Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Cover Reveal: Owning It by Leah Marie Brown


Inside the Book:



Title: Owning It
Author: Leah Marie Brown
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Format: Ecopy 
The chance of a lifetime . . . or just another bad decision?

Delaney Lavender Brooks needs to grow up. At least, according to her parents. After getting evicted from her apartment and wrecking her car, Laney is almost ready to trade in her paintbrushes and surrender to a more sensible 9-to-5 existence. Almost. Until she’s awarded an internship at a prestigious art gallery in Paris. What else can the free-spirited artist do but follow her dreams? Even if her latest attempt at chasing rainbows might cost her a real future . . .

Once in the city of lights, Laney is almost undone by the glaring truth: maybe she isn’t sophisticated or talented enough to make it as an artist—or an independent woman, for that matter. And when she’s hotly pursued by a seductive Frenchman, she has to wonder if she’s about to be a fool for love, too. Soon Laney’s greatest challenge is not proving herself to her parents, but having the courage to live the life—and love—of her dreams . . .

“Leah Marie Brown has a wily way of bringing her stories to life with sharp dialogue and drop-dead sexy characters.” —Cindy Miles, National Bestselling Author

“When it comes to crafting clever, intelligent, wonderful escapist fiction with a heroine every woman wants to know, Leah Marie Brown is a new voice to watch. Prepare to fall in love!” —Renee Ryan, Daphne du Maurier Award-Winning Author

 amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

I am an American writer with a penchant for Paris and all things pink!
Before writing novels, I worked as a print journalist for a Pulitzer prize winning newspaper and served in the United States Air Force as a Radio and Television Broadcaster.
An avid traveler, I have had adventures and mishaps from London to Tokyo, which I write about on my blog, On Life, Love & Accidental Adventures, and in my contemporary romantic series, The It Girls.
I was once a collector of truly useless bric-a-brac and cheesy tee-shirts.  My cheesiest? A tee with a cartoon Jesus riding a surf board and the words, ”And on the eighth day, Jesus went surfing in Greece.”
Today, I prefer to gather friendships and memories as travel souvenirs.
I live in the shadow of Pike’s Peak Mountain, near Colorado Springs, with my family and shamefully pampered poodles.
In my free time, I like to watch movies, read, and snap photographs.  You can view my photography by clicking on the Adventures tab above or by following me on Instagram.
I love to hear from readers, so send me a note! Or connect with me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
For More Information
Visit Leah’s website.
Connect with Leah on Facebook  and Twitter.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Cover Reveal: The Thief by Michele Hauf

 

Inside the Book:


Title: The Thief
Author: Michele Hauf
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Ecopy 
The Elite Crimes Unit works behind the scenes of Interpol—and employs some of the world’s most talented criminal minds. Because as everyone knows, it takes a thief to catch a thief—or to seduce one . . .

The old farmhouse in the French countryside is a refuge for former jewel thief Josephine Deveraux. Admittedly, there aren’t many men in the vicinity, but she has her cat to cuddle up with. It’s a far cry from her former life, constantly running from the law, and she’s enjoying her peace . . . until the intruder in the three-piece suit tackles her. He wants her back in the game, helping with a heist—and he’s not above making threats to get his way.

Little does Josephine know that notorious—and notoriously charming—thief, Xavier Lambert, is after the very same 180-carat prize she’s being blackmailed to steal. To his chagrin, he’s doing it not as a free agent, but as a member of the Elite Crimes Unit—the team he was forced to join when his brilliant career came to a sudden end. And little does Xavier know that his comeback is about to include a stranger’s kiss, a stinging slap, and a hunt for missing treasure—along with the infuriatingly sexy woman who’s outfoxing him . . .

“Hauf delivers excitement, danger, and romance in a way only she can!” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon

PURCHASE AT AMAZON

MEET THE AUTHOR

Michele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over nineteen years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.

France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage ‘write what you know’, all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.

In February 2015 Michele’s 70th book, THE UNFORGIVEN: ATHOS will be published! And she marks another milestone with her 50th book for Harlequin in April 2015.

Connect with Michele: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Pinterest  

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Cover Reveal: More Than A Soldier by Irene Onorato

more-than-a-soldier

Inside the Book:

 more-than-a-soldier_final
Title: More Than a Soldier
Author: Irene Onorato
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporar Romance
Format: Ecopy 
There’s more than one way to be a hero . . .

Former Special Forces soldier Hank Fleming is living a safe, quiet life in upstate New York, but there are days he isn’t sure he’s going to make it. The sole survivor of a devastating grenade attack in Afghanistan, he is still scarred, physically and emotionally. He hangs on to his faith and tries to keep moving forward, waiting for the day that something—or someone—can make him feel whole again.

Cindy Giordano is searching too—for her biological family and a fresh start. When her journey to find her brother, Edward, leads to Hank’s front door, she is instantly drawn to Hank . . . and instantly wary. With her ex-fiancé’s betrayal still fresh in her mind, friendship is about all she can muster.

When shadows from Cindy’s past threaten, Hank’s protective instincts shift into high gear, and he realizes everyone has their own battles to fight. But the road to healing would be much sweeter with the right person by his side . . .

  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

Irene Onorato was born and raised in Bronx, New York. Her father, a first-generation American whose parents were born in Italy, was an Army veteran who had served with the 178th combat engineers during WWII. He told numerous stories of battles, hardships, tragedies and triumphs. The glimpses he gave into the hearts of many American warriors would later become the inspiration for much of Irene’s writings. In 1972, a few months after graduating high school, Irene met James Onorato, a soldier who had just returned from Vietnam. After dating two weeks, they married, raised three children, and are still happily married today. Irene and James, both radiation protection technicians, retired from the nuclear power industry in 2014 and now reside in Louisiana.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Cover Reveal: Pop Star by Meredith Michelle


Inside the Book:


Title: Pop Star
Author: Meredith Michelle
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Romance
Format: Ecopy 

CHOOSE HOW FAR YOU WANT TO GO . . .

You are Honey Noble, this month’s Rock N Roll Magazine cover star, with a platinum debut album and swarms of devoted “Honey Bees.” Life has never been sweeter—or crazier, as you juggle a cross-country tour (traveling on your luxury Airstream tour bus), a clothing line, fabulous endorsements, and a relationship with gorgeous former boy-bander, Crispin Hershey.

But rumors are swirling about Crispin’s flirtation with pop’s bad girl, Trixie Sheer. And life on tour is opening up all kinds of intriguing possibilities for you, too . . .

Do you snoop into Crispin’s phone to discover the truth about Trixie? Will a night in Vegas lead to a quickie wedding, a gambling debt, or a rehab stint? Should you enjoy a fling with a sizzling backup dancer or reconnect with Han Lee, your Korean pop star ex—or is your soul mate someone closer to home?

Every choice has a juicy consequence, and the potential for steamy fun, fulfillment, tabloid scandal . . . or even a fatal misstep. The choice is yours . . .

  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

Star Struck is Meredith Michelle’s debut and is the first in the Pick Your Own Plot Bedventures series. It combines her lifelong fascination with celebrity culture and her childhood love of the Choose Your Own Adventure series. Meredith has been an avid writer since her youth, penning plays, poetry and short stories. She is a native and current resident of the Washington, DC area, where she lives with her husband and three children.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Cover Reveal: Sexy Living by Regina Cole


Inside the Book:


Title: Sexy Living
Author: Regina Cole
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Romance
Format: Ecopy 

Regina Cole tells a surprising—and sizzling—story about a successful young woman who learns that size is just a number, happiness is hot, and sexy is a way of life…

In her nine-to-five life, Stacey Hough is a confident young woman whose career is going from strength to strength. But a trip to Hawaii for her cousin’s wedding lays bare her deepest insecurities, and she books the first flight home to Atlanta to avoid exposing her curves on the beach. Tired of being unhappy, she decides to take action and heads to the gym. But her personal trainer’s seductive smile and ridiculous muscles make it hard to focus on lifts and lunges…

Robert Liston lives to help people achieve their goals. When Stacey walks into his gym, he sees a voluptuous woman who doesn’t know how beautiful she really is, and he’s determined to help her learn to accept herself. As soon as she starts warming up on the treadmill, things start warming up between them, and it’s only a matter of time before Rob is putting Stacey through her paces at the gym—and in the bedroom. As the line between work and pleasure blurs, Rob must convince her that sexy has nothing to do with the scale—and that her imperfections inspire the greatest passion of all… amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

Regina Cole, lover of manly muscled arms, chest hair, and mini-marshmallows, has been reading romance since her early teens. While she loves reading love stories, writing them has filled a special place in her heart, and she’s enjoying every minute.

When she’s not frantically pounding away at the keyboard, she can be found fishing with her family, playing with her dogs, trying out strange new recipes, or snuggling with her hubby and tiny twin boys.

Regina also writes Regency time travel and historical romance as Gina Lamm.

Find Regina all over the web! It’s like a treasure hunt, only with less pirates.

Regina Cole’s Facebook Page
Regina Cole’s Twitter Page
Regina Cole on Goodreads
Regina Cole on Pinterest (As Gina Lamm)
Regina Cole’s Alter Ego, Gina Lamm    

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Cover Reveal: Here Comes the Bride Bundle by Alexandra Ivy


Inside the Book:


Title: Here Comes the Bride
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ecopy 

A BRIDE FOR LORD BRASLEIGH 

Philip Marrow, Lord Brasleigh, must marry off his troublesome ward, Miss Bella Howe. But determined to wed for love, Bella has run away, and Philip must track her down. Since he has never met her, he plans to play the rogue and scare her back to London. He never expects to ignite an overwhelming passion . . . or find a lady who fights fire with a clever scheme all her own . . .

A BRIDE FOR LORD WICKTON Barth Juston, Earl of Wickton, assumes a woman would be grateful to accept an arranged marriage with him. What a shock that beautiful Isa Lawford is not! In fact, she insists she prefers someone else! Now this overconfident lord is about to enter the most perilous battle of all: a fight for a woman’s heart . . .

A BRIDE FOR LORD CHALLMOND Simon Townsled, Lord Challmond, is off to his Devonshire country estate, where he is sure to be safe from feminine wiles. But he doesn't count on feisty do-gooder Miss Claire Blakewell—who is as determined to march down the aisle as he is to avoid it . . .
  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

alexandra-ivy-300x300 

 Like most writers, I was born with an avid love for reading. Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have a book in my hand or wasn’t dreaming up wild stories in my head. And when I stepped into my local library for the first time I thought it was paradise. There were so many books on the shelves I didn’t know where to start!

Still, I didn’t plan to grow up and become a writer. I was much more interested in a glorious career as an actress on Broadway.

I followed my dream by acquiring a degree in theatre and performing for several years in summer-stock productions, but after I married my college sweetheart I decided to put the career on hold while we started a family. After the arrival of my two sons, Chance and Alex, I found myself seeking a new creative outlet and decided to turn my occasional scribblings into a genuine effort to get published.

I’d like to say that I was an overnight success, but the truth is that it took years before I finally got ‘the call’. The rejections were painful, but now I’m relieved. All those manuscripts that I thought were the next Great American Novel are now exactly where they belong…gathering dust under my bed.

They did, however, help me learn my craft, and just as importantly, they gave me the opportunity to enjoy writing in a wide variety of genres as I searched for my voice. Which no doubt explains why I started writing traditional regencies under the name Debbie Raleigh and then moved to steamy historicals under the name Deborah Raleigh before transforming into a contemporary paranormal writer as Alexandra Ivy. Now my career spans everything from erotica to romantic suspense.

When I’m not writing I love to travel, it doesn’t matter where I’m going as long as it doesn’t include any cooking or cleaning. I also love to spend time with my family who continue to be my greatest source of inspiration. And since some things never change…when I have a few minutes, you can still find me with a book in my hand!

For More Information
 Visit Alexandra’s website.
 Connect with Alexandra
  Social-Network-Facebook Social-Network-Twitter      

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Cover Reveal: Eight Days in the Sun by MK Schiller


Inside the Book:


Title: Eight Days in the Sun
Author: MK Schiller
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Ecopy 

Love needs only one chance to shine . . .

He followed in his family’s footsteps and just graduated Marine boot camp. Now Mason Cutler’s personal mission is to get plenty of sun, surf, and no-strings romance in his favorite laid-back Florida beach town before shipping out. But a chance encounter with reserved Kiran Shenoy becomes a golden day of conversation, connection—and an intense attraction Mason can't walk away from. They make an agreement—eight sensuous days together without regrets or promises. Yet soon Mason is longing to convince the spirited woman behind Kiran's sad beautiful eyes to take a chance on even more . . .

All Kiran dared hope for was a chance to heal after a tragic accident and a devastating loss. Mason's freewheeling energy and head-on courage warms her scarred body and soul—and ignites her heart. But with their lives going in different directions, the only commitment they can make is a pact to meet again. Can what they feel survive Mason’s military duty, and Kiran’s second chance to restart her life? And can a desire sparked one summer night be enough for forever?

  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

I am a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. I have a full time life and two busy teenagers, but in the dark of night, I sit by the warm glow of my computer monitor, reading or writing, usually with some tasty Italian…the food that is! I started imagining stories in my head at a very young age. In fact, I got so good at it that friends asked me to create plots featuring them as the heroine and the object of their affection as the hero. You’ve heard of fan fiction… this was friend fiction. I hope you enjoy my stories and always find The Happily Ever After in every endeavor.

Visit MK’s website

Connect with MK on Facebook and Twitter    

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Cover Reveal: Texas Fire by Gerry Bartlett


Dog Eared Publicity Presents Gerry Bartlett's TEXAS FIRE Cover Reveal November 15, 2016

Inside the Book:


Title: Texas Fire
Author: Gerry Bartlett
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Western Romance
Format: Ecopy 

Her father’s dream. Her crossroads. And a man who sees just her . . .

Megan Calhoun doesn’t stick with anything long. She’s the daughter of a billionaire—why pretend to be somebody else?

Until she finds out her father’s will says she has to. She has to last a year in the oil patch, in the dust and heat of West Texas, working for her daddy’s company. Otherwise she’s cut off without a cent—and no way to earn one.

The only upside is her new pal Rowdy Baker, ex-football star, Calhoun engineer, and grade-A stud. If she has to live in a trailer, his doesn’t sound so bad.

Rowdy knows the roughnecks running the rigs won’t take kindly to a smartass blonde rookie whose last name matches their paychecks. He can’t control his attraction to her. And with everyone from the foremen to the stockholders spitting mad at the Calhouns, he expects trouble ahead.

But Megan has never been scared in her life. And with Rowdy to help her plot, she has the chance of a lifetime: to find her calling, to fix her company, and, if she doesn’t screw it up—to capture a heart...

  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

gerry-bartlett 

Gerry Bartlett is the nationally bestselling author of the REAL VAMPIRES series, featuring Glory St.Clair, a curvy vampire who was bloating when she was turned in 1604.

Gerry is a native Texan and lives halfway between Houston and Galveston where she has an antiques business that lets her indulge her shopping addiction. You can see her purse collection on Pinterest.

Would she like to be a vampire? No way. She's too addicted to Mexican food and sunlight.

You can reach her on http://gerrybartlett.com or follow her and her dog Jet on Facebook, twitter or Instagram. Her latest release is REAL VAMPIRES SAY READ MY HIPS (Real Vampires 11) available now.  

CONNECT WITH GERRY: WEBSITE|TWITTER

   

Cover Reveal: A Warrior's Pledge by Emma Prince



Title: A Warrior's Pledge (Highland Bodyguards Book 3)
Author: Emma Prince
Genre: Historical Romance


Today we feature the cover for A Warrior's Pledge by Emma Prince. Details on the book and purchase links will be available soon, but we just couldn't wait to give you a glimpse and get you ready for the hunkiness that is Finn Sutherland!


MEET THE AUTHOR



 Emma Prince is the bestselling author of steamy historical romances jam-packed with adventure, conflict, and of course love!

Emma grew up in drizzly Seattle, but traded her rain boots for sunglasses when she and her husband moved to the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Emma spent several years in academia, both as a graduate student and an instructor of college-level English and Humanities courses. She always savored what she calls her fun books—normally historical romances—on breaks or vacations. But as she began looking for the next chapter in her life, she wondered if perhaps her passion could turn into a career. Ever since then, she's been reading and writing books that celebrate happily ever afters!

Emma has completed the Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, a series of books set in medieval Scotland, during the harrowing Wars for Independence. In the Viking Lore series, she delved into the rich history of the Viking conquests. Now she is returning to medieval Scotland for a new series on historical Highland bodyguards!

Emma loves to connect with readers and writers—sign up for her newsletter and get all the latest on current and future projects, plus sales and giveaway alerts. Happy reading!

For More Information
 Visit Emma’s website.
 Connect with Emma
  Social-Network-Facebook Social-Network-Twitter      

Monday, November 14, 2016

Book Blast: In Jesus' Arms by Mary E. Keenan

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Inside the Book:

in-jesus-arms
Title: In Jesus' Arms 
Author: Mary E. Keenan 
Publisher: iUniverse 
Genre: Religion 
Format: Ebook

What if you could literally see Christ and listen to Him answer some of your deepest spiritual questions: Who receives eternal life, and why? Are we still “us” after death? What happens in heaven? And is there an unseen dimension here on earth?

In In Jesus’ Arms: One Woman’s Trip to Heaven, author Mary E. Keenan shares here amazing journey being in the arms of Jesus Christ. Opening with the story of her life as an unworthy sinner who once rejected God’s forgiveness—but who found restoration through a relationship with Christ—she reveals her experience of being held and carried by Jesus as she and Christ walked together on the earth and ascended to heaven. There, Mary receives Christ’s lessons and is able to offer a glimpse into the inner workings of heaven, the mind of Christ, the preparations for the second coming, and the important messages God wants individuals and churches to heed today about the difference between faith and religious practice.

Whether you are a curious and skeptical unbeliever, a believer who avoids the church, or an active church member involved in the pastorate or other Christian organizations, In Jesus’ Arms will compel you to delve deeper into the scriptures and provide you with a joyous, hopeful account of a victorious Christ—where His lessons from the past are still current, where His plans are being carried out, and where heaven is still very much involved in our lives.  

Meet the Author:
Mary E. Keenan was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and she has a master’s degree in adult and technical education from Marshall University, West Virginia. Now retired from a career in nursing administration and education, she loves to paint and lives with her husband, Dale, in Weirton, West Virginia.  

Giveaway

Mary is giving away a $25 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 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins November 14  and ends on November 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on November 26.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Love 2.0 by Lee Kilraine


Inside the Book:


Title: Love 2.0
Author: Lee Kilraine
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Ecopy 

Elvis has been spotted in the little town of Climax, North Carolina. Or at least, a shapely female Elvis impersonator—who’s got Kaz Cates all shook up . . .

Kaz is having one of those days. Cyber criminals, federal agents . . . and now, Elvis. In reality, the King is Mirabel Diaz, earning money by delivering singing telegrams. But Mira’s got another reason for being here: she knows Kaz Cates is secretly a master hacker with the skills to help people disappear, and that’s exactly what she needs to do. Still, Kaz can’t help wishing she’d stay awhile . . .

This isn’t Mira’s preferred career—her singing voice isn’t even that great—but her ex-boyfriend, a powerful Russian gangster, hasn’t left her a choice. No matter where she runs, he seems to find a way to pull strings and get her fired. If she doesn’t get off the grid, his vengeful acts may only get worse. Kaz reluctantly agrees to help, and insists on teaching her self-defense. Though she’s afraid to trust any man, she feels safe with Kaz . . . and welcomed by his family. But if they don’t stop the danger that’s chasing her, she may have to go on the road again instead of finding a haven in his arms . . . amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

lee-kilraine 
 Lee Kilraine lives in the pine woods of North Carolina. When she isn’t typing away on her computer with her golden retriever, Harley, destroying something at her feet, she’s probably sitting on her front porch swing coffee drinking, puppy watching, plot wrangling, book reading, rain listening, storm watching or firefly gazing. It’s also a great spot to catch up with one of the kids or share a glass of wine with the Alpha-dude. Lee is a 2014 Golden Heart® Finalist. She loves writing and reading stories with a HEA and if they make her laugh…well, that’s perfect.

For More Information

Visit Lee’s website Facebook Twitter  

Friday, November 11, 2016

Cover Reveal: A Charmed Little Lie by Sharla Lovelace


Inside the Book:


Title: A Charmed Little Lie
Author: Sharla Lovelace
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Ecopy 

Charmed, Texas . . . quaint, quirky, and when it comes to romance, there's no place quite as enchanting.

Lanie Barrett didn't mean to lie. Spinning a story of a joyous marriage to make a dying woman happy is forgivable, isn't it? Lanie thinks so, especially since her beloved Aunt Ruby would have been heartbroken to know the truth of her niece's sadly loveless, short-of-sparkling existence. Trouble is, according to the will, Ruby didn't quite buy Lanie's tale. And to inherit the only house Lanie ever really considered a home, she'll have to bring her "husband" back to Charmed for three whole months--or watch Aunt Ruby's cozy nest go to her weasel cousin, who will sell it to a condo developer.

Nick McKane is out of work, out of luck, and the spitting image of the man Lanie described. He needs money for his daughter's art school tuition, and Lanie needs a convenient spouse. It's a match made . . . well, not quite in heaven, but for a temporary arrangement, it couldn't be better. Except the longer Lanie and Nick spend as husband and wife, the more the connection between them begins to seem real. Maybe this modern fairy tale really could come true . . .

  amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

sharla-lovelace 

 Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two crazy dogs. She is the author of five stand-alone novels including the bestselling Don’t Let Go, the exciting Heart of the Storm series, and the fun and sexy new Charmed in Texas series (April 2017).

She’s a mom to two grown kids, and empty nesting requires fur babies, ice cream, and lots of texting. And ice cream. Oh yeah, she already mentioned that.

Sharla writes modern day, quirky love stories with dysfunctional families, love problems, and snarky humor. Because who doesn’t love a love story? Especially one with strong women and drama and baggage and hot men that can’t get enough of them.…

Stay and look around… Check out her books, send her a message with the “contact me” form, and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter to keep up with when her next book is coming out! And if you hang out long enough, you’ll probably figure out that she’s all about the RED. Sharla loves red, so if you decide to send her a present–well–you know where to start.

CONNECT WITH SHARLA: GOODREADS|FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM|PINTEREST|TWITTER

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Cover Reveal: Shepherd Avenue by Charlie Carillo


Inside the Book:


Title: Shepherd Ave
Author: Charlie Carillo
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Fiction
Format: Ecopy 

An American Library Association Notable Book of the Year

“An excellent writer and a marvelous storyteller. . . . He creates a special world on Shepherd Avenue that I loved to enter and hated to leave.” –Ferrol Sams

From acclaimed author Charlie Carillo comes a poignant, darkly funny, coming-of-age story set in the heart of Italian-American Brooklyn, New York, and the heat of one eventful 1960s summer . . .

Ten-year-old Joey Ambrosio has barely begun to grieve his mother’s death when his father abruptly uproots him from his sedate suburban Long Island home, and deposits him at his estranged grandparents’ house in boisterous East New York. While his dad takes off on an indefinite road trip, Joey is left to navigate unfamiliar terrain. Besides his gruff Italian grandparents, there's his teenage Uncle Vic, a baseball star obsessed with the music of Frank Sinatra; a steady diet of soulful, hearty foods he’s never tasted, and a community teeming with life, from endless gossip and arguments to curse-laden stickball games under the elevated train. It’s a world where privacy doesn’t exist and there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself. Most of all, it’s where Joey learns not only how to fight, and how to heal, but how to love—and ultimately, how to forgive.

Praise for Charlie Carillo and Raising Jake

“The best kind of journey, one you don't want to end...funny, moving.” —Mike Lupica

 “In the tradition of Tom Perotta…truthful, and hilarious.” —Alison Grambs

 “A literary romp through the minefields of a totally normal, and totally abnormal, family… I actually laughed out loud and kept turning the pages to make absolutely sure that all worked out at the end.” –Cathy Lamb “Carillo has an easy way with breezy prose and likable characters.” –Publishers Weekly amazon

MEET THE AUTHOR

Charlie Carillo grew up in Douglaston, New York, a town that was put on the map by three world-class tennis players - John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe and Charlie's sister, Mary Carillo, now a famous sports broadcaster. The teenage Charlie tried his hand at tennis and lost a match to little John McEnroe 6-0, 6-0.  Charlie won a total of one point and wrote about the humiliating but humorous event years later in the New York Times.

Charlie graduated from Queens College of the City University of New York in 1977.  That same year he won several prizes in the school's writing contest, including one for "the writer showing the most promise."  The cash prize was $300, the first money he ever made without pushing a broom or a lawnmower.   In 1978 Charlie took a job as a copyboy at the New York Post, eventually working his way up to reporter, rewrite man and columnist. In 1993 he switched to television, working as a producer for the news magazine shows "American Journal" and "Inside Edition.” He just moved to London, where he lives with his wife Kim and their labrador retriever, Bailey.

Charlie has a son, Rafael, and two stepchildren, Catherine and James. Charlie's first novel, "Shepherd Avenue," was published in 1986 by the Atlantic Monthly Press.  It was named one of the best books of the year by the American Library Association. Charlie's second novel, "My Ride With Gus," was published in 1996 by Pocket Books, and was translated into German and French editions.  It has been optioned to the movies by Fox.

Charlie's novels "Raising Jake" (2009) and “One Hit Wonder” (2010) were published by Kensington books, and are also available in German editions. His latest novels available on Amazon Kindle are “Found Money,” “God Plays Favorites” and “The Man Who Killed Santa Claus: A Love Story.”

Book Feature: The Weaver by Emmi Itaranta

 

Inside the Book:


Title: The Weaver
Author: Emmi Itaranta
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Dystopian
Format: Ebook

The author of the critically acclaimed Memory of Water returns with this literary ecological tale in the vein of Ursula K. Le Guin and Sheri S. Tepper, in which an innocent young woman becomes entangled in a web of ancient secrets and deadly lies that lie at the dark center of her prosperous island world.

Eliana is a model citizen of the island, a weaver in the prestigious House of Webs. She also harbors a dangerous secret—she can dream, an ability forbidden by the island’s elusive council of elders. No one talks about the dreamers, the undesirables ostracized from society.

But the web of protection Eliana has woven around herself begins to unravel when a young girl is found lying unconscious in a pool of blood on the stones outside the house. Robbed of speech by her attackers, the only clue to her identity is one word tattooed in invisible ink across her palm: Eliana. Why does this mysterious girl bear her name? What links her to the weaver—and could she hold Eliana’s fate in her hand?

As Eliana finds herself growing closer to this injured girl she is bound to in ways she doesn’t understand, the enchanting lies of the island begin to crumble, revealing a deep and ancient corruption. Joining a band of brave rebels determined to expose the island’s dark secrets, Eliana becomes a target of ruthless forces determined to destroy her. To save herself and those she loves, she must call on the power within her she thought was her greatest weakness: her dreams.

 

Meet the Author:



Emmi Itäranta (b. 1976) was born in Tampere, Finland, where she also grew up. She holds one MA in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of Tampere, and another from the University of Kent, UK, where she began writing her debut novel Memory of Water as a part of her Creative Writing masters degree. She later completed the full manuscript in both Finnish and English. The novel won the Fantasy and Sci-fi Literary Contest organised by the Finnish publishing house Teos. It was published to enthusiastic reviews in Finland in 2012 under the title Teemestarin kirja. In 2015 the English language version, Memory of Water, was nominated for the Philip K. Dick award in the US and the Arthur C. Clarke award in the UK. Translation rights to the award-winning novel have been sold in 21 territories to date. Itäranta’s second novel Kudottujen kujien kaupunki was published in 2015, and it won her the Tampere City Literary Award. In the UK the novel is known as The City of Woven Streets, and in the US as The Weaver. Itäranta’s professional background is an eclectic blend of writing-related activities, including stints as a columnist, theatre critic, dramaturge, scriptwriter and press officer. She lives in Canterbury, UK.

Connect with Emmi: Website | Facebook | Twitter
 

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Tour Schedule

 Monday, November 7 
Guest blogging at Books, Dreams, Life
Book featured at The Dark Phantom

Tuesday, November 8
Book featured at Literal Exposure
Book featured at The Literary Nook

Wednesday, November 9
Book featured at A Title Wave
Book featured at As the Pages Turn

Thursday, November 10
Book featured at Voodoo Princess

Friday, November 11
Book featured at The Bookworm Lodge
Book featured at All Inclusive Retort
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Monday, November 14
Book reviewed at I'm Shelf-ish
Tuesday, November 15
Book featured at My Bookish Pleasures

Wednesday, November 16
Book featured at Mello and June
Book featured at Harmonious Publicity

Thursday, November 17
Book featured at CBY Book Club
Book featured at Write and Take Flight

Friday, November 18
Book featured at Bound 2 Escape
Book reviewed at Cover2Cover