Hope for a Better World by Monique Mitchell Book Feature

Title: Hope for a Better World
Author: Monique Mitchell
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 244
Genre: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Ebook/Paperback
 Purchase at AMAZON

 The book is basically my memoir; however, there are some fictitious characters but all is based on real events. Flashback to my childhood in Madagascar: country with a fascinating history and a unique population, with ethnic characteristics in my own family.

 Recollecting past personal tragedies in childhood and situating myself in the present where loving people( my family and church friends) are surrounding me, motivating me to be a good person and see life in a happy perspective. In particular, feeling as a great privilege to be part of the melting pot in the USA.

 Recollection of the life at the Faculty of Medicine (Angers), France and the following years in Paris, graduating in social studies. Identifying the influence of the French culture as a pivotal factor in my life and grateful to Bon Papa (grandfather)who, by becoming a naturalized French citizen enabled his descendants to benefit from their French education, while identifying their difference and /or alienation, could also choose individually, how to find a balance between a dual culture they were./are exposed to (their own native and the acquired one).

 An interesting trip to the Champagne region through the wine road and to the east of France (Alsace), rich in war (WWI) memories. And there also, exhilarating history about the Statute of Liberty: designed and constructed (before being brought to the USA) by the French architect, Frédéric August Bartholdi.

 Marriage to an American business man and birth of son in 1965 but early on, had to raise her child as a single mother due insurmountable challenges in the marriage.

 Worked for 20years for the UN in 9 countries in Africa and Asia, all called hardship posts, including those for peace-keeping missions located in politically challenged and/or war-torn countries. For each country, there is a description, besides my administrative work, of history, culture, population etc…

 Farewell trip to Madagascar visiting the tomb of my grand parents with great sadness, fond memories and gratefulness for having raised me as a Christian child with the moral values I still carry with me at this day. Joining my American family on a permanent basis to be with my beloved son.

 Birth of granddaughter, Jade, who is now a teenager and praying for all members of my family to be blessed by God in the country where I am now conveying my message for love and tolerance in my book “Hope For a Better Work”.
 
 Born in Madagascar and now living in the USA where I joined my family following a long search for what the Creator of the Universe meant me to be, and that search is now well defined. It started to emerge gradually from my childhood and my adolescent years in France, and became more discerning during my 20 years as a UN staff member in various countries of Africa and Asia. As a result of that search, I wrote a book in order to convey the well defined message from the “We the peoples” of the UN Charter: peoples are different, have differences, but all should “hope for a better world”,with love and tolerance.

Monique is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins December 8 and ends on December 19.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 22.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Guardian by Erik Williams Book Feature

Title: Guardian
Author: Erik Williams
Publisher: Harper Voyage Impulse
Pages: 254
Genre: Military Thriller
Format: Paperback/Kindle

 The heart-pounding, action-packed sequel to Demon.

 A secret order at war with itself.
A Syrian official who wants to set the Middle East ablaze.
And all of them want nothing more than one unlucky CIA agent …

 CIA agent Mike Caldwell just confronted a fallen angel and survived. But he wasn't the only one tracking down Semyaza, and the demon's escape from an ancient tomb has caught the attention of several powerful entities. Now they will stop at nothing to get Mike to play by their rules. Mike must head out on an international mission to confront the covert brotherhood in an effort to save the world from destruction.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Guardian is available at Amazon
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Erik Williams is a former naval officer and current defense contractor (but he's not allowed to talk about it). He is also the author of Demon and numerous small press works and short stories. He currently lives in San Diego with his wife and three daughters. When he's not at his day job, he can usually be found changing diapers or coveting carbohydrates

For More Information

• Visit Erik William’s website.
• Connect with Erik on Twitter.

The City Beneath by Melody Johnson Cover Reveal

 
Title: The City Beneath (The Night Blood Series)
Author: Melody Johnson
Publisher: Kensington Books

 As a journalist, Cassidy DiRocco thought she had seen every depraved thing New York City’s underbelly had to offer. But while covering what appears to be a vicious animal attack, she finds herself drawn into a world she never knew existed. Her exposé makes her the target of the handsome yet brutal Dominic Lysander, the Master Vampire of New York City, who has no problem silencing her to keep his coven's secrets safe… But Dominic offers Cassidy another option: ally. He reveals she is a night blood, a being with powers of her own, including the ability to become a vampire. As the body count escalates, Cassidy is caught in the middle of a vampire rebellion. Dominic insists she can help him stop the coming war, but wary of his intentions, Cassidy enlists the help of the charming Ian Walker, a fellow night blood. As the battle between vampires takes over the city, Cassidy will have to tap into her newfound powers and decide where to place her trust...

  FOR MORE INFORMATION

• The City Beneath is available at Amazon

Melody Johnson is the author of the Night Blood series. She graduated magna cum laude from Lycoming College with her B.A. in creative writing and psychology. While still earning her degree, she worked as an editing intern for Wahida Clark Presents Publishing. She was a copyeditor for several novels, including Cheetah by Missy Jackson; Trust No Man II by Cash; and Karma with a Vengeance by Tash Hawthorne. Book #1 of the Night Blood series, The City Beneath, is her debut novel. When she isn't writing, Melody can be found hiking the many woodsy trails in her Pennsylvania hometown or sunning and swimming at the beach. You can learn more about Melody and her work at elodymay.blog.com, Facebook and Twitter.

For More Information

• Visit Melody’s website.
• Connect with Melody on Facebook and  Twitter.

A Sweet Little Dream by Morgan Straughan Comnick Book Feature

Title: A Sweet Little Dream
Author: Morgan Straughan Comnick
Publisher: Paper Crane Books
Pages: 210
Genre: Short Stories
Format: Kindle

 This collection was born thanks to adventures to magical places that my youthful imagination crafted, a royal decree that henceforth let me be known as "The Queen of Details," and a very energetic "role model for today's youth." Writing had always been a comfort, a way of expressing myself since my voice was locked tight due to shyness. But because of these events, gifts, professors, and people in my life, light was shed on a pathway to writing as a career. In this collection, you will find works mostly from my high school years, exploring an array of genres. You'll learn about my younger self--both child and teen--who made me the woman I am today. It all started with a notebook, a pencil, words of encouragement, and a sweet, little dream.

For More Information

• A Sweet Little Dream  is available at Amazon.

What is your favorite quality about yourself? I try to see the good in everyone, showing kindness and respect. I know every person shines brightly like a star, is beautiful and has their own glow to contribute to society.  I want everyone to see that. What is your least favorite quality about yourself? I do not have much confidence in myself and get scared easily. My shyness and being too nice has burned and harmed me as well. How long have you been writing? Professionally, I signed my contract with Paper Crane Books on February 2013 and my first novel, Spirit Vision, was released that December.  I began the bulk of my writing in high school and college, as a way of expression when I was too shy for spoken words, when I wanted my creative traits to show, and when I needed a friend to vent to. Who or what influenced your writing once you began? My Communication Arts teacher my freshmen year of high school, Mr. Banger, declared dramatically one day that he was going to write a book.  We cackled at his antics, but then he told me I would make an interesting book character.  For some reason, I reasoned with myself that if this man could write a book, I could try. I fused this fire with my school life at the time and my love for spirits and from this Spirit Vision was born. I have been going ever since. Who or what influenced your writing over the years? I look at the world around me, the place that has been my home and comfort, and find the uniqueness of it, a fantastical, fantasy element to it without it losing its core, its element, what it is.  There is inspiration everywhere; you just have to have an open mind and find it. How did you come up with the title of the book? I never considered writing a career when I was in school; just a hobby and a way to express myself.  When I started writing Spirit Vision I wanted to share it with the world. I was not sure if it would happen, so I considered it my sweet, little dream, one I held close to my heart. That is why I named my first collection, compiled of my first writings, A Sweet, Little Dream. Are there any current books that have grasped your interest? I received several mangas and books for Christmas. Right now, I have been pleasure reading my mangas and currently reading Emerald Green, the fine book in the Ruby Red time-travelling series.  As far as genre, I enjoy vampire series, fairy tale retellings, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and books with magic in them. What was the hardest part of writing your book? Writers block is so annoying, especially for me because I have to write in order, which I have heard is odd for an author! Cutting a part you love in editing breaks my heart and makes my soul shrivel. Give us three “Good to Know” facts about you. Be creative, you can talk about your first job, something that inspires you, anything fun that might grab the readers attention.

• I have the movie The Lion King completely memorized and have since age four.
• I am allergic to citrus.  I cannot even smell it or my throat closes up.
• I am an oktau (a Japanese culture nerd through anime, manga, cosplay, and culture) and proud!

Tell us a little bit about the cover art. Who designed it? What made you choose that particular image/artwork? My cover art for the Spirit Vision series is by the talented Ms. Suzy Zhang, AKA Cherriuki.  I drew the concept art and Suzy made it beautiful, making my characters come to life, and drawing the eye to my book. However, for A Sweet, Little Dream, my publisher and I purchased images from a photo site for businesses that I picked up and Sheenah, my publisher, took my ideas and made it lovely.  The girl is a young girl who reminds me of myself, one enjoying the peace and beauty of the poppy field, envisioning her “sweet, little dream.”

Morgan was born and raised in the small, yet big enough town of Farmington, Missouri which has magic hidden within it along with bipolar weather. Before she found her path to teaching and the bridge that connects her to writing, she wanted to be a paleontologist, a teddy bear designer, an actor (which she still dreams about, but in anime voice acting form), and an American J-Pop idol. She had been writing since she was six, but never pondered it until her 6th grade Communication Arts teacher gave her the title “The Queen of Details” and her 9th grade Communication Arts teacher informed her she would make a fantastic book character for HIS future book, where she laughed, but it triggered the question within her “Why can’t I write one?” When she is not writing, daydreaming, snuggling with her hubby, or trying to educate and inspire young minds at her local school district, Morgan enjoys singing, acting, drawing, playing video games, organizing things, doing goofy voices, confusing people by making them smile with her cute, but unique fashion choices, engaging in social interaction with her friends, family, co-workers, love of her life, and church family, smiling and laughing to burn calories, having ‘me’ time by listening to music and walking, watching awesome TV shows and movies, and collecting adorable plushies, and geeky buttons and keychains along with buying way too many books, graphic tees, and dresses. She is in love with reading as well. Her guilty pleasure, however, is being a full otaku. Anime, manga, cosplay, Japanese culture and more help identify and inspire her every day, giving her confidence and happiness. Morgan’s first book, Spirit Vision, fuses Morgan’s love for her hometown and the people close in life, the world beyond life, finding the magic only you can have inside yourself, the power of love and friendship, and of writing in general. She hopes to make Spirit Vision a series and write many more books, sharing her always on imagination with the world. For More Information

• Visit Morgan’s website.
• Connect with Morgan on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
• More books by Morgan.

Fading Shadows by Abettina Dell'Orfano Morano Book Feature - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Title: Fading Shadows
Author: Abettina Dell'Orfano Morano
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 582
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Ebook/Paperback
 Purchase at AMAZON

 The author would like to invite the reader to take a journey with her back in time. I am writing this novel about my family who lived in the late 1800s. My parents, Michael and his wife Filomena Dell’Orfano, were born 1878 and 1882, respectively. Chusiano di San Domenico d’ Avellino is a small town in the Province of Avellino in the Region of Campania in Naples, Italy. Raffael and Camella Dell’Orfano lived there with their sons, Massimeno and Michele. The Dell’Orfano family and others in that area were identified as Bianco or “whiteheads“ due to their fair skin, blond and red haired. During the day, the boys went to school and afterward worked in the fields, and learned the value of hard work at a young age. Later, Michele became interested in a young lady by the name of Filomena, though his father disapproved. After a longtime disagreement between father and son, Michele, decided to marry his long time girl friend, Filomena, and left the homestead where he was born and raised. Later, Michele made his way to America, to build a new life for his family. Creating a new identity is never easy. They struggled, but their love keeps them strong as they remember the old country and looked forward to their new land.

   

Abettina Dell’Orfano Morano is the last of eleven children in her family. She worked as a medical assistant and was a certified licensed phlebotomist. Later, Abettina worked for the Registration Board of Medicine for Doctors and Nurses at the State House in Boston, Massachusetts.

Abettina is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins January 19 and ends on January 30.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, February 2.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Letters to Loretta from the Radio Shack: A True WWII Teenage Love Story by Laura Lynn Ashworth Book Feature

Title: Letters to Loretta from the Radio Shack: A True WWII Teenage Love Story
Author: Laura Lynn Ashworth
Publisher: Laura Lynn Ashworth
Pages: 239
Genre: Non-fiction Romance
Format: Paperback/E-copy

 Read the rare and recently discovered real time letters between Sal, age 19, and Loretta, age 15, during the final terrifying three years of World War II, 1943-1945. Both from the Douglas Park neighborhood in Chicago, the two adolescents discuss with humor and candor, the Navy, war, politics, hit music, life back home and their relationship. Sal nicknamed Slabby for his movie star good looks, deciphers code out of the Navy’s radio shack on a minesweeper in the Pacific. Loretta monikered Duchess for her aloofness, lives with aunts and her widowed father, while holding day jobs and enjoying an active social life with friends. Letters to Loretta from the Radio Shack lets you experience World War II, both in battle and on the home front, through the eyes of adolescents in a way that Hollywood has never portrayed.

  For More Information

 Letters to Loretta from the Radio Shack is available at Amazon.
Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.

Laura Lynn Ashworth is an award-winning copywriter and political cartoonist. While helping an elderly family member with veterans administration paperwork, she ran across “the letters” and instantly knew of their rarity, freshness and historical significance. Although she received three publishing contracts within two months of sending the letters to major publishers, Ashworth decided to publish them herself on the advice of best-selling authors. She currently lives and works in a northwest suburb of Chicago.  www.lauralynnashworth.com, www.lauralynnashworth.com/blog

  For More Information

• Visit Laura Lynn’s website.
• Connect with Laura Lynn on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads

Bad Can Be Broken by Raven White Book Feature

Title: Bad Can Be Broken
Author: Raven White
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 186
Genre: Biography
Format: Ebook/Paperback
 Purchase at AMAZON

 A rebellious and willful woman, author Raven White spent years stewing her organs in lethal concoctions of alcohol, meth, marijuana, and cocaine. Running from relationships and self-medicating was routine. Colon cancer and a life expectancy of three to five years became the “cure” she needed to hear God’s voice. In Bad Can Be Broken, she narrates the story of how stage four colon cancer at first was her nemesis, but how it ultimately became the reason she now lives a life filled with love, joy, and peace. This memoir details her specific struggles, including being a cancer warrior, and it also discusses the challenges she faced long before accepting God. White tells how she believes the karma racked up in her teens through her late thirties led to having to swallow the weight of a life-threatening illness. Touching on spirituality and maturing as a human being, Bad Can Be Broken offers hope and inspiration. White shows how she found peace and purpose and tells how it is available for others facing the same challenges.
   

Raven White creates poetry, loves to read, is a sketch artist, and is a fanatical music lover. Her hobbies include: reading, research, drafting prayers, spending time in nature, and being with her three children, grandchild, and husband.

Raven is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins December 29 and ends on January 9.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, January 12.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Wake up, Lien. Think for Yourself! by William Van Vynck Book Feature

Title: Wake Up, Lien. Think for Yourself!
Author: William Van Vynck
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 313
Genre: Religious
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Purchase at AMAZON

 “Wake up, Lien. Think for yourself!” describes the origins and some of the history and the excesses of Christianity and Islam. It shows how mind-control enters into the formation of these religions, and it urges the reader to free himself or herself from the out-dated notions that may have been implanted in his mind by parents, teachers, and religious functionaries. It suggests the Eastern teaching of reincarnation as a possible substitute as that appears to be a more satisfying and logical belief system.
   
 When during World War II the Germans forced the author into slave labor and forced him to dig trenches during the night in the no-man's-land along the Russian front, he faced death every hour of every night. He prayed to God to get him out of that hell but to no avail.  

William is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins December 29 and ends on January 9.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, January 12.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Amy by William A. Clifford Book Feature

Title: Amy
Author: William A. Clifford
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 268
Genre: Fiction
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Purchase at AMAZON

 An experiment in creation, with some religious views, that shows the reasons why, we may not want, what we think we want. How plans take on a life of their own, and there is no going back.

   

  Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Raised in Ancaster, in the country setting. Attended Ancaster High and Vocational School, where I got my diploma. After that I enrolled in the working world until my retirement. I am married with three grown children and six grandchildren. I build miniatures and like to build landscapes of my own design.

William is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
• This giveaway begins December 29 and ends on January 9.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, January 12.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway