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Saturday, May 30, 2015

Book Review of Antique Discovery

Book Review of Antique Discovery
Sponsored by b00k r3vi3w 

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

 

Book Blurb:

Antique Discovery:  Book 3


 A vacation becomes complicated by murder, discovery, and friendship. Danger lurks in too many directions. Alicia and her friends will have to stay alive and sort through the clues carefully if they want to save an innocent friend and prevent the destruction of an historic treasure.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)




Antique Legacy:  Book 4

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2012

Magic, forgery, betrayal, and fabulous jewels surround Alicia as she struggles to find the reason for her friend's death.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)



Antique Magic:  Book 1

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2011

Antique dealer Alicia Trent is hired to appraise a huge collection of treasures hoarded by a woman who has recently died in the town where Alicia grew up.

The huge old house poses mystery after mystery from the moment she arrives, but the stakes become deadly when murder is added to the mix. The question then becomes, can she stay alive long enough to unmask the killer?

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)
Antique Forgery:  Book 2

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2012

Magic, forgery, betrayal, and fabulous jewels surround Alicia as she struggles to find the reason for her friend's death.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)

Buy Links:



About the Author:

From living off the grid in the Arizona desert, Eileen has moved to the woods of upstate New York. She has authored a standalone adventure novel called Desert Shadow. She is also the author of Alicia Trent Series. The Black Cane : Dowager Diaries Book 1 is her latest release.

Stalk The Author
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Excerpt/Other: 

~ Antique Discovery ~


When the ranch faded out of sight, I began to get nervous. There was always the chance of an accident. The horse could step in a gopher hole and stumble, or a million and one other problems could arise, but those possibilities weren't bothering me. I had the unnerving feeling I wasn't alone out here. The nervous tension didn't feel natural. It was more like a warning from outside myself. As I had this thought, I could feel that the red pendant was much warmer than normal. If it got much hotter, it would burn me. If the necklace was an early warning system, that would be great, but from the things the shaman had said, I didn't think it would turn out to be that simple.

The dips, rises, and dry washes could hide someone from view, but they'd have to know the desert like a native if I couldn't catch a glimpse of them. I could have chalked my fears up to knowing the ranch was empty or that the isolation had spooked me. I could have, but a little voice in the back of my mind kept asking, “Did the pendant spook me or had it warned me of danger?” I didn't know, but I turned the horse around and let him pick his own speed on the return ride. He chose an all-out gallop, and he was so fast I felt almost like I was flying.

A full hour had passed for Nick to take care of his meet-and-greet responsibilities by the time I rode the horse into the stable. David was still there. When he turned and saw us, his jaw dropped. He said, “Wow, that's the last sight I ever expected to see.”

I said, “What are you still doing here? I thought you'd be out partying by now.”

I climbed down off the horse and began gathering the equipment I needed to groom Star. David said, “Let me do that. Star has decided to tolerate me again, and it is my job, you know. Besides, you're all cleaned up for the party, and I still have to get ready. I'm just finishing up here, so I'll rub down the horse and take him back to the pasture. You go have fun, and I'll see you out there later.”

I thanked him and said, “By the way, what do Cobber and Corker do since the cattle drive is over? I haven't seen them back at the compound.”

“You'd be surprised. Their work is never done. Cattle are always grazing somewhere on the ranch, and the dogs keep them more or less in the same area. Those guys are pretty good at running off any predators too. There's always a cowboy or two who stay at the line shack closest to where the cattle are, and they keep an eye on both the herd and the dogs.”

My curiosity satisfied, I thanked him again and went to find Nick.

I saw him talking to the cooks. The barbeque was almost ready to serve, and as I got closer the smell made my mouth water. Standing beside Nick was Laudine. She was wearing a yellow skirt and a white blouse with a multicolored ruffle. She looked about thirty years old. I said, “Don't you look great today? What are you doing hanging around the cooking on your day off?”

“I'll have you know the absolutely perfect barbeque sauce being used today is my own special recipe. You didn't seriously think I'd leave all the cooking to a bunch of cowboys, did you?”

One of the cooks at the grill said, “Hey, watch it, lady, or we'll have you out at the cook wagon on our next roundup.”

I laughed at their banter and said, “I should have known. If this food tastes as good as it smells, we are all in for a treat.”

We weren't quite ready to eat yet, so we rounded up Lawrence and walked out behind the recreation room to check out the activities. I rounded the corner and stopped dead in my tracks. I said, “Good grief, I had no idea a full carnival was camped out here. This is as big as most carnival midways, including the rides!”

Nick said, “We try to have something spectacular and different each year. This not only looks like a carnival, it actually is a carnival. The owner is a friend of Lawrence's, so he set this up.”

I said, “Lawrence, you have hidden talents. How in the world did you ever become such good friends with a carnival owner?”

“It's a long story and a good one, but I don't think we have time for it today. One night when we're sitting around a good fire, I'll tell you about the first time I ran into Hannibus Carson. Right now I challenge you all to a game of breaking balloons.”

Nick was picking up the tab for the carnival, and all the games were free to party-goers. We began by throwing darts and progressed around the circle of booths. I love carnival food and was tempted to eat at all the food booths we passed, but I resisted in anticipation of the barbeque. Hopefully I could try these goodies later. It wasn't long until we'd worked up an appetite and headed back to the food tables. We loaded our plates with barbequed ribs, potato salad, homemade French fries, and anything else that struck our fancy from the dozens of choices. One of my favorites was the cowboy beans, usually made with pinto beans, but the cook wasn't above throwing in any other type of beans he happened to have around. I knew this dish always had ham or bacon for flavoring. I didn't know what else they added, but I planned to ask before I went home. I wanted to be able to make this dish myself when I got a craving for the delicious smoky taste.

Once our plates were full, we found table space in the rec room and settled down to some serious eating. Laudine and I only managed to get through our first plateful, but when Nick and Lawrence went back for seconds, we had them bring us peach pie for dessert. Each piece was a huge slab, and Laudine and I could easily have shared one, but when the men brought us each a piece of our own, we ate every bite. The peaches were fresh from a local grower, the crust flaky, and the juice still slightly warm. All the food I tasted seemed way above the normal quality for a gathering of this type. When we couldn't hold another bite, our friends went off to visit with Hannibus Carson and Nick and I decided on a walk to help digest the food. People were still coming up to talk to Nick, but now it was just friendly chatter. We strolled around from group to group, and sooner or later I saw almost everyone I knew. Betty and Cameron had been in the rec room while we ate. I saw David and Cody together at the carnival surrounded by a group of flirting girls. Becky Cloud, the assistant cook I'd met in the restaurant break room, stood close to David, smiling up at him like he'd hung the moon. The sheriff and his wife were piling plates with food, and the Herreras were still competing, but this time it was at one of the games on the midway. I saw Hwan with a tall, good-looking guy and steered Nick their direction. She introduced her friend as someone she had met in one of her classes at the university. I only caught his first name, which was Tony. Hwan was stunning in jade green jeans and a shimmering pearl-colored top. As we were moving to the next group, Reed walked up to chat with Hwan. Olivia Denning was there wearing a beautiful pleated squaw dress and barely resembled the efficient head housekeeper I'd met previously. Both the guests and the employees seemed to be having a great time. Even the Banner twins were here with a group of kids their own age and were behaving like normal teenagers.

It was just getting dark when we heard the band start its first number. We decided to have a go at dancing. Nick assured me it wouldn't hurt his leg. We'd danced together a few times before, and we both loved it. The second number was a two-step and we were doing pretty well when I stumbled slightly and said, “Oh, damn, you need to come outside with me now.”


Review: 


            This was a fabulous third book in the Ali mysteries.  I enjoy the small elements of magic, and cannot wait to learn more about the newest one, but love that it also maintains the element of reality.  In this story Ali and Nick go on vacation, but as always mystery seems to follow Ali and a murder is committed.  However this story is about more than mystery and murder, it is about friendship and family.  The only thing I didn’t like was the complication in one of Ali’s relationships.  I hope that doesn’t end up being a major plot twist because I like her current relationship.

            I give this story 4.5 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.


Thursday, May 28, 2015

Book Review of Spirit Lake

Book Review of Spirit Lake
Sponsored by LIEP Productions

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.




SPIRIT LAKE (Spirit Lake #1)
by Tamar Hela
Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Publication: April 14th, 2015
Published by: Cosby Media Productions


Book Summary:

Six teenagers from Northern California are assigned a seemingly innocent group project for their sophomore English class. Little do they know, this project will take them on a journey out of this world — literally. Cantelia appears much like Earth until the kids realize magic is as plentiful as the wildlife surrounding them. What’s at stake is much more than they can fathom, especially since they are part of an ancient prophecy.  A dark and evil ruler is enforcing a curse on the tribe’s people of Sikuku Island—the same place where the kids have been transported. Now, they must help the islanders break the curse if they ever want to see their own planet again. Join Alex and her companions as they learn there is so much more beyond their comfortable lives in Pollock Pines and its legendary lake, Spirit Lake.

Purchase Links:


About the Author:

Tamar Hela is a writer and editor from California. Since the age of ten, many of her teachers have encouraged her to pursue a career in writing fiction. Tamar has always had a knack for words, loving the art of storytelling. As a musician and artist, she understands the importance of captivating an audience through various mediums, but especially loves using words to create visual images for readers. When she’s not writing, editing, drinking coffee, or traveling somewhere cool, she can be found curled up with a good book.

Links:


Review: 

            This story is about magic, space travel (sort of), and finding out what you are capable of.  The characters in this story get magically transported to another planet where they are hailed as the Chosen Ones who are to get rid of the evil in the land.  This story will continue in future books.

            The mythology revealed in the story is very interesting.  I cannot wait to see where it goes.  It also has an underlying psychological study on what make friendship and how trauma or stress can bond people.  This aspect is truly interesting and worth studying.

            I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds and look forward to reading more about Alex and her friends.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.


Book Review of Antique Forgery

Book Review of Antique Forgery
Sponsored by b00k r3vi3w 

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.



Book Blurb:

Antique Forgery:  Book 2

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2012

Magic, forgery, betrayal, and fabulous jewels surround Alicia as she struggles to find the reason for her friend's death.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)






Antique Discovery:  Book 3

 A vacation becomes complicated by murder, discovery, and friendship. Danger lurks in too many directions. Alicia and her friends will have to stay alive and sort through the clues carefully if they want to save an innocent friend and prevent the destruction of an historic treasure.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)



Antique Legacy:  Book 4

Book Description
Publication Date: August 18, 2012

Magic, forgery, betrayal, and fabulous jewels surround Alicia as she struggles to find the reason for her friend's death.

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)




Antique Magic:  Book 1
Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2011

Antique dealer Alicia Trent is hired to appraise a huge collection of treasures hoarded by a woman who has recently died in the town where Alicia grew up.

The huge old house poses mystery after mystery from the moment she arrives, but the stakes become deadly when murder is added to the mix. The question then becomes, can she stay alive long enough to unmask the killer?

Purchase from:

Wings ePress (paperback & ebook)
Amazon (paperback & Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook only)

Buy Links:



About the Author:

From living off the grid in the Arizona desert, Eileen has moved to the woods of upstate New York. She has authored a standalone adventure novel called Desert Shadow. She is also the author of Alicia Trent Series. The Black Cane: Dowager Diaries Book 1 is her latest release.

Stalk The Author
Blog I Facebook I Goodreads I Amazon 


Review: 

            Antique Forgery is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone.  While it makes some references to the prior book, not having read the book will not impair the enjoyment of this book.  That having been said, the first book was excellent.

            In this book Alicia, or Ali as she prefers to be called, is off on yet another trip to catalog and appraise antiques.  In this book, it is jewelry from the estate of a sister to her friend. And as always trouble seems to find her.  As the body count piles up, Ali doesn’t seem to be any closer to finding out what happened… and the police aren’t very thrilled with her poking her nose in.

            This story was excellent and I cannot wait to see what happens next.  I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Cover Reveal for Madison’s Song

Cover Reveal for Madison’s Song








Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.


Blurb : 

Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.

Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

*Stand-alone companion to the Cassie Scot series

Ebook Release: July 15, 2015
Tentative Paperback Release: September 15, 2015


Cover artist: Tamian Wood


The Complete Cassie Scot Series

by Christine Amsden

 


 

Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective (Book 1)


Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

§  *Winner of the 2013 Global Ebook Award for Fantasy
§  *Finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Awards
Buy now in print, ebook, or audio…

§  Amazon
§  Omnilit


Secrets and Lies (Cassie Scot #2)

 

 Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. 


§  Winner of the 2014 Global Ebook Award for Fantasy
Buy now in print, ebook, or audio…

§  Amazon
§  Audible 


Mind Games (Cassie Scot #3)

 Beware your heart and soul…

Evan broke Cassie’s heart two months ago, and she still doesn’t know why. She throws herself into family, friends and her new job at the sheriff’s department, but nothing helps. The only thing that finally allows her heal and move on is the love of a new man, mind mage Matthew Blair. Cassie finds him…irresistible.

Matthew may also be the only one who can help keep the non-magical residents of Eagle Rock from going crazy over the murder of a beloved pastor’s wife. It looks like a sorcerer is to blame, but while Cassie tries to figure out who, others take matters into their own hands. With tensions running so hot, a single spark might set Eagle Rock ablaze. 

Book 3 in the Cassie Scot series.
§  Winner of the 2014 Global Ebook Award for Fantasy
§  Winner of the 2015 EPIC awards for Paranormal Fiction

Buy now (Print, Ebook, Audiobook)
§  Amazon
§  OmniLit
§  Audible

 Stolen Dreams (Cassie Scot #4) 

 
Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.
When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood’s grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie’s father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.
But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own? 

Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

Buy Now in Print, Ebook, and Audiobook
§  Amazon
§  Audible

About the Author

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for 
everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work. Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Social Media Links:
§  • Website
§  • Newsletter
§  • Blog
§  • Facebook
§  • Twitter 
§  • Goodreads
§  • Google+


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.