Fall 2015...and Books

As much as I despise daylight savings time and the ever shortening days, I do have a certain affection for fall. I love the changing leaves (even in the desert), fuzzy socks, the fireplace, hot totties and the holidays, especially when family is involved. Recently, life has been a whirlwind of family, friends, work, home, writing/books…so many good things to be thankful for every day!

Does that mean every day’s perfect? Of course not, that would be a fictional tale, and a boring one at that. However finding my own peace every day is essential! No matter how many challenges or roadblocks I may meet in any given day, I have to find a piece…a slice…just a smidgeon…of happiness, harmony, peace, gratefulness…whatever I can grab. And some days that peace is the first five seconds of the day when my subconscious is still technically asleep.

But that’s the day-to-day chaos, not the big picture…the grand scheme…the reasons for it all: family, friends, happiness, harmony, love, kindness, health, beauty…the very core of the lovely and delightful #meaningfulmoments. So with the arrival of the Thanksgiving holiday and some of my favorite people, I am feeling extremely blessed and thankful this season.

May your life be filled with #meaningfulmoments now and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

AND I think we all know…no matter how nuts life gets, there is always time to read. Even if it’s the last few moments before your eyes drift closed. Here are my latest reads…

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Great read! Anderson weaves a page-turner told from the perspective of a young freshmen girl, Melinda. The girl who called the cops at the big summer party. Needless to say, the start to her high school career was rough. She lost her friends and withdrew from her parents. It was through art she was able to find her voice and face her demons. The inner dialogue of this tormented teen is incredible. Highly recommend!

Midnight Raven by Becca Boucher

As a sequel in the Moon Series, this book shifts to the point of view of Kat, the angry loner. That is, until the good Dr. Cace Matthews shows up at her hospital. An instant connection is made, and it turns out they have more in common than the natural ways of the world. Before long they are neck deep in a harrowing nightmare. The story flowed and Boucher writes with great creative detail. I wasn't a fan of the way things ended for the characters, but it definitely has me thinking about where the next book will go.

Splintered by A.G. Howard

This modern Wonderland fractured fairy tale kept me guessing. Nothing is as it seems, but everything is familiar. A very creative spin/explanation/continuation of a classic tale. It was a little slow at the beginning, but near the end it was hard to put down. This book has some of the most impressive detail/description I’ve ever read, almost to a fault. There were points where I would get lost in details. But the ending was fantastic!

Afterburn by Silva Day

It’s hot. It’s heavy. It’s a quick read.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful holiday!

BOOK BLITZ: A Horse Named Dog

A Horse Named Dog
by Theresa Oliver
Release Date: October 21st 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary
Write More Publications

Summary from Goodreads:

Sam is a typical twelve-year-old boy who works on his parent’s farm, but is not as interested in horses as his horse-training family. However, he does his best to help out until an incident when he is riding with his mother. After saving her from becoming nearly trampled, his viewpoint changes … until a strange horse comes to their farm with quirks, earning him the name Dog.

Dog likes Sam right away, but Sam wants nothing to do with him, as he is the son of Trumpeter, the horse that nearly maimed his mother for life. Sam has a hard time dealing with not only the memory of the accident, but the extra chores and responsibilities suddenly thrust upon him, one of which is training Dog.

Because his mother is out of work and people are canceling orders, money is scarce. With the Indiana Classic coming up—a local horse race with a huge purse—will Sam be able to befriend Dog and save their farm, or will Dog go back to his present owner, never to be seen again?

Find out in Theresa Oliver’s first pre-teen novel, A Horse Named Dog.  

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Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

About the Author
Theresa Oliver grew up in southern Indiana, across from Louisville, Kentucky, in Clarksville, Indiana. In her childhood, she fell in love with the power of the written word, a love affair that has continued her whole life. She moved to Florida, where she has lived much of her adult life. She attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, Tenn., and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, News Editorial sequence. She also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Early Childhood Education sequence, from Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, Ga. She is currently a writer, a full-time teacher, and the owner of Write More Publications and TNT Author Services. However, her greatest adventure is as a mother of three beautiful boys. Oliver currently resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with her husband and children. 

Author Links

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

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Book Blitz Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

The Contract Killer Cover Reveal

The Killer Contract Agency

by Jessica Samuels

Release Date: November 30th 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Salina Sinclair hunts Malians, an alien species that preys on weak teenagers, making them crazy enough to kill themselves. But after being nearly burned alive by one, Salina is contacted by The Killer Contract Agency. Wielding the powers of The Bracelet and with her mentor, Carter, by her side, she exacts her revenge by taking out the Malians responsible for her near death.

But something big is happening with the Agency and operatives are dying. Will she find out what it is before it's too late, or will the Agency be destroyed?

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About the Author

My name is Jessica Samuels. I am an author addicted to caffeine, and I have imaginary friends that keep me up at night begging for me to tell their story. I love writing in my spare time a long with reading books since I have been an avid reader since elementary school.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours

Latest Reads: Summer 2015

Latest Reads: Summer 2015

Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve written anything for this blog. My last post was 3.5 months ago to promote my dear friend Becca Boucher’s latest release, Midnight Raven. Well, by now, I’m reading it and it’s got me very intrigued!

After wrapping up another school year, my alter ego, Summer Stephanie, is quite content with the bliss that is summer.  A little traveling has been done. Some fun has been had. And laughs have been abundant. SO I can’t complain in the slightest. Plus, some good things are happening with the writing. The second Ruby Hood book, “The Twistedly True Guardian Tale”, is at the publisher and getting ready to release. I’m thrilled to be working with Write More Publications again. I’ve also started the third and final book in the #rubyhoodseries. It’s exciting and sad at the same time. For now, it’s still more exciting than sad. However I suspect, the further I get into it, the sadder it will be. BUT a new series will spin off from this one. As for Ruby’s future? You never know where she may pop up! Summer has also provided me a little time to get some reading in. In fact, I have a whole slew of books for this edition of LATEST READS (How on Earth did I ever publish these once a month?!?!). Check out what I’ve been reading…

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This was okay. I LOVED the storyline and the idea of evolution of the supernaturals, BUT I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. However, I did really like the supporting characters. I have the other ones downloaded and will probably read them, when I find some time.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Gideon Cross and Eva Tramell are quite an interesting pair. There is the basic boy likes girl, girl likes boy, boy can’t let girl know, girl pretends he doesn’t make her heart race but then there’s also a lot of sex. Set in the face paced Manhattan, NY, it’s a quick read. There is always something happening with multiple storylines all intermingled together.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

One of the first dystopian novels and a classic. I reread to see if it was appropriate for my students. And while it would have prompted some amazing discussions the idea of having to explain ‘the Stirrings’ deterred me. That being said, it may not have been my choice to teach to 5^th graders, but is a great book. Lois Lowery has an amazing storytelling ability.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

EXCELLENT! I couldn’t put this on down. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This heart-breaking twisted novel sucks you right in.

Benjamin McTish and the Grandfather Tree

In this fantasy fun, Benjamin and his two best mates venture out on the adventure of a lifetime. The story is filled with interesting characters and plot twists. At the end, the reader can’t help but root for Benjamin. And while one problem is solved, there is more ahead for the main characters in their journey. Book two is on my wishlist.

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

A quick fun read. Bennett Ryan is a beautiful bastard, but Chloe Mills can hold her own. At first I thought he was an absolute ass, but he’s just all twisted up over a girl. They have a sultry fun relationship, even though they’re both a touch needy.

A Dance with Dragons by George RR Martin

Holy Moly…FINALLY! I think this sucker took me a year to read. Only in George RR Martin’s 5^th book do you get a barrage of new character introductions 65% in. Why??? Because he keeps killing all his characters…it’s maddening!!! If you read the books or watch the series, you know he killed a whole slew of folks in the fifth book, so of course, I am throughly intrigued and canNOT wait for the release of the 6^th book!

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

This is a tragic and heartbreaking story of courage and bravery. I enjoyed the book, but I liked the movie better, which I don’t usually say. In the book, we see Chris Kyle’s perspective and snippets from his wife, but in the movie we see how his entire existence benefited others. He was entirely to humble to brag about this aspect of his life in the book. He was an amazing human being and American. The world is so much darker without his presence, but at least the story of his bravery and humanity is out there for the world to see. May you rest in peace, Chris “Legend” Kyle.

Currently Reading

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larson

Midnight Raven by Becca Boucher

Afterburn by Sylvia Day

Thank you for reading! May your summer be filled with books, laughter and love!

Midnight Raven

New Release

There are always books to add to the ever growing, ridiculously long TBR list, and I’m a bit dismayed to report I have not made a dent in mine as of late. First, there is the general chaos of life, but there is also The Walking Dead. Binge watching this show has been fueling my creative, and it took me by total surprise. I never EVER thought TWD would hold my interest, but the writing...the characters...the twists and turns...sucked me right in! Plus, it’s great research for my next novel. But all good things must come to an end, or go on hiatus. As I await a marathon of five, I have turned back to my favorite pastime to fuel the creative.  One of the latest books added to my TBR list is the newly released Midnight Raven by Becca Boucher.  I pre-ordered it, so it was on my kindle the day of the release, and it is near the top of my paranormal/magic TBR list. Hunting the Moon, the first in the series, was intriguing and nicely paced. As a big fan mystical tales, I’m interested to see where the author takes these characters.

Book Blurb

Kat Brennan was a loner. Trust no one, and don’t let anyone in, was the mantra she lived her life by. The few times she had, it ended badly. Now alone and bitter she’s facing the consequences of her actions. Until one night a chance encounter with a raven sets into motion a range of events, and desires, she thought she had buried long ago.

Cace Matthews was a successful doctor to the outside world. He seemingly had it all, good looks, a fast paced career, and a prestigious new job. But no one knew the real Cace. The shifter who searched for the truth, the end to the curse that had been placed on his family. 

When the two cross paths it leads to discovery and passion.

Can Kat accept her true lineage and the magic that surrounds her? More importantly, can she let go of decades old resentments and let herself find true love? Can Cace bridge the gap between family commitments, and the desire to be himself, all while navigating his true feelings for Kat? And will they both live to see midnight?

Author

Rebecca Boucher was born and raised in Worcester Massachusetts. Her father instilled an early love of reading and encouraged her when she started to write. Rebecca earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Quinsigamond Community College, but her love has always been writing. After the birth of her first child, she moved to a quiet little town on the edge of Worcester County, in the heart of Central Massachusetts. Living there has inspired her to write most of her current projects. In fact, local readers might recognize some of her locations.

Currently, Rebecca is a freelance writer and blogger. Her first novel, Hunting The Moon (The Moon Series) debuted December 2013 from Write More Publications. She has also authored three short stories and one novella, The Shadow Soldier.

When she is not writing, Rebecca is the mother to two boys, ages 12 and 14. Two of Rebecca’s favorite causes are Autism Awareness and Veteran’s causes.  All proceeds of her book, The Shadow Soldier, have been donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Wishing Becca tremendous success, not only with this project, but with all future endeavors! Looking forward to reading Midnight Raven! 

A Reflective Last ‘Latest Reads’ of 2014

Hard to believe another year has come to an end. As I sit here, writing for the first time in ages, I find myself staring out the window, watching a rare blustery winter storm wage war on my normally sunny desert. Thankfully, I am snug and cozy in my own little rabbit hole, pecking away on the keyboard, while tunes pump through the speaker and a cup of tea steams next to me. Woodland blossoms waft through the air, and it’s pure bliss. After all, sometimes it doesn’t matter what I write…I just have to write…a cleansing of the soul, if you will. Other times, there is more intent and purpose. Today, I find myself in a deep reflective state, but this year is very different from previous years. Usually, it’s all about what goals did I accomplish? Which ones did I not accomplish? Why? Do I still need/want to? What new goals do I want to set for next year? But, like I said, this year is…different…

I find myself insanely thankful for all those meaningful moments, large and small. And some of mine at the end of this year have been amazing. From quality time with my brother and my best friend to a memorable 4^th birthday celebration for my niece filled with friends, family, laughs and love. Only to be followed by a special Christmas with my in-laws, and much needed free time enjoying Disney with the husband. To wrap it all up, I get some serious warm snuggly time my two, favorite, four-legged dudes, and downtime before the rest of the school year kicks into high gear. All in all, one hell of a way to say good-bye to a lovely and wonderful year!

To be fair, I also reflect on the bad, but I find this bubbly feeling from my recent slew of meaningful moments has clouded my normal realism (some call it cynicism), because I can’t even find fault in rough times, both successes and failures. Of course, there are the tragedies that left holes in the heart, but most of the tough times feel like valuable lessons, some harsher than others, but each one meaningful and necessary, in its own way. I don’t know what it all means,  and I'm not going to spend too much time dwelling on it. I do know that I’m going to continue to follow my dreams and shoot for the stars, making sure to stop and take time to enjoy the journey, wherever it may take me. Truth be told, I’m very interested to see where it leads.

Wishing everyone a peaceful, prosperous, harmonious, delightful 2015!

~Stephanie

Now, a few things before I get to the original intent of this blog…

First, there are a ton of them. Some, I think, I read over the summer and parts are fuzzy. A lot has happened since summer to cloud bits and pieces, so you will find my thoughts short and sweet.

Second, let me explain my method of evaluations…

*N/A

**N/A

*** Pick up at your own risk, even if it’s your preferred genre

****It’s doable. You can probably get through it, if it’s your preferred genre

***** PICK IT UP, especially if it’s your preferred genre

I don’t give one or two stars. Congrats, you wrote a book! You jump immediately to THREE. I know what it takes to write a book. And I am certainly not the last, only or final say on any book.

Finally, the books and my thoughts…

Looking for Alaska by John Green

I have mad respect for Green. He has an intense way of writing within the parameters of very sensitive and heavy topics. In this story, he leads the reader on a journey into the life kids in a private school, filled with teenage angst and agony. Along the way the characters have some very meaningful moments, and learn some intense life lessons about friendship and immortality. It was a great read, but I cried opening…Green does that to me. I also chuckled every now and again. The characters are believable and intriguing.

Final thought: I’ll read just about anything Green writes.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

OK, I read this because it was recommended by an agent I was trying to solicit at one time (at the very beginning of this adventure). It was okay. Tough to follow at the beginning, and I hate being confused at the beginning. I like to be intrigued, not confused. It was tough to identify with the characters, although I liked Evie, so I pushed through it. It ended up being an interesting storyline.

Final thought: Yes, I would check out the next one, if I can catch it on sale.

Dark Water Rising by Mariah Hale

I read this as a possible book to use with my 5^th graders. It’s a good story about a family and people responding to the crisis of a devastating hurricane. The author created a realistic and frightening picture of the destruction a hurricane would leave in its wake. The characters were believable and heroic.

Final thought: A good read for grades 6+

Manaic Magee by Jerry Spinelli

One of my all time favorite books to read and teach! Spinelli is a god in my eyes. It is the outlandish tale of the legend, Jeffery ‘Maniac’ Magee, and his quest to find a forever home. No matter what life throws at him, he preserves and remains a kind decent human being. He sees people for who they are, based on their character and actions, not by the color of their skin or where they live.

Final thought: Read this with your kids. Use it to teach respect and acceptance of people that are different. Make the future a better place than we have now!

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

It started off very confusing (again…intrigue, yes…confusion, no). Darkness kept coming, but I didn’t understand what it meant. The more I read the more I loved it! Until the halfway point, then it lost in interest for me. Once I figured out what the darkness meant, I couldn’t get enough, especially when Ursula was mingling in the same circles as Hitler prior to World War II, but the older Ursula got the less and less I liked it, not because she grew older, but once I realized she was destined to continue to make poor choices, again and again. There was a chance for redemption at the end, but the author never pulled it off for me. I can only stomach a terrible ending if the book is amazing. This one lacked a lot for me.

Final thought: This rollercoaster ride was tough to enjoy.

Spellbound by Sylvia Day (18+)

Three has three paranormal short stories wrapped up in one book. These erotic tales intertwine the many highs and lows of Max, a Hunter, and Victoria, his feisty Familiar. Victoria is a fun, strong, female character to read. The intense relationship these two share is enough to keep the pages turning. I would have preferred a little more depth to the storyline at points.

Final thought: The author can create an intense picture and I’m reading another one of her books now.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz

I love this book. I’d read it before and enjoyed it years ago, when I was becoming a teacher. Now, as a veteran teacher and a new author, I love it even more. Munoz constructs the heartfelt realistic fictional tale of Esperanza with grace. She plagues a spoiled young woman with sudden challenges and ill fortune, but the character digs deep and finds unimaginable strength. The scenic setting the author describes is intense and beautiful. The lessons learned are poignant and meaningful.

Final thought: Read it with your kids. Use it to teach them about persevering when life is tough, because life can be very mean.

Current Reading List:

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Thirty percent in and very intrigued to see where this goes.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Sixty percent in and there are times when I can’t put the sucker down, then there are times I roll my eyes and get up to do just about anything else.

Dances with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

This will be done soon…the next season on HBO starts in March!

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you in 2015!

The Shadow Soldier and Becca Boucher

I’d like to start with Happy Veteran’s Day. I love this holiday, I really do. I’m thrilled there is an entire day devoted to the brave military men and women of this nation! The courage they possess amazes and inspires me daily. I truly have my utmost respect for what they give (and give up), so that I may live my life of luxury. The only flaw I find in Veteran’s Day is that there is only one a year. I think there should be one every month, like the third Tuesday of every month is Veteran’s Day!

However, while we only have one, I want to extend my deepest gratitude of appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of these men and women. With that being said, I thought a blog that promoted the military both figuratively and literally would be a great way to show my support today. Without further adieu, please welcome the amazing and talented Becca Boucher with her latest story, “The Shadow Soldier”!

SG: The Shadow Soldier. I’m intrigued by the title alone. Where did you get the inspiration for this story? Please tell us more about it.

BB: My family has a long history of military service on both sides. My dad was a Vietnam Veteran who suffered from PTSD, a lot of my inspiration comes from his stories and struggles. The Shadow Soldier came to me around the time that young Afghan girl was shot by the Taliban for her work with other girls and education. And I was thinking, what if we had tried to get her out? What if we knew about her? But then my mind was overtaken with the story of a young widow close to my home town who had lost her husband in Afghanistan. I was like thinking the grief must be unimaginable. I just kind of combined the two and The Shadow Soldier was born.

SG: I am a huge fan of projects that support our veterans. I thought I read this had something to do with the Wounded Warrior Project?

BB: You read right. My publisher, Visionary Press Collaborative, is led by a fantastic veteran, Blaze McRob, who donates a lot of his proceeds to various charities. One close to his heart, as well as mine, is the Wounded Warrior Project. I decided whatever royalties I get from this story will be donated to them. We are also hoping for a print version that Blaze will be handing out at VA hospitals.

SG: Wow! That’s an incredibly generous offer. Here’s to hoping for incredible sales for both you and our veterans! So tell us, what are you currently working on? What can we expect next?

BB: I have a romance/erotica piece coming out in an anthology very soon. I am finishing up Midnight Raven, the second book in my moon series, and I am working on a post-apocalyptic novel dealing with domestic abuse. Very intrigue mix of stuff I know.  But just because the world has ended as we might know it, doesn’t mean man gives up all his other dark issues.

SG: What’s your biggest challenge as a writer?

BB: Time! Finding the time to write. Between my day job and two busy teen boys I never get to write as much as I want.

SG: Me, too! Time sure has a way with us all Suppose you have time…what’s your idea of the perfect day?

BB: Coffee, a secluded cabin, and my lap top. All alone to write lol…… Other than that cuddled up with my kids watching movies is pretty darn nice. We don’t get much time for that.

SG: That sounds quite peaceful! One last one…who’s your favorite character?

BB: Wow. My favorite character of all time would have to be Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. I think she was brilliantly written. For her time period to be a strong woman, who goes after what she wants, and who she wants, very intriguing. Both for the time period it was set in, and the period Margret Mitchel lived in. She was a misunderstood character. A lot more depth than people give her credit for.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat, Becca. Wishing you nothing but wonderful success with this and all your future endeavors! 

Be sure to pick up your copy from Amazon today: The Shadow Soldier by Becca Boucher

OR find Becca online:

Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and her blog Life with Boys and Books

***Next blog may be coming soon…there is a long overdue "Latest Reads" simmering! And I finally finished “Life After Life”…a terrible ending, so tune back in before the end of the month (I promise) to see my perspective on my “Latest Reads”!