  Book Details: Infinite Us by Eden Butler Publication date: April 28th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Love is timeless… Nash Nation loves zeroes and ones, over-sized monitors and late office hours. He’s too busy taking over the world to make time for relationships—that is, until his new neighbor Willow O’Bryant barges into his life, and now Nash can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t the first time she’s interrupted his world. Then, the dreams start. And in the dreams—memories. Memories of a girl named Sookie who couldn’t count on love or friendship, never mind forever. Memories of a library and a boy called Isaac and secrets made in private that destroyed his world. The memories seem real, but who do they belong to? When Nash and Willow discover the truth, life as they know it unravels. The bridge between this life and the next is shored up by blood and bone and memory. Sometimes, that bridge leads to the place we’ve always wanted to be. NOTE: This is a completely revamped re-release version of this title with new characters and is a standalone with a HEA ADD to Goodreads | Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo |  AUTHOR BIO: Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. When she's not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Superbowl win. She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana. Author links: Facebook Group | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
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  Book Details: The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin Publication date: April 28th 2020 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Arranging a wedding for her brother and a five-time thorough bride tests Hope’s skills and patience. She’d believed the vows would be the most dangerous part of the ceremony, but a baseball to the head during the photography session proves her wrong and lands her in the sights of her brother’s best friend, Fredrick. He wants her to plan his wedding. She wants to be his bride. Diving into the treacherous world of wedding planning, Hope keeps her word and arranges the vows for the one man she believes she could love. He doesn’t know how much she cherishes him and his friendship. What she doesn’t know lands her in the heart of a royal mess. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play |  Excerpt One: A sensible woman would’ve been delighted to be her future sister-in-law’s maid of honor, as it implied cordial relationships or some sort of bullshit like that. I knew better. I made an excellent scapegoat. As the wedding party’s weakest link, everyone expected me to trip on my dress, maybe break an ankle along with my neck, or spill the entire wine fountain onto the floor. My brother claimed he loved me, but I believed he’d been the one to spread the rumor I was the world’s clumsiest woman. When I secured my revenge, it would be sweet. But first, I needed to survive my brother’s wedding without being responsible for a single hiccup. Playing to my brother’s misconceptions, I’d spent months tripping over nothing on purpose so I could transform myself into the image of traditional beauty and grace. I’d even lost twenty pounds so my dress would fit. The wedding would be a disaster, but I would emerge from the chaos smelling like roses, red wine, and garlic bread. Honestly, I doubted the wedding would make it to the reception. Some weddings had bridezillas. We had a thoroughbride, and if she got it into her head to run, I wished my brother the best of luck catching her before she fled from the church. My proposal to have the wedding on a yacht, where my brother’s thoroughbride couldn’t escape, hadn’t earned me points with anyone. The bride hated the ocean. My brother was smart enough to catch onto my implication. It wasn’t my fault Amy wasn’t exactly the most reliable woman in the world when it came to marriage. Once was a fluke. Twice was a trend. Five incidents of running from the wedding was evidence the thoroughbride would strike again, and my dear old brother would be saddled with the fifty thousand dollar bill, as he refused to believe Amy would run out on him. Oh, no. Amy would never run out on him.   AUTHOR BIO: Bernadette Franklin is a figment of imagination owned and operated by two cats, a few plants, and a human. Author links: Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Website | Newspaper |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (US only)
   Alaskan Dreams (Northern Lights #6) By Beth Carpenter Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages May 1st 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming The dream she wants The love she found Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | iBooks | Kobo | Harlequin Print REVIEW by LAWonder10: I love the Northern Lights series, and this one didn't disappoint! The outstanding writings of Author Beth Carpenter, brings the mesmerizing Alaskan terrain and communities "to life"! The reader feel like he/she is there experiencing it all! The characters she has developed feel so real. It is easy to share in their emotions, dilemmas and of life dramas. In this saga, Lauren feel the time is now or never. She met an older lady through the "chat line" she was a member of. The lady is making all her dreams come true... That is if Lauren can convince the skeptical, handsome grandson that she is not taking unfair advantage. They work together against unexpected obstacles, and determine the only way it can all happen is to discover whether a long forgotten superstition about a hidden treasure is true. Little did they realize the dangers this would ignite! This was also a very informative story about this partially true events and other impressive information. This deserves 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 NORTHERN LIGHTS Series:
 About the Author Once upon a time ... when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends. She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-poun d lap dog. She loves to hear from readers. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest TOUR SCHEDULE: May 11th: Launch Jorie Loves A Story - Review Thoughts of a Blonde - Excerpt Christy's Cozy Corners - Review May 12th: Wishful Endings – Excerpt Deal Sharing Aunt - Review Karma Readz - Excerpt Splashes of Joy - Review May 13th: Baroness' Book Trove - Review Reviewing books plus more - Review Rockin' Book Reviews - Review EmpowerMoms - Review Locks, Hooks and Books - Review May 14th: Kimber Li - Review Heidi Reads... - Excerpt Remembrancy - Review May 15th: Teatime and Books - Excerpt Reading Is My SuperPower - Review Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt Bookish Jottings - Review May 16th: - Grand Finale  Tour Giveaway One winner will receive a signed print copy of An Alaskan Proposal and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US only) Ends May 20, 2020 To Enter this Giveaway, Click on HERE! Don't forget to also enter the author's scavenger hunt giveaway by grabbing clues from each stop on the tour and entering them HERE.    Book Details: Lighten Your Mental Load by Amy Thornton Category: Adult non-fiction, 129 pages | Genre: Self-Help Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing | Release date: January, 2020 Tour dates: Apr 13 to May 1, 2020 Content Rating: PG: The author uses occasional mild swear words in the book. Book Description: Mental labor, or the mental load, involves the many — and extremely varied — tasks that are involved in managing a household and/or workplace. This topic has exploded over the past couple of years, especially for women. As stated in an October 2017 Washington Post article, “The constant stress of trying to stay organized — and to remember to execute so many tasks every single day — is affecting women's relationships with their spouses, children, friends, and colleagues. They are experiencing mental, emotional, and physical fatigue trying to stay on top of it all.” Lighten Your Mental Load shares real stories of what this load is like for both men and women across the globe and how it originated. It offers practical advice on how to lighten this burden through technology and other methods in the following areas: • Home • Shopping and Meals • Marriage/Partners • Children • Pets • Transportation • Career • Birthdays, Celebrations, Holidays, and Vacations • Volunteering, Church Activities, and Hobbies • Caregiving • Retirement Finally, the book discusses ways to not add to the mental load of others and how we can more evenly distribute the mental labor between both sexes for future generations. BUY THE BOOK: Amazon~ Tell-Tale Publishing ~ Add to Goodreads
Q.: Where do you write? A.: Thanks to today’s technology, the question could almost be “where do I NOT write?” Haha! I typically dictate my books into my iPad while it rests on a music stand. This saves my hands and wrists and helps me either stand or pace while I write. And, of course, I can adjust the music stand to sit down to take a break when I need it. I usually either write in our front parlor or my living room, as I don’t have an office in our old Victorian home. I’ve also written books on my laptop in a bookstore, library, on my back deck, or in my local coffee shop. My favorite spot to start each and every book, however, is my front porch swing. I start each book by creating an outline using pen and paper. For some reason, sitting on my front porch swing usually gets the creative juices flowing. My only requirement of course is that I have to write in a fairly quiet spot. My husband will tell you that I can’t function well in a noisy environment! I’m glad we have so many options today for writing and encourage everyone to find their “sweet spot” to help that creativity flow.   Meet the Author: Amy Thornton Shankland, GPC, has been battling the mental load for over 29 years. She is a former Dale Carnegie instructor, has been a grant professional for 18 years, is a columnist for the Hamilton County Reporter in Central Indiana, and a wife and mother. She also published 'Joy to You and Me (At Work!)' in 2018 through Tell-Tale Publishing. Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook ~ twitter  Giveaway Details: Win 1 of 3 print copies of Amy Thornton's LIGHTEN YOUR MENTAL LOAD, or a $25 Amazon Gift Card (USA & Canada) (4 winners)(ends May 8) - Enter by Clicking on HERE! Here is the tour schedule    Book Details: CRACK THE CODE: 10 Proven Secrets that Motivate Healthy Behavior and Inspire Fulfillment in Men Over 50 by Louis Bezich Category: Adult Non-fiction 18 yrs +, 302 pages Genre: Men's Health / geared towards Men Over 50 Publisher: Somo Press, LLC | Release date: November 2018 Tour dates: Apr 13 to Apr 24, 2020 Content Rating: G: No sex, violence, or bad language. Written for men over 50, or their wives. Book Description: "Crack The Code" presents an unconventional, motivation-based approach to health for men 50 and over. Ten strategies for creating and maintaining inspiration for a healthy lifestyle are advanced from a platform of survey research, interviews and the author’s personal experiences. Primary audiences for the book are men over 50 and the people that love them; their wives, partners, children and grandchildren. Additional audiences include health care providers, insurers, policy makers, men of all ages who want to find motivation for healthy behavior and anyone who has struggled with their health. Asserting that without motivation no diet, exercise program, technology or other strategy will produce sustained results, "Crack The Code" describes how healthy-living men, one of the most health-challenged segments of the American population, exhibit a strong cognitive association between their life’s priorities and their behaviors; a catalytic awareness in which men often integrate their valued relationships into their health behaviors (they take walks with their wife). What the author terms Male Cognitive Behavioral Alignment. The secret sauce of male motivation outlined in the book is derived from a nationwide survey of 1,000 healthy-living men. "Crack The Code" translates the findings into strategies and tactics with actionable exercises. Personal stories from interviews and focus groups add practical insights and emotion that engages readers. A discussion of relevant theories from psychology, management science and the fields of decision making and behavior change anchor the model in a context of well-established thinking. "Crack The Code" concludes with a call to action for a new culture of men’s health, outlining a confluence of social, economic and political factors in the US and beyond that represent a tipping point where healthy behavior among 50 plus men will become the new norm. Crack The Code’s focus on motivation and the psycho-social underpinnings of behavior fills a gap in a market dominated by publications on traditional diet and exercise. By digging deeper and using everyday men as a source, "Crack The Code" breaks new ground for a burgeoning segment of the baby-boomer population that is in desperate need of help. The potential to influence men of other ages as well as health care providers, insurers and policy makers, creates a tremendously valuable read. Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW BY LAWonder10: Crack the Code is a truly motivating book for any man but is especially directed at a 50+ years of age, men's audience. It would be wise for younger men to make note of what is presented and follow. It would surely increase meaning and happiness in younger men's lives, plus, increase their life span. In this book, it begins with several surveys. One is the fact men are basically more unhealthy than women and their life spans are ten years less than women, on an average. Women tend to be more health conscious and go to doctors before symptoms get too severe. I feel the main, key survey is the shift in priorities as men age. In their twenties, most men tend to hold onto their boyish attitudes and habits. As they age their focus becomes more centered on others, ore than themselves. By the time they reach their fifties, men's focus drastically becomes more centered on enduring relationships. Behavioral Scientists agree that humans have certain, fundamental emotional needs. How one obtains certain levels of accomplishment, influences one's personal happiness. Therefore, the author has list of thought-provoking questions to assist men in determining what things are significant enough to motivate them to make changes in their lives. "Habits, Rituals and Routines are common in healthy men". The author elaborates on this in the following chapters. An optimistic, positive attitudes is a strong motivation. The author lists many ways this can be accomplished, even with unexpected or unwanted life changes. In this book, the author not only draws from his experiences and wisdom but shares brief stories from various individuals. There are surely, stories each man can relate to. The book is divided into three sections, with stories in every chapter. There is a summary at the end of each chapter, to reiterate the key steps in accomplishing what is presented there. This is well organized, well-written and is very motivational and "to the point". I was gifted this book with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. I offer a Four and a Half stars rating. Watch the Trailer Below...
Building a “Social Network” If you see the value in having a network of friends — with some closer than others — then the answer is simple, but not easy. Making a conscious effort to build your social network may force you way outside of your comfort zone. However, relationships don’t just happen. They take time, effort and a little strategy. If it sounds like work, it is. Larry Alton, a writer for The Good Men Project, recommends that adult men looking to make friends become an active participant in local organizations such as fraternal groups, business networking groups, churches, sports leagues and hobby groups. I agree that these are excellent sources of relationships that can remain on the outer edge of your social sphere or grow into more personal dimensions of your life. They represent the structure that I referenced earlier. My advice, based on the research I’ve conducted on healthy-behaving men, includes these three tips: 1) Develop your friendship specifications This may seem a little too structured, but you can’t find a friend if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Reflect on your interests, priorities, day-to-day routines, and all of the factors which can influence compatibility and sustainability. Then create a mental set of specifications. It will make your process much more effective. 2) Inventory your current engagement Reflect in all of your business, civic, social and other activities and, using your specifications, determine if there is anyone among these groups that shares your values and interests. 3) Be Fearless I get it. This whole thing sounds a little weird and more like some corporate marketing task. It is. You’re simply marketing yourself. Though this is clearly out of your comfort zone, be fearless. There’s nothing but upside, new experiences and a boost to your long-term health and well-being.   Meet the Author: An executive for over 40 years in the public and private sectors, Louis Bezich currently serves as a Senior Vice-President with a major health care system. He is an adjunct professor in the Graduate Department of Public Policy and Administration at the Camden Campus of Rutgers University and sits on various public, non-profit and corporate boards. Bezich has published numerous articles in the field of public administration and health and is a contributing author to Corporate Lawbreaking and Interactive Compliance, edited by Jay A. Sigler and Joseph E. Murphy. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from Rutgers University, a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Tampa and is a graduate of Harvard University's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram  Giveaway: Prizes: One of Four $25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Louis Bezich, author of CRACK THE CODE (ends May 1) To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Killer Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 232 pages | Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services | Release date: April 23, 2020 Tour dates: April 20 to May 22, 2020 Content Rating: G. This is a true cozy mystery. No sex. No on-stage violence. No swearing. Just good clean fun! Book Description: Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist. When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder. But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father? With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes. Release Date: April 23, 2020! Pre-Order the Book Today: Amazon.com | Add to Goodreads  REVIEW by LAWonder10: Lauren Carr has created another humorous, exciting series! 'Killer Deadline' is a "deadly serious" story about Nikki, and her recent acquired celebrity dog, leaving a lucrative career in a big city to return to her small home town to take over the news station that is family owned. She is anxious in returning to not only some unpleasant memories, but to the "one who got away" to discover if there is still a chance for them... Of course, the author has included another lovable dog with a unique and peculiar personality, along with the usual touch of humor. The reader is always in suspense to the end of this author's books to discover, "Who Did It?". This new series did not disappoint me. I enjoyed the new characters and the fast-moving story-line. The scenes were vividly described and the reader can easily connect to the emotions and events. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
"Here we go! Carr is a master storyteller who always offers a plot full of twists and turns, a bit of humor to offset the dark, and a unique cast of characters. In Killer Deadline that cast includes - handsome Ryan, her first love (who is now her step-brother); a mysterious social media friend called Nerdy Guy; Elmo, a super smart dog, a boxer, she rescued who has become asocial media star and has a penchant for cleaning; a TV station full of suspicious employees; and more. "This book is a wonderful read to pick up at the end of a long day. It truly is a "cozy murder mystery." I promise, it'll draw you in right from page one and keep you turning the pages until you reach the very last page. I can't wait for the second book in this series." - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn
Crossing the Flinch-Threshold By Lauren Carr Q.: Where’s your flinch threshold? You know what I’m talking about. That invisible line that a writer crosses in her book that makes you cringe. It can be a sex scene that names body parts, a fight scene in which you can actually “hear” the bones breaking even while reading it, or the single instance of a character uttering the f-word. If you’re like most readers, the threshold is not one that you can express. You just know it when you read it—when the writer drags you across the line, you flinch and consider tossing the book into the fireplace. (Careful. Don’t forget that you’re reading that book on an e-reader when you make that toss into the flames.) Some readers set their threshold so low that they can have difficulty in finding “clean” books. By clean, that means books that don’t have explicit sex, gory violence, and vulgar language. You can read the “look inside” feature on Amazon, but that only lets you check out the first few pages. Suppose the hot and steamy love scene that will make your hair curl is on page 142? Believe it or not, flinch thresholds vary from reader to reader, which can make it difficult for writers, especially writers of crime fiction. Different readers have different triggers. For example, years ago, a reader freaked out after reading Kill and Run, my first installment in the Thorny Rose mysteries. What set her hair on fire? The word “erection.” The bedroom door closed, and the scene ended with that. The scene did not include the mention of any body parts. The book did not have any f-words or other vulgar language. No blood. No gore. Just the word “erection.” For that reader, I had crossed the line. But that’s okay. Many readers I know can tolerate sex scenes with the mention of body parts. They can even stomach violence. But they will not tolerate any f-words. Simply—each reader has a different flinch thresholLet me illustrate: It’s like my son Tristan when it comes to Buffalo wings. Once, we went to a restaurant that offered Dragon Wings. Tristan ordered a whole platter for himself. While the server and restaurant manager watched in dismay, he ate every one. He declared them okay, but not at all as hot as he would have liked for them being called “dragon wings”. His pain threshold is so high that he preferred and would have eaten them hotter. Yet, my husband, who has a low pain threshold, can’t stand even the smell of mild Buffalo wings. Like Jack’s and Tristan’s varying opinion when it comes to chicken wings-- Everyone has a different threshold for sex (some people are offended by characters having sex, even if it is off-stage), foul–language (Yep, another reader objected with my use of the word “damn” during a heated exchange between Joshua Thornton and a drunk character), or violence. One reader declared that The Lady Who Cried Murder was too gory, even though the murders happened off staged and are never described. Readers are simply told that the victims had been dismembered. Writing clean murder mysteries is basically a tightrope walk. By the nature of the genre, we do have bad guys who most likely swear and have sex and commit acts of violence (otherwise, where does the murder come from?). As a writer, it took me several years to learn and accept the fact that each reader is different, and each reader’s flinch threshold is set at a different level. If, as an author, I try to keep my writing from crossing every reader’s line, then my mysteries will end up with all of the victims neatly poisoned by nice polite people, none of whom are sexually active or use four-letter words, no matter how insanely homicidal they may be. So, I go by my flinch-threshold when writing my murder mysteries, which if pretty low itself. No on-scene sex, no graphic violence, or vulgar language. This reminds me of a conversation I once had with a friend when I first started writing mysteries. She complained that I have a lot of dysfunctional characters in my books. She wasn’t referring to the protagonists. I replied, “Duh, my books are murder mysteries. Generally, functional people do not commit murder. If I only had functional people in my books, then I wouldn’t have any murder, which means there would be no mystery, which means my protagonist wouldn’t have a case to solve, which means my readers would be reading pages and pages about nice happy functional people with nothing to do. What kind of murder mystery is that?” “Whatever,” she said with a roll of her eyes. No, she’s not a fan. As a matter of fact, she may end up being a victim in one of my books. ~ LAWonder10! LOL! Let's keep it Fictional!!! LOL! What's not to love about you?!!   Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Killer Deadline marks Lauren's first venture into mystery's purely cozy sub-genre with a female protagonist. Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest  Giveaway: Prizes: $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of KILLER DEADLINE (ends May 29) To ENTER GIVEAWAY, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Who Will Save Your Soul: And Other Dangerous Bedtime Stories by Skye Warren Publication date: April 14th 2020 | Genres: Adult, Romance Synopsis: Features four novellas by New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Each standalone story ends in a happily ever after. WHO WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL Emily's a pathological liar. When her life is at stake, will anyone believe her? MAFIA CINDERELLA One dress. One dance. Lucia has one chance to change her life—and the lives of her family. BEDTIME STORY Jessica is on the run when her car breaks down. A small town sheriff can't be her knight in shining armor. HEAVY EQUIPMENT Cold. Rough. Merciless. The foreman of the construction crew is going to make her pay every last cent. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo  AUTHOR BIO: Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. Her books have sold over one million copies. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat. Author links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To ENTER, Click on HERE!   "The story of our Dutch family being ripped apart isn't unique. Millions suffered beyond description during the war. However, today, I have the opportunity to share our story with others so that they may know just how priceless their freedom is. That is my sincerest wish in bringing this book to the general public." - Hulda Bachmann-Neeb   Perils and Pearls: In World War II, a Family's Story of Survival and Freedom from Japanese Jungle Prison Camps by Hulda Bachman-Neeb Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 190 pages | Genre: Memoir / Japanese History Publisher: BristleCone Press | Release date: September, 2019 Tour dates: Apr 13 to May 1, 2020 Content Rating: PG: There are mentions of decapitation and ugly jail or camp scenes and murder. No bad words, no expletives, no drug use and no drinking. Book Description: In World War II much of Asia fell under Japanese control after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. All non-Asians were imprisoned in concentration camps until August of 1945, the end of the war in the Pacific. This is the story of a Dutch family, resident in the Dutch East Indies, that fell victim to the Japanese occupation and was interned in jungle camps throughout the war. It tells the journey from riches to rags, from fear and suffering, to the joy of freedom and recovery. BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Books-a-Millions ~ IndieBound ~ BookDepository Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: This is a harrowing account of a family from Holland who was caught up in and experienced some of the devastation of World War ll. I discovered the Japanese trained their Samurai soldiers from their youth, in methods of torture as part of their training. Several were named. It is incredible to me that individuals can be so inhumane to create such cruel methods of causing pain in others. This story is very well written. I didn't put the book down until I was finished! Although it offers a clear picture of some of what they had to endure, it doesn't go into morbid detail. The reader is left the occasion to "fill in the gaps". In the Introduction, the author states a warning of not taking freedom for granted and to do all one can to preserve it. Many in the world today are striving to overcome democracy and "paints" Socialism and Communism as desirable. World Wars from the past should be enough to cause all to realize they are not desirable nor do they do the governing euphoria they claim to. If it were so, so many wouldn't be fleeing to America and enraged because it cannot let all others in. This earns a Five Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure to offer a positive review. This is my honest review.
My inspiration and challenges I have never aspired to be an author. During my travels all over the world on my assignments with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wanted to keep my family in the Netherlands in the picture of my whereabouts. Consequently, I wrote letters home every week, that were flown to Holland in the Diplomatic pouch together with the messages for the Foreign Office. My letters were as brief as I could make them, to the point, with poignant descriptions of people and places. I suppose, this is how I created an ability of expressing myself. It turned out to be good practice when I decided to write “Perils and Pearls.” Time and again, people who knew my background, the beginnings of my life in a Japanese concentration camp, insisted I write it down. How could I? Did I have the writing skills? When my husband, who is a historian, and I were giving talks in and around our town of Estes Park in Colorado, and when we encountered so much ignorance and at the same time so much interest in the events of the Second World War in the Pacific, I decided it was time. I contacted my brother, who is the keeper of the family archives, I gathered all the information from my talks with my mother, I searched in my collection for letters and manuscripts and so I began the process. The key challenges in writing my book was trying not to get carried away by the horrors I needed to describe. My mother, my family, when they spoke of these events, were always describing them in a matter of fact way. I trusted that the reader could find much that was unsaid between the lines. Personally, I am struck by the strength, courage, perseverance, wisdom of my mother under these horrible circumstances. And every time I read the story of the young woman Luut, I am deeply moved. She was 24 years old, wise beyond her age, when she realized she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But she continued her calvary, and took the place of her brother to be decapitated. I believe I was inspired to write this book, encouraged by my husband and my friends. I have said wanted I wanted to say. Even when my friends insist they want a sequel, I know I will not be able to summon the same discipline or have the same inspiration. “Perils and Pearls” will be my one and only book
 Meet the Author: Hulda Bachman–Neeb was born in Indonesia of colonial Dutch parentage two years before the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. Because much of Asia fell under Japanese control, all non-Asians were imprisoned in concentration camps until August of 1945, the end of the war in the Pacific. As a member of the Dutch Foreign Service in her adult life, Hulda held assignments in twenty-five countries over a period of thirty-six years, retiring in 1996. She is married to an American, James Bachman, a historian and author, and has dual citizenship. Hulda and her husband live in Estes Park, Colorado. Connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ twitter   Giveaway: Prizes: One of Four $25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Hulda Bachman-Neeb, author of PERIL AND PEARLS (ends May 8) To ENTER, Click on HERE! TOUR SCHEDULE: April 20th: - Launch Locks, Hooks and Books - Excerpt Rockiin' Book Reviews - Review Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt April 21st: Remembrancy - Excerpt Splashes of Joy - Excerpt April 22nd: Wishful Endings - Excerpt Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt April 23rd: Baroness' Book Trove - Review Hallie Reads - Excerpt April 24th: Teatime and Books - Review Reading Is My SuperPower - Excerpt April 25th: - Grand Finale  This OUTSTANDING, Non-Fiction Book is a an examination of the legacy of the Caribbean Irish, who few know were some of the earliest settlers in the British West Indies. 
The Caribbean Irish explores the little known fact that the Irish were amongst the earliest settlers in the Caribbean. They became colonisers, planters and merchants living in the British West Indies between 1620 and 1800 but the majority of them arrived as indentured servants. This book explores their lives and poses the question, were they really slaves? As African slaves started arriving en masse and taking over servants’ tasks, the role of the Irish gradually diminished. But the legacy of the Caribbean Irish still lives on. BUY LINK: John Huntsman Publishing REVIEW by LAWonder10: I never cease to be amazed how much one can learn each day. Perhaps that is why I enjoy reading so much! Previously, I had learned the Irish were put into servitude, along with Scotts, Scandinavian and lesser class British subjects, but never did I realize the extent. They were treated equally badly as the African slaves. The women were "bred" with African males to create a lighter skinned slave to bring in extra money in sales. They were signed up for years of servitude, supposedly to be then freed. This didn't often happen for many, many years if ever, especially for women. Many of those in servitude starved to death. If the women were raped (usually by the owner, his sons or other "free men", each time a woman became pregnant two more years were added to her servitude. The Vikings raided the coasts of England, Wales, and Scotland, bordering on the Iris Sea. Slaves were transported on sea from East to West. In 1169, the Anglo-Normans invaded and conquered parts of Ireland. The English persisted in settling in Ireland. Some Celtic rulers slowly accepted King Henry ll's "over-lordship"and Norman lords soon became Celtic chieftains. Discord in Ireland began between the Catholics and Protestant (which has continued until recent years.). In the mid 1600's, Officer Oliver Cromwell came to Ireland to settle the dispute. He and his army conquered Ireland in a most unethical and brutal way. He stole their land and wealth. The common workers were killed or forced into slavery. A huge amount of orphaned children, were made slaves. Many boys over twelve were trained for military service. However, the Irish were known as "fighters" and didn't give in easily. These are just a few of the facts I learned. The further deprecation is inhumane on all accounts. All the Irish were considered low class and unintelligent. Even in early 20th century America, many regarded the Irish in this manner. I am appalled that any person in any country can delight in the mistreatment of others, yet claim to be Christian! This account was thorough and well-written. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book of valuable information. *This book was gifted me with no suggestion for a positive review. This is my honest review.  About Miki Garcia
After obtaining a master's degree in journalism from City, University of London, Miki began her career as a reporter and covered a wide range of stories in the UK, Rwanda, the Philippines, Ireland and the US. She works as a research writer for think tanks and academic institutions. Author Links: Amazon Page |   Book Details: Bury Him: A Memoir of the Viet Nam War by Captain Doug Chamberlain Category: Non-Fiction (18 +), 348 pages Genre: Memoir, Biographies of the Marines Publisher: Love the West Publications LLC Release date: November 2019 Tour dates: April 13 to May 1, 2020 Content Rating: PG + M: Some scenes of the war, no bad language, no sex. Book Description: In this frank, engaging memoir, Captain Chamberlain chronicles the missions, personal courage and sacrifice of the Marines he was privileged to command; painfully recalls the unspeakable order he and his Marines were forced to obey; and the cover-up which followed. Nearly four decades later, Captain Chamberlain makes right what was wrong; brings closure to the family of a fallen and abandoned warrior; and attempts to put to rest the guilt which plagued his military career and life. Unlike most books on the Viet Nam War, this book is written at a tactical level by a Marine Company Commander who was there. BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ IndieBound~ Hardcover from Author Add to Goodreads  REVIEW by LAWonder10: Many avoid past events because many are unpleasant. History repeats itself! If we are to avoid making the same destructive mistakes of others, we must learn from historical events. The Viet Nam War was a regrettable mistake, created and prolonged by greedy, corrupt leaders in politics. It is why today so many are striving to "clear out the swamp" of politicians and special interest groups who have lost integrity and the meaning of "serving the people" . This book is a remarkable account of one man who strives to be principled, honest, deserving of trust and is forever enduring the aftermath of having to be a part of a dreadful war. In his account, he touches on a topic very important to many of the U.S. citizens... The treatment then and now of Viet Nam Veterans. Men and women who felt they were serving and giving their lives for the people in, and the welfare of, their country, returned home, to be scoffed at, spit on, belittled for what the political leaders did, instead of honored for their sincere sense of duty. They have not received the needed and earned mental and health care from the horrors they endured. They were left on their own to suffer through the trauma and pain. In his book, Captain Chamberlain witnesses and experiences things which challenged his respect of authority and of patriotism. However, the things he feels guilt over is unfounded. He was not the one accountable for certain orders. He dd all he could to make things right... even to the writing of this book. The government are the ones now responsible to open the records and correct nay misrepresentation and wrong doing. This is an outstanding memoir, highly recommended for ALL - both young and elderly - to read and learn from. This man is the type of leader we need to put into positions of leadership. He has the principles and integrity the Founders of our country intended. I offer a Five Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
 My Inspiration - This is the first time I have written a book. I am thankful that I had experience writing research papers in graduate school several times in my life, but writing a book is, as we say in the country, “a horse of a different color”! My advice to anyone who has the desire to write a book is …… get started! There is no magic involved. Whatever the subject you want to write about may be unique or it may have been written about by numerous people. Whether you have researched the subject or just have an idea, you will never know if you have are ever going to have a book in your future until you “take the leap”, so just sit down and get started. You must have some kind of personal interest in the subject and have some kind of an idea of who the audience will be that may be interested in your book. Readers will be those who also have an interest in the subject matter, so your effort must be authentic and accurate. After that, you must write from inspiration. However, the inspiration to write is not something you simply decide to do one day. It must come from within, and be born of personal conviction concerning the subject matter. Remember that you may be criticized, but be sure to accept it in the spirit that it may be helpful, because it usually will be. Look to others with experience for advice and assistance. It will be invaluable. My inspiration came from a former student I taught and coached when he was in high school decades before. He casually commented one day on a character flaw he thought I had, and the impact of what he said left me with a lasting impression. That one statement led me to solve a one-half century mystery, and to provide aide to others who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The biggest challenge for me was “50 years and the fog of war”, and the fear that my memory might be inaccurate. Researching military documents was over-whelming, but the voluntary assistance from a Forensics Investigator who volunteered his time to my efforts was invaluable. I could not have completed the book without his assistance. I did not seek vindication about the main subject matter of the book, but I did seek validation of my memories. I accomplished that.  Meet the Author: Doug Chamberlain, the grandson of homesteaders in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska, grew up with the "country values" instilled in him in the rural environment of a very small community. Even though there were only 10 students in his high school graduating class, several of his classmates pursued careers, public service, and military service that took them to various locations around the world. His rural values and the foundational reinforcement of those values at the University of Wyoming and John Brown University proved to be tested in their entirety when he became a Marine Infantry Officer in the Viet Nam War. His life changing experiences in that war proved to haunt him during his search to solve a mystery that spanned 50 years...and Bury Him details the sordid facts and the horrible truth that had eluded him. Connect with the author: website ~ facebook Here is the tour schedule`  Prizes: One of Four $25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Capt. Doug Chamberlain, author of BURY HIM (ends May 8) To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book details: Ten Seconds to Dead by L.A. Clayton Publication date: January 20th 2020 | Genres: Adult, Thriller Synopsis: Ten seconds may be all she has left … Kate Edison witnesses her father’s death and, in order to keep his memory alive, decides to follow in his footsteps by joining the CIA. She molds herself into becoming exactly what the CIA is looking for--and captures their interest, both personally and professionally. But before she can finish the CIA process, Kate is offered a position as an espionage agent in another highly secretive government agency, which she accepts. While completing her agency training, Kate is catapulted into a shadowy world where wealth and power are the ultimate goal, and those in charge will stop at nothing to get it. While on the job, Kate uncovers secrets that, if revealed, would cost her life, but if kept, could bring down a nation. Isolated and unsure of who to trust, she brings in a fellow agent, but pulling him into the web of conspiracy and lies puts a target on both their backs – and it will take every skill they’ve ever learned as agents to stay alive long enough to stop the enemy no one else can see. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon  REVIEW by VICKIE! Ten Seconds to Dead - L A Clayton Wow, what an intense story. I like how it kept my heart racing with the intrigue of what was about to happen next. the story is very well-written. I can't wait for summer to read Ten Seconds to Pandemic. The characters are all well-developed. I love Kate's character. She is so strong and determined. Jake is also someone you have to love. He's a great guy and so is Nick. It's always great to have a good friend like Lina, she always has Kate's back. The title and cover of the book are a good fit for the story. The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along. I highly recommend this story to others who like an exciting, intense story. I give this story a literary rating of 5/5  AUTHOR BIO: L.A. Clayton has been an avid reader her entire life, devouring books at an alarming rate. Her husband often jokes that if she didn’t buy so many books they could retire. She went to bed one night a reader and woke up with a fresh memory of a dream she’d had the night before, sat down and became a writer. L.A. Clayton lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and their four young children. She makes time for writing in between wiping noses and packing lunches. Author links: Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | You can find the schedule HERE!  Giveaway Details: Tour-wide giveaway (INT)
TO ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: The Crystal War (Fragments #2) by Tracy Auerbach Published by: Parliament House | Publication date: April 14th 2020 Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy Synopsis: The line between human and monster is not as clear cut as they once thought. In the weeks since her escape from the hell of the Eastern Fortress, things have grown more complicated for Kai. She cast her lot with her brother’s self-absorbed boyfriend, who controls the Western Army, but she’s been separated from Finn, the soldier who found a place in her heart. Finn has defaulted to his signature move: he’s run away; afraid of himself, his new feelings for Kai, and all the terrible truths he’s learned. Tessa is free in the world for the first time, a force to be reckoned with. She’s gone to the far west and the Dome of Artifacts to seek revenge on the system that ruined her life. The type ‘A’ soldier who was once a friendly boy named Charlie has been restored to factory settings, a weapon for Aric to use. The Science Council has unleashed new crystal compounds, more toxic and destructive than anything the world has seen. As Kai and her friends struggle with everything that’s been done to them, they will have to find a way to unite and prepare for the fight of their lives. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo  AUTHOR BIO: Tracy Auerbach is an author of science fiction and fantasy for teens and adults. As an avid reader with a vivid imagination, she chose to study film, English, and education, and went on to teach and write STEM curriculum for the New York Department of Education. This helped to polish her writing skills and ignite her passion for science fiction and fantasy. Her first scholarly article, published in Language Magazine, was about the value of active, creative learning in science. On the fiction side, Tracy’s work has been featured in the online literary journal Micro-horror, The Writing Disorder fiction anthology, and the “(Dis)ability” short story anthology, in addition to her novels. When she is not teaching or writing, Tracy is usually reading or spending time with her family. She lives in New York with her husband and sons. Author links: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook |  GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Edge Of Darkness (Arrow’s Edge MC #2) by Freya Barker Publication date: April 9th 2020 Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense Synopsis: Road rash and Jack meets handcuffs and street smarts. I am a wandering disaster. A hedonist, a lover, a son, and a rebel. My name is Yuma. I’m sober enough to see the need for redemption, but too blind to realize I already found it. I am an independent seeker. An overachiever, a friend, a misfit, and a cop. My name is Lissie. I’m determined enough to find acceptance, but too stubborn to see all I need is my own. We shouldn’t get involved—all the odds are against us—but when bodies turn up on common ground and lines between duty and purpose get blurred, our future becomes clear. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | NOTE from Reviewer: I have not read this but, from promotion content, it does have some profanity.
 AUTHOR BIO: Award-winning author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives. Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention! Author links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads  Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To Enter the Giveaway, Click on HERE!    Book Details: The Devil and Dayna Dalton: (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 126 pages | Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | Release date: Sep 2019 Tour d ates: Mar 30 to May 1, 2020 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.*Contains Sexual Content* Book Description: Reporter Dayna Dalton's reputation has been ruined since birth. The daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother's footsteps; never given a chance to prove she's different. Dana's been in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He's happily married and unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character. Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept a greater love? *Contains Sexual Content* Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ Add to Goodreads  REVIEW by LAWonder10: The devil and Dayna Dalton is a all encompassing Title choice. It is fitting and the Cover image is equally fitting and intriguing. This an often too real-to-life scenario of many places, especially in small towns. If a person is from "bad blood" or does not "fit in" with the rest of the town's people, often it is nearly impossible for an individual to change that image in the town's perception. This is the case with Dayna Dalton. No matter what she has accomplished, she is still "branded" by most of he town's citizens. One individual was different. He was always kind and never made he feel she was less than anyone else. She has always loved him. If only she can make him see her, and feel about her, as she does him. She can never give up! Many things have changed in the past few years in this peculiar town of Bulwark. Many really weird things have taken place, also. Dayna is a hard worker and a great reporter. She has made some huge mistakes but one of the is not a "marriage wrecker". Still, she was close to the borderline with the handsome Clay Finnes. If she can't have him, then what is to become of her? Little does she know what is soon to be "thrown" in her path.... She must make a choice, and neither choice seems like a good option. This was an intriguing, somewhat heart-wrenching tale in the Bulwark series. There are a couple of intimate and slightly explicit scenes and some crude terms and language, but it is a well-written drama. It stirred some unpleasant memories of life in a small town I once experienced. judgement of others can be so damaging to individuals and is something not easily undone. The story had an unsettled "cliff-hanger" I feel was not complete enough as a good lead into the next part of the series. It left too much to be decided. I feel this rates Four Stars * This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES:
  Meet the Author: Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram   Prizes: Win 1 of 5 print or 1 of 5 ebook of Brit Lunden's BULWARK Anthology books, or a $100 Amazon Gift Card (open USA) (11 winners) (ends May 8) To ENTER the Giveaway, Click on HERE!    The Knowing (Book 1): A Bulwark Anthology Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 104 pages | Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | Release date: Mar 2019 Tour dates: Mar 30 to May 1, 2020 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex. Book Description: Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows what strange things can happen when the rest of the world can't see you? JB Stratton is alone in the world, and all he has left are the memories of his beloved Ellie. Dirt poor JB and wealthy Ellie feel an instant connection that is as intense and primal as the blood red earth of their home. Unseen roots connect them, pulling them into an impossible relationship. Will the memories of past lives help or hinder the path of their love? Based on the original novella Bulwark, by Brit Lunden, The Knowing continues the story of a town isolated from the rest of the world where the impossible becomes plausible, and logic is determined by reality. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10! This is a great addition to Bulwark. It gives an account of the beginning to the continuing love of JB and Ellie even after Ellie's death. JB is a key character from Bulwark. Knowing is better appreciated if Bulwark is read before this book. This is a very intriguingly different horror-type "quick-read" series. Each novella is quite short, yet packed with frightening weirdness. This series is a fictional small town "tucked away" in Georgia, where dark unusual 'sightings" appear. Sightings one hopes do not become his or her reality! The book is fairly well written and the characters are realistic, for the most part. The scenes are quite well defined and one can visualize them. This novella "came together" as it progressed, but for awhile i felt slightly "lost". I feel the reader could have stayed more connected with the story if there wasn't such an abrupt separation of the two key individuals. I feel it was still a touching story and kept the reader' curiosity up. I offer a Four Stars rating. *I was gifted this book with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review. OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
 Meet the Author: Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram  Prizes: Win 1 of 5 print or 1 of 5 ebook of Brit Lunden's BULWARK Anthology books, or a $100 Amazon Gift Card (open USA) (11 winners) (ends May 8) To ENTER the Giveaway, Click on HERE!  |
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