Labyrinth Society Book Blast

Labyrinth Society: The Versailles Vendetta

When 12 year-old Mia Cornell is sent to live at the Tarpley Estate, her ninth foster home, she has no idea what she's in for. Having a kind but mysterious foster mother and three quirky foster sisters is all well and good. Discovering that her new family is a secret society—they use a portal in their garden labyrinth to travel the globe seeking lost art, artifacts, and OSOs (objects of supernatural origin)—is something else entirely.

Mia barely has time to wrap her head around the truth when the Society's latest job, tracking down Marie Antoinette's necklace, goes sideways. Mia and her new siblings—Tomi, the historian; Devon, the hacker; and Lily, the muscle—must use their wits, plus a few cool OSOs filched from the Society's vault, to stay a step ahead of a sinister enemy from their foster mother's past. But just how far back does Mrs. Tarpley's past go? And will Mia stand by her new family or cut and run when they need her the most?

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The Lost Centurion

Marcus has sworn to avenge his wife's death—even if it takes an eternity to hunt down the vampire who murdered her. Once a Roman Centurion, Marcus is now immortal and, for the past two thousand years, impervious to human emotions. Until the night he rescues Diana…

Diana knew nothing of the paranormal world until her transformation into a vampling, a newborn vampire entirely reliant for survival upon the distant and seemingly emotionless Centurion, who found her in the throes of changing. Her protector turned her without her consent, but at his untimely death, she becomes the distant and cold immortal’s responsibility.

The entire vampire community is determined to kill Marcus as he protects one of their own. While Marcus and Diana travel the Italian countryside, being chased by their enemies, Marcus must choose between avenging his dead wife or saving Diana from the same vampire who ruined his life. Bewitched by the Amalfi moon, he soon discovers his heart has already decided for him.



Teaser
Marcus will avenge his wife's death—even if it takes an eternity to hunt down the vampire who murdered her. Once a Roman Centurion, Marcus is now immortal and, for the past two thousand years, impervious to human emotions. Until the night he rescues Diana, a newborn vampire…



Behind the scene of the Immortals: Rome as a character.
I’ve always had a fascination for the ancient history of Rome. Having lived in the Eternal City for a long time before moving to the States has given me a certain appreciation for everything Roman. When you stroll every day on the same cobblestones gladiators and emperors walked upon, you look at your surroundings with different eyes. Every stone has a story to tell. Every freshly unearthed ruin was once a grand villa, where people lived, and thrived.
Although, back in school, studying Latin wasn’t always fun, it gave me a sense of the way those ancestors of mine talked and thought. The structure of that language, built upon the Ancient Greek—other idiom that wasn’t easy to learn—reflects the complexity of the Roman culture and the sense of pride the Romans took in being part of something extraordinary. That sense of grandeur is still alive in Rome, a city that seldom sleeps and that has so many secrets yet to reveal.
When I was envisioning the Immortals’ world, I wanted an epic background and nowadays Rome came immediately to mind. Almost three thousand years of age, and this city is more beautiful than ever. So, what better place than Rome for my heroes to live, fight, and fall in love under the moon?
Follow Marcus, Alexander, Samuel, and Peter as they recklessly drive through the Eternal City, trying to avoid new archeological sites and the daily commute, while fighting the bad guys of the paranormal world.

Immersed

Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.

Until… Erik.

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.

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Pieces of Eight

Pieces of Eight by John Drake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second book in the prequel series to Treasure Island and I think this one is even better than the first.

Pieces of Eight picks up where Flint and Silver leaves off. Silver and his crew is marooned on the island with Flint's hidden treasure and Flint has made off with Selena. Silver, who knows they will have to face Flint again, rallies the crew against not only the threat of Flint but hidden dangers on the island. Meanwhile, Flint is trying to muster an army to take back his treasure and finds that the royal navy is after him.

The flow of this book is much better than the first. There's not so much jumping back and forth in time keeping you disoriented. We also get a little more back story on Flint and come to understand what has made him so evil. There are some side stories as well that are woven in nicely. At first you wonder what they have to do with anything but it all comes together in the end.

Overall, I enjoyed this book better than the first one. But you should read Flint and Silver before Pieces of Eight or you'll be lost at sea mateys. Aarg!! Nothing better than a good pirate adventure. Can't wait to continue with the third one.



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Missing Lily

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Missing Lily

“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.




He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.




Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

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New Blog

I've recently started a new blog about our family owned farm. We are small but grow a variety of produce such as cucumbers, sweet corn, watermelon, and cantaloupes.  I shall be blogging throughout the growing season and posting pics of our progress.  Please stop on over to Smith Farms and sit a spell.

Goddess Born Book Blast

Goddess Born

Pennsylvania, 1730

Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.

A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it’s Selah’s sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there’s no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.

When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope—that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.

But when news of Samuel’s death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice—forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

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2013 RWA Golden Heart© Finalist

2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semifinalist

 

Inquisitor Book Blast

Inquisitor by R.J. Blain




When Allison is asked to play Cinderella-turned-Fiancee at a Halloween ball, the last thing she expected was to be accused of murder on the same night. She has to find the killer and quick, or she'll be put to death for the crimes she didn't commit. To make matters worse, the victims are all werewolves.

On the short list of potential victims, Allison has to act fast, or the killer will have one more body to add to his little black book of corpses.

There's only one problem: One of the deaths has struck too close to home, and Allison's desire for self-preservation may very well transform into a quest for vengeance...

Amazon

Lancaster House Cover Reveal

COVER REVEAL!

Brand new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle!

~A paranormal romance series by Taylor Dean~

I love my OLD covers. (Pictured on the left.) I really do. They're different from the norm and that's why they captured my attention.

For Lancaster House, I liked the idea of a hand reaching out from the grave. It seemed appropriate to the story; Andre reaches out to Zoe from beyond the grave. It was Carrie-like and kind of creepy.

There's just one problem.

This is not a horror novel. Not at all. This is a paranormal romance. People who like horror are drawn to the cover and are sadly disappointed when they realize it's a romance.

People who love paranormal romance are turned off by the cover because it looks too creepy.

In other words, the cover just wasn't working.

I love The Middle Aisle cover because it matched Lancaster House so perfectly. And part of the story takes place in Monterey, California. Monterey is known for its Cypress trees. The tree on the cover of The Middle Aisle reminded me of a Cypress tree and seemed perfect.

But, if the right people aren't reading the first book, no one will ever read the second one no matter what the cover looks like!

Bam! Decision made!

It was time for new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle! I love the new covers because they speak so perfectly as to what's on the inside.

Without further ado, here they are, the new covers!

Missing Lily Book Blast

Missing Lily

“You don’t know who I am,” I whispered. He didn’t move—either away from me, or closer—and after an interminable moment, I stepped back and hurried out of the house.

He didn’t follow me as I fled into the night.

Lylin was not used to being alone—much less alone, hurt, and lost. So when she is separated from her guard and forced to abandon her horse, she counts herself lucky to stumble upon a manor house. Still frightened by those who chased her into the night, she keeps her identity a secret, calling herself Lily as she accepts the help of kind servants, and the compassion of Lord Fallon. When they fall into an easy friendship, she wonders if her secrecy was too hasty. However, as she gets to know the manor and its residents, Lylin discovers that she’s not the only one hiding secrets, and it may be a very good thing that her host doesn’t know her true identity as a member of the royal family.

Purchase on

AMAZON

Flint and Silver

Flint and Silver: A Prequel to Treasure Island by John Drake

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second time I've read this one, and I think I liked it more this time around. A prequel to Stevenson's Treasure Island, it seeks to put a backstory to the adventure we loved so well. But its certainly no children's tale as we find out the history between Long John Silver and Captain Flint and answers to many questions we had about favorite characters.

I love the characters that are brought to life in this story along side Long John and Flint. We meet characters such as Billy Bones, Ben Gunn, Black Dog and of course Selena. Many questions are answered such as how did Long John loose the leg as well as where did the parrot come from.

My biggest complaint about the book was the timeline. The story kept shifting back and forth in time and you had to pay attention to the headings of the chapter to keep up with where you were.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I look forward to continuing with Pieces of Eight. If you like a good pirate tale and/or enjoyed Treasure Island, I would suggest you give this one a try.



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The Almond Tree Book Blast

The Almond Tree by Michelle Cohen Corasanti

“An epic drama of the proportions of The Kite Runner… Grabs you from the first page… A gripping and compassionate work of fiction”

—Huffington Post

The unforgettable story of a young Palestinian boy whose mathematical gifts allow him to escape the difficulties of life as an Arab Israeli, The Almond Tree is a beautifully crafted debut novel written by a Jewish American woman from the perspective of a Palestinian Muslim male. It is about the power of love, the price of hatred, and the possibility of redemption.

Even as a young boy Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Coming of age under Israeli martial law, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, they fear losing each other.

On Ahmed's twelfth birthday, that fear becomes reality.

With his father imprisoned, his family's home and possessions confiscated, and his beloved brother Abbas succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed must find a way to care for his family and find a better future for himself. Gifted with a mind that can solve mathematical equations, he uses his intellect to take an inspiring journey that will lead him from his war-torn homeland to a life in America he could never have imagined for himself.

A sweeping story of family, love, and friendship told against the devastating backdrop of half a century of conflict, The Almond Tree is a powerful novel that allows us to walk in one extraordinary Palestinian’s shoes and see the world through his eyes.




“Corasanti’s accomplished debut novel offers a humanistic look into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict...Sensitive, moving…” —Kirkus Reviews

Amazon

Second Chances 101

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Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.




For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.


Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.

Life in the Palace

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Life in the Palace by Catherine Green




“We need to talk,” Tal said. Then I knew it was going to go badly. ‘We need to talk’ is the conversational equivalent of walking into your basement without turning on the light, on a dark and stormy night, when a known psychopath is on the loose. You might as well cut to the chase and slit your own throat.




Chloe Diaz assumed three things: that when Tal said that she was one of The People sent from heaven to maintain the cosmic balance, it was code for ‘I’m a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo;’ that the gorgeous Seth Wilks would never be her soul mate and that she’d never have to choose between them. Chloe was wrong.




Now the future of the world is in her hands, but what if price is too great to pay?

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Chloe on Facebook * Seth on Facebook

Prom Impossible Book Blast

Prom Impossible Summary

1 girl +

1 prom +

3 guys = Prom Impossible

Cassidy decides her senior year, including prom, will be about Michael, the boy destined to be her soul mate. One problem. He hasn’t figured that out yet.

But certain events meant as innocent pranks—that weren’t completely her fault—introduce her to Zeke, the reformed bad boy. And cutting deals in the boys’ bathroom with Jasper, the hottest guy in school, lands her in a complicated web of half-truths.

At the end of the year, she’s dateless the day before the big night but risks a lot more than her pride if she can’t fix her mistakes.

Prom Impossible is a modern-day Shakespearean romantic comedy in the world of teens, true love, and life.

 

Pride Meets Prejudice

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Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.

Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

Amazon

Coming Soon...

Scents and Senses

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Scents and Senses: Supernatural Friends. What the fairy tales didn’t tell you

Playing the role of a knight in shining armor is more complicated than it seems in the storybooks, as sixteen-year-old Joy discovers when she repeatedly comes to the rescue of a fifteen-year-old human. But when she meddles in the girl’s social life, Starra sends her packing.




Starra is determined to completely dissociate herself from the subterranean creature that has manipulated her life and cast her into the limelight. However, her resolve is soon tested when she becomes involved in a critical situation where supernatural assistance can enable her to carry out a daring plot.




Eventually, Starra’s involvement with her new other-wordly friends extracts a heavy price when she is beset by challenges that range from the down- to-earth struggles of a typical teenage student, to the realm of the fantastic. Nothing prepares her, however, for the ultimate challenge.

Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Shadow Fire

Shadow Fire Blog Tour Schedule

Shadow Fire

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.

All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Each installment of The Light Chronicles is a standalone story.

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Beyonders #1 A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I generously gave this book 4 stars, its more like 3.5. I loved the Fablehaven series so I had high hopes for this book. Maybe too high.

This book reminded me so much of a more modern Alice in Wonderland. Jason and Rachel arrive in Lyrian through unusual means just as a group of musicians commit suicide by going over a waterfall and the crowd there sees this as normal. More unusual characters are met along the way as they attempt to complete their quest for the Word.

This is a middle grade age book, and its suitable for the age group. The characters aren't too in depth and the setting is unusual. Its an adventure that will appeal to a young audience but not one, as an older reader, am just drawn to.

Overall, its not a horrible read, but at the same time not a great one either. The twist at the end and the cliffhanger is what prompted me to round up to 4 stars. I will probably, at some point, continue with the series but its not one that I just can't wait to get my hands on. Maybe the next book will be a bit better.



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I'm With You

I'm With You by Taylor Dean

Can three little words irrevocably change your life?




When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.




She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.




Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.




One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.




I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.




Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.

The emotions are real, and sometimes dark.

If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.

Fields of Elysium – Molly’s Diary Reveal

Day 6: Tulliat

Tulliat is a young Arkanian boy, whose biggest dream is to follow Victor's footsteps and become an Ecmentur contestant and a Sentinel Apprentice. The problem is that pure blood Arkanians aren't exactly the perfect fit for the Sentinel Academy.

Triangles

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When I first opened this book my first thought was "Oh my god! Its written in poetry" and almost put it back down. I'm happy to say this is not the case. It does appear that was, but not everything is how it seems.

This is the story of three women, two are sisters and the other is a friend. Each has their own issues and crises to deal with and all are intertwined. One is having a mid life crises and is unhappy with her long term marriage. The other is divorced and looking for love again. And the other has a child who was born with a terminal illness and an unfaithful husband. All three characters have powerful stories that touch your heart.

I read this long book in a day and half because I simply could not stop reading it. Once I started I immediately wished that I hadn't put off reading it to begin with. I was drawn in to the lives of these women and my heart was torn out along with theirs and lifted up when they were. I cried along with them through their crises. Its not often a book makes me cry but this one touched my heart.

LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! If there is one book that you read this year it should be this one. Don't put it off for later. I wish that I hadn't.



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The Lunatic's Curse

The Lunatic's Curse by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love the Tales from the Sinister City. However, this is a bit much for the age group it was written for. Reminiscent of RL Stein or Ray Bradbury, this read is a dark and creepy. It contains elements of horror that children may not understand such as cannibalism.

The Lunatic's Curse involves the mystery of the madness and death of the famous inventor Grammaticus. The creepiness level is increased by setting the story at the local lunatic asylum. Murder and mystery abounds through this book as Rex and his new friend Hildred try to discover what's happening. With escaped lunatics and a monster in the bottomless lake, there is much mystery, adventure, and evil about.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Once I started reading it I couldn't quit and was sorry to see it end. I want to know more about what happened and can't wait for the next installment. However, I think it is not appropriate for the intended audience of the younger persuasion with the underlying theme of cannibalism. Its not for the feint of heart to be sure.



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