascinated by the unknown and questioning the unexplored, you’ll find her curiosities displayed throughout her work. Her imagination is driven by anomalies in nature; bizarre creatures that live beneath the sea; underground caverns teaming with undiscovered prehistoric life. She’s captivated with the complexity of the human DNA, mind and body and is drawn to natures ability to overcome, adapt and persist. She investigates why these things exist and how she can bring them to their potential through her stories. She currently lives in East Greenbush, NY with her husband, children and two cats.

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Two winners will each receive a
print copy of Expiration Date by Mardine Perrins
(US only)
Ends March 27, 2021
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Book Details:
Good Luck to Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #5
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 148 pages
Run Time: 3 hours, 49 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  June 1, 2018
Tour dates:  Mar 1 to Mar 26, 2020
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)
Book Description:
        Dreams, wishes, fantasies, and... murder?
       Fiona's good friend and fellow teacher, Lucky Maguire leads everyone to believe he has won a huge jackpot! Only Lucky turns out not to be so lucky - he winds up dead and his supposed winning lottery ticket missing! 
Yikes!
        Did Lucky really win the lottery and if so, where is the ticket hidden? 
        Who knew for sure if he truly was Pittsburgh's newest millionaire? 
Double yikes!
Join Fiona and the gang for this winning cozy mystery that's sure to keep you betting on the suspects!

BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ Audible ~ Add to Goodreads

This is a fun, clever Title to read for March - The "Good Luck" month. I had planned on listening to and review this earlier in the month, but through a scheduling error on my part, I had to delay it. It is still being posted in the month of St. Patrick's Day, so that will work, won't it?

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
         Theona and Nathan share a romantic relationship.
         Theona enjoys the staff at school and her fun and entertaining kindergarten students They are never boring.
          Nathan is a police detective.
         A crime has been committed in which both of them have an interest in. It is possible that one of Theona’s associates is guilty.
        With the addition of a neighbor’s “cooky” visitor, this mystery is filled with fun and mayhem.
         The characters are portrayed well and the scenes are easily visualized. The events steadily unfold as the mystery solution comes to a close. Somewhat predictable, this tale is still a joy to read or listen to.
        Maren Swenson Waxenberg gives a very good performance of the various characters “voices “, and places all the needed emphasis effectively throughout the book.
           In reference to the author’s note at the end of the story, my sweet parents were from the same “school“ unfortunately my husband was from that same “school“. It delights me to know other’s were able to “reach for the stars “ so many of us can enjoy the results of their successes.
         I offer a Five Stars rating.
       This audiobook was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.

OTHER BOOKS in Series by C.S. McDonald:

Meet the Author: 

        For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.
        Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh. The female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Next Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy! Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Here is the tour schedule.

Giveaway Details:​

Autographed copy of BACK TO THE BURGH AND BEYOND, plus other gifts (USA only)
(ends Apr 2)
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