 Book Synopsis This is the beginning of a little series that I’ve been working on for a long time that I’m calling: “The Eleven Things” series. This is the first one called: Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know about the Book of Mormon. I’ve found over nearly 20 years of teaching adult and young adult institute that many miss the hidden gems in the scriptures. They miss the details and many of the “ah-ha moments” that are densely packed into Holy Writ. You will love this book. It is a fun read. You'll have lots of ah-ha moments. It will excite you to learn even more about the incomparable Book of Mormon. You will learn things you've just never known before. Generally, if you are purchasing this eBook, you’re a self-selected student of the scriptures and likely seasoned in the scriptures, or you’re a curious student of the gospel who just thirsts for learning and wants to know more, or you unabashedly have a high degree of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) so you want to be sure you are up to date on things you didn’t know. PURCHASE   AUTHOR'S BIO: Scot Facer Proctor was raised in Rolla, Missouri, the youngest son of Paul Dean and Martha Facer Proctor. He is the co-founder and publisher of Meridian Magazine. In his youth he was given the extraordinary opportunity to live in Ankara, Turkey for two different years. During that time he traveled extensively, studying and following closely the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. These experiences led to a lifetime of immersion in the ancient world and the scriptures. He continues to spend a great deal of time in the Middle East and the Holy Land–traveling there at least once a year. After serving a mission to Germany, Scot graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in motion picture and television production and minors in political science and German. He received his master’s degree from Utah State University in instructional technology with emphasis in audience analysis and product development. He also completed two years of postgraduate studies at the University of Utah in international development working closely under the mentoring hand of humanitarian, Dr. James B. Mayfield. This friendship would lead to long association with CHOICE Humanitarian and major projects in Egypt, India, Kenya and Nepal. Scot is a professional photographer specializing in the photo-documentation of sacred sites throughout the world. Scot and his wife Maurine are the authors or editors of over a dozen books including The Revised and Enhanced History of the Prophet Joseph Smith by His Mother; the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, Revised and Enhanced Edition and Witness of the Light, A Photographic Journey in the Footsteps of the American Prophet Joseph Smith. The Proctors taught Institute part-time for more than 15 years. They are the parents of eleven children and grandparents of eighteen. He and Maurine live in Alpine, Utah. Email Author  Giveaway Details: 2 Free Copies of the ebook To ENTER, Click on HERE! This Promotion is presented by Covenant Communications Publishing
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  13 Billion To One: A Memoir: Winning the $50 Million Lottery Has Its Price by Randy Rush Publisher: Rantanna Media (June 24, 2020) Category: Memoir | Tour Dates June and July, 2020 ISBN: 978-1-9992524-0-3 Available in Print, Audiobook, and ebook, 283 pages Book Description: A Riveting Story About Grit, Determination and the Refusal to Give In or Give Up — No Matter How Great the Odds. As a welfare kid who grew up in the streets, Randy Rush had to fight for everything he got and knew what it was like to struggle. So, when he was suddenly handed $50 million in tax-free money, he vowed to use his new-found wealth to help others. But what he didn’t see coming was Jeremy Crawford. In his gripping, adrenaline-packed memoir, Rush takes readers on his rocket-fueled journey after a trip to the corner grocer to buy food for his beloved cat, Conway Kitty, leads to the discovery that he has won Canada’s $50 million Lotto Max jackpot. Soaring on a seemingly endless endorphin high, Rush spends the months following his win traveling, feeding his passion for rare sports cars, considering charitable causes, and splurging on friends — paying off their debts and even giving them a free place to stay in million-dollar homes. But his world comes crashing down when he discovers that Dave Crawford, a man he loved like an older brother and had generously provided for, has served him up to his con artist son, Jeremy — who scams Rush out of nearly $5 million. Reeling from Dave’s betrayal and fueled by the discovery that the Crawfords are serial con artists who have devastated the lives of more than a hundred others, Rush embarks on a mission to take his adversaries down. But as his quest for justice drags on, his festering rage reaches a boiling point and he is faced with a choice: Let the Crawford’s cons destroy him, or re-focus his attention on doing good in the world and enjoying the enormous gift he has been given. Buy 13 Billion To One by Randy Rush: Amazon ~ Barnes&Noble ~ Indiebound REVIEW by LAWonder10: 13 Billion to One is a remarkable true story of a reformed man who was earning a middle class income, and actually won a $50,000,000. Lottery! Randy Rush had experienced a rough time growing up. After a kind word from an adult enabled him to change his wayward life, he became a better, hard working human being. After winning the Lottery, he wanted to pay it forward with his friends and some family members. What Randy Rush discovered was a very disheartening, "learning lesson". It is sad how wealth and success often brings the worst out in mankind. It is also shocking how many people get away with crimes while the innocent often are left to suffer. Randy Rush's negative and positive experiences are enlightening as he shares them in an expressive manner. His presentation of these events are never boring. After many situations and expenditures, Randy shares what he soon found to be peace and happiness. This is so fantastical, it seems impossible. Included in the center of this account are photographs of some key people. I offer a Five Stars rating for this true story. *This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
"13 Billion To One by Randy Rush“The story is nicely balanced, well organized, and crisply told, and the author is a sympathetic figure who finally seems to have found his purpose. Readers will find ‘13 Billion to One’ a delightful read—one that also includes an invaluable cautionary tale about people and money.”-BlueInk Review “Randy Rush’s engaging memoir 13 Billion to One is about a win so big that the resultant money seemed inexhaustible….an absorbing memoir about a windfall that leads to considerations of what really matters in life.”--Foreword Clarion Reviews “…fast-paced debut memoir.…readers will enjoy this rags-to-riches memoir about bringing a con artist to justice.”–BookLife About Randy Rush - (Africa, 2017)  Randy Rush is on a mission to stop white collar crime and other social injustices by exposing them to the world. He recently founded Rantanna Media, a mission-driven publishing and production company, to give victims a voice and raise widespread awareness about the devastating impact of these crimes. Randy is also committed to transforming the lives of children in Africa by providing them the education, love and hope they need to succeed. He divides his time between Canada and Europe. Website | Twitter| Facebook | Instagram |  Giveaway 13 Billion To One by Randy Rush This giveaway is for 3 print copies open to Canada and the U.S. only. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends August 1, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. To ENTER, Click on HERE!    Book Details: The Magic of a Kiss (Return to the Home Front, #4) by Tracey L. Dragon Published by: Soul Mate Publishing Publication date: June 24th 2020 Genres: Adult, Romance Synopsis:In 2015 when Nicki Stewart, an Army widow, arrives at the lake cottage bequeathed to her, she finds not only Lt. Josh Taylor, a cocky Navy Pilot, residing next door, but also an old diary left for her by Maggie, her deceased husband’s great aunt. When Nicki shares with Josh the colorful details about Hank, a man mentioned in Maggie’s diary, Josh shows her a journal written by the same guy. Before long, the two neighboring strangers become engrossed in the magic of a long-gone era. In 1950 Maggie Frank, a prim librarian, buys a duplex cottage at Olcott Beach, NY where she learns that the man residing next door is both a womanizer and a drunkard. Hank Jones, a World War II Veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life, is at first annoyed but later intrigued by the straight-laced Maggie whose situation he finds puzzling. Before long, the two opposites become friends in an odd sort of way until the day Maggie’s secret is exposed, and they go their separate ways. When Hank returns unannounced on Christmas Eve, Maggie must decide if love can overcome the wounds of the past. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Will be found here come release day: https://amzn.to/2ClmCrG  AUTHOR BIO: Tracey L. Dragon is a relocated New Yorker, former Navy Wife, and retired educator who lives in Yulee, Florida with her husband Bill and Mickey, their black and white Miniature Goldendoodle. Tracey's first publication came at the age of twelve when the short poem she wrote about the Apollo moon landing was published in her hometown newspaper. After seven military moves, raising two Navy brats, and twenty years teaching troubled youth and incarcerated adults, she is now able to put her full attention to publishing the children's stories and historic romance novels she's written over the years as a hobby. Tracey's Adult Fiction Series, "Return to the Home Front" is a collection of dual-time military themed romance novels: The first three books "Cherished Wings", "When the Geese Fly North" are available in print and Kindle editions now. The third, "When Love Simply Is" will be released in October 2019 by Soul Mate Publishing. Her "Military Brat Series" for children is also available with 3 stories available now and additional titles coming soon. Tracey enjoys running, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Florida Author & Publishers Association. Author links: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter |  GIVEAWAY Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
To ENTER, Click on HERE!  Women of Color in Tech by Susanne Tedrick Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 7/17/20}6/22/2020   Book Details: Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators by Susanne Tedrick Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 18 yrs +, 288 pages Genre: Business, Careers, Technology Publisher: Wiley | Release date: April, 2020 Tour dates: June 22 to July 10, 2020 | Content Rating: PG. Book Description: Tech industry jobs are growing fast, offering great pay, career growth and learning opportunities. Women of color, sadly, have not been able to fully participate in this boom. There are many misconceptions about the tech industry. Misconceptions can often discourage women of color from pursuing or remaining in technical careers. For example, misconceptions like “tech careers are all about coding ”or “there’s no diversity in tech.” In reality, tech career opportunities can be diverse, fun, and incredibly dynamic. While there are barriers to overcome, Women of Color in Tech is an indispensable resource for building a rewarding future in tech. Packed with inspiring stories and practical advice, this book shows you how to uncover the resources you need to succeed. This practical guide will help you develop the blend of knowledge and skills needed for getting into tech—and staying there. Author Susanne Tedrick understands that, for a variety of reasons, young women of color are underrepresented in tech and may not have access to strong support networks or resources to be successful. Using her own experiences transitioning into tech, Susanne offers you real-world guidance on finding knowledgeable mentors, learning the latest industry trends, cultivating strong relationships and more. If you’re thinking about going into tech, or you want to take your current career to the next level, Women of Color in Tech will help you build a blueprint for a successful career. • Understand the reality of tech today, not misconceptions. • Learn about the different tech jobs and opportunities that exist, not just coding. • Gain an understanding of emerging technology areas that will affect jobs, like artificial intelligence, Blockchain and cloud computing. • Discover traditional and non-traditional education option to get the skills you need. • Find mentors, build your professional network and get the guidance you need. • Stay motivated and deal with difficult situations. • Recognize the importance of giving back to increase diversity and inclusion. Buy the Book: Webelongintech ~ Amazon~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million ~ Target Add to Goodreads
The Diversity of Tech Jobs By Susanne Tedrick According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are expected to add an additional 546,200 jobs by 2028, faster than the average for all occupations that they track. As society and businesses become more and more reliant on technology, this growth will continue as a break-neck pace, giving way to job opportunities that present high wages, professional development and market competitiveness. Most think that tech jobs are primarily in software engineering and development, cyber security or IT systems administration – all outstanding job opportunities in themselves. But if you’re not interested in coding for hours on end, or applying security patches or monitoring computer networks, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a place for you in the tech world. For example, if you are someone that has a strong interest in graphic design or art, designing websites might be for you. If enjoy learning how humans interact with the hardware and software that they use, and find ways to make their experiences better, you may enjoy a career in user interface or user experience design. Data science careers allow you to share and visualize important insights through critical data analysis, while tech product and project management positions allow you to utilize business, communication and technical skills to either successfully bring a new product to market or complete a project to a successful close. The opportunities are diverse and endless; newer job fields will emerge as technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud computing continue to evolve. Also, the FAANG companies (or Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google) are not the only companies that are looking for tech talent. Companies in diverse industries like Bank of America, Nike and The New York Times are constantly hiring for tech talent, in addition to local, state and federal governments. There’s no limit to tech of for the number of opportunities that are out there – we only need to “expand our pie” of what a tech career can look like.   Meet the Author: Susanne Tedrick is a technical specialist for a Fortune 50 technology company. Fiercely committed to increasing participation of women and people of color in STEM educational and professional opportunities, she is a career mentor for the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Initiative and a volunteer workshop technical assistant for Black Girls Code, a nonprofit that empowers girls of color to develop in-demand IT skills and prepare for careers in tech. Susanne was awarded the 2018 CompTIA AITP Rising Star of the Year Award, and nominated for the 2019 CompTIA Advancing Women in Technology Mentorship Guide Award, for her dedication to advancing her career and that of others. Views expressed are those of author Susanne Tedrick and are not endorsed by any of her current or former employers. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads  Giveaway Details: Autographed Copy of WOMEN OF COLOR Plus $25 Amazon Gift Card (USA only) (ends July 17, 2020) TO ENTER, Click on HERE!    Living Scriptures free one month trial offer: bit.ly/3doesvi Below are just a few features available with your Living Scriptures membership!
  Enter to win a ONE Year Subscription (we are choosing 2 winners) (Ends 6/30/20) To Enter, Click on HERE! This opportunity is Presented by Covenant Communications Publishing!
We are uniquely shaped by innovations that influenced us during our "coming of age" years between 10 and 25. It is the technological interactions in our adolescence and college years that guide our generational frames more than anything else, not the day we were born.We are generations of technology. We are GenTech. - Dr. Rick Chromey  Book Details: GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are by Dr. Rick Chromey Category: Adult Non-fiction 18 yrs +, 328 pages Genre: History / Cultural & Technical History Publisher: Morgan James Publishing Release date: May 26, 2020 Format available for review: mobi, epub, PDF Tour dates: June 2 to June 29, 2020 Content Rating: G : This is a non-fiction book about our technical history and how it has shaped our culture. Book Description: Every twenty years a new generation rises, but who and what defines these generations? And could current generational tags mislead and miss the point? In this insightful analysis of technology history since 1900, Dr. Rick Chromey offers a fresh perspective for understanding what makes a generation tick and differ from others. Within GenTech, readers learn how every generation uniquely interacts with particular technologies that define historical temperament and personality and why current generational labels are more fluid than fixed, and more loopy than linear. Consequently, three major generational constellations emerge, each containing four, twenty-year generations that overlap, merge, and blend:
Official Scheduled Release Date is May 26, 2020. Pre-Order Now: Amazon.com ~ Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound ~ BAM ~ Powell's ~ Indigo ~ Rediscovered Books Review by LAWonder10: In 'GenTech', the author Explores the "boxes" past experts have created to define a generation. The author contends, with the Technology advancements since 1960, the "generation" can no longer be defined by "boxed" identifications but must be identified by more "fluid " titles. he also, suggests in increased difficulty in creating a specific "generation" due to overlapping birth years depending on individuals. Dr. Chromey emphasizes that the "tipping points" has allowed technology to be afforded by a larger audience. Dr Chromey contends that the advances in the late 19th and of the early 20th centuries, set the foundation for the flourishing technological advancements. He makes an argument that a definite line has been drawn in advancement since 1960 and that the greatest generation gap occurred since then and the turn of the century. The new "rising frontier" consists of Robotics and Holograms. In 'GenTech', Dr. Chromey identifies one of the biggest threats of today's technology is the :dark Web". He reflects it is cyber bullying and brings out the worst of humanity. "A good, innocent person can be smeared and destroyed overnight. Secrets can be revealed to end marriages, careers, and reputations in a mere click. The Internet is a breeding ground for fake news, unverified reports, deceptive memes and destructive Tweets." In GenTech, Dr. Chromey lists the different advancements and explains the significance of each. Of all the present and upcoming advancements, he mentions the positive point, yet also the concerns. This book is well-written and very thorough and interesting. However, at times he goes into much detail some of us "less developed minds" can comprehend. It is definitely written more for the "intellect." I offer a Four Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.  Meet the Author: Rick Chromey is a cultural explorer, social historian and generational futurist. He’s also served as a pastor, professor, speaker/trainer, and consultant. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to inspire and equip leaders, teachers, pastors, and parents. Rick has a doctorate in leadership and the emerging culture; and travels the U.S. and world to speak on culture, faith, history, education, and leadership topics. He has authored over a dozen books on leadership, natural motivation, creative communication, and classroom management. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Meridian, Idaho. Connect with the Author: website ~ youtube ~ facebook ~ twitter ~ instagram Here is the tour schedule.  Win 1 of 2 print or 1 of 3 ebook of GENTECH (open USA & Canada) (5 winners) (ends July 6) To Enter this Giveaway, Click on HERE!    Book Details: A Secret Life: Enduring and Triumphing Over OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by James S. Juliana Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 176 pages Genre: Self-Help, Mental Health Publisher: Self-Published | Release dates: October 2019 Tour dates: June 15 to June 26, 2020 Content Rating: PG. This self-help book deals with adult subject matter of mental illness. Book Description: Are you one of the millions who reside within a secret life, a life which constantly feels out of your own control: Are you plagued by repetitive thoughts and/or actions which interfere with your daily activities? The author lived for more than 40 years with an undiagnosed form of mental illness, a phobia now known as OCD: obsessive-compulsive disorder. His emotional pain and suffering were at times almost unmanageable. In his mid-sixties, the author, a loving husband, father and accomplished high school teacher and athletic coach, discovered a unique psychologist within the Denver therapeutic community who utilizes a radical but highly successful treatment that's allowed the author to control his OCD symptoms almost 100%. "A Secret Life" is one of the few books written by an OCD sufferer and descries in detail the pain and chaos living with this illness can cause not just the victim, but those closest to him. This story doesn't stop there, but provides readers with options and advice dealing with OCD from someone who broke the curse of living a secret life. Now he's ready to share his story in order to help others. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads
Friends and Family Members' Reactions to My Secret Life. The reaction from the majority of my family and friends after reading my book has been consistent. No one ever realized I had been living my entire adult life with a debilitating, sometimes life-altering form of mental illness known as OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. I had successfully spent my life keeping this phobia secret except from my parents and a few doctors/therapists for almost sixty years. My six siblings and none of my many high school and college friends knew the extent of my secret and the severity and influence of its effects upon my life and the lives of my wife and four children. The only person who knew and understood the complete impact of my living with this disorder was and is my wife Betsy, whom I first met when I was fourteen, whom I dated eight years before we married and to whom I have been wed for forty-eight and a half years. The complete story of my battle with OCD is now public, thanks to our book and the support of Betsy and our four children. My family and friends have responded with sincere surprise initially, then with much admiration and pride in the contents of the book, and my having the courage to openly relate to openly my struggle. A common refrain from people is: “I had no idea you lived with any kind of mental illness problem of this magnitude. Never.”  Meet the Author: Jim Juliana was a hard-working family man with a devoted wife and adoring children. As a teacher, he taught numerous subjects over a 28-year career, was an assistant principal/athletic director for three years and mentored generations of youngsters in the classroom and in athletics. Juliana was a coach for forty years at the high school level. Coach Juliana has been a part of two state championship teams, a city championship team and several league title teams. He spent two years as a college instructor and football coach. But Jim Juliana had a secret life, one over which he had no control. For most of his life, he also fought - and eventually defeated - an embarrassing and almost debilitating OCD. OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that effects three to five million adults in the US each year. OCD involves irrational fears or repeated thoughts or obsessions that drive an individual to engage in repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Jim Juliana's life was finally changed when he found a therapist whose treatment all but eliminated his OCD incidents. A Secret Life chronicles Juliana's battle against his OCD and gives readers options and information for treatment based on his experiences. Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook  Giveaway Details: Win 1 of 3 ebooks of A SECRET LIFE or a $25 Amazon Gift Card (4 winners) (ends July 3) To ENTER, Click on HERE!  “My goal in life is to make a humble contribution to the society that accepted and helped me when I was a person without a country.” — Tim Tran  Book Details: American Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America by Tim Tran (Tran Manh Khiem) with Tom Fields-Meyer Category: Non-Fiction (18 +), 390 pages Genre: Memoir | Publisher: Pacific University Press Release date: June 2020 | Tour dates: Jun 18 to Jul 8, 2020 Format available : print, mobi (for Kindle), epub, PDF Content Rating: PG + M: The book contains some bad language and recounts episodes of murder, rape, and suicide. Book Description: "American Dreamer" is an inspirational, first-hand account of the motivating power of an immigrant’s dream for a better life. From the rural Vietnam of Tim Tran’s childhood to his eventual escape to America and his rise as CFO of a multi-billion-dollar company, Tran’s memoir is a lesson in perseverance and ingenuity. After he initially left Vietnam in 1970 to attend American universities on a USAID scholarship, Tran’s sense of commitment led him home shortly before the fall of Saigon in 1975. Suspected of being a CIA agent, he found life under Communism increasingly difficult and dangerous, and was forced to flee. During multiple attempts to escape, he encountered deceit, betrayal, and even murder. Finally, in 1979 Tran and his wife, Cathy, escaped with 350 others in a rickety, overcrowded boat, and faced pirate attacks and months in a Malaysian refugee camp before reaching their new home in Oregon. "American Dreamer," written with passion, unflinching candor, and wit, is an extraordinary debut that confirms the American dream is alive and gives hope to anyone willing to work for a better life. Available Now for PreOrder! Release Date: Jun 20, 2020 BUY THE BOOK: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: This is a book ALL Americans should read! It applies to much of what is going on now. This is an outstanding, inspirational true story, written as well as any non-fiction I have ever read! It is so well organized and very easily followed. In spite of unimaginable hardships, he still applies humor and intrigue. A well-written novel could not have been more interesting than this tale! Although "Tim Tran" was blessed with a wonderful father who taught important, strong values, it is easy to discover that it was his mother, who had been through many severe hardships in her life, who was the congealing force in the family's success and determination. His mother was a quiet, hard working woman with great entrepreneur skills and wisdom beyond er years. "Tim's" father was raised wealthy and quite well educated. In North Vietnam, his father joined in groups fighting for independence but had the foresight to realize he needed to find a way for him and his family to reside in South Vietnam. Refugees at first, they eventually made it to a better life in Saigon. Through "Tim's" father's diligence in his sons education, "Tim" earned much success in school, and many awards. This served him well for the rest of his life. Times were hard as the war in Vietnam escalated. With outstanding awards and recommendations, "Tim was able to get a scholarship to go to the U.S. for college. Among the five foreign students chosen to attend college in the US, one was a girl, "Cathy" who he became acquainted with. Little did they know how their paths would continue to, miraculously, cross. Eagerly accepted by member of his dorm, "Tim" experienced American culture - to good and the bad. He never criticized, eagerly learned, and always was friendly and positive. He ended up graduating from Berkeley. His VISA ended and he had to make a difficult choice in those turbulent times whether or not to return to his homeland as was expected. From this time forth, "Tim" experienced very difficult, discouraging times of betrayal and degradation. However, with the strong work ethics, honesty, tenacity and a positive attitude he had been raised with, he would eventually. prevail. This book makes such a strong statement! It has earned my highest recommendation!
Tim Tran, author of AMERICAN DREAMER Describe the process of working with a co-author to tell your life story. What most surprised you about the process? What was most challenging? A. My process of working with a co-author to tell my life story is as follows: 1. After listening to my story and reviewing my outline, notes and draft of my manuscript, the co-author began the process of extensive planning, organizing and preparing a detailed outline to be discussed and used as the framework for the book. 2. We spent time communicating by phone, emails, and face-to-face interviews as the co-author started drafting the book one chapter at a time. The co-author and I discussed the draft and possible changes and revisions that I wanted to make to each chapter. 3. Once all the chapters were written, the co-author and I had many discussions about additional revisions, moving plots, re-organizing episode and events and fact-checking. Sometimes more research, editing, and re-writing were done. 4. Finally, as all the drafts of the manuscript was completed and I was happy with the end product, we worked on polishing the manuscript, adding pictures to the book, final proofreading for errors of grammar and punctuation, and final copy editing and revisions, as necessary. What surprised me about the process was it required a lot on both the author’s and co-author’s part to produce a great memoir, perhaps a prize-winning one! First and foremost, the author and co-author must be comfortable with and trust each other. Both sides should agree in advance on a set fee, payment terms and a time frame of completion of the book. Both parties should be easy to talk to, easy to work with, engaging, trusting, accommodating and professional. Both must be willing to accommodate each other’s pace and schedule to make the entire process go smoothly. The most challenging task for both the co-author and me was to decide what part of my story to include and what to leave out. The co-author suggested cutting out a lot of anecdotes and stories that were, in my opinion, very important in my original draft. I was advised to only include only materials that “move the story forward” and “keep the number of pages of the book within a reasonable range”. I argued convincingly to keep some, but ultimately a lot were left out of the final version. Through this process with my co-author, I learned that in writing memoir, “what gets left out can be as important as what gets put in” and “it is more difficult to cut than to add.”  Meet the Author: In 1970, Tim (Khiem) and Cathy (Thuy) Tran were top international students from South Vietnam who were awarded scholarships to study in the United States. They studied for two years at Pacific University in Oregon, after which Tim pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and Cathy finished her degree at the University of Oregon. Per the conditions of their scholarships, the two returned to South Vietnam in 1974. When Saigon was overrun by communist forces in 1975, the family endured great hardships. In 1979, Tim and Cathy managed to escape via boat. After a harrowing, life-threating voyage they were placed in a refugee camp in Malaysia. Eventually the Trans were able to immigrate to the United States and became naturalized citizens in 1986. Tim went on to become the Chief Financial Officer of Johnstone Supply, and Cathy worked for U.S. Bank, then Standard Insurance, and became an accounting manager. In 2017, the Trans established a Library Endowment Fund at Pacific University. In honor of their gift, the library building on the Pacific University Forest Grove campus was dedicated as the Tim and Cathy Tran Library. Connect with the author: website  Giveaway Details: Win 1 of 15 copies of AMERICAN DREAMER (USA and Canada only)(ends July 15) TO ENTER The Giveaway, Click on HERE!   Book Details: The Dream (The Creek Water Series #4) by Whitney Dineen Publication date: June 21st 2020 Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: Ashley has loved the same boy since high school. She knew Davis Frothingham was special even before he championed her at her senior prom. She also knew he was completely out of her league. Years later, her attraction for him is still there, but Davis? He doesn’t even remember her. When Ashley is tasked with being the nurse for Davis’ terminally ill grandmother, she’s thrown back into his world. More than anything, she wants him to remember her, but that recollection could come at a price of its own. Can Ashley accept that she’s good enough for Davis? And can Davis learn to love a girl from the wrong side of the tracks? Find out in this delightfully fun romcom about love and life in Creek Water, Missouri! Goodreads ~ | Purchase: Amazon  AUTHOR BIO: Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order. Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables. Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017. Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016. ~ Finalist RONE Awards, 2016 ~ Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017. ~ Finalist at the Book ~ Excellence Awards, 2017 ~ Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017 Author links: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook | GIVEAWAY! Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
TO ENTER, Click on HERE!  Keeping the Lights On for Ike by Rebecca Daniels Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 8/1/20}6/16/2020   Keeping the Lights On for Ike by Rebecca Daniels Publisher: Sunbury Press, February 2019 Category: Memoir, History, Military, WWII, and Biography Tour Dates June and July, 2020 | ISBN: 978-1620061145 Available in Print and ebook, 284 pages Book Description: Daily Life of a Utilities Engineer at AFHQ in Europe During WWII; or, What to Say in Letters Home When You’re Not Allowed to Write about the War Most people don’t realize that during the war in Europe in the 1940s, it took an average of six support soldiers to make the work of four combat soldiers possible. Most of what’s available in the literature tends toward combat narratives, and yet the support soldiers had complex and unique experiences as well. This book is based on personal correspondence, and it is primarily a memoir that creates a picture of the day-to-day realities of an individual soldier told in his own words [as much as he could tell under the wartime rules of censorship, that is] as well as giving insight into what it was actually like to be an American soldier during WWII. It explores the experiences of a non-combat Army utilities engineer working in a combat zone during the war in Europe and takes the protagonist from basic training through various overseas assignments—in this case to England, North Africa, and Italy as a support soldier under Eisenhower and his successors at Allied Force Headquarters. It also includes some reflections about his life after returning to Oregon when the war was over. The soldier involved is Captain Harold Alec Daniels [OSU, Class of 1939, ROTC] and most of the letters were written to his wife, Mary Daniels [attended U of O in the late 1930s]. They are the author’s parents, and she inherited the letter collection, photos, and all other primary source materials after her mother’s death in 2006 .Buy Links: Amazon| Barnes&Noble | Powell’s | Indiebound | Sunbury 
“The book moves swiftly along, while at the same time capturing the frustration of their prolonged separation. The historical timeline provides just the right bit of historical context to these war years behind at the tail of the army. This is not the typical WWII combat book.”- The Montague Reporter “The lack of military detail — the focus on everyday life and on the relationship between Alec and Mary — ends up being one of the book’s greatest assets. Many works of history detail the story of great battles. Fewer dwell on individual wartime experiences. The book is also strengthened by the affection expressed in Alec’s relatively inarticulate yet moving letters to his wife on the home front.”- Tinky Weisblat, Greenfield Recorder, author of “The Pudding Hollow Cookbook,” “Pulling Taffy,” and “Love, Laughter, and Rhubarb” “Carefully researched history and a beautiful remembrance of one soldier’s letters home. A poignant and personal look into the lives of two very private people and an extraordinary first hand example of why it’s called the Greatest Generation. In detail and in truly first class research one is left with the sense that they know these two people very well. Not only is this a well written historical account of World War II, it is a touching and gentle love story from a remarkable author with a most deft touch and turn. Got five stars from me. So worth it.”-W. Richards, Amazon “This book made me feel almost like I was right there with Alec and Mary as they experienced that time of their lives. My parents, being the same age, also had a similar experience and I thought of them as I read every word. The author cleverly brought to life their story and for that I shall be forever grateful.”- Sunbury Press Reader Review 
Q.: In what ways has writing affected other aspects of your life? A.: Though I have only recently started referring to myself as primarily an author, writing has been in integral part of my professional and person life for as long as I can remember. In fact, one could say that writing has affected all aspects of my life to one degree or another, and those aspects have helped define what I wrote about and when. I expect the fact that my mother was an aspiring journalist and creative writer had a lot of unconscious influence on my love of writing from an early age. I wrote my first “book” in elementary school. It was quite short, elaborately illustrated, and it was about a burro. Our family had recently traveled to Mexico where my mother got the idea that we should have a burro for a family pet, and though we didn’t actually come home with a burro, I thought that was a story worth sharing. Further, I had fun doing it, and I expect I enjoyed the praises from my teacher for doing something that hadn’t been formally assigned to the whole class. My next serious writing projects were all angst-driven teen and young adult poems, a few original songs, and one fully produced choreopoem performance with a group of fellow actors, all of which were significant creative and emotional outlets for me during high school and college. Interestingly, though I loved writing as a form of expression, I was never a dedicated journal writer, having decided at some point, and for reasons I don’t really remember any more, that my day-to-day middle-class suburban life was probably not interesting enough to document in prose. However, I was a prolific letter-writer, and people didn’t always have to be at a distance to get letters from me. After college, my theater degree didn’t put me on the fast track for any big money jobs, and when I was accepted to grad school in acting in New York City, they didn’t offer scholarships to anyone in the first year, so I couldn’t afford to go for more training. I embarked on a series of interesting jobs, some in the arts and some just to make money to live on, but it soon became clear to me that communication, whether spoken or written, was going to become important in anything I was going to do in my adult life. After a series of “day jobs” to pay the rent while I tried to make a life as an actor/singer, I started a theater company with a group of other like-minded artists. Keeping that company running took a fair bit of writing in addition to the creative/performative work I was doing. As the producing director of the company and its primary stage director in the early years, I did a little bit of all kinds of writing: publicity materials (press releases, brochure copy, program notes, etc.), audition announcements, manuals for administrative support functions, grant proposals, and more. I also started adapting children’s books for the stage as part of our children’s theater program. From that point on, I saw good narrative writing as a given for any job in arts management and theater production; it was simply what I needed to do to get the job done. If we wanted the theater to do well, the writing had to be descriptive and persuasive, to bring in the audiences as well as other kinds of support. Though I left the company after eight years to return to school for two advanced degrees (MFA, PhD), the company is now one of the oldest (almost 40 years of continuous operation until the pandemic shut it down temporarily nearly three months ago) and has become one of the most highly regarded live theatres in Portland, OR. I like to think that my early leadership and general writing ability helped set the company on the road to success all those years ago. I went back to graduate school in my late 30s, and writing became very central to this endeavor. Who knows how many thousands of words I wrote while working on my MFA, followed shortly thereafter by a PhD program. My doctoral dissertation, revised for a broader audience, eventually became my first published book, Women Stage Directors Speak. My next career step was teaching at the college level, and writing became part of my teaching duties, not just as a professor of theater but also as part of an interdisciplinary first year program. Our goal was to help young college students develop the skills to express themselves—both orally and in writing—in cogent, knowledgeable ways in a variety of disciplines. My university provided a lot of training in how to teach writing and speaking, and in learning how to be a better educator, I became a better writer as well. In the early years of my teaching career I decided to try play-writing as a creative writing discipline. Though I’d never studied play-writing in grad school (my focus was on directing and theory), I’d certainly read and been involved with many plays over the years, and I knew what I liked. I also had a main character I was very passionate about, an American woman composer from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Famous Mrs. Beach was given both a full academic production with student actors (2002) and a professional staged reading (2003), though it never did get a full professional run. I continue to have a strong interest in play-writing and have been working in collaboration with a colleague for several years on a re visioning of the story of Penelope, wife of Odysseus, entitled Weaving Penelope. I have now taught writing at the college level for almost 30 years, so you could say that writing in various genres strongly influenced all aspects of my teaching for those decades, and I was and still am a committed communicator via letter writing, though that impulse is now mostly expressed through extensive email correspondences, both professional and personal. When I retired from teaching, I started a new kind of writing: creative non-fiction and memoir. After my parents died, I inherited all the materials (letters, stories, slides, scrapbooks) that eventually became Keeping the Lights on for Ike, and during the time I was working on the WWII book, I documented my four-year search for genetic antecedents in extensive email correspondence. Those “notes” became my next book, Finding Sisters, which will be released by Sunbury most likely in early 2021. After that, who knows? Frankly, I’m not sure what I would do if I couldn’t write, but though I’ve started a monthly blog on my author’s website (writing about my own writing adventures), I still don’t journal regularly...   About Rebecca Daniels Rebecca Daniels has been a university professor for many years who has also simultaneously had a vital creative career in the theatre. Throughout her career, her work has always been a mix of performance, teaching, and her own writing. Her groundbreaking book on women directors and the effects of gender on their work is currently still in print [Women Stage Directors Speak: Exploring the Effects of Gender on Their Work, McFarland, 1996], and she has been published in several theatre-related professional journals over the years as well. After her retirement in the summer of 2015, she was finally able to focus all her energies on this book. Website | Facebook   Giveaway!This giveaway is for 1 print copy open to Canada and the U.S. only. There are also 2 pdf copies open worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends August 1, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. TO ENTER GIVEAWAY, Click on HERE!    Book Details: Storm Called (Royal States #1) by Susan Copperfield Publication date: February 26th 2019 Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy Synopsis: In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way. Latent horse empath. Dishwasher. Closet chef. Future king. When food poisoning sweeps through Dallas, Patrick Laycal doesn’t expect a princess to show up at his door asking for his help. Her one, simple request dumps him in the middle of a Royal mess—one that could cost him far more than just his life. Storm Called features characters first introduced in Null & Void, the first of the Royal States novels. Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play  ABOUT the AUTHOR: Susan Copperfield is the royal romance, urban fantasy loving alter ego of award-winning & USA Today bestselling novelist RJ Blain. Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world. In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way. Author links: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads  GIVEAWAY! Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
TO ENTER, Click on HERE!  Signs in the Rearview Mirror by Kelly Smith Book tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 7/3/20}6/12/2020   Book Details: Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 214 pages Genre: Self-Help, Memoir | Release date: April 2018 Publisher: Sunny Day Publishing Tour dates: June 8 to June 26, 2020 Content Rating: PG-13 + M. This non-fiction self-help book has some profanity. It does deal with the topic of abusive relationships, which some may consider inappropriate for younger reading audiences. Book Description: What kind of person ends up in a toxic relationship? And why stay? This searingly honest memoir answers both of those questions head-on. Coming-out of failing marriage, Kelly turns to Gabe out of fear of being alone. Her gradual slide into danger is at once terrifying and inevitable. Kelly tells her story now to inspire others who find themselves in similar turmoil. In this book, Kelly outlines the steps to escape abusive relationship and offers hope for future relationships. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: This is an very interesting account of a child raised in a very neglectful, mentally abusive home. This mindset continued with her into her adult years. She goes into detail of both her childhood experiences, plus, her adult experiences. Kelly Smith addresses a very important social issue that has inflicted - and is afflicting - society, leading to much conflict and pain. Is it any wonder so much of societies are so vicious and violent? This situation is in dire need of changes. Kelly Smith's message is very open. However, I feel the same situations (but at different times) were slightly repetitive. The ending was somewhat weak. I feel with more consideration given on the impact of these occurrences on her sons, plus, more detail on her rehabilitation process, the book would have been more profound. This was a courageous contribution to society and a much needed one addressing this huge problem. This crucial situation, also, creates "Bullies". I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review, *REVIEWER"S NOTE: I have known several women - some extremely beautiful - live in an abusive situation. It an abusive situation. It always boggled my mind why would hey continually allow themselves to be submitted to such cruelty. Abuse comes in many forms,, but to allow ANYONE to repeatedly use oneself for a "punching bag", I have often wondered the cause that they think so little of themselves. I know of some who were raised as children with parents who were alcoholics or drug abusers, but I still cannot understand when other try to make them understand, nobody has the right to treat another that way, he/she still remains and somehow is in denial or feels he/she deserves it. Although I see similar reasoning by this author, as I have witnessed by others, I wonder what took her so long to realize this is not acceptable behavior from either party. Why she could not understand she is living the life she hated and subjecting her sons to it as well. Many view verbal abuse and demeaning of others is not abuse. However, this type of mental abuse is very cruel. It does not outwardly show as cuts and bruises, but drastically chips away at one's self-confidence and self-worth. It is very difficult to recapture and repair. It is sometimes more long term "hurt" than physical abuse. I detest the "put downs" that individuals offer to others, especially those who are friends and family members.several comedy cartoons and sitcoms have displayed this as being normal. negative acts and comments ALWAYS cause a "bruise" on ones essence. The more that are inflicted, the more damage is done. I was raised with the ideal that doing/saying something nice is just as easy as being unkind or saying unkind words, yet is much more beneficial to ALL. Unfortunately, after an abundance of damage is done, it is very difficult - if not impossible- to repair the torn, crushed morale... the individual has to not only WANT to heal and change, but also, APPLY themselves to the difficult task of accomplishing the steps of rehabilitation. As with addicts, it is a lifelong discipline.
Courage: Guest Post by Kelly Smith, author of Signs in the Rear-view Mirror It takes a lot of courage to admit you are in a toxic relationship. It also takes a lot of courage to admit you have been the toxic person in your relationship. In my book Signs in the Rear-view Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind, I admit to both. While I was married to Derek, I was verbally and emotionally abusive to him. Although I had no idea I was this way, because this was how my mother treated my father, I was guilty of taking part in destroying his self esteem. I was guilty of making him walk on eggshells and questioning who he was as a person. It wasn't until I was with Gabe, my now ex, that I realized what I had done to Derek. It wasn't until I was abused mentally, verbally, physically that I realized the extent of damage I had done to not only Derek but also to my sons who were onlookers the entire time. I was fearful they would learn how a woman was supposed to treat a man, and it is not even close. After leaving my marriage and entering into a relationship too soon, I learned exactly how Derek must have felt while he was me. My ex was abusive and I stayed because I felt I deserved it. I don't deserve it. Derek didn't deserve it. No one deserves it. It took courage for me to open myself up and expose the things I went through in order to help others.   Meet the Author: Boston born and raised, Kelly now makes her home in Austin,TX with her three sons and one amazing Giant Schnauzer, Bullseye. Kelly has written for Huffington Post, Elephant Journal, and hosts a podcast, Let's Get Wicked Deep. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook  Win 1 of 5 print copies of SIGNS IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (USA & Canada) (6 winners) (ends July 3) To ENTER, Click on HERE!   FRACTURES by Alice Reeds Publication Date: June 1, 2020 Genres: Entangled: Teen, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery, Suspense, RomanceSYNOPSIS: They survived a plane crash. They survived life on a deserted island. They survived being hunted. Now they must survive the truth—they are not who they think they are. One minute they’re in Poland, subjected to gruesome tests they keep failing. No friends to support them. No family to claim them. No hope of ever living a normal life again. Then suddenly, they’re trapped on an abandoned freighter in the middle of the ocean and forced to fight for survival. No food. No drinkable water. No way to get home. And strange memories of another life they don’t understand. But how can they be living two separate lives, trapped in two separate places, at the same time? They’ll have to find the connection and uncover secrets that someone went to great lengths to keep hidden…if they’re going to survive long enough to find out who is behind it all. Buy Links: But FOR FRACTURES: Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AUS | Entangled Publishing |INKS FOR FRACTURES: EXCERPT #3 With our backs against the wall, we stood there as motionlessly as possible while footsteps came down another hallway. My heart was beating hard in my throat, and I begged every deity I could think of to not let us get caught. The footsteps grew louder, closer, someone hurrying along. Please let them not go down this hallway. A scream—loud, panicked, terrified—ripped through the air. Fiona flinched, her hand wrapping around my wrist, while my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. What was that? Or, more importantly, who? What was going on? The footsteps picked up pace, a hurried walk turning into running, a nurse soon rushing past us, her eyes looking ahead and missing us. That was good; we were still good. But my feeling of victory lasted only a few seconds. The person screamed again, even louder this time, the sound freezing me to my bones, fear rushing in like an icy tsunami. “We have to see what’s happening,” Fiona said, her voice a whisper, her eyes meeting mine. There was curiosity and determination in them. She really did want to know, and while I did as well, I was also scared of what we’d find. "Okay,” I said, then swallowed hard. Every part of me protested as we followed the screaming. It happened more frequently, loud but also quieter, some of it so high-pitched it left a ringing in my ears, others wet like the person was crying. What were these monsters doing? If Briola wasn’t above psychological torture, why would they shy away from physical? A door stood ajar, the gap just enough to let us peek in. Inside was what looked like a hospital room, white walls and floors, a hospital bed, and beeping machinery. On the bed was a girl, her hair wild and messy, her face red, puffy, and twisted in agony, her eyes opening so wide it looked like they might fall out of her skull. Next to her stood a guy, his hands on her arm and shoulder, tears on his face but a dazed look in his eyes, his body swaying. “Make it stop!” the girl screamed. “Please, make it stop, take it out. I can’t take this any longer!” “Jus t a little more, you can do it,” Doc Bowie said and stepped into our view, his hand on her wrist while he looked at something in his other hand. A small tablet or phone perhaps. Another woman appeared next to him, one I was sure I’d seen somewhere before, but I lacked the time to figure out where, or who she was. The girl screamed again, and the boy flinched, his eyes clearing just long enough for him to look at her, tears streaming down his face, before going back to that absent expression. Haunting, twisted, and terrifying. Was this what hell looked like? Nurses walked in and out of view while saying something too quietly for me to hear, especially when the girl screamed again. Whatever they were doing to her, I would rather let them kill me than allow them to do it to Fiona, or myself. My hands shook, and my knees turned weak, my heart beating so incredibly fast. I wanted to run, hide, dissolve, anything to not be here anymore, to erase ever having seen this or heard those screams. Fiona snaked her arms around my middle, her chest against my back, and pulled me away from that room and whatever horror was happening to that poor girl. I hated that we couldn’t do anything to help her and couldn’t stop them. At least not yet. Even if I were brave enough to try, once they knew we were there, chances were the same thing would happen to us. That wasn’t an option. “Are you okay?” I asked Fiona once we put some distance between the room and us down another empty hallway. She shook her head and met my eyes, hers glassy and her cheeks a little wet. I hadn’t realized she’d been crying. “I will be once we get out of this place,” she said. “Let’s find this asshole’s office. How much time is left?” “Eighteen minutes.” The screaming turned quieter the farther we went, and then it finally ceased completely. Not because we got out of earshot, but because she stopped screaming. Had they killed her? Finished whatever they were doing? How could they treat her this way in the first place, just stand and watch as she writhed in pain?     MEET the AUTHOR: Alice Reeds was born in a small town in Germany but spent her first eight years in Florida, USA. Later on, she moved back to Europe, where her family moved around a lot. She was raised trilingual and has a basic understanding of Russian, read and spoken. After getting her International Baccalaureate Diploma, Alice is studying English Language and Literature at University. During high school Alice used to be a dancer taking classical ballet classes five times a week along with several other types of dance. Unfortunately a knee injury ended her chances of taking her passion for dance any further. In her free time Alice mostly writes, reads, figure and/or roller skates, or watches countless let’s plays and figure skating videos. Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon Author Profile | Entangled Publishing   AUDIOBOOK TOUR, Guest Post & Giveaway: The Nutcracker Conspiracy by Lauren Carr! {Ends 7/3/20}6/10/2020   Book Details: The Nutcracker Conspiracy (A Thorny Rose Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 388 pages Genre: Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services Release date: January 30, 2020 Tour dates: June 8 to Jun 26, 2020 Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs! Book Description: Three years ago, the nation gasped in horror when the President of the United States barely escaped an assassination attempt that left two dead—the vice president’s wife and the attempted assassin. Even after numerous investigations proved otherwise, conspiracy theorists argue that the assassin was acting on orders from the CIA, FBI, and every federal agency within a hundred miles of the capital. Aspiring Author Dean Conway is the last person Lieutenant Commander Murphy Thornton wants to spend his Saturday afternoon when they end up at the same wedding reception table. While their wives tend to bridesmaid duties, Murphy is trapped listening to Dean’s latest work-in-project—completing the manuscript of an investigative journalist who’d disappeared months earlier. “She was number twelve,” Dean says. “Twelve?” Murphy asks. “Twelve witnesses connected to or investigating The Nutcracker shooting have died either in an accident or suicide.” Two days later, Dean dies suddenly―but not before sending a text message to Murphy: “13” Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible ~ BookBub ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: This delightfully, spell-binding book is one of the best books written by very talented author, Lauren Carr. The Secret Service were needed to attend Operation Nutcracker, to protect the President and Vice President while they attended a production at the theater. Some of the best plans do not turn out as meticulously planned, or prepared for following events. The Faradays and the Thorntons combine forces in this new 'Thorny Rose Mystery" novel. Murphy Thornton and his loving wife Jessica, plus her parents, are caught up into the "problems" of Jessica's good friend and her husband, Dean's, issues. Murphy is stuck talking with Dean since they were seated at the same table at the reception and their wives are busy elsewhere, since Jessica is a part of the bridal party. Dean is, "supposedly" writing a book which was passed to him by a female friend of his, recently "missing". He tries to convince Murphy it is genuine, by the cryptic mention of the "13". Murphy and Jessica try to disregard it, but with both of their "law" backgrounds, plus, the Faraday's background, some of the information is top secret and in no way should Dean have some of the information.. They become more convinced, as people on the list begin being eliminated or "missing". Of course the fun, humorous antics of the dogs are included and always a delight. This is an action packed, fast moving, "hold onto your seat" book from the first page to the last. As the story progresses, the suspense increases. It keeps the reader/listener guessing until the very end. The narrator Mike Alger does an excellent job with voce fluctuations and emphasis. He is very consistent and precise with his creation of the various "voices". This earns a Five Stars rating. This audible book was gifted me with no given expectations for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Audiobooks: The Readers Have Ears By Lauren Carr Fourteen years ago, my first book, A Small Case of Murder, came out. That wasn’t so long ago. Believe me! Fourteen years is not that long ago—not when you compare it to when the dinosaurs were lazily grazing in Yellowstone National Park. Anyway, back to what we want to talk about … At that time, one of my friends instantly asked when my book would be available in audio. My eyes glazed over and I stammered out, “Eventually.” This friend only listened to her books in audio. She had a long commute to work and that was when she would listen to her books. She would go through a couple books a week. Not long after that, I discovered that another friend only did audiobooks. She loved to read, but couldn’t due to extremely bad eyesight. While she wasn’t legally blind, her eyesight was so poor that the only way she could enjoy a book was if it was available in audio. Yet, back then, audiobooks were available on cassette or compact discs. I considered myself lucky when a traditional audiobook publisher picked up my first three books to be produced in audio (compact disc and digital download)—until I started receiving my royalty checks. I was lucky if I made over two hundred dollars a year! I would take a few copies of the compact discs to book events—only to have them gather dust. Eventually, I tossed them into the back of my closet, where they still rest. Flash forward. Yesterday, Murder by Perfection became available in audiobook on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. I’ve already got a list of audiobook reviewers and readers anxiously waiting to listen to it. Over the years, an increasing number of readers have been requesting that I make my books available in audiobook. As a publisher and business person, I was hesitant about investing anything into making my own book available in audiobook. Based on past experience, I didn’t see much of a market for them. Those CDs from my first three books are still piled up in the back of my closet. Then, Amazon suggested I make my books available through their company ACX. They also pointed out that Audible, a very successful audiobook dealer fell under their umbrella. Audible is the leading seller of audiobooks. By going through ACX, I would essentially be self-publishing my own books—thus, keeping all of my rights. Over the years, I had seen on my royalty statements how many thousands of dollars my other audio publisher had been making annually on the sales of my books. So, keeping my rights was quite appealing to me. However, knowing that the market was slow, I didn’t want to invest a lot of money into the venture. Frankly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to invest any at all. With ACX, authors have a choice of options for having their books produced: 1. Share your royalties with the narrator/audio producer. This costs the author nothing, because the audio producer invests the time and expense into producing the book. In exchange, the author agrees to split their royalties for the book’s sales fifty-fifty with the producer. If the book ends up being a flop, then the producer loses out on their investment in the project. However, if the book ends up making thousands of dollars a month in audiobook sales, then the author could end up wondering about what could have been. 2. Hire an audio producer to produce your book. This option means the author hires the narrator/producer on contract (and pay!) to produce the book. With this option, the author gets to keep all of the royalties for their audio sales. So, if your book makes a million bucks in royalties, it’s all yours! The downside of this option is that you have to pay out a lot of money up front—money that it could take a while to earn back. We are talking thousands of dollars. A friend of mine found a narrator she liked, who refused to work for shared royalties. (Many established narrators won’t share royalties. More about this later on.) He would only work on contract with the cost starting at $5000. 3. Narrate and Produce the Book Yourself. This is not as easy as it sounds. The author has to make sure there is no background noise and the final product does have to pass ACX’s quality control regulations. As the author, I have proofed some of my audio books, thinking they were perfect—only to have ACX pick up a flaw that I had not noticed. Once I read an interview with John Grisham in which he said one of his biggest regrets was narrating one of his books for audio. He thought the end product was awful. As with anything—I prefer to leave it up to the pros. (Since I hate my voice, narrating and producing the book myself is not an option!) I opted to share the royalties and let the producers take the financial risk. As I had mentioned previously, many high-quality narrators refuse to work for royalty share. There’s a reason for that. When I opened my books for auditions to find a narrator, I immediately found Dan Lawson—first audition, first day! His audition was exactly what I was looking for to set the tone for the Mac Faraday mysteries. He was an Audible Approved Narrator, which means Audible endorsed his work! Within a matter of days, we had struck a deal for royalty share for two books: The Murders at Astaire Castle and Blast from the Past. I found out later that his agent (I had no idea he had an agent!) had thrown a fit upon learning about our deal for royalty share. The reason: most narrators and audio producers don’t make back the money invested in producing audiobooks through royalties. After a few months, sales will level out and the narrator will only make a few dollars a month. Having worked as a book publisher, I can see exactly what Dan’s agent was talking about. Many authors have difficulty in promoting their own books. Authors who don’t invest time or money in promoting their books in print and e-book, are not likely to invest what they need in the audiobook version. So, if you are an author whose sales in print and ebook are less than impressive, and you are wondering if you’ll hit the jackpot by having your book produced in audio, then my guess is no, you won’t. As with book sales in print and ebook, the author needs to work their tail off to promote their book in order to enjoy good sales—in any format. I have been blessed in finding four excellent audiobook producers who have helped me to bring my whole backlist to audiobook fans—a base that I have seen grow steadily over the last few years. I have discovered that for many readers, who have been unable to enjoy reading in print or ebook format for whatever reasons—whether it be lifestyle or medical disability—are discovering audiobooks and returning to reading (listening) to enjoy their favorite books. For example, my sister listens to my books during her commute to work. With her busy lifestyle that is the only time she can read my books. So I gave them to her in digital format and she listens to them through her SUV’s speakers. Since my books have been coming out in Audible, I have found that I am enjoying audiobooks more and more. Many book enthusiasts, like myself, will read books in both e-book and audio. For just a few bucks more, readers can include the audio version of a book with their ebook purchase. As the leader of a book club, I dictated the rule that we would only read books that were available in audiobook download. After spending the whole day writing on my laptop, my eyes will be tired. So, I’ll switch to the audio version of whatever book I am currently reading to listen to a great book until I fall asleep. With Whispersync, my tablet will pick up my ebook in audio where I have left off in reading. I believe that the audiobook market is where the e-book market was about eight years ago. When my books first came out in e-book, it was a big deal for me to sell any. Now, the lion’s book of my books sales are in e-book, but I see a gradual increase in sales in audiobooks. Currently, I make more in monthly royalties for my audiobook sales than I do for my print books. Note, that is after splitting my royalties with the producers! Here's the way I look at it: If it weren’t for my readers, I would not be living my dream of being a mystery writer. My readers want my mysteries to be in all formats: e-book, print, and audiobooks. Even if fans of one format are a smaller number than another—they are still my fans and deserve the reading experience they enjoy the most!  Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, the Thorny Rose, and now the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—almost thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! 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 ~ Books on Audible  $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr, author of THE NUTCRACKER CONSPIRACY (ends 7/3/20) To Enter, Click on HERE!   Where the Road Bends By David Rawlings Christian Fiction Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages June 2, 2020 by Thomas Nelson SYNOPSIS: Fifteen years after college graduation, four friends reconnect to keep a long-ago promise and go on a trip of a lifetime in the Australian Outback. Eliza needs to disconnect from her high-powered fashion job to consider the CEO position she’s just been offered. Lincoln hopes to rekindle a past relationship and escape from another one. Bree looks forward to a fun getaway from home and her deeply buried disappointments. Andy wants to disappear from the mess he’s made of his life—possibly forever. Dropped at a campsite in the middle of nowhere, the friends quickly discover they aren’t the same people they once were, and they begin to confront hard truths about one another—and themselves. Then a bizarre storm sweeps across their camp, scattering them across the desert. Wondering if they are part of some strange escape game, each of the friends meets a guide to help them find exactly what they need: purpose, healing, courage, and redemption. But they’ve already traveled far down the road of life and course-correcting to become the people they were meant to be won’t be easy. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook | TNZFiction REVIEW by LAWonder10: Where the Road Bends is an intriguing tale of four close college friends who, upon graduation, promised to reunite in Australia in 15 years, whether or not they keep in close contact. It is interesting how each one's path wasn't what they originally thought it would be, yet they still worked together so they could all reunite at the chosen place. Then, as the reader followed each's experience on their venture, it was very unusual. Like so many of our lives, we seldom have life become all we thought it would be. sometimes our paths turn out better than we expected, then other times nothing goes as we expect. Success sometimes get in the way of happiness, then other times situations change and success never occurs. We each need to go on our own "journey" to realize what true success is to each of us individually and if we are willing to do whatever necessary to fulfill that success. The characters were portrayed well and the situations fairly well described. The concept was a very sound one. The Book Cover and Title were well-chosen. Parts of the scene changes were slightly unclear. The main points of some individuals "journeys" were unclear. The ending was slightly weak. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this book. +This book was gifted to me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review, TOUR SCHEDULE: June 8th: - Launch Reading Excursions - Review June 9th: Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt Splashes of Joy - Review June 10th: Rockin' Book Reviews - Spotlight Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt June 11th: Books and Zebras - Review Remembrancy - Review June 12th: A Baker's Perspective - Review Red Headed Book Lady - Review June 15th: Historical Graffiti - Review Daughter of Increase - Review June 16th: Christy's Cozy Corners - Review Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt June 17th: Paper Ink & Lizard - Review June 18th: Reviews by Leslie - Excerpt Wishful Endings - Review June 19th: Pause for Tales - Review Hallie Reads - Review June 20th: - Grand Finale  Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway! June 15th: @bluestockings_and_books @irishgirliereads June 16th: @suziewaltner @beautyinthebinding June 17th: @daughterofincrease @savingsinseconds June 18th: @jypsylynn @wishfulendings June 19th: @books_with_bethany @jhannabass  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Rawlings is an Australian author, and a sports-mad father of three who loves humor and a clever turn of phrase. Over a 25-year career he has put words on the page to put food on the table, developing from sports journalism and copywriting to corporate communication. Now in fiction, he entices readers to look deeper into life with stories that combine the everyday with a sense of the speculative, addressing the fundamental questions we all face. Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram GIVEAWAY!!  One winner will receive a print copy of The Camera Never Lies by David Rawlings (US only) Ends June 24, 2020 ENTER HERE  |
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